Patent Publication Number: US-2023147338-A1

Title: Moving image editing device, moving image editing method, and moving image editing program

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a moving image editing device, a moving image editing method, and a moving image editing program. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     Conventionally, in a factory or similar facilities, various types of equipment, for example, devices and machines such as a machine tool and an industrial machine including an industrial robot or the like have been installed. In the factory or similar facilities, workers operate the equipment, to manufacture products, articles, etc. Under current circumstances, the workers receive on-the-job training directly from a veteran worker and refers to an operation manual or the like of the equipment so as to learn how to operate the equipment. In many cases, a factory or similar facilities has production lines as combinations of a plurality of types of equipment. The combinations of the plurality of types of equipment vary from one production line to another. 
     In addition, each piece of equipment may be customized, for example. However, an operation manual is provided for each piece of equipment, and an additional manual may be provided for such customized equipment. In view of the circumstances described above, there is a demand for a method for a worker to efficiently learn a skill for operating equipment. 
     A moving image browsing device including a moving image input unit that inputs a moving image and registers the moving image in a database, a scene icon editing unit that extracts respective feature amounts of scenes in the registered moving image, a scene name assignment unit that assigns a scene name for each of the scenes and associates the scene name for each of the scenes, a descriptive information registration unit that associates descriptive information described for the moving image with the moving image, and an extraction unit that extracts an associated moving image associated with the moving image based on at least the scene name and the descriptive information from the database (see Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, Publication No. 2019-179452), for example, has been known as one for acquiring a skill.
     Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, Publication No. 2019-179452   

     DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION 
     Problems to be Solved by the Invention 
     Although the above-described technique is related to a moving image of surgical operation, for example, it is considered to be useful to employ a moving image as a tool for learning a technique so as to allow a worker to grasp a series of flows related to handling of equipment. Accordingly, there is a demand for a mechanism capable of easily editing and creating a moving image that can be used for a worker to learn a technique for using various types of equipment, for example, devices and machines such as an industrial machine. 
     Means for Solving the Problems 
     (1) An aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a moving image editing device including a moving image library that stores a plurality of moving images, a moving image addition unit that adds one moving image selected by a user from among the plurality of moving images stored in the moving image library to a moving image editing region allowing reproduction of a moving image displayed on a display unit, a moving image association unit that associates, in the moving image editing region, a designated component to be displayed in a form selectable by the user when the one moving image is reproduced, with another moving image that is stored in the moving image library and is to be subsequently reproduced, and an associated moving image registration unit that collects and stores, in a storage region, the plurality of moving images associated by the moving image association unit. 
     (2) An aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a moving image editing method performable by a computer including a moving image library that stores a plurality of moving images. The method includes a moving image addition step of adding one moving image selected by a user from among the plurality of moving images stored in the moving image library to a moving image editing region allowing reproduction of a moving image displayed on a display unit of the computer, a moving image association step of associating, in the moving image editing region, a designated component to be displayed in a form selectable by the user when the one moving image is reproduced, with another moving image that is stored in the moving image library and is to be subsequently reproduced, and an associated moving image registration step of collecting and storing, in a storage region, the plurality of moving images associated in the moving image association step. 
     (3) An aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a moving image editing program causing a computer including a moving image library storing a plurality of moving images to perform steps that include a moving image addition step of adding one moving image selected by a user from among the plurality of moving images stored in the moving image library to a moving image editing region allowing reproduction of a moving image displayed on a display unit of the computer, a moving image association step of associating, in the moving image editing region, a designated component to be displayed in a form selectable by the user when the one moving image is reproduced, with another moving image that is stored in the moving image library and is to be subsequently reproduced, and an associated moving image registration step of collecting and storing, in a storage region, the plurality of moving images associated in the moving image association step. 
     Effects of the Invention 
     According to the one aspect, there can be provided a moving image editing device, a moving image editing method, and a moving image editing program in which a moving image relating to a method for using various types of equipment, for example, devices and machines such as an industrial machine can be simply edited and created. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a functional block diagram of a moving image editing device according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  2    is a diagram for describing a moving image editing screen of the moving image editing device according to the embodiment; 
         FIG.  3    is a flowchart showing moving image editing processing performed by the moving image editing device according to the embodiment; 
         FIG.  4    is a diagram showing an example of an operation via the moving image editing screen of the moving image editing device according to the embodiment; 
         FIG.  5    is a diagram showing an example of an operation via the moving image editing screen of the moving image editing device according to the embodiment; 
         FIG.  6    is a diagram showing an example of an operation via the moving image editing screen of the moving image editing device according to the embodiment; 
         FIG.  7    is a diagram showing an example of an operation via the moving image editing screen of the moving image editing device according to the embodiment; 
         FIG.  8    is a diagram showing an example of an operation via the moving image editing screen of the moving image editing device according to the embodiment; 
         FIG.  9    is a diagram showing an example of an operation via the moving image editing screen of the moving image editing device according to the embodiment; 
         FIG.  10    is a diagram showing an example of an operation via the moving image editing screen of the moving image editing device according to the embodiment; 
         FIG.  11    is a diagram showing an example of an operation via the moving image editing screen of the moving image editing device according to the embodiment; 
         FIG.  12    is a diagram showing an example of an operation via the moving image editing screen of the moving image editing device according to the embodiment; and 
         FIG.  13    is a diagram showing an example of an associatory graphic displayed on the moving image editing screen of the moving image editing device according to the embodiment. 
     
    
    
     PREFERRED MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION EMBODIMENT 
     First, an outline of an embodiment of an aspect will be described. The present embodiment relates to performing editing for associating a plurality of moving images and generating a collection of moving images obtained by collecting the plurality of edited moving images. The present embodiment will be described with reference to an example in which moving images representing a procedure for replacement of a fan motor of a machine tool are edited and created. 
     A moving image editing device  1  shown in  FIG.  1    is a device for editing moving images. The moving image editing device  1  is an information processing device such as a personal computer (PC), a tablet terminal, or a smartphone. The moving image editing device  1  includes a control unit  10 , a storage unit  20 , an input unit  26 , a display unit  27 , and a communication unit  29 . The control unit  10  may be a CPU (central processing unit), and performs overall control of the moving image editing device  1  by executing various types of programs for controlling the moving image editing device  1  stored in the storage unit  20 . 
     Before a description of each of functional units in the control unit  10 , the storage unit  20  will be described. The storage unit  20  is a storage region that stores programs and the like to be executed by the control unit  10 . The storage unit  20  includes an editing program  21 , a moving image library  22 , an icon library  23 , and an edited moving image storage unit  24  (a storage region). The editing program  21  is a program for executing various types of functions of the control unit  10 , which will be described later. 
     The moving image library  22  is a storage region that stores a plurality of moving images. The moving images to be stored in the moving image library  22  can be used to explain how to operate various types of equipment, examples of which include devices and machines such as a machine tool, an industrial machine, and an industrial robot to be handled in a factory or similar facilities. Each of the moving images has a length of, for example, several seconds to several ten seconds. For example, each of the moving images is related to, and prepared for, one type of equipment on a one-to-one basis. Each of the moving images to be stored in the moving image library  22  may be a moving image in an MP4 format, for example. The moving image library may be stored in a server (including a virtual server or the like on a cloud). In this case, the moving image editing device  1  may acquire a moving image by accessing the server. 
     The icon library  23  is a storage region that stores a plurality of icons each representing an instruction item. The icon may be a stamp, for example, and may be one represented by an intuitive picture. Examples of the icon include ones respectively represented by pictures of arrows indicating “return” and “next”, one represented by a picture of a house indicating “return to start”, and ones respectively including letters “YES” and “NO”. Further, there may be a plurality of icons having the same pictorial pattern but in different colors. Providing icons having the same content (picture) but in various colors allows an editor who creates a moving image (hereinafter referred to also as the user) to select one or more icons having a color that is considered to be appropriate, depending on the background color of a location where the icon is to be inserted. 
     The edited moving image storage unit  24  is a storage region that stores a plurality of moving images being edited by the moving image editing device  1  and a collection of moving images obtained by collecting the plurality of moving images. The icon library and the edited moving image storage unit may be stored in a server (including a virtual server or the like on a cloud). In this case, the moving image editing device  1  may acquire the icon by accessing the server. The moving image editing device  1  may store the plurality of moving images being edited and the collection of moving images by accessing the server. 
     The control unit  10  includes an editing screen output unit  11 , a moving image addition unit  12 , an icon editing unit  13  (an icon setting display unit), a moving image association unit  14 , a URL association unit  15  (a URL designation receiving unit), an editing target moving image registration unit  16  (an associated moving image registration unit and a moving image collection generation unit), and an associatory graphic generation unit  17 . The editing screen output unit  11  outputs to the display unit  27  a moving image editing screen including a canvas region (a moving image editing region) that allows reproduction of a moving image. The moving image editing screen will be described with reference to  FIG.  2   . 
     The moving image editing screen  40  shown in  FIG.  2    is a screen for use to generate a collection of moving images obtained by associating a plurality of moving images. The moving image editing screen  40  includes a canvas region  41 , an icon region  42 , a branch setting region  43 , and a switchable display region  44 . The canvas region  41  is a main editing screen for use to edit a moving image. When the user performs an operation for adding a moving image to be edited to the canvas region  41 , the moving image in a reproducible state is outputted to the canvas region  41 . The user can then perform various types of editing on the moving image outputted to the canvas region  41 . 
     The icon region  42  is a region where an icon that can be added to the moving image to be edited is displayed. The icon region  42  displays content in a switchable manner by means of a thumbnail tab  42   a , a stamp tab  42   b , and a branch tab  42   c . With the thumbnail tab  42   a  selected, a list of thumbnail images as images each representing one scene of a moving image is displayed on the icon region  42 , for example. With the stamp tab  42   b  selected, a list of a plurality of icons stored in the icon library  23  is displayed on the icon region  42 , for example. With the branch tab  42   c  selected, an associatory graphic representing association of moving images is displayed on the icon region  42 . 
     The branch setting region  43  is a region where association is to be set. The branch setting region  43  allows association to be performed by way of setting a moving image to be reproduced subsequent to the moving image displayed on the canvas region  41 . The branch setting region  43  allows association to be performed by way of designating an external URL (uniform resource locator) or the like representing an external web page from the moving image displayed on the canvas region  41 . 
     The switchable display region  44  is a region on which a page console  45  and a page timeline  46  (an icon display setting region) are displayed in a switchable manner. As shown in  FIGS.  6 ,  7 , and  8    to be described later, the page console  45  indicates, as one page, an editing target moving image including a moving image added to the canvas region  41  and displays edited pages to be subjected to collection processing target side by side. As shown in  FIG.  9    to be described later, the page timeline  46  is used to set a display timing and a display time period at and during which an icon set in a moving image in the canvas region  41  is displayed when the moving image is reproduced. A specific method for editing a moving image using the moving image editing screen  40  will be described later. 
     As shown in  FIG.  4    to be described later, the moving image addition unit  12  shown in  FIG.  1    adds one moving image selected by a user from among the plurality of moving images stored in the moving image library  22  to the canvas region  41 . More specifically, the user selects one of the thumbnail images displayed in a list on the icon region  42  with the thumbnail tab  42   a  (see  FIG.  2   ) selected, and drags the selected thumbnail image to the canvas region  41 . As a result, the moving image addition unit  12  can add a moving image corresponding to the selected thumbnail image to the canvas region  41 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  5    to be described later, the icon editing unit  13  adds an icon (designated component) selected by the user from the icon library  23  to a position in the canvas region  41  designated by the user, in the moving image added by the moving image addition unit  12 . More specifically, the user selects one of the icons displayed in a list on the icon region  42  with the stamp tab  42   b  (see  FIG.  2   ) selected, and drags the selected icon to the canvas region  41 . As a result, the icon editing unit  13  can add the selected icon to an operation position in the canvas region  41 . 
     Icons that can be added by the icon editing unit  13  are not limited to the icons stored in the icon library  23 . The icon may be replaced with a rectangular region into which a text can be inputted, for example, a text box, as shown in  FIGS.  5  and  7    to be described later. The icon editing unit  13  may add a thumbnail image corresponding to the moving image stored in the moving image library  22 . The icon editing unit  13  allows for setting a display timing and a display time period of an icon by switching the switchable display region  44  to the page timeline  46  and displaying the page timeline  46 , as shown in  FIG.  9    to be described later. 
     The moving image association unit  14  allows, by means of the branch setting region  43 , the icon or the like added by the icon editing unit  13  to be associated with another moving image that is stored in the moving image library  22  and is to be subsequently reproduced, at the time of reproduction of the moving image added to the canvas region  41 . The URL association unit  15  receives an external URL representing an external web page to be designated by the user in the branch setting region  43 . The URL association unit  15  allows, by means of the branch setting region  43 , the icon or the like added by the icon editing unit  13  to be associated with the received external URL at the time of reproduction of the moving image added to the canvas region  41 . 
     The editing target moving image registration unit  16  stores, in the edited moving image storage unit  24 , a plurality of moving images associated by the moving image association unit  14 . The editing target moving image registration unit  16  generates a collection of moving images obtained by collecting the plurality of moving images stored in the edited moving image storage unit  24 , and stores the generated collection of moving images in the edited moving image storage unit  24 . The editing target moving image registration unit  16  can create one folder in the edited moving image storage unit  24  and collects and stores the moving images in the folder. The editing target moving image registration unit  16  can generate a collection of moving images having a file configuration conforming to an HTML5 format, for example. 
     The associatory graphic generation unit  17  generates an associatory graphic including objects respectively representing the plurality of moving images collected and stored in the edited moving image storage unit  24  by the editing target moving image registration unit  16  and association among the objects, as shown in  FIG.  13    to be described later. More specifically, when the user selects the branch tab  42   c  (see  FIG.  2   ), the associatory graphic generation unit  17  outputs the generated associatory graphic to the icon region  42 . 
     Examples of the input unit  26  include input devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, and various types of buttons such as a switch button. The display unit  27  is a display device, and is configured by a CRT (cathode ray tube) or an LCD (liquid crystal display), for example. A touch panel functioning as both the input unit  26  and the display unit  27  may be provided. The communication unit  29  is an interface that communicates with an external device (a Web server, etc.). 
     A procedure relating to creation of a collection of moving images using the moving image editing device  1  according to the present embodiment will be described next.  FIG.  3    is a flowchart relating to moving image editing processing performed by the moving image editing device  1 . In Step S 1  (“Step S” is hereinafter merely referred to as “S”) shown in  FIG.  3   , in response to the user selecting an icon indicating the editing program  21  displayed on the display unit  27 , for example, the control unit  10  in the moving image editing device  1  starts the editing program  21  in the storage unit  20 . The control unit  10  (the editing screen output unit  11 ) outputs the moving image editing screen  40  (see  FIG.  2   ) to the display unit  27 . In S 2 , the control unit  10  performs moving image editing processing. 
     The moving image editing processing is now described with reference to specific examples. As shown in  FIG.  4   , the user first creates “1. Home” as a top page. When the user designates the thumbnail tab  42   a , the control unit  10  switches the icon region  42  to a thumbnail list. Next, as described above, the user drags a thumbnail image  51   a  displayed on the icon region  42  to the canvas region  41  in order to edit the first moving image. As a result, the control unit  10  (the moving image addition unit  12 ) can add a moving image  51   b  represented by the thumbnail image  51   a  to the canvas region  41 . The moving image  51   b  represents a mounting position from a front surface of a machine tool. The user changes the name “ 51   c ” of a page as an editing target moving image including the moving image  51   b  to be edited via the canvas region  41  to “Home”. Further, as described above, the page console  45  in the switchable display region  44  displays a page  51   d  including the moving image  51   b  shown on the canvas region  41 . The page  51   d  is indicated within a thick frame that indicates a state where the image is being outputted to the canvas region  41 . 
     Then, the user performs an operation for adding an icon. As shown in  FIG.  5   , in response to the user sequentially selecting and dragging three designated components including icons displayed in the icon region  42 , the control unit  10  (the icon editing unit  13 ) additionally displays the three designated components on positions at dragging destinations on the canvas region  41 . This example relates to replacement of a fan in an amplifier. In the example shown in  FIG.  5   , a thumbnail image  52   a  as an amplifier image, a text  52   b  for indicating the type of amplifier, and a stamp  52   c  “CLICK” having a button shape for clicking are added to the canvas region  41 . A text box is added to a position where it is desired to be inserted on the canvas region  41  with the text addition button  47  selected, for example, by dragging the text box on the canvas region  41 . The text  52   b  can be generated by the user inputting a text into the added text box. After the thumbnail image  52   a  and the stamp  52   c  are additionally displayed on the canvas region  41 , their respective positions and sizes can be appropriately changed. 
     Then, “2. Choice” as a page of a moving image to be reproduced is created. As shown in  FIG.  6   , the user brings the switchable display region  44  into a state where the page console  45  is displayed thereon and selects an addition button  53   a  on the right of a page “Home” in the page console  45 . Accordingly, the control unit  10  outputs a new page similar to that shown in  FIG.  2    to the canvas region  41 , although the new page is not shown. Even if the user selects a “+” button in the page operation button  53   b  provided on the page “Home” in the page console  45 , a new page can be similarly added. When the user selects an “x” button in the page operation button  53   b  provided on the page “Home” in the page console  45 , the page can be deleted. 
     In  FIG.  7   , a moving image to be reproduced subsequent to “Home” is added to the added new canvas region  41 , and a designated component is further added thereto. When the user performs an operation described with reference to  FIGS.  4  and  5    above, the canvas region  41  is brought into a state shown in  FIG.  7   . When the user first designates the thumbnail tab  42   a  displayed on the icon region  42 , as described above, the control unit  10  switches the icon region  42  to a thumbnail list. The user then drags a corresponding thumbnail image onto the canvas region  41 . As a result, the control unit  10  (the moving image addition unit  12 ) additionally displays the moving image  54   a  on the canvas region  41 . 
     Next, as described above with reference to  FIG.  5   , when the user drags a text box to a position where the text box is to be inserted on the canvas region  41  with the text addition button  47  located at an upper right portion of the canvas region  41  selected, the text box is added to the position. In response to the user inputting a text into the added text box, the control unit  10  (the icon editing unit  13 ) generates a text  54   b . When the user designates a stamp tab  42   b , the control unit  10  switches the icon region  42  to an icon list. When the user drags predetermined icons outputted to the icon list onto the canvas region  41 , the control unit  10  (the icon editing unit  13 ) additionally displays stamps  54   c  and  54   d  respectively corresponding to the predetermined icons on positions at dragging operation destinations. The example shown in  FIG.  7    is creation of a diagnosis screen, the text  54   b  is a question sentence “Is fan motor rotating?”, and the stamps  54   c  and  54   d  are respectively “Yes” and “No” as options of an answer to a question. 
     Further, the user edits the name “ 54   e ” of the moving image  54   a  to be edited in the canvas region  41  into “Choice”. As a result, the page console  45  in the switchable display region  44  displays a page  54   f  in the canvas region  41  is indicated within a thick frame that indicates a selected state. 
     Next, two editing target moving images “Home” and “Choice” are associated with each other. As shown in  FIG.  8   , when the user selects a page  55   a  from the page console  45  in switchable display region  44 , the canvas region  41  is brought into a state where the moving image “1. Home” is displayed thereon again. The user selects a region  55   e  on the canvas region  41  such that three designated components added onto the canvas region  41  are included therein. Thereafter, the user selects “in story” from a drop down list  55   c  displayed on the branch setting region  43  and designates “Choice”, which is indicated in a page  55   b , in an association destination designation column  55   d  displayed on the branch setting region  43 . The association destination designation column  55   d  can display a created page outputted to the page console  45  and a page being created, in selectable manner. Accordingly, the control unit  10  (the moving image association unit  14 ) can associate the page  55   a  with the page  55   b  by means of the designated components in the region  55   e  on the canvas region  41 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  9   , the user can set a display timing and a display time period at and during which each of the designated components is displayed by selecting the page timeline  46  and switching the switchable display region  44 , as described above. Upon the user operating bars  57   a  to  57   c , shown in the page timeline  46  respectively corresponding to designated components  56   a  to  56   c  in the canvas region  41 , the control unit  10  (the icon editing unit  13 ) can set the display timing and the display time period at and during which each of the designated components  56   a  to  56   c  is displayed. Specifically, the user can change the display time period by selecting any one of the bars  57   a  to  57   c  and moving its ends to the right or left. The user can change the display timing by selecting any one of the bars  57   a  to  57   c  and moving its center to the right or left. 
     Upon the user selecting a reproduction button  48 , the control unit  10  reproduces and displays the moving image generated by way of the above-described operation of the canvas region  41 . The user can adjust the display timing and the display time period of each of the designated components  56   a  to  56   c  while checking its reproduced state. In particular, a timing for transitioning to the subsequent moving image should be after the currently-reproduced moving image is viewed to the end. Therefore, the respective display timings at which the designated components  56   a  to  56   c  are displayed are desirably not immediately after the start of reproduction of the moving image but after a certain length of the moving image is reproduced. Although all the designated components transition to “Choice” in the case of the example shown in  FIG.  9   , the designated components may be associated with different moving images. 
     Next,  FIG.  10    shows an operation screen for creating a page of a moving image to be reproduced subsequent to “2. Choice”. In this case, the user can display a new page on the canvas region  41  by performing an operation similar to the operation for adding a new page, as described with reference to  FIG.  6   . As a result, the page console  45  in the switchable display region  44  s brought into a state where a page  58   a  is added thereto and designated. In the above-described manner, the user edits the canvas region  41 . 
       FIG.  11    shows an operation screen for associating a moving image to be reproduced subsequently, with a stamp  59   a  of “2. Choice”. If a stamp “Yes” is selected, for example, the fan motor is rotating. Thus, a moving image for a scenario for inquiring whether a current value is equal to or less than a reference value is associated therewith (not shown). On the other hand, when a stamp  59   a  “No” is selected, for example, the fan motor is not rotating. Accordingly, a moving image for a scenario in which the fan motor needs to be replaced is associated therewith. The user selects a region including the stamp  59   a , and then operates the branch setting region  43  to select “in story” from a drop down list  59   b  and designate a page indicated ted by a page  59   e  in an association destination designation column  59   c . As a result, the control unit  10  (the moving image association unit  14 ) can associate the pages  59   d  and  59   e  with each other by means of the stamp  59   a  to make the page  59   d  transition to the page  59   e.    
       FIG.  12    shows a moving image editing screen  40  on which a page  61   c  associated with a page  61   b  is being edited. The moving image represented by the page  61   c  relates to replacement of an amplifier fan motor. The user selects a region  61   f  including designated components. Thereafter, the user operates the branch setting region  43  to select an “external link” from a drop down list  61   d , and designates a URL of a component sales site where the component displayed on the moving image can be purchased by, for example, manually inputting, the URL into an association destination designation column  61   e . As a result, the control unit  10  (the URL association unit  15 ) can associate the external URL such that a transition from the page  61   c  to a web page represented by the external URL is possible. That is, the moving image editing device  1  can easily associate the external URL by each of the designated components included in the region  61   f.    
     The user selects a stamp  61   g , and then operates the branch setting region  43 . The user selects “in story” from the drop down list  61   d  and designates “Home” indicated by the page  61   a , in the association destination designation column  61   e  so that the control unit  10  (the moving image association unit  14 ) can associate the page  61   c  and the page  61   a  with each other by means of a designated component in the stamp  61   g.    
     The moving images associated with each other by way of the above-described method can be displayed in a summarized manner in an associatory graphic. Specifically, when the branch tab  42   c  (see  FIG.  2   ) is selected with the moving image editing screen  40  displayed, the control unit  10  (the associatory graphic generation unit  17 ) generates an associatory graphic  62  shown in  FIG.  13   , and outputs the generated associatory graphic  62  to the icon region  42 . The “Home” described with reference to  FIGS.  4  to  6    above is represented by an object  62   a , and the “Choice” described with reference to  FIG.  7    is represented by an object  62   b . As described with reference to  FIGS.  11  and  12   , objects  62   c  to  62   e  are indicated in association with one another. The association of the pages described in the above-described examples is indicated by an arrow  63 . In the example shown in  FIG.  11   , a page corresponding to an object  62   f  is associated with the stamp “YES”. 
     Thus, the user can edit moving images by way of a series of simple operations via the input unit  26  by referring to the moving image editing screen  40 , and can easily associate the plurality of moving images in accordance with designation by the user. 
     In S 3  shown in  FIG.  3   , the control unit  10  receives an operation for finishing the editing program  21  by the user, to determine whether to finish the editing program  21 , for example. If the editing program  21  is to be finished (YES in S 3 ), the control unit  10  causes the processing to proceed to S 4 . On the other hand, if the editing program  21  is not to be finished (NO in S 3 ), the control unit  10  causes the processing to proceed to S 2 , to continue the moving image editing processing. 
     In S 4 , the control unit  10  determines whether to generate a collection of moving images. The control unit  10  determines that the collection of moving images is to be generated in response to receiving the user&#39;s selection of an output button (not shown) upon completion of moving image editing, for example. If the collection of moving images is to be generated (YES in S 4 ), the control unit  10  causes the processing to proceed to S 5 . On the other hand, if the collection of moving images is not to be generated (No in S 4 ), the control unit  10  causes the processing to proceed to S 6 . A case where the collection of moving images is not generated corresponds to a case where the moving images are being created. 
     In S 5 , the control unit  10  (the editing target moving image registration unit  16 ) generates the collection of moving images, and stores the generated collection of moving images in the edited moving image storage unit  24 . The control unit  10  generates an HTML file, for example, as the collection of moving images. Then, the control unit  10  causes the processing to end. On the other hand, in S 6 , the control unit  10  (the editing target moving image registration unit  16 ) stores the plurality of edited moving images in the edited moving image storage unit  24 . When the plurality of moving images being edited are collected and stored in the edited moving image storage unit  24 , a dedicated folder may be generated, assigned with a folder name, and stored. As a result, the editing processing can be resumed by calling the folder name. Then, the control unit  10  causes the processing to end. 
     As described above, the user is allowed to easily edit and create moving images that can be used for a worker using various types of equipment, for example, devices and machines such as an industrial machine to learn a technique. Further, a collection of moving images created by way of this operation is stored in one folder whereby the collection of moving images can be easily copied on another computer or the like. Accordingly, workers in factories or similar facilities can appropriately obtain necessary information while seeing the collection of moving images. Accordingly, even an inexperienced worker can perform work without a mistake if he/she follows an instruction provided by such an interactive collection of moving images. 
     A program used in the present embodiment can be stored using various types of non-transitory computer readable media and supplied to a computer. The non-transitory computer readable media include various types of tangible storage media. Examples of the non-transitory computer readable medium include a magnetic recording medium (e.g., a flexible disk, a magnetic tape, or a hard disk drive), a magneto-optical recording medium (e.g., a magneto-optical disk), a CD-ROM (read only memory), a CD-R, a CD-R/W, a semiconductor memory (e.g., a mask ROM, a PROM (programmable ROM), an EPROM (erasable PROM), a flash ROM, and a RAM (random access memory)). The program may be supplied to a computer by various types of transitory computer readable media. Examples of the transitory computer readable medium include an electric signal, an optical signal, and an electromagnetic wave. The transitory computer readable medium can supply the program to the computer via a wired communication path such as an electrical wire and an optical fiber or a wireless communication path. 
     Although the above-described embodiment is one of preferred embodiments of the present invention, the scope of the present invention is not limited to only the above-described embodiment, and the present invention can be implemented in various ways with diverse modifications made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
     (Modification 1) 
     Although the moving image editing device  1  in which the control unit  10  has various types of functions and the storage unit  20  stores various types of data has been described as an example in the above-described embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this. The moving image editing device  1  may have a configuration of a distributed system. For example, the functions of the moving image editing device  1  and some or all of data and the like stored in the storage unit  20  may be provided in a different device that can communicate via a network and a virtual server produced on a cloud, and these devices as the whole may perform the functions of the moving image editing device  1 . 
     (Modification 2) 
     Although the moving image editing device  1  that creates the moving image related to “replacement of fan motor” has been described as an example in the above-described embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this. A different moving image may be edited and created, provided that the moving image is an interactive know-how moving image as a collection of moving images associated with each other. For example, it is possible to edit and create a moving image for a state checking, a mounting position guidance, an operation explanation, a removal procedure, or an assembly procedure. 
     (Modification 3) 
     Although the moving image editing device  1  using the previously-provided icons has been described as an example in the above-described embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this. If an icon created by a user himself/herself is registered in the icon storage unit, the icon can be used as a user-original icon. The size of the icon can be changed as desired by selecting the icon on the canvas region and enlarging and reducing the frame of the icon. 
     (Modification 4) 
     Although the moving image editing screen has been described as an example in the above-described embodiment, a configuration of the moving image editing screen is not limited to this. A different screen configuration may be adapted provided that various types of processing (e.g., association of moving images, association with an external URL, addition of an icon, and setting of a display timing and a display time period of an icon) corresponding to the above-described operations by the user can be performed. 
     (Modification 5) 
     Although display in the Japanese language has been described in the above-described embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this. Display corresponding to a plurality of languages such as English and Chinese may be prepared, and the presence or absence of caption can be selected. As a result, a collection of moving images can be used in various countries. 
     As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following function and effect, for example, are obtained. 
     (1) The moving image editing device  1  includes: the moving image library  22  that stores a plurality of moving images; the moving image addition unit  12  that adds one moving image selected by a user from among the plurality of moving images stored in the moving image library  22 , to a canvas region  41  allowing reproduction of a moving image displayed on a display unit  27 ; the moving image association unit  14  that associates, in the canvas region  41 , a designated component to be displayed in a form selectable by the user when the one moving image is reproduced, with another moving image that is stored in the moving image library  22  and is to be subsequently reproduced; and the editing target moving image registration unit  16  that collects and stores, in an edited moving image storage unit  24 , the plurality of moving images associated by the moving image association unit  14 . 
     As a result, the moving image editing device  1  can generate an interactive know-how moving image as one collection of moving images. The moving image editing device  1  can associate the designated component with the subsequent moving image by the user. Specifically, in response to a viewer selecting the designated component, a moving image in a flowchart format can be generated which allows the subsequent moving image to be reproduced. 
     (2) The moving image editing device  1  described in (1) may include the associatory graphic generation unit  17  that generates the associatory graphic  62  containing objects respectively representing the plurality of moving images collected and stored in the edited moving image storage unit  24  by the editing target moving image registration unit  16  and association among the objects. As a result, the moving image editing device  1  can provide to the user the association of the plurality of moving images in the form of the associatory graphic, thereby allowing the user to visually check the entire flow of editing target moving images when editing the moving images. 
     (3) The moving image editing device  1  described in (1) or (2) may include: the icon library  23  that stores a plurality of icons each representing an instruction item; and the icon editing unit  13  that adds, as the designated component, the icon selected by the user from the icon library  23  to a position of the canvas region  41  designated by the user in the one moving image added by the moving image addition unit  12 . The editing target moving image registration unit  16  may store, in the edited moving image storage unit  24 , a moving image to which the icon has been added by the icon editing unit  13 . As a result, the user can use the icon registered in the icon library  23  by way of a simple operation, and can easily generate a moving image including options, for example. 
     (4) In the moving image editing device  1  described in (3), the icon editing unit  13  may display the page timeline  46  for setting a display timing and a display time period at and during which the icon added is displayed while the one moving image is reproduced. As a result, the moving image editing device  1  can arbitrarily set the display timing and the display time period in the moving image of the icon, and can create a moving image convenient for use. 
     (5) The moving image editing device  1  described in any one of (1) to (4) may include the URL association unit  15  that receives designation of an external URL representing an external web page and associates the received external URL with the designated component displayed on the canvas region  41  in response to an operation by the user. As a result, in response to the user selecting the designated component displayed in the moving image, the external web page can be displayed. For example, if a URL of a component sales site where the component displayed in the moving image can be purchased is designated as the external URL, the user can be guided to purchase a component without a mistake. 
     (6) In the moving image editing device  1  described in any one of (1) to (5), the editing target moving image registration unit  16  may generate a collection of moving images obtained by collecting the plurality of moving images stored in the edited moving image storage unit  24 . As a result, the collection of moving images can be placed in one folder and can be copied in a folder unit, for example. Accordingly, maintenance and transfer of the moving images can be easily performed. 
     (7) A moving image editing method performable by the moving image editing device  1  including the moving image library  22  that stores a plurality of moving images includes: a moving image addition step of adding one moving image selected by a user from among the plurality of moving images stored in the moving image library  22  to a canvas region  41  allowing reproduction of a moving image displayed on a display unit  27  of the moving image editing device  1 ; a moving image association step of associating, in the canvas region  41 , a designated component to be displayed in a form selectable by the user when the one moving image is reproduced, with another moving image that is stored in the moving image library  22  and is to be subsequently reproduced; and an associated moving image registration step of collecting and storing, in an edited moving image storage unit  24 , the plurality of moving images associated in the moving image association step. As a result, a similar effect to that in (1) can be obtained. 
     (8) The editing program  21  causes the moving image editing device  1  including the moving image library  22  storing a plurality of moving images to perform steps that include a moving image addition step of adding one moving image selected by a user from among the plurality of moving images stored in the moving image library  22  to a canvas region  41  allowing reproduction of a moving image displayed on a display unit  27  of the moving image editing device  1 ; a moving image association step of associating, in the canvas region  41 , a designated component to be displayed in a form selectable by the user when the one moving image is reproduced, with another moving image that is stored in the moving image library  22  and is to be subsequently reproduced; and an associated moving image registration step of collecting and storing, in an edited moving image storage unit  24 , the plurality of moving images associated in the moving image association step. As a result, a similar effect to that in (1) can be obtained. 
     EXPLANATION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 
     
         
           1 : Moving image editing device 
           10 : Control unit 
           11 : Editing screen output unit 
           12 : Moving image addition unit 
           13 : Icon editing unit 
           14 : Moving image association unit 
           15 : URL association unit 
           16 : Editing target moving image registration unit 
           17 : Associatory graphic generation unit 
           20 : Storage unit 
           21 : Editing program 
           22 : Moving image library 
           23 : Icon library 
           24 : Edited moving image storage unit 
           26 : Input unit 
           27 : Display unit 
           41 : Canvas region 
           46 : Page timeline 
           62 : Associatory graphic