JP7841390B2 - Content sales device, content sales method, and content sales program - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to a content sales device, a content sales method, and a content sales program.

Images of a subject taken with multiple cameras are sometimes sold as content.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-101980

There is a need for new content sales devices, methods, and programs that can sell content tailored to the needs of buyers.

The present invention provides a content sales device comprising: an image storage unit that stores image data generated by each of the multiple cameras when the multiple cameras photograph a subject located at the center point, each camera of the multiple cameras being arranged to face a center point set in the shooting area; a composite image generation unit that generates composite image data corresponding to image data of the subject photographed from a position between two circumferentially adjacent cameras, based on image data generated by at least two circumferentially adjacent cameras of the multiple cameras; a sales control unit that, when a content purchaser selects an angle in the direction in which any of the multiple cameras are located and purchases the content, sells image data generated by the camera corresponding to the selected angle stored in the image storage unit as content, and when a purchaser selects an angle in the direction between any of the multiple cameras and purchases the content, sells composite image data generated by the composite image generation unit as content ; and a time management unit that manages the time elapsed in the current time when the content is live-streamed and manages the time from the start to the end of the content when the content is on-demand .

The present invention is configured such that each camera in a plurality of cameras is positioned to face a central point set in the shooting area, an image storage unit in the content sales server stores image data generated by each of the plurality of cameras when they photograph a subject located at the central point, a composite image generation unit in the content sales server generates composite image data corresponding to image data of the subject photographed from a position between two circumferentially adjacent cameras, based on image data generated by at least two cameras adjacent in the circumferential direction, and a sales control unit in the content sales server determines that the purchaser of the content is located at one of the multiple cameras. The present invention provides a content sales method in which, when a user selects a direction angle to purchase content, the image data generated by the camera corresponding to the selected angle stored in the image storage unit is sold as content; when the user selects a direction angle between two adjacent cameras in the circumferential direction from among the plurality of cameras to purchase content, the sales control unit sells the composite image data generated by the composite image generation unit as content ; and the time management unit of the content sales server manages the current time progression when the content is live-streamed, and manages the time from the start to the end of the content when the content is on-demand .

The present invention provides a content sales program that causes a computer in a content sales server to perform the following steps: storing image data generated by each of the multiple cameras when the multiple cameras photograph a subject located at the center point, with each camera positioned to face a center point set in the shooting area; generating composite image data equivalent to image data of the subject photographed from a position between two circumferentially adjacent cameras, based on image data generated by at least two circumferentially adjacent cameras in the multiple cameras; selling image data generated by the camera corresponding to the selected angle stored in the image storage unit as content when a content purchaser selects an angle in the direction of any of the multiple cameras to purchase the content; selling the composite image data as content when the purchaser selects an angle in the direction between two circumferentially adjacent cameras in the multiple cameras to purchase the content; and managing the time elapsed in the current time when the content is live-streamed, and managing the time from the start to the end of the content when the content is on-demand .

According to the content sales device, content sales method, and content sales program of the present invention, content can be sold in accordance with the purchaser's requests.

Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a content sales device according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 shows an example of the arrangement of multiple cameras. Figure 3 shows an example of a buyer of content from each angle. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the process that the content sales method and content sales program according to the first embodiment cause a computer to execute. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing a content sales device according to the second embodiment. Figure 6 shows the moving center point within the imaging area. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the process that the content sales method and content sales program according to the second embodiment cause a computer to execute. Figure 8 is a block diagram showing a content sales device according to the third embodiment. Figure 9 shows an example of a condition in which image quality degradation occurs. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the process that the content sales method and content sales program according to the third embodiment cause a computer to execute. Figure 11 is a block diagram showing a content sales device according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 12 shows the state in which angles have been selected at each of the two center points within the imaging area. Figure 13 shows an example where the direction of the angle selected at one of the two center points within the imaging area coincides with the direction of the connecting line between the two center points. Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the process that the content sales method and content sales program according to the fourth embodiment cause a computer to execute. Figure 15 is a block diagram showing a content sales device according to the fifth embodiment. Figure 16 shows an example of a situation where an obstacle is present and the camera is unable to photograph the subject. Figure 17 is a flowchart showing the process that the content sales method and content sales program according to the fifth embodiment cause a computer to execute. Figure 18 is a block diagram showing a content sales device according to the sixth embodiment. Figure 19 shows an example of a three-dimensional arrangement of multiple cameras in the sixth embodiment. Figure 20A shows a preferred method for setting a three-dimensional angle using the three-dimensional angle setting unit in the sixth embodiment. Figure 20B shows a comparative example of the method for setting the three-dimensional angle in the sixth embodiment. Figure 21 is a flowchart showing the process that the content sales method and content sales program according to the sixth embodiment cause a computer to execute.

The content sales device, content sales method, and content sales program of each embodiment will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

<First Embodiment>
In Figure 1, the network 20 is connected to a content sales server 10A, an image transmission device 30, and purchaser terminals 40a to 40c. Typically, the network 20 is the internet. Any purchaser terminal that is not specifically identified from purchaser terminals 40a to 40c and other purchaser terminals will be referred to as purchaser terminal 40. The number of purchaser terminals 40 connected to the network 20 is arbitrary. A purchaser terminal 40 may be a personal computer, a tablet terminal, or a smartphone.

The content sales server 10A is a content sales device according to the first embodiment and executes the content sales method according to the first embodiment. The content sales server 10A can be configured as a computer, and the central processing unit (CPU) may execute the content sales program according to the first embodiment, which is stored in a non-temporary storage medium.

The content sales server 10A comprises a sales control unit 100, a communication unit 101, an image storage unit 102, a composite image generation unit 103, a center point setting unit 104, a camera angle information storage unit 105, a division angle setting unit 106, a management ledger holding unit 107, a payment processing unit 108, and a time management unit 109.

The image transmission device 30 is connected to, for example, eight cameras C0 to C315. As shown in Figure 2, as an example, cameras C0 to C315 are arranged concentrically at equal angular intervals, facing inward towards the shooting area Sa. Here, cameras C0 to C315 are positioned toward the center point Ctr of the shooting area Sa. Any camera among C0 to C315 that is not specifically identified will be referred to as camera C. Camera C being positioned toward the center point Ctr means that a line perpendicular to the field of view lies on the center point Ctr at the horizontal center of the field of view of camera C.

In the first embodiment, the center point Ctr is fixed. The angles in the direction connecting the center point Ctr and cameras C0 to C315 are 0 degrees, 45 degrees, 90 degrees, 135 degrees, 180 degrees, 225 degrees, 270 degrees, and 315 degrees, respectively. Any number of cameras C may be used. The multiple cameras C may be arranged in an elliptical shape, and do not necessarily have to be arranged at equal angular intervals.

Returning to Figure 1, cameras C0 to C315 photograph the subject located at the center point Ctr from the aforementioned different angles and supply the image data to the image transmission device 30. The image data is moving image data. The image transmission device 30 transmits the image data to the content sales server 10A via the network 20. The content sales server 10A sells the image data generated by cameras C0 to C315, or composite image data generated based on the image data generated by cameras C0 to C315, as content to the buyer.

The content sales server 10A may be configured to directly supply image data generated by cameras C0 to C315.

The communication unit 101 receives image data transmitted from the image transmission device 30. The image storage unit 102 stores the received image data. When the content sales server 10A is live-streaming content, the image storage unit 102 temporarily stores the image data. When the content sales server 10A is on-demand streaming content, the image storage unit 102 stores the image data.

The composite image generation unit 103 may generate composite image data based on image data stored in the image storage unit 102. The center point setting unit 104 has the coordinates of the center point Ctr set on the plane. The camera angle information storage unit 105 stores the angle information for each camera C0 to C315.

The camera angle information storage unit 105 may store pre-set angle information. The camera angle information storage unit 105 may store the coordinates of cameras C0 to C315 on a plane, and may store angle information calculated based on the coordinates of the center point Ctr and the coordinates of cameras C0 to C315. Alternatively, the sales control unit 100 may calculate the angle information for cameras C0 to C315, and the camera angle information storage unit 105 may store this angle information.

The division angle setting unit 106 is configured with the unit of angle for the image data to be sold as content, viewed from the center point Ct in Figure 2 in the circumferential direction. That is, the division angle setting unit 106 is configured with the interval at which image data will be sold as content within the 360-degree circumferential direction. If the division angle setting unit 106 is set to 5 degrees, the content sales server 10A can sell image data at 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, ..., 335, 340, 345, 350, and 355 degrees as content.

Selling content can also mean transferring ownership of the content.

The management ledger holding unit 107 maintains a management ledger that associates each content ID with the purchaser's ID. The payment processing unit 108 processes payments when selling content. The time management unit 109 manages the content's duration. When the content sales server 10A live-streams content, the time management unit 109 manages the current time progression. When the content sales server 10A delivers content on-demand, the time management unit 109 manages the duration from the start to the end of the content.

A buyer intending to purchase content selects the viewing angle for the content on one of the buyer terminals 40. When the communication unit 101 receives a purchase request for content at, for example, an angle of 0 degrees from one of the buyer terminals 40, the sales control unit 100 sells the image data generated by camera C0 positioned at an angle of 0 degrees, which is stored in the image storage unit 102. Similarly, if the communication unit 101 receives a purchase request for content at an angle of 45 degrees, the sales control unit sells the image data generated by camera C45 positioned at an angle of 45 degrees, which is stored in the image storage unit 102.

Thus, when the communication unit 101 receives a request from the sales control unit to purchase content at any of the angles in which cameras C0 to C315 are positioned, the sales control unit sells the image data stored in the image storage unit 102 that is generated by camera C positioned at any of those angles.

As shown in Figure 2, when the communication unit 101 receives a request to purchase content at an angle θ between, for example, 45 degrees and 90 degrees, the sales control unit 100 sells the composite image data generated by the composite image generation unit 103 based on the image data generated by camera C45 and the image data generated by camera C90. The composite image data generated by the composite image generation unit 103 based on the image data generated by at least two circumferentially adjacent cameras C corresponds to image data of a subject located at the center point Ct, taken from a position between the two circumferentially adjacent cameras C.

Thus, when the sales control unit 100 receives a purchase request for content at an angle θ between the angles at which two adjacent cameras C are positioned in the circumferential direction, the sales control unit 100 sells the composite image data generated by the composite image generation unit 103 based on the image data generated by the two cameras C.

As described above, purchasers can purchase composite image data at angles other than those where cameras C0 to C315 are positioned, specifically at angles set in the division angle setting unit 106: 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 20 degrees..., 335 degrees, 340 degrees, 345 degrees, 350 degrees, and 355 degrees.

Only one buyer can purchase image data for each angle or composite image data at any given time. As an example, as shown in Figure 3, for content at angle 0 degrees, the buyer with buyer terminal 40a purchases image data from time t0 (the start time of the content) to time t2. From time t2 to time t4, the buyer with buyer terminal 40b purchases image data, and from time t4 to time t5 (the end time of the content), the buyer with buyer terminal 40c purchases image data.

For content with a 5-degree angle, the composite image data was purchased by a buyer owning buyer terminal 40d (not shown in Figure 1) for the entire period from time t0 to time t5. For content with a 10-degree angle, the composite image data was purchased by buyers owning buyer terminals 40e, 40f, and 40g (not shown in Figure 1) for each of the following time periods: from time t0 to time t1, from time t1 to time t3, and from time t3 to time t5, respectively.

The sales control unit 100 manages the content IDs for each angle and time period, associating them with the purchaser IDs, using the management ledger held in the management ledger unit 107, as shown in Figure 3. The management ledger records the content IDs for each angle and time period, associating them with the purchaser IDs. Only one purchaser may be allowed to purchase image data or composite image data for each angle across all time periods. In this case, the management ledger records the content IDs for each angle as associating them with the purchaser IDs.

The composite image data generated based on image data generated by two adjacent cameras C has lower image quality than the image data generated by cameras C0 to C315. Therefore, the content sales server 10A should set the sales price of the composite image data lower than the sales price of the image data generated by cameras C0 to C315. The payment processing unit 108 manages the sales prices for both the image data generated by cameras C0 to C315 and the composite image data generated by the composite image generation unit 103.

The selling price of the composite image data may be uniform, or it may be set higher for angles close to camera angles C0-C315, such as 5 degrees, 40 degrees, and 50 degrees. Individual selling prices may also be set for each angle.

The content sales method executed by the content sales server 10A and the processes that the content sales program causes the sales control unit 100 to execute will be explained using the flowchart shown in Figure 4. When the content sales server 10A starts operating, the sales control unit 100 determines in step S1 whether or not there is a request to purchase content from any of the purchaser terminals 40. If there is no request to purchase content (NO), the sales control unit 100 repeats the process in step S1.

If a purchase request for content is made in step S1 (YES), the sales control unit 100 determines in step S2 whether a purchase angle has been selected. If no purchase angle has been selected (NO), the sales control unit 100 repeats the process in step S2. If a purchase angle has been selected (YES), the sales control unit 100 determines in step S3 whether the selected angle is the angle at which camera C is positioned.

If the angle selected in step S3 is the angle in which camera C is positioned (YES), the sales control unit 100 presents the sales price of the image data generated by camera C to the buyer terminal 40 in step S4 and proceeds to step S6. If the angle selected in step S3 is not the angle in which camera C is positioned (NO), the sales control unit 100 presents the sales price of the composite image data in step S5 and proceeds to step S6.

In step S6, the sales control unit 100 determines whether the content has been purchased. If the content has not been purchased (NO), the sales control unit 100 repeats the processes in steps S1 to S6. If the content has been purchased (YES), in step S7, the sales control unit 100 has the payment processing unit 108 execute the payment process, and then in step S8, it sends the content to the purchaser. In step S9, the sales control unit 100 records the ID of the purchased content and the ID of the purchaser in the management ledger and updates the management ledger.

The sales control unit 100 determines in step S10 whether or not to terminate the sale of the content. If the sale of the content is not terminated (NO), the sales control unit 100 repeats the processes in steps S1 to S10. If the sale of the content is terminated (YES), the sales control unit 100 terminates the process. Note that in the flowchart shown in Figure 4, the sales price is displayed when an angle is selected. However, the user interface may first display multiple pairs of angles and sales prices, allowing the buyer to select one of the pairs. Alternatively, the angles may be represented graphically, allowing the buyer to view images for each angle before purchasing the content.

As described above, the content sales server 10A, which is a content sales device according to the first embodiment, comprises a sales control unit 100, an image storage unit 102, and a composite image generation unit 103. The image storage unit 102 stores image data generated by each of the multiple cameras C, which are arranged to face the center point Ctr set in the shooting area Sa, when they photograph a subject located at the center point Ct. The composite image generation unit 103 generates composite image data corresponding to image data of a subject photographed from a position between two circumferentially adjacent cameras, based on the image data generated by at least two circumferentially adjacent cameras C.

Suppose a content purchaser selects an angle in the direction of one of several cameras C to purchase the content. In this case, the sales control unit 100 sells the image data generated by the camera C corresponding to the selected angle, which is stored in the image storage unit 102, as content. Suppose a purchaser selects an angle in the direction between two adjacent cameras C in the circumferential direction to purchase the content. In this case, the sales control unit 100 sells the composite image data generated by the composite image generation unit 103 as content.

The sales control unit 100 should sell the image data stored in the image storage unit 102 at a first sales price, and sell the composite image data generated by the composite image generation unit 103 at a second sales price lower than the first sales price.

The division angle setting unit 106 sets the angle unit for selling content in the 360-degree circumferential direction, with the angle in a predetermined direction in the shooting area Sa as viewed from the center point Ct set as 0 degrees. Therefore, the angle for selling content can be arbitrarily set to 1-degree increments, 5-degree increments, or any other unit. The sales control unit 100 sells content in the angle units set in the division angle setting unit 106. Therefore, the content sales server 10A can sell content in any angle unit.

The sales control unit 100 may sell the content for each viewing angle to only one buyer per time slot. Alternatively, the sales control unit 100 may sell the content for each viewing angle to only one buyer throughout the entire time period.

In the content sales method according to the first embodiment, the image storage unit 102 stores image data, and the composite image generation unit 103 generates composite image data. In the content sales method according to the first embodiment, the sales control unit 100 sells the image data as content and sells the composite image data as content. In the content sales method according to the first embodiment, it is preferable to sell the image data stored in the image storage unit 102 at a first sales price, and sell the composite image data generated by the composite image generation unit 103 at a second sales price lower than the first sales price.

The content sales program according to the first embodiment causes the computer in the content sales server 10A to execute the steps of storing image data and generating composite image data. The content sales program according to the first embodiment also causes the computer in the content sales server 10A to execute the steps of selling the image data as content and selling the composite image data as content. Preferably, the content sales program according to the first embodiment also executes the steps of selling the image data at a first selling price and selling the composite image data at a second selling price lower than the first selling price.

According to the content sales server 10A, content sales method, and content sales program of the first embodiment, content can be sold in accordance with the requests of content purchasers. In the content sales server 10A, content sales method, and content sales program of the first embodiment, content may be sold at an appropriate price depending on the content's condition. Here, "content condition" refers to the quality or degree of image quality depending on the viewing angle.

<Second Embodiment>
In Figure 5, content sales server 10B is connected to network 20 in place of content sales server 10A shown in Figure 1. In Figure 5, the same reference numerals are used for parts identical to those in Figure 1, and their descriptions may be omitted. Content sales server 10B is a content sales device according to the second embodiment and executes the content sales method according to the second embodiment. Content sales server 10B executes the content sales program according to the second embodiment.

As shown in Figure 5, the content sales server 10B includes a specific target tracking unit 110. The specific target tracking unit 110 tracks a specific target among the subjects being photographed. The purchaser terminal 40 receives one of the image data generated by cameras C0 to C315, and the purchaser specifies a specific target. The purchaser terminal 40 can specify a specific target by color, shape, etc. A specific target is a specific performer or other object photographed by cameras C0 to C315.

The sales control unit 100 receives information on a specific target designated by the communication unit 101 and instructs the target tracking unit 110 to track the specific target. The sales control unit 100 also instructs the center point setting unit 104 to set one of the positions of the specific target being tracked by the target tracking unit 110 as the center point.

As shown in Figure 6, the center point setting unit 104 sets the moving center point Mctr based on the specific object that the specific object tracking unit 110 tracks. The moving center point Mctr may be, for example, the center point of the specific object having a predetermined size. As shown in Figure 6, the moving center point Mctr moves from the position indicated by the black circle to the position indicated by the dashed line. The moving center point Mctr moves in accordance with the movement of the specific object.

The sales control unit 100, upon receiving a purchase request for content with angle θ, sells either image data or composite image data with angle θ to the purchaser, regardless of the position of the movement center point Mctr. In the second embodiment, even if the purchaser buys content with angle θ of 0 degrees, for example, it is necessary to sell composite image data based on the position of the movement center point Mctr. Therefore, in the second embodiment, it is preferable to set a uniform sales price for both image data and composite image data.

The content sales method executed by the content sales server 10B and the processes that the content sales program instructs the sales control unit 100 to execute will be explained using the flowchart shown in Figure 7. In Figure 7, the same reference numerals are used for processes identical to those in Figure 4, and their explanations may be omitted.

When the content sales server 10B starts operating, the sales control unit 100 determines in step S1 whether there is a request to purchase content from any of the purchaser terminals 40. If there is no request to purchase content (NO), the sales control unit 100 repeats the process in step S1. If there is a request to purchase content in step S1 (YES), the sales control unit 100 determines in step S21 whether a specific target has been set as the center point.

If a specific object is set as the center point in step S21 (YES), the sales control unit 100 instructs the center point setting unit 104 in step S22 to set one of the positions of the specific object as the movement center point Mctr. Next, in step S23, the sales control unit 100 determines whether a purchase angle has been selected. If no purchase angle has been selected (NO), the sales control unit 100 repeats the process in step S23. If a purchase angle has been selected (YES), the sales control unit 100 presents the sales price of the content in step S24 and proceeds to step S6.

If no specific target is set as the center point in step S21 (NO), the sales control unit 100 sets the fixed position as shown in Figure 2 to the center point Ct in step S25 and proceeds to step S2. The processing in steps S2 to S10 is the same as steps S2 to S10 in Figure 4.

As described above, the content sales server 10B, which is a content sales device according to the second embodiment, includes a specific target tracking unit 110 that tracks a specific target among the subjects being photographed by multiple cameras C. The center point setting unit 104 sets one of the positions of the specific target being tracked by the specific target tracking unit 110 as the center point Mctr. The composite image generation unit 103 sets a predetermined direction from the center point Mctr of the specific target, which may move, as 0 degrees, and generates composite image data corresponding to image data taken of the subject from a predetermined angle position in any direction from the center point Mctr.

The sales control unit 100 sells the image data stored in the image storage unit 102 or the composite image data generated by the composite image generation unit 103 as content when the content purchaser selects an angle in any direction from the center point Mctr to purchase the content.

In the content sales method according to the second embodiment, the specific target tracking unit 110 tracks a specific target among subjects being photographed by multiple cameras C, and the center point setting unit 104 sets one of the positions of the specific target being tracked by the specific target tracking unit 110 as the center point Mctr. In the content sales method according to the second embodiment, when a content purchaser selects an angle in any direction from the center point Mctr to purchase the content, the image data stored in the image storage unit 102 or the composite image data generated by the composite image generation unit 103 is sold as content.

The content sales program according to the second embodiment causes the computer in the content sales server 10B to perform the steps of tracking a specific object among the subjects and setting one of the positions of the specific object as the center point Mctr. The content sales program according to the second embodiment causes the computer in the content sales server 10B to perform the step of selling image data or composite image data stored in the image storage unit 102 as content.

According to the content sales server 10B, content sales method, and content sales program of the second embodiment, even when setting a center point Mctr that may move as the center point, it is possible to sell content that meets the requests of content purchasers.

<Third Embodiment>
In Figure 8, content sales server 10C is connected to network 20 in place of content sales server 10B shown in Figure 5. In Figure 8, the same reference numerals are used for parts identical to those in Figure 5, and their descriptions may be omitted. Content sales server 10C is a content sales device according to the third embodiment and executes the content sales method according to the third embodiment. Content sales server 10C executes the content sales program according to the third embodiment.

As shown in Figure 8, the content sales server 10C includes a specific target disappearance determination unit 111. As shown in Figure 9, assume that the center point Mctr moves from the position indicated by the black circle to the position indicated by the dashed line. The center point Mctr, indicated by the black circle, is located within the field of view Va of camera C0. Although not shown, the center point Mctr, indicated by the black circle, is located within the field of view Va of camera C45. When the center point Mctr is located at the position indicated by the black circle, and the angle selected by the purchaser is the angle θ shown in Figure 9, the composite image generation unit 103 can generate composite image data based on the image data generated by cameras C0 and C45.

However, when the center point Mctr moves to the position indicated by the dashed line, outside the field of view Va of camera C0, the composite image generation unit 103 cannot generate composite image data based on the image data generated by cameras C0 and C45. Therefore, the composite image generation unit 103 must either generate composite image data based solely on the image data generated by camera C45, or generate composite image data based on the image data generated by camera C45 and the image data generated by another camera C. The other camera C is one whose field of view includes the center point Mctr located at the position indicated by the dashed line, for example, camera C315.

The specific target disappearance determination unit 111 holds information on the field of view of each camera C and receives information on the position of the moving center point Mctr set by the center point setting unit 104. The specific target disappearance determination unit 111 determines whether or not a state of image quality degradation occurs due to the specific target being tracked by the specific target tracking unit 110 moving out of the field of view of one of two circumferentially adjacent cameras C. The specific target disappearance determination unit 111 may be located within the sales control unit 100.

The sales control unit 100 should sell the composite image data at a discounted price, which is lower than the selling price of the composite image data when the specific target loss determination unit 111 determines that image quality degradation has occurred. The sales control unit 100 should also sell the composite image data at a discounted price, with the discount rate set according to the duration of the image quality degradation.

The content sales method executed by the content sales server 10C and the processes that the content sales program instructs the sales control unit 100 to execute will be explained using the flowchart shown in Figure 10. In Figure 10, processes identical to those in Figures 4 or 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their explanations may be omitted.

The specific target disappearance determination unit 111, following step S23, determines in step S31 whether there is a period of time during which image quality degradation occurs due to the specific target moving out of the field of view of one of the two cameras C. If there is no period of time during which image quality degradation occurs (NO), the sales control unit 100 presents the normal sales price of the content in step S32 and proceeds to step S6. If there is a period of time during which image quality degradation occurs (YES), the sales control unit 100 presents the discounted price of the content in step S33 and proceeds to step S6. The processing in steps S6 to S10 is the same as steps S6 to S10 in Figure 7.

In Figure 10, steps S25 and S2-S5 of Figure 7 are omitted.

As described above, the content sales server 10C, which is a content sales device according to the third embodiment, includes a specific target disappearance determination unit 111. The specific target disappearance determination unit 111 determines, based on the position of the center point Mctr within the shooting area, whether or not the center point Mctr is outside the field of view of the first camera, which is one of two cameras C adjacent in the circumferential direction. This state necessitates the generation of composite image data with degraded image quality. Therefore, the specific target disappearance determination unit 111 determines whether or not a state of image quality degradation has occurred.

The composite image generation unit 103 generates composite image data based on image data generated by two adjacent cameras C in the circumferential direction, when the specific target disappearance determination unit 111 does not determine that image quality degradation has occurred.

The composite image generation unit 103 generates composite image data based on the image data generated by the second camera, or the image data generated by the second camera and the image data generated by the third camera, when the specific target disappearance determination unit 111 determines that image quality degradation has occurred. The second camera is the other camera C among two circumferentially adjacent cameras whose center point Mctr is not outside the field of view. The third camera is any camera C other than the first and second cameras, whose center point Mctr is within the field of view.

In the content sales method according to the third embodiment, the specific target disappearance determination unit 111 provided in the content sales server 10C determines whether or not a state of image quality degradation has occurred due to a specific target moving out of the field of view of one of the two cameras C. When the specific target disappearance determination unit 111 determines that a state of image quality degradation has occurred, the content sales method according to the third embodiment generates composite image data based only on the image data generated by the second camera, or based on the image data generated by both the second camera and the third camera.

The content sales program according to the third embodiment causes the computer in the content sales server 10C to perform a step of determining whether or not image quality degradation has occurred due to a specific object moving out of the field of view of one of the two cameras C. When the content sales program according to the third embodiment determines that image quality degradation has occurred, it causes the computer to perform a step of generating composite image data based only on the image data generated by the second camera, or based on the image data generated by both the second camera and the third camera.

According to the content sales server 10C, content sales method, and content sales program of the third embodiment, even when the center point Mctr may move, content can be sold according to the content purchaser's requests. Furthermore, according to the content sales server 10C, content sales method, and content sales program of the third embodiment, even if the center point Mctr moves out of the field of view of camera C, composite image data can be generated using image data from other cameras C, etc.

<Fourth Embodiment>
In Figure 11, a content sales server 10D is connected to the network 20 in place of the content sales server 10A shown in Figure 1. In Figure 11, the same reference numerals are used for parts identical to those in Figure 1, and their descriptions may be omitted. The content sales server 10D is a content sales device according to the fourth embodiment and executes the content sales method according to the fourth embodiment. The content sales server 10D executes the content sales program according to the fourth embodiment.

As shown in Figure 11, the center point setting unit 104 has a first center point and a second center point set as fixed center points. The center point setting unit 104 may have three or more center points set. As shown in Figure 12, fixed center points Ctr1 and Ctr2 are set within the shooting area Sa. A content purchaser can select either center point Ctr1 or Ctr2, and then select an angle in any direction from the selected center point to purchase the content.

In Figure 12, angle θ1 is selected at center point Ctr1, and angle θ2 is selected at center point Ctr2. Even if angles θ1 and θ2 are the same, since center points Ctr1 and Ctr2 are in different positions, the content provided to the buyers will be different. Therefore, the content sales server 10D can sell content to different buyers at center point Ctr1 and center point Ctr2, with the exceptions described later.

Let's use Figure 13 to explain the exception. In Figure 13, the connecting line between center point Ctr1 and center point Ctr2 is called the connecting line CCL. Suppose a buyer selects an angle θ at center point Ctr1. In Figure 13, the direction of the angle θ selected by the buyer coincides with the direction of the connecting line CCL. Suppose another buyer selects an angle θ at center point Ctr2. Then, the content purchased by the buyer who selected angle θ at center point Ctr1 and the content purchased by the buyer who selected angle θ at center point Ctr2 would be essentially the same content.

Therefore, when the selected direction from one of the center points Ctr1 and Ctr2 coincides with the direction of the connecting line CCL that connects center points Ctr1 and Ctr2, the sales control unit 100 sells content with the selected direction angle θ to only one buyer per time period. Since content with the direction angle θ that coincides with the connecting line CCL is sold to only one buyer, it is appropriate to set a premium price higher than the normal selling price.

The content sales method executed by the content sales server 10D and the processes that the content sales program instructs the sales control unit 100 to execute will be explained using the flowchart shown in Figure 14. In Figure 14, the same reference numerals are used for processes identical to those in Figure 4, and their explanations may be omitted.

The sales control unit 100, following step S1, determines in step S41 whether a center point and angle have been selected. If no center point and angle have been selected (NO), the sales control unit 100 repeats the process in step S41. If a center point and angle have been selected (YES), the sales control unit 100 determines in step S42 whether the direction of the selected angle coincides with the direction of the connecting line CCL that connects the selected center point to another center point.

If the two values do not match in step S42 (NO), the sales control unit 100 presents the normal sales price of the content in step S43 and proceeds to step S6. If the two values match in step S42 (YES), the sales control unit 100 presents the premium price of the content in step S44 and proceeds to step S6. The processing in steps S6 to S10 is the same as steps S6 to S10 in Figure 4.

As described above, the content sales server 10D, which is a content sales device according to the fourth embodiment, has multiple center points set in its center point setting unit 104. A content purchaser selects one of the multiple center points and then selects an angle in any direction from the selected center point to purchase the content. The sales control unit 100 sells the image data stored in the image storage unit 102 or the composite image data generated by the composite image generation unit 103 as content, corresponding to the selected angle at the selected center point.

The content sales method according to the fourth embodiment sells image data stored in the image storage unit 102 or composite image data generated by the composite image generation unit 103 as content, corresponding to a selected angle at a selected center point. The content sales program according to the fourth embodiment causes the computer in the content sales server 10D to execute the step of selling image data stored in the image storage unit 102 or composite image data corresponding to a selected angle at a selected center point as content.

According to the content sales server 10D, content sales method, and content sales program of the fourth embodiment, content can be sold at each of multiple central points according to the requests of content purchasers.

<Fifth Embodiment>
In Figure 15, a content sales server 10E is connected to the network 20 in place of the content sales server 10A shown in Figure 1. In Figure 15, the same reference numerals are used for parts identical to those in Figure 1, and their descriptions may be omitted. The content sales server 10E is a content sales device according to the fifth embodiment and executes the content sales method according to the fifth embodiment. The content sales server 10E executes the content sales program according to the fifth embodiment.

As shown in Figure 15, the content sales server 10E includes an obstacle detection unit 112. The obstacle detection unit 112 determines the presence or absence of an obstacle that obstructs the capture of a subject located at the center point Ct, based on image data generated by each camera C supplied from the image storage unit 102. For example, if a subject being captured by camera C disappears at a certain time and reappears after a predetermined period, it can be determined that the subject's capture was obstructed by an obstacle at that time. By registering characteristics such as the subject's color or shape, the disappearance of the subject can be detected.

In Figure 16, the purchaser selects an angle θ between camera C0 and camera C45, and assumes that an obstacle Obs exists between the center point Ctr and camera C45. In this case, the composite image generation unit 103 cannot generate composite image data using the image data generated by camera C0 and the image data generated by camera C45. In this case, the composite image generation unit 103 generates composite image data based, for example, only on the image data generated by camera C0. Alternatively, the composite image generation unit 103 may generate composite image data based on the image data generated by camera C0 and, for example, the image data generated by camera C90.

If an obstacle Obs exists in front of camera C0, camera C0 cannot generate image data of the subject located at the center point Ctr. In this case, the composite image generation unit 103 can generate composite image data as a substitute for the image data generated by camera C0, based on the image data generated by the two cameras C excluding camera C0.

The content sales method executed by the content sales server 10E and the processes that the content sales program instructs the sales control unit 100 to execute will be explained using the flowchart shown in Figure 17. In Figure 17, the same reference numerals are used for processes identical to those in Figure 4, and their explanations may be omitted. The flowchart in Figure 17 shows the process when content is delivered on demand.

The sales control unit 100, following step S2, determines in step S51 whether or not there is a time when an obstacle is present. If there is no time when an obstacle is present (NO), the sales control unit 100 presents the normal sales price of the content in step S52 and proceeds to step S6. If there is a time when an obstacle is present (YES), the sales control unit 100 presents the discounted price of the content in step S53 and proceeds to step S6. The processing in steps S6 to S10 is the same as steps S6 to S10 in Figure 4.

As described above, the content sales server 10E, which is a content sales device according to the fifth embodiment, includes an obstacle detection unit 112 that determines the presence or absence of obstacles that interfere with the shooting of a subject when each camera C is shooting a subject. The obstacle detection unit 112 determines that there is an obstacle when the camera C selected for generating composite image data is shooting a subject. At this time, the composite image generation unit 103 generates composite image data based on image data generated by one or more other cameras C that can shoot the subject without being affected by the obstacle.

The sales control unit 100 should sell the composite image data when an obstacle is present at a discounted price, which is lower than the selling price of the composite image data generated based on image data generated by two adjacent cameras C in the selected circumferential direction when no obstacle is present. The sales control unit 100 should also sell the composite image data at a discounted price when an obstacle is present and it is being sold as a substitute for the image data generated by cameras C0 to C315.

In the fifth embodiment of the content sales method, the obstacle detection unit 112 of the content sales server 10E determines whether there are any obstacles that would interfere with the shooting of the subject when each camera C is shooting the subject. In the fourth embodiment of the content sales method, the composite image generation unit 103 of the content sales server 10E generates composite image data based on image data generated by one or more other cameras C that can shoot the subject without being affected by obstacles.

The content sales program according to the fifth embodiment causes the computer in the content sales server 10E to perform a step of determining whether there are any obstacles that would interfere with the shooting of the subject when each camera C is shooting the subject. The content sales program according to the fifth embodiment also causes the computer to perform a step of generating composite image data based on image data generated by one or more other cameras C that can shoot the subject without being affected by obstacles.

According to the content sales server 10E, content sales method, and content sales program of the fifth embodiment, content can be sold in accordance with the purchaser's requests even if there are obstacles that hinder the shooting of the subject. In the fifth embodiment, the moving center point Mctr may be used instead of the center point Ctr.

<Sixth Embodiment>
In Figure 18, content sales server 10F is connected to network 20 in place of content sales server 10A shown in Figure 1. In Figure 18, the same reference numerals are used for parts identical to those in Figure 1, and their descriptions may be omitted. Content sales server 10F is a content sales device according to the sixth embodiment and executes the content sales method according to the sixth embodiment. Content sales server 10E executes the content sales program according to the sixth embodiment.

As shown in Figure 19, in the sixth embodiment, multiple cameras C are arranged three-dimensionally to surround a central point Scrt set in the shooting area. Here, 13 cameras C1 to C13 are used, but the number of cameras C is not limited. The central point Scrt is set at a distance z in the height direction from the central point Hctr of the horizontal plane H1. If the coordinates of the central point Hctr are (x, y), then the coordinates of the central point Scrt are (x, y, z).

Each camera C is positioned to face the center point Sctr. Positioning a camera C to face the center point Sctr means that, at the center of the horizontal and vertical directions of the camera C's field of view, the lines perpendicular to the field of view point towards the center point Sctr.

As shown in Figure 18, the content sales server 10F includes a camera position information storage unit 115 instead of a camera angle information storage unit 105, and a three-dimensional division angle setting unit 116 instead of a division angle setting unit 106. The camera position information storage unit 115 stores the three-dimensional positions of cameras C1 to C13 shown in Figure 19. The three-dimensional division angle setting unit 116 sets a sphere S1 with a predetermined radius centered at the center point Sctr, and sets the three-dimensional angles as described later. The radius of the sphere S1 is, for example, 1 m.

As shown in Figure 20A, the three-dimensional division angle setting unit 116 divides the surface of the sphere S1 into unit regions Ua having a predetermined area, and sets multiple three-dimensional angles with respect to the sphere S1 in the direction connecting the center point Sctr and the center Uctr of each unit region Ua. In the example shown in Figure 20A, the unit regions Ua are circular, but they may also be polygonal.

Figure 20B shows another method for setting multiple angles. As shown in Figure 20B, a three-dimensional angle is set in the direction connecting the center point Sctr and the intersection points Int of multiple parallels and multiple meridians set on the sphere S1. The three-dimensional angle is represented by the angle θ in the longitude direction and the angle φ in the latitude direction. When setting multiple three-dimensional angles as in Figure 20B, the intersection points Int become densely clustered as one approaches the poles, making it impossible to set the angles evenly. Therefore, it is preferable to set multiple angles using the method shown in Figure 20A.

In Figure 18, the image storage unit 102 stores image data generated by each camera C capturing a subject located at the center point Sctr. The composite image generation unit 103 generates composite image data corresponding to image data captured from a position between two adjacent cameras C, based on the image data generated by at least two adjacent cameras C.

Suppose a content purchaser selects an angle corresponding to the direction of one of several cameras C to purchase the content. In this case, the sales control unit 100 sells the image data generated by the camera C corresponding to the selected angle, which is stored in the image storage unit 102, as content. Suppose a content purchaser selects an angle corresponding to the direction between two adjacent cameras C to purchase the content. In this case, the sales control unit 100 sells the composite image data generated by the composite image generation unit 103 as content.

The sales control unit 100 should sell the image data stored in the image storage unit 102 at a first sales price, and sell the composite image data generated by the composite image generation unit 103 at a second sales price lower than the first sales price.

The content sales method executed by the content sales server 10F and the processes that the content sales program instructs the sales control unit 100 to execute will be explained using the flowchart shown in Figure 21. In Figure 21, the same reference numerals are used for processes identical to those in Figure 4, and their explanations may be omitted.

The sales control unit 100, following step S1, determines in step S61 whether a three-dimensional angle to be purchased has been selected. If no three-dimensional angle is selected (NO), the sales control unit 100 repeats the process in step S61. If a three-dimensional angle is selected (YES), the sales control unit 100 proceeds to step S3. The processes in steps S3 to S10 are the same as steps S3 to S10 in Figure 4.

As described above, in the sixth embodiment, multiple cameras C are arranged three-dimensionally to surround a central point Sctr set in the shooting area, and each camera C is positioned to face the central point Sctr. The content purchaser selects a three-dimensional angle from the central point Sctr.

In the content sales server 10F, which is a content sales device according to the sixth embodiment, the sales control unit 100 sells image data generated by the camera C corresponding to the selected three-dimensional angle stored in the image storage unit 102. The sales control unit 100 also sells composite image data generated by the composite image generation unit 103, corresponding to the selected three-dimensional angle.

The content sales server 10F preferably includes a three-dimensional division angle setting unit 116 that divides the sphere S1 into unit regions Ua having a predetermined area and sets multiple three-dimensional angles relative to the sphere S1 in the direction connecting the center point Sctr and the center of each unit region Ua. The sales control unit 100 sells content for each angle set in the three-dimensional division angle setting unit 116.

In the content sales method according to the sixth embodiment, the sales control unit 100 of the content sales server 10F sells image data generated by the camera C corresponding to the selected angle, which is stored in the image storage unit 102, as content. In the content sales method according to the sixth embodiment, the composite image data generated by the composite image generation unit 103 is sold as content.

The content sales program according to the sixth embodiment causes the computer in the content sales server 10F to execute a step of selling image data generated by the camera C corresponding to the selected angle, which is stored in the image storage unit 102, as content. The content sales program according to the sixth embodiment also causes the computer in the content sales server 10F to execute a step of selling composite image data as content.

According to the content sales server 10F, content sales method, and content sales program of the sixth embodiment, it is possible to sell content that corresponds to three-dimensional angles in accordance with the requests of content purchasers.

The present invention is not limited to the first to sixth embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F Content sales server (content sales device)
20 Network 30 Image transmission device 40a, 40b, 40c Purchaser terminal 101 Communication unit 102 Image storage unit 103 Composite image generation unit 104 Center point setting unit 105 Camera angle information storage unit 106 Division angle setting unit 107 Management ledger holding unit 108 Payment processing unit 109 Time management unit 110 Specific target tracking unit 111 Specific target disappearance determination unit 112 Obstacle detection unit 115 Camera position information storage unit 116 3D division angle setting unit C0 to C13, C45, C90, C135, C180, C225, C270, C315 Camera

Claims (5)

The system includes an image storage unit that stores image data generated by each of the multiple cameras when the multiple cameras photograph a subject located at the center point, and the system is configured such that each camera faces a central point set in the shooting area.
A composite image generation unit generates composite image data corresponding to image data of the subject taken from a position between two cameras adjacent in the circumferential direction, based on image data generated by at least two cameras adjacent in the circumferential direction among the plurality of cameras.
A sales control unit that, when a content purchaser selects an angle in the direction of any of the multiple cameras and purchases the content, sells image data generated by the camera corresponding to the selected angle stored in the image storage unit as content, and when the purchaser selects an angle in the direction between any two cameras adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction among the multiple cameras and purchases the content, sells composite image data generated by the composite image generation unit as content,
When the aforementioned content is live-streamed, a time management unit manages the time elapsed in the current time, and when the aforementioned content is delivered on-demand, a time management unit manages the time from the start to the end of the aforementioned content,
A content sales device equipped with the following features. The content sales apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sales control unit sells the image data stored in the image storage unit at a first sales price, and the composite image data generated by the composite image generation unit at a second sales price lower than the first sales price. The content sales device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sales control unit sells the content for each angle to only one purchaser during a single time period managed by the time management unit . In a group of cameras, each camera is positioned to face a central point set in the shooting area, and the image storage unit of the content sales server stores the image data generated by each of the cameras when the group of cameras photographs a subject located at the central point.
The composite image generation unit of the content sales server generates composite image data corresponding to image data of the subject taken from a position between two cameras adjacent in the circumferential direction, based on image data generated by at least two cameras adjacent in the circumferential direction among the plurality of cameras.
When a content purchaser selects an angle in the direction of one of the multiple cameras and purchases the content, the sales control unit of the content sales server sells the image data generated by the camera corresponding to the selected angle, which is stored in the image storage unit, as content.
When the purchaser selects an angle between two adjacent cameras in the circumferential direction from among the plurality of cameras and purchases content, the sales control unit sells the composite image data generated by the composite image generation unit as content .
The time management unit of the content sales server manages the current time progression when the content is live-streamed, and manages the time from the start to the end of the content when the content is on-demand.
Content sales methods. On the computer installed in the content sales server,
The process involves a step in which each camera in a group of cameras is positioned to face a central point set in the shooting area, and the image data generated by each camera when the group of cameras photographs a subject located at the central point is stored in an image storage unit.
The steps include generating composite image data corresponding to image data of the subject taken from a position between two cameras adjacent in the circumferential direction, based on image data generated by at least two cameras adjacent in the circumferential direction among the plurality of cameras,
When a content purchaser selects an angle in the direction of one of the multiple cameras and purchases the content, the image data generated by the camera corresponding to the selected angle, which is stored in the image storage unit, is sold as content.
When the purchaser selects the angle of direction between two cameras adjacent in the circumferential direction from among the plurality of cameras and purchases the content, the steps include selling the composite image data as content,
When the aforementioned content is live-streamed, the step of managing the time elapsed from the current time, and when the aforementioned content is delivered on-demand, the step of managing the time from the start to the end of the aforementioned content,
A content sales program that enables the execution of a specific action.