JP2002297495A - Data delivery system, terminal apparatus, media conversion proxy server and data delivery method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow reproducing multimedia data in scenario data and the like suitably and easily with making the multimedia data compliant with characteristics of a terminal apparatus. SOLUTION: In a data delivery system 1 applied the invention, when the terminal apparatus receives the scenario data and the multimedia data shown in the scenario data, the apparatus receives the data via a media conversion proxy server 40. The server 40 then converts a data format of the multimedia data to be transmitted into a format matching with the apparatus so as to change contents of the scenario data to match with the format. Accordingly, the apparatus can reproduce the scenario data in the best-matched data format to the apparatus itself, and the apparatus can reproduce the multimedia data even if the multimedia data is shown in a format impossible to reproduce by the apparatus itself, moreover, can reproduce the scenario data more efficiently.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a data distribution system for distributing information such as images or music to terminal devices connected to a network, a media conversion proxy server, a terminal device, and a data distribution method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, multimedia data such as images or music has been actively distributed with the improvement of the network environment and the processing speed of terminal devices connected to the network. When multimedia data such as images is distributed, each terminal device transmits a data distribution request to each server storing data to be distributed, and each server responds to the request with a predetermined terminal. Distribute multimedia data to devices.

In this case, in each terminal device,
By incorporating a dedicated player or decoder according to the type of multimedia data to be distributed (hereinafter, collectively referred to as a "decoder"), each data can be used. Furthermore, scenario data is distributed as a more advanced form of multimedia data distribution. The scenario data is composed of a combination of a plurality of multimedia data, and is a document in which a reproduction order of each multimedia data, designation of a display position on a display screen, and the like are described. By reproducing the scenario data, it is possible to cause the terminal device to perform a specific screen display, a sound reproduction at a specific timing, and the like.

Also in this case, in order to reproduce the scenario data on the terminal device, it is necessary to install a dedicated decoder for each of the plurality of multimedia data included in the scenario data. However, when playing back scenario data, it is necessary to incorporate decoders corresponding to all types of assumed multimedia data in the terminal device, and in addition to the problem of occupying a large memory area by these decoders, inexpensive. In a terminal device having a low processing capability, a problem such as an increase in a processing load has occurred. Also, the work of incorporating multiple decoders
It is often difficult for ordinary users, for example, it is necessary to master the application interface of each decoder.

Here, there is known a data distribution system including a media conversion server that converts multimedia data distributed from a server to a terminal device into a data format that can be reproduced in the terminal device and distributes the data format to each terminal device. . The media conversion server performs a specific process of converting multimedia data transmitted from another server to a specific type of terminal device into a format that can be reproduced on the terminal device. That is, when the multimedia data transmitted from another server to the terminal device via the media conversion server is in a data format that cannot be reproduced by the terminal device (for example, when the terminal device does not have a decoder), the media conversion is performed. The server once decodes the received multimedia data, reconverts the received multimedia data into a data format that can be reproduced by the terminal device, and transmits the data format to the terminal device.

Therefore, even if the multimedia data transmitted from the server is in a data format that cannot be reproduced by the terminal itself, the terminal device receives the multimedia data via the media conversion server,
It becomes possible to reproduce.

[0007]

However, the conventional media conversion server only performs a conversion process of a data format suitable for a specific type of terminal device. Cannot use the function of the media conversion server. Further, the terminal devices have different characteristics such as a hardware configuration, and have different decoding capabilities depending on the data format. Therefore, if the conversion process of the data format in the media conversion server is limited to a specific process, there has been a problem that the conversion process of the data format suitable for each terminal device cannot be performed.

An object of the present invention is to appropriately and easily reproduce multimedia data such as scenario data in accordance with the characteristics of a terminal device.

[0009]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to claim 1 provides a scenario server for storing scenario data associated with specific multimedia data (for example, the scenario server 20 shown in FIG. 3). ) And a multimedia server (eg, the media server 50 in FIG. 3) that stores multimedia data associated with the scenario data via a media conversion proxy server (eg, the media conversion proxy server 40 in FIG. 3). A data distribution system configured to distribute the scenario data or the multimedia data to a terminal device (for example, the terminal device 10-1 in FIG. 3),
The terminal device includes a scenario data distribution request transmitting unit that transmits a scenario data distribution request to the scenario server, and the media conversion proxy server acquires scenario data transmitted by the scenario server in response to the scenario data distribution request. And a device information acquiring unit (for example, the WWW server 41 of FIG. 3) for acquiring device information of the terminal device from the terminal device that transmitted the scenario data distribution request.
WWW server 41) and multimedia data acquisition means (for example, WWW of FIG. 3) for acquiring multimedia data indicated by scenario data from the multimedia server.
Server 41) and data conversion means (for example, scenario data conversion of FIG. 3) capable of converting the specific type of multimedia data indicated in the scenario data into a type that can be more appropriately reproduced on the terminal device based on the device information. Unit 45 and a media conversion unit 46) and a converted data transmission unit (for example, the scenario data conversion unit 45) for transmitting the multimedia data converted by the data conversion unit and the scenario data reflecting the conversion to the terminal device. , A converted media storage unit 48 and a WWW server 41), wherein the terminal device can reproduce the multimedia data converted by the data conversion unit and the scenario data in which the conversion is reflected. And

According to a twelfth aspect of the invention, there is provided a scenario server for storing scenario data associated with specific multimedia data, and a multimedia server for storing multimedia data associated with the scenario data. A media conversion proxy server for a data distribution system configured to be able to distribute the scenario data or the multimedia data to a terminal device via a media conversion proxy server, wherein the scenario server is transmitted from the terminal device. Scenario data acquisition means for acquiring scenario data transmitted in response to a scenario data distribution request for requesting transmission of scenario data, and acquiring device information of the terminal device from the terminal device that transmitted the scenario data distribution request to the scenario server Device information collection Means, multimedia data acquisition means for acquiring multimedia data indicated in scenario data from the multimedia server, and, based on the device information, more appropriately transmitting the specific type of multimedia data indicated in scenario data to the terminal. Data conversion means that can be converted into a type that can be reproduced by the device, and converted data transmission means that transmits, to the terminal device, the multimedia data converted by the data conversion means and scenario data that reflects the conversion. It is characterized by.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the invention, there is provided a scenario server for storing scenario data associated with specific multimedia data, and a multimedia server for storing multimedia data associated with the scenario data. A data distribution method in a data distribution system configured to distribute the scenario data or the multimedia data to a terminal device via a media conversion proxy server, wherein the terminal device requests the scenario server to transmit scenario data. Transmitting the scenario data distribution request, transmitting the scenario data distribution request, wherein the media conversion proxy server acquires the scenario data transmitted by the scenario server in response to the scenario data distribution request. Device information obtaining step of obtaining device information of the terminal device from the terminal device, multimedia data obtaining step of obtaining multimedia data indicated in scenario data from the multimedia server, based on the device information, A data conversion step of converting the specific type of multimedia data indicated in the scenario data into a type that can be more appropriately reproduced on the terminal device; and transmitting the converted multimedia data and the scenario data reflecting the conversion to the terminal device. Transmitting the converted multimedia data and scenario data reflecting the converted multimedia data and the converted multimedia data.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the data distribution system according to the first aspect, the data conversion means acquires a decoder for converting a type of multimedia data based on the device information. A decoder acquisition unit (for example, the decoder search unit 42 in FIG. 3) is provided, and the terminal device can more appropriately reproduce the specific type of multimedia data indicated by the scenario data using the decoder acquired by the decoder acquisition unit. It is characterized in that it can be converted into a type.

The invention according to claim 13 is the first invention.
3. The media conversion proxy server according to 2, wherein the data conversion unit includes a decoder obtaining unit that obtains a decoder for converting the type of multimedia data based on the device information, and the decoder obtaining unit obtains the decoder. It is characterized in that a specific type of multimedia data indicated in the scenario data can be more appropriately converted into a type that can be reproduced in the terminal device using the decoder.

The invention according to claim 16 is the first invention.
5. The data distribution method according to 5, wherein the data conversion step includes a decoder acquisition step of acquiring a decoder for converting a type of multimedia data based on the device information, and using the acquired decoder. And converting the specific type of multimedia data indicated in the scenario data into a type that can be more appropriately reproduced on the terminal device.

The third aspect of the present invention provides the first or second aspect.
4. The data distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the decoder acquisition unit includes a decoder storage unit (for example, the embedded decoder management unit 43 in FIG. 3) storing a predetermined decoder, and the decoder storage unit stores the device information in the decoder storage unit. If a predetermined decoder that matches is stored, the decoder is acquired. If a predetermined decoder that matches the device information is not stored in the decoder storage unit, an external device (for example, FIG. Of the decoder proxy server 30 or the decoder server 70).

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the data distribution method according to the fifteenth or sixteenth aspect, the decoder obtaining step includes a step of storing a predetermined decoder inside the media conversion proxy server. When a predetermined decoder conforming to the device information is stored in the media conversion proxy server, the decoder is acquired, and a predetermined decoder conforming to the device information is stored in the media conversion proxy server. If not, the method includes a step of obtaining a predetermined decoder from an external device.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the data distribution system according to the third aspect, a decoder proxy server (eg, a decoder proxy server) which is directly connected to the media conversion proxy server and stores a decoder for converting the type of multimedia data. And the decoder proxy server 30 of FIG. 3, wherein the decoder obtaining unit is configured to, when a predetermined decoder that matches the device information cannot be obtained from the decoders stored in the decoder storage unit, A decoder search request for requesting a search for a predetermined decoder that matches the device information is transmitted to the server, and the decoder proxy server stores a predetermined decoder that matches the device information in response to the decoder search request. If so, send the decoder to the media conversion proxy server. And Shin, if not store a predetermined decoder compatible with the device information, the external device (e.g., decoder server 70 in FIG. 3) is from and obtaining a predetermined decoder.

The invention according to claim 18 is the first invention.
8. The data distribution method according to claim 7, wherein the data distribution system further includes a decoder proxy server that is directly connected to the media conversion proxy server and stores a decoder that converts the type of multimedia data, and The step of searching is a decoder search requesting the decoder proxy server to search for a predetermined decoder conforming to the device information, when a predetermined decoder conforming to the device information cannot be obtained from the stored decoders. Sending a request to the media conversion proxy server when the decoder proxy server stores a predetermined decoder that matches the device information in response to the decoder search request. And a predetermined decoder conforming to the device information is stored. When you have further comprises the step of obtaining a predetermined decoder from an external device.

The invention according to claim 6 is the data distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the decoder is an application described in a general-purpose language. The invention according to claim 20 is the data distribution method according to any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein the decoder is an application described in a general-purpose language.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the data distribution system according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the data conversion means is configured to output multimedia data according to a processing load of the media conversion proxy server. It is determined whether or not to perform the process of converting the type of multimedia data, and when it is determined that the process of converting the type of multimedia data is performed, it is determined that the process is performed and the process of converting the type of multimedia data is not performed In this case, the obtained multimedia data is transmitted to the terminal device without conversion.

The invention according to claim 14 is the first invention.
14. The media conversion proxy server according to 2 or 13, wherein the data conversion unit determines whether or not to perform a process of converting the type of multimedia data according to a processing load of the own device, and When it is determined that the process of converting the type is performed, the process is performed, and when it is determined that the process of converting the type of the multimedia data is not performed, the obtained multimedia data is transmitted to the terminal device without conversion. It is characterized by:

Further, the invention according to claim 21 is based on claim 1
The data distribution method according to any one of 5 to 20,
The data conversion step includes a determination step of determining whether to perform a process of converting the type of multimedia data according to a processing load of the media conversion proxy server. When it is determined that the process of converting the multimedia data is performed, the process is performed, and when it is determined that the process of converting the type of multimedia data is not performed, the obtained multimedia data is transmitted to the terminal device without conversion. including.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the data distribution system according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the device information includes information based on a hardware configuration of the media conversion proxy server. The invention according to claim 22 is the data distribution method according to any one of claims 15 to 22, wherein the device information includes information based on a hardware configuration of the terminal device.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the data distribution system according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, the device information includes information based on an operation state of the media conversion proxy server. And The invention according to claim 23 is the data distribution method according to any one of claims 15 to 22, wherein the device information includes information based on an operation state of the terminal device.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the data distribution system according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, the device information is a type of multimedia data that the terminal device can process more efficiently. Is included. The invention described in claim 24 is the same as the claim 15.
24. The data distribution method according to any one of items 23 to 23, wherein the device information includes information indicating a type of multimedia data that the terminal device can process more efficiently.

The invention according to claim 11 is the invention according to claims 1 to 10
A terminal device for the data distribution system according to any one of the above. According to the present invention, the media conversion proxy server converts the type of multimedia data transmitted to the terminal device to a type that can be reproduced on the terminal device more appropriately, and converts the content of the scenario data transmitted to the terminal device. Change to match the type of multimedia data.

Therefore, the terminal device can reproduce the scenario data in the content (data format) most suitable for the terminal device. If the scenario data indicates multimedia data in a format that cannot be reproduced in the terminal device, Can reproduce the multimedia data, and also can reproduce the scenario data more efficiently.

Further, even when various terminal devices having different processing capabilities are connected to the data distribution system according to the present invention, a more appropriate scenario data reproduction environment can be realized in each terminal device. it can. In the data distribution system according to the present invention, the decoder used when the media conversion proxy server converts (decodes) the type of multimedia data is, in addition to the one stored inside the media conversion proxy server,
The configuration can be obtained from a decoder proxy server or a decoder server.

Therefore, even when the media conversion proxy server does not store a necessary decoder, it can be obtained from the outside and conversion of a wide range of media types becomes possible. Further, in the data distribution system according to the present invention, the media conversion proxy server does not decode the media data to be transmitted to the terminal device according to the processing load of the device itself, and keeps the original media type indicated in the scenario data. By transmitting the multimedia data to the terminal device, a distributed processing system including the media conversion proxy server and the terminal device can be realized.

[0030]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a data distribution system according to the present invention; First, the configuration will be described. 1 to 5 are diagrams showing a data distribution system 1 to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of the data distribution system 1. In FIG. 1, a data distribution system 1
Is a plurality of n terminal devices 10-1 to 10-n, a scenario server 20, a decoder proxy server 30, a media conversion proxy server 40, and a media server 50.
, Media conversion server 60, and decoder server 70
And a network 80. The figure
In FIG. 1, the scenario server 20 and the media server 50
Are implemented on the same hardware.

FIG. 2 shows terminal devices 10-1 to 10-.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a hardware functional configuration of the server n and each server. In FIG. 2, terminal devices 10-1 to 10-n
Is a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory,
It comprises a network controller, a codec, a disk controller, a file system, a display controller, a monitor, a sound controller, and a speaker.

Each server includes a CPU, a memory,
It is configured to include a disk controller, a file system, and a network controller. Terminal device 1
Each of the servers 0-1 to 10-n and the various functions executed by the CPU and the hardware configuration shown in FIG.
To achieve.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the terminal device 10-1 of the data distribution system 1 and each server. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing each part in FIG. 1 as a specific example, and shows a case where the Internet is used as the network 80 and Java is used as software for realizing each functional part. Hereinafter, the configurations of the terminal device and each server will be described. Since the configuration of each terminal device is the same, the terminal device 10-1 will be described as a representative.

In FIG. 3, a terminal device 10-1 includes a network communication unit 11-1 and a scenario decoding unit 12-1.
, The scenario reproduction management unit 13-1, and the scenario reproduction unit 1
4-1, a device information management unit 15-1, a decoder proxy server information storage unit 16-1, and a decoder search unit 17-
1, an embedded decoder management unit 18-1 and a user interface unit 19-1.

The network communication unit 11-1 is mainly configured as shown in FIG.
A scenario data distribution request (hereinafter referred to as scenario data transmission request) to the scenario server 20 via the media conversion proxy server 40 based on the position information of the scenario data input from the user interface unit 19-1 including an input device and the like. , "Scenario data distribution request"). Here, the location information of the scenario data includes the address of the scenario server 20 storing the scenario data and the file name of the scenario data.

Further, the network communication section 11-1 transmits the decoder search request input from the decoder search section 17-1 to the decoder proxy server 30. Here, the decoder search request includes a media type and a coding method of multimedia data described later, and also includes device information (described later) of the terminal device 10-1 referred to at the time of the decoder search. The device information is
In addition to the case of being transmitted together with the decoder search request, there may be a case of being transmitted prior to the transmission of the decoder search request separately from the decoder search request.
The description will be made assuming that the device information is included in the decoder search request.

Further, the network communication unit 11-1
A media data distribution request (described later) input from a media playback unit 14a-1 or the like described later is transmitted to the media server 50 via the media conversion proxy server 40. Here, the media data distribution request is input to the network communication unit 11-1 from each of the media reproduction units provided for each multimedia data to be reproduced.

Then, the network communication unit 11-1
Various data transmitted from each server is received and output to a predetermined functional part. That is, the network communication unit 11-
1 outputs the scenario data and the multimedia data received from the media conversion proxy server 40 to the scenario decoding unit 12-1, and outputs the decoder received from the decoder proxy server 30 to a predetermined media playback unit.

The scenario decoding unit 12-1 mainly performs
It is realized by a PU, analyzes scenario data input from the network communication unit 11-1, and decomposes the scenario data into scene information. Here, the scenario data transmitted from the scenario server 20 includes information for identifying the multimedia data associated with the scenario data, and does not include actual data of the multimedia data. Also,
The scene information is information related to each piece of multimedia data, such as position information of each piece of multimedia data included in the scenario data (the address of the stored server), media type, display position on the display screen, playback timing, and the like. .

The scenario reproduction management unit 13-1 is mainly configured as shown in FIG.
When the scene information is input from the scenario decoding unit 12-1, the media playback unit that plays back each multimedia data included in the scenario data is activated, and the display screen is displayed based on the scene information. The scenario data is reproduced in a predetermined form by managing the layout and reproduction timing of the multimedia data.

The scenario reproducing section 14-1 mainly performs the processing shown in FIG.
It is realized by a PU, a codec, and a display device (not shown), and includes a media playback unit 14a-1 and the like for respectively playing back a plurality of multimedia data exclusively. Then, the scenario reproduction section 14-1 transmits the scenario reproduction management section 1
Based on the scene information input from 3-1, each piece of scene information is processed by a predetermined media playback unit 14a-1 or the like. Note that the media playback unit is realized by hardware when hardware such as a codec for playing back the type of the multimedia data is provided for each multimedia data, and such hardware is not provided. The case is realized by software.

Here, in the case where the media playback unit is realized by software, the media playback unit 14a-
1 will be described as an example. Media playback unit 14a-1
Outputs the media type included in the scene information to the decoder search unit 17-1 when the scene information is input from the scenario reproduction management unit 13-1. The decoder obtained by the decoder search unit 17-1 is input to the media playback unit 14a-1. The media playback unit 14a-
1 outputs a media data distribution request related to scene information to the network communication unit 11-1. Further, the multimedia data related to the media data distribution request is input from the network communication unit 11-1 to the media reproduction unit 14a-1. Then, when a reproduction instruction is input from the scenario reproduction management unit 13-1, the media reproduction unit 14a-1 reproduces the input multimedia data if it is in a reproducible state.

The device information management section 15-1 is mainly configured as C in FIG.
It is realized by a PU, a disk controller, and a file system, and manages device information of the terminal device 10-1. Here, the device information is information on the processing capability of the terminal device, and is classified into static characteristics and dynamic characteristics. That is, the device information management unit 15-1 determines the CP of the terminal device 10-1 as a static characteristic regarding the processing capability of the terminal device.
The type of U, the display size, the number of displayable colors, the ability to play music, the presence or absence of a codec, etc. are grasped, and the dynamic occupancy, memory occupancy during scenario playback, free memory, CPU usage, etc. are statistically acquired. I do. Then, the device information management unit 15-1 decodes the device information according to an instruction to output the device information input to the device information management unit 15-1 when the decoder search unit 17-1 transmits the decoder search request. Output to the search unit 17-1.

Further, the device information management unit 15-1 operates the terminal device 10-1 according to the instruction input from the user interface unit 19-1.
When the device information is transmitted to the network communication unit 11-1, the device information is output to the network communication unit 11-1. Here, the device information is transmitted from the terminal device 10-1 when the terminal device 10-1 is connected to the media conversion proxy server 40 and when the terminal device 10-1 transmits a scenario data distribution request. Sent to server 40. At this time, when the terminal device 10-1 is connected to the media conversion proxy server 40, static characteristics are transmitted as device information, and when the terminal device transmits a scenario data distribution request, Static and dynamic characteristics are sent. In any case, device information (designation of the type of multimedia data requested to be distributed, designation of the type of decoder, etc.) input by the user may be transmitted.

Decoder proxy server information storage 16-
Reference numeral 1 is mainly realized by the CPU, disk controller, and file system shown in FIG. 2, and stores position information (address) of the decoder proxy server 30 (see FIG. 3). Although FIG. 3 shows only one decoder proxy server 30 as a connectable decoder proxy server, the decoder proxy server 30 may be connectable to a plurality of decoder proxy servers.

The decoder search unit 17-1 is mainly configured by C
This is realized by a PU, and a media type relating to each scene information is input from each media playback unit. Then, the decoder search unit 17-1 sends the device information management unit 15-
1 and retrieves a decoder capable of appropriately decoding the multimedia data of the input media type from among the decoders managed by the embedded decoder management unit 18-1 with reference to the device information. .

Similarly, when the decoder search unit 17-1 transmits the scenario data transmitted from the media conversion proxy server 40 and the designation of the specific decoder to be used for reproducing the multimedia data, the decoder search unit 17-1 also transmits the scenario data. With reference to the device information, a search for a decoder managed by the embedded decoder management unit 18-1 is performed. Then, when an appropriate decoder is searched, the decoder search unit 17-1 acquires the decoder from the built-in decoder management unit 18-1, and
Output to the media playback unit 14a-1.

On the other hand, if an appropriate decoder cannot be obtained from the decoders managed by the built-in decoder management unit 18-1, the decoder search unit 17-1 sends the decoder proxy server information storage unit 16-1 to the decoder proxy server 30. The address is obtained and the network communication unit 11-1
, A decoder search request including the device information is transmitted to the decoder proxy server 30. Then, when receiving the decoder related to the search request from the decoder proxy server 30 via the network communication unit 11-1, the decoder search unit 17-1 converts the received decoder into the media playback unit 14
a-1.

The built-in decoder management unit 18-1 is mainly realized by the CPU, the disk controller and the file system shown in FIG. 2, and stores a previously stored decoder and a decoder previously searched by the decoder search unit 17-1. And manage. Then, a predetermined decoder is searched by the decoder search unit 17-1 for the decoder managed by the built-in decoder management unit 18-1, and when the decoder is stored, the predetermined decoder is stored in the decoder search unit. Is output.

Next, the scenario server 20 includes a WWW server 21, a scenario database management unit 22, and a scenario database 23. The WWW server 21 is mainly realized by the network controller and the CPU in FIG. The WWW server 21
The scenario server 20 converts data transmitted and received via the network 80 into a predetermined format. That is, the WWW server 21 performs processing such as removing a header from data received via the network 80 and combining a plurality of pieces of received data, and outputs the result to the scenario database management unit 22.

Further, the WWW server 21 is connected to the terminal devices 10-1 to 10- through the media conversion proxy server 40.
When the scenario data distribution request is received from n, the scenario data managed by the scenario database management unit 22 is searched for the scenario data indicated by the scenario data distribution request (hereinafter, referred to as “search target scenario”). When the scenario to be searched exists in the scenario data managed by the scenario database management unit 22, the WWW server 21 outputs an instruction to the scenario database management unit 22 to read the search scenario from the scenario database 23. I do.

The WWW server 21 performs processing such as adding a header to the scenario data input from the scenario database management unit 22 and converting the scenario data into a data format conforming to a network protocol. The data is transmitted to a predetermined terminal device via the proxy server 40. The scenario database management unit 22 is realized mainly by the CPU and a storage device (not shown) in FIG.
Manages the scenario data stored in. That is, the scenario database management unit 22 stores a scenario data table for identifying and managing the scenario data stored in the scenario database 23 in the storage unit,
The CPU manages the scenario data based on the scenario data table.

The scenario data managed by the scenario database management unit 22 is searched by the scenario database management unit 22. That is, the scenario data table stored in the storage unit (not shown) is searched by the scenario database management unit 22. Then, when a scenario to be searched is detected, the scenario database management unit 22
In response to the instruction input from 2, the search target scenario is read from the scenario database 23 and output to the scenario database management unit.

The scenario database 23 is mainly realized by the CPU, disk controller and file system in FIG. Scenario database 23
Stores a plurality of scenario data in which a reproduction order of a plurality of multimedia data, a display position on a display screen, and the like are described, and predetermined scenario data is read by the scenario database management unit 22. The scenario data is SMIL (Synchronized Multimedia Integratio
n Language) language.

Next, the decoder proxy server 30
WW server 31, decoder search unit 32, decoder database management unit 33, decoder database 34
And a decoder server search unit 35.
In FIG. 3, the configuration of the decoder database 34 is the same as that of the scenario database 23 of the scenario server 20 except that the target data is not the scenario data but a decoder. Also, W
The configuration of the WWW server 31 is the same as that of the portion related to the communication function in the WWW server 21 except that the target data is not the scenario data but the decoder, and the description is omitted. Note that the decoder is software for reproducing or decoding multimedia data included in the scenario data.
Implemented by class.

The decoder search unit 32 is implemented mainly by the CPU in FIG. 2, and receives a decoder search request transmitted from the terminal device 10-1 to 10-n or the media conversion proxy server 40, and receives a decoder search request from the decoder database management unit 33. Search for a decoder of the media type indicated in the decoder search request (hereinafter, referred to as a "search target decoder") from among the decoders managed by. Here, the decoder search request includes the media type of the search target decoder and the device information of the device (terminal device or media conversion proxy server 40) that transmitted the decoder search request. The decoder search unit 32 refers to the media type and device information included in the decoder search request, and searches a decoder managed by the decoder database management unit 33 for a decoder that matches the device information and the like.

Here, the decoder searched by the decoder search unit 32 when a decoder search request is transmitted by the terminal device and the media conversion proxy server 40 will be described with an example. The terminal device transmits a decoder search request to search for a decoder of a specific media type. For example, a decoder search request transmitted from a terminal device is an MPEG (Motion Picture Experts G
The decoder search unit 32 searches for a more appropriate decoder from among a plurality of MPEG-1 decoders based on the device information of the terminal device.

On the other hand, the media conversion proxy server 40
Sends a decoder search request to search for a decoder to convert from a particular media type to another media type. For example, the media conversion proxy server 40
The decoder search request transmitted from the decoder is a decoder that converts multimedia data from MPEG-1 to AVI format (hereinafter, referred to as “MPEG-AVI conversion decoder”).
The decoder search unit 32 searches the media conversion proxy server 40 based on the device information.
A more appropriate conversion decoder is searched for from a plurality of MPEG-AVI conversion decoders.

When a decoder to be searched exists in the decoders managed by the decoder database management unit 33, the decoder search unit 32 instructs the decoder database management unit 33 to read the decoder to be searched from the decoder database 34. Output instructions. Further, the decoder search unit 32 includes a decoder database management unit 33
Is output to the WWW server 31.

On the other hand, if the decoder to be searched does not exist in the decoders managed by the decoder database management unit 33, the decoder search unit 32
5, an instruction to search for the address of a predetermined decoder server is output. Then, when an address of a predetermined decoder server is input from the decoder server search unit 35, the decoder search unit 32 accesses the address and acquires a search target decoder from the predetermined decoder server. Then, the decoder search unit 32 sends the obtained search target decoder via the WWW server 31 to the terminal device or the media conversion proxy server 40 that transmitted the decoder search request.
Send to The decoder search unit 32 outputs the obtained search target decoder to the decoder database management unit 33 and stores the decoder in the decoder database 34.

The decoder database management unit 33 is realized mainly by the CPU and a storage device (not shown) in FIG. 2, and manages the decoder stored in the decoder database 34. That is, the decoder database management unit 3
Reference numeral 3 stores a decoder table for identifying and managing decoders stored in the decoder database 34 in the storage unit, and the CPU manages the decoders based on the decoder tables.

The decoder search unit 32 searches the decoder managed by the decoder database management unit 33 for a decoder to be searched. That is, the decoder search unit 32 searches the decoder table stored in the storage unit (not shown). In the decoder table, predetermined device information and each decoder are stored in association with each other, and the decoder search unit 32 searches for a search target decoder based on the device information. The decoder database management unit 33 responds to an instruction input from the decoder search unit 32 when a search target decoder is detected,
The decoder to be searched is read from the decoder database 34 and output to the decoder search unit 32.

On the other hand, when the search target decoder is not detected from the decoders stored in the decoder database 34, the decoder database management unit 33 outputs to the decoder search unit 32 that the search target decoder is not detected. Then, when the decoder search unit 32 obtains the search target decoder from the decoder server 70 or the like, the search target decoder is input from the decoder search unit 32 to the decoder database management unit 33, and the decoder database management unit 33 deletes the input decoder. Decoder database 3
4 for management.

Here, the correspondence between the decoder and the device information will be described. The device information is information for identifying the processing capability of each terminal device or the media conversion proxy server 40. For example, the type of CPU of the terminal device, the display size, the number of displayable colors, the music performance capability, the presence or absence of a codec, the scenario playback Memory occupancy, free memory, C
The information includes information such as a PU usage rate and communication quality, a type of a CPU of the media conversion proxy server 40, a memory occupancy rate during a data format conversion process, an available memory amount, and a CPU usage rate.

On the other hand, the processing capacity required of the terminal device when reproducing the same multimedia data or converting the data format using the decoder differs depending on the decoder used for reproducing the multimedia data. Therefore, even when the same multimedia data is reproduced, a decoder (for example, the same type of multimedia data can be decoded, Among decoders with different processing loads, the decoder with the lightest processing load, etc.)
By selecting, it is possible to appropriately manage the reproduction timing of each piece of multimedia data included in the scenario data, the load applied to the device at the time of decoding, and the like.

Therefore, in the decoder proxy server 30 and the like, each managed decoder is associated with device information. At this time, a case may be considered in which one decoder or a combination of a plurality of elements in the device information is associated with each decoder, such as the type of the terminal device or the CPU of the media conversion proxy server 40. Further, it is conceivable that the processing capability of the terminal device or the media conversion proxy server 40 is classified into levels based on the conditions indicated in the device information, and the levels are associated with the respective decoders.

Note that the decoder proxy server 30 may store the received device information in a predetermined storage unit or the like, and thereafter refer to the information when a decoder search request is transmitted from the device. The decoder server search unit 35 is mainly realized by the CPU, the disk controller, and the file system in FIG. 2. When a search instruction for the address of the decoder server 70 is input from the decoder search unit 32, the address of the decoder server 70 and the like are stored. The address of the decoder server 70 is obtained from the obtained decoder server list, and is output to the decoder search unit 32.

Next, the media conversion proxy server 40
Includes a WWW server 41, a decoder search unit 42, an embedded decoder management unit 43, a decoder proxy server information storage unit 44, a scenario data conversion unit 45, a media conversion unit 46, a device information management unit 47, It is configured to include a rear media storage unit 48 and a media conversion server information storage unit 49. Media conversion proxy server 40
Performs a predetermined conversion process on data transmitted from the scenario server 20 or the media server 50.
The decoder used in the conversion process can be obtained from the decoder proxy server 30 or the like, similarly to the terminal device.

In FIG. 3, the configurations of the decoder search unit 42, the built-in decoder management unit 43, the decoder proxy server information storage unit 44, and the device information management unit 47 are the same as those of the decoder search unit 17-1 in the terminal device 10-1. The description is omitted because it is the same as the decoder management unit 18-1, the decoder proxy server information storage unit 16-1, and the device information management unit 15-1.

The WWW server 41 is realized mainly by the network controller and the CPU in FIG. The WWW server 41 is connected to the decoder search unit 42 and the scenario data conversion unit 45, and the scenario server 2
The same communication-related process as the WWW server 21 is performed. Further, the WWW server 41 transmits the scenario data distribution request received from the terminal device 10-1 to the scenario server 20.
And the scenario data received from the scenario server 20 is output to the scenario data conversion unit 45. further,
The WWW server 41 transmits the converted scenario data (described later) input from the scenario data conversion unit 45 to the terminal device 10-.
Send to 1.

When the scenario data received from the scenario server 20 includes the multimedia data name, the WWW server 41 transmits a transmission request for the multimedia data to the media server 50, and transmits the received multimedia data. Is output to the scenario data converter 45. Further, the WWW server 41 transmits the converted media data (described later) input from the scenario data conversion unit 45 to the terminal device 10-1.

The scenario data converter 45 is mainly composed of the CPU, disk controller and file system shown in FIG. 2, and is transmitted from the terminal device 10-1 at a predetermined time (when the terminal device 10-1 is connected to the media conversion proxy server 40). At the time of transmission of the scenario data distribution request).

Further, the scenario data conversion unit 45 stores the WWW
When scenario data relating to a scenario data distribution request of the terminal device 10-1 is input from the server 41, the type of multimedia data indicated in the scenario data is analyzed. Then, referring to the stored device information, the scenario data conversion unit 45 selects, among the analyzed multimedia data types, data of a type that cannot be decoded by the terminal device 10-1 or a type that can be decoded more appropriately. It is determined whether or not contains data that can be converted.

If the analyzed multimedia data includes data of a type that cannot be decoded by the terminal device 10-1 or data of a type that can be converted to a type that can be decoded more appropriately, WWW When the multimedia data is input from the server 41, the scenario data conversion unit 45 outputs the multimedia data of the type and the conversion content of the format (for example, conversion from the AVI file to the MPEG file) to the media conversion unit 46. .

Then, the scenario data conversion unit 45 outputs the converted media data (described later) input from the media conversion unit 46 to the converted media storage unit 48. The scenario data conversion unit 45 includes a media conversion unit 46.
When the converted media data is input from, the multimedia data name before the conversion is converted into the multimedia data name after the conversion. That is, for example, “yyy.avi” is converted to “yyy.mpg”.

Further, the scenario data conversion unit 45 outputs the scenario data obtained by converting the multimedia data name (hereinafter referred to as “post-conversion scenario data”) to the WWW server 41 and transmits it to the terminal device 10-1. . The media conversion unit 46 is mainly realized by the CPU of FIG. 2, and decodes the multimedia data based on the multimedia data input from the scenario data conversion unit 45 and the format conversion content. That is, the input multimedia data is converted into a predetermined type (a type of multimedia data that can be decoded by the terminal device 10-1 and can be decoded more appropriately).

At this time, the media conversion section 46 outputs a decoder search request to the decoder search section 42 to acquire a predetermined decoder, and performs decoding using the decoder. In this case, the decoder search unit 42, the embedded decoder management unit 43, and the decoder proxy server information storage unit 4
4 obtains a predetermined decoder by performing the same processing as that of the corresponding part in the terminal device 10-1. The decoder used in the media conversion unit 46 is a decoder for converting multimedia data from a predetermined format to another format.

The media converter 46 outputs the decoded multimedia data (hereinafter, referred to as “converted media data”) to the scenario data converter 45. The converted media storage unit 48 stores the converted media data input from the scenario data conversion unit 45,
When the scenario data conversion unit 45 transmits the converted media data to the terminal device 10-1, the stored converted media data is output to the scenario data conversion unit 45 in response to a request from the scenario data conversion unit 45. I do.

The media conversion server information storage unit 49 includes another media conversion proxy server (not shown) that specializes in media conversion processing in the media conversion unit 46 and storage of converted media data in the converted media storage unit 48. In this case, the location information and the like of the media conversion proxy server are stored. Next, the media server 5
0 includes a WWW server 51, a media database management unit 52, and a media database 53.

In FIG. 3, WWW server 51, media database management unit 52 and media database 5
The configuration 3 is the same as the WWW server 21, the scenario database management unit, the scenario database management unit 22, and the scenario database 23 of the scenario server 20, respectively, except that the target data is not scenario data but multimedia data. Therefore, the description is omitted.

Next, the media conversion server 60 is arbitrarily provided in the data distribution system 1.
When the multimedia data whose data format is to be converted and the converted content are received from the media conversion proxy server 40, the scenario data conversion unit 45, the media conversion unit 46, and the converted media storage unit 48 of the media conversion proxy server 40 mainly perform the conversion. The same processing as the processing is performed. Then, in response to the instruction from the media conversion proxy server 40, the media conversion server 60 outputs the stored converted media data to the terminal device 10-1.

Therefore, based on the information stored in the media conversion server information storage unit 49, the scenario data conversion unit 45 transmits the multimedia data whose data format is to be converted and the conversion contents to a predetermined media conversion server 60, By performing the processing, the media conversion processing (multimedia data format conversion processing) can be distributed.

The internal configuration of the media conversion server 60 is a part of the media conversion proxy server 40 (the scenario data conversion unit 45 of the media conversion proxy server 40,
Media conversion unit 46 and converted media storage unit 48)
1 is shown only in the system configuration diagram of FIG. 1 and is not shown in FIG. Next, the decoder server 70 includes the WWW server 71 and the decoder search unit 7.
2, a decoder database management unit 73, and a decoder database 74.

In FIG. 3, the configurations of the WWW server 71 and the decoder database 74 are the same as those of the WWW server 21 and the scenario database 23 of the scenario server 20, respectively, except that the target data is not the scenario data but the decoder. Since the configuration of the decoder database management unit 73 is the same as the configuration of the decoder database management unit 33 of the decoder proxy server 30, the description is omitted.

The decoder search section 72 is realized mainly by the CPU shown in FIG. 2, and receives a decoder search request transmitted from the terminal devices 10-1 to 10-n. From
Search for a decoder to be searched. Here, the decoder search request includes, in addition to the media type of the decoder to be searched, device information of the transmitting terminal device. The decoder search unit 72 refers to the device information and searches for a decoder that matches the device information from among the decoders managed by the decoder database management unit 73. For example, a decoder search request is made by an MPEG (Motion Picture Experts Group).
-1 decoder, the decoder search unit 72 outputs a plurality of MPEG
A more appropriate decoder is searched from the decoders of -1. Then, when the decoder to be searched exists in the decoders managed by the decoder database management unit 73, the decoder search unit 72
, An instruction to read the decoder to be searched from the decoder database 74 is output. Further, the decoder search unit 72 outputs the search target decoder input from the decoder database management unit 73 to the WWW server 71.

Next, the operation will be described. First, an outline of the operation of the entire data distribution system 1 according to the present invention will be described.
First, the user of the terminal device 10-1 inputs the address of the scenario server and the file name of the scenario data (for example, “htt” in FIG. 3) via the user interface unit 19-1.
p: //www.yyy.com/scen.xml ”).

Next, the network communication unit 11-1 sends the scenario data of the input file name to the scenario server 20 of the input address via the media conversion proxy server 40 (for example, “scen” in FIG. 3). .xml ”)
Is transmitted to transmit the scenario data. The scenario server 20 searches the stored scenario data for scenario data having the file name indicated in the scenario data distribution request, and searches for the media conversion proxy server 4.
Send to 0.

The media conversion proxy server 40 analyzes the scenario data, and among the multimedia data names included in the scenario data, data of a type that cannot be decoded by the terminal device 10-1 or data of a type that can be decoded more appropriately. Media conversion is performed on the data that can be converted into the data, and the converted scenario data is transmitted to the terminal device 10-1.

The terminal device 10-1 transmits a media distribution request to the media conversion proxy server 40 for the actual multimedia data indicated in the received converted scenario data. Media conversion proxy server 40
Requests the media server 50 to transmit the multimedia data included in the scenario data in advance when the scenario data is received or when a media distribution request is received from the terminal device 10-1. On the other hand, the data format of predetermined media data is converted (media conversion) like the content shown in the converted scenario data. Then, the media conversion proxy server 40 transmits the converted media data to the terminal device 10-1.

Next, upon receiving the scenario data, the terminal device 10-1 analyzes the scenario data and decomposes the scenario data into scene information. Then, the scenario decoding unit 12-1
Each piece of scene information is output to a media playback unit suitable for each media type. The media playback unit to which the scene information has been input, determines the media type of the multimedia data indicated by the input scene information by the decoder search unit 17.
Output to -1.

When the media type is input, the decoder search section 17-1 performs a decoder search process (1) to acquire a predetermined decoder. When the obtained decoder is input to each media playback unit from the decoder search unit 17-1 or the network communication unit 11-1, the decoder is installed in the media playback unit, and each media playback unit has a processing capability. When the appropriate decoder and multimedia data are prepared, the multimedia data can be reproduced. Then, in response to a reproduction instruction from the scenario reproduction management unit 13-1, each media reproduction unit reproduces the multimedia data at a predetermined timing, a display position, and the like, and the scenario data is appropriately reproduced.

Next, processing for each part of the data distribution system 1 to perform the above operation will be described for each part. First, the operation of the terminal device 10-1 will be described.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a terminal control process performed by the terminal device 10-1. In FIG. 4, first, the terminal device 1
0-1 enters a position information input waiting state of waiting for input of position information of scenario data from a user or an application for reproducing scenario data (step S1).

Next, the terminal device 10-1 determines whether or not the position information of the scenario data has been input (step S2). If it is determined that the position information of the scenario data has not been input, the terminal device 10-1 proceeds to step S1. repeat. On the other hand, when it is determined that the position information of the scenario data has been input,
The device information is transmitted to the media conversion proxy server 40 (step S3).

Next, the terminal device 10-1 transmits a scenario data distribution request to the media conversion proxy server 40 (step S4). Then, the terminal device 10-1 determines whether or not the scenario data has been acquired (step S5). If it is determined in step S5 that the scenario data has not been obtained, the terminal device 10-1
It is determined whether or not a predetermined time limit has been exceeded (whether a timeout has occurred) (step S6). If it is determined that the time limit has not been exceeded, step S4 is repeated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the time limit has been exceeded, the terminal control process ends.

If it is determined in step S5 that the scenario data has been obtained, the terminal device 10-1 analyzes the obtained scenario data, decomposes the obtained scenario data into scene information, and stores the scenario data in a predetermined storage unit such as a RAM. It is stored (step S7). Next, the terminal device 10-1 reproduces the scenario data by the scenario reproducing unit or the like (Step S8), and determines whether or not the application for reproducing the scenario data has been terminated (Step S9).

If it is determined in step S9 that the application for reproducing the scenario data has not ended, the terminal device 10-1 repeats step S1 to determine that the application for reproducing the scenario data has ended. The terminal device 10-1 ends the terminal control process. Next, a process performed by each part of the terminal device 10-1 will be described.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a scenario reproduction management process performed by the scenario reproduction management unit 13-1.
In FIG. 5, when scene information is input from the scenario decoding unit 12-1, the scenario playback management unit 13-1 prepares the scenario playback unit 14-1 (preparation for forming the scenario playback unit 14-1 by initialization or the like). Process) (step S10).
1) The scenario data stored in the terminal device 10-1 (RAM or the like) is read (step S102).

Next, the scenario playback management unit 12-1 forms a media playback unit for each multimedia data indicated in the scenario data (step S103), and prepares playback of media data in each media playback unit (decoder of the decoder). (Processing such as acquisition) (step S104). Next, the scenario reproduction management unit 12-1 determines whether or not an error (such as a case where a decodable decode has not been acquired) has occurred in each media reproduction unit (step S105).

If it is determined in step S105 that an error has occurred, the scenario reproduction management unit 12-1
Shifts to step S109. On the other hand, if it is determined that no error has occurred, the scenario reproduction management unit 12-
1 judges whether or not the playback time of the multimedia data to be played by each media playback unit has reached (step S106). Each time the playback time of each multimedia data has been reached, playback of the multimedia data is performed. An instruction is given (step S107).

Next, the scenario playback management unit 12-1 checks whether the playback of each multimedia data has been completed or
It is determined whether or not the reproduction end time of each multimedia data has been reached (step S108), and the reproduction of each multimedia data has not been completed or the reproduction end time of each multimedia data has not been reached. Is determined, the step S108 is repeated.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the reproduction of each multimedia data has been completed, or that the reproduction end time of each multimedia data has been reached, and in step S105
When the scenario playback management unit 12-1 determines that an error has occurred, the scenario playback management unit 12-1 deletes the media playback unit that plays back the multimedia data. (For example, releasing the occupied memory area) (step S109), and subsequently, determining whether or not the reproduction end time of the scene (reproduction unit of scenario data) including the multimedia data has been reached. (Step S11)
0).

Next, the scenario reproduction management unit 12-1 determines whether or not all the scenario data has been reproduced (step S111). If it is determined that all of the scenario data has not been reproduced, Step S102 is repeated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the reproduction of all the scenario data has been completed, the formed scenario reproducing unit 14-1 is discarded (the formation of the scenario reproducing unit 14-1 is canceled) (step S112), and the scenario reproduction management process is performed. finish.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a scenario reproducing process performed by the scenario reproducing section 14-1. In FIG. 6, when the scenario playback management unit 12-1 instructs the media playback unit of the scenario playback unit 14-1 to prepare for playback of media data, the media playback unit starts the decoder search unit 1.
A decoder search request for decoding a predetermined media type is output to 7-1 (step S201).

Next, the decoder search unit 17-1 determines whether an appropriate decoder has been obtained (step S2).
02) If the decoder search unit 17-1 determines that an appropriate decoder has not been obtained, the media playback unit performs a predetermined error process (step S203). On the other hand, if the decoder search unit 17-1 determines that an appropriate decoder has been acquired, the media playback unit determines
(Step S20)
4) Prepare for reproduction of media data (step S2)
05). Then, the media playback unit enters a standby state for inputting a playback instruction for media data input from the scenario playback management unit 12-1 (step S206).

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a decoder search process (1) performed by the decoder search unit 17-1. In FIG. 7, when the media type is input (step S301), the decoder search unit 17-1 acquires device information from the device information management unit 15-1 (step S30).
2) With reference to the device information, a decoder capable of appropriately decoding the multimedia data of the media type is searched from the decoders managed by the embedded decoder management unit 18-1 (step S303).

Then, the decoder search unit 17-1 determines whether or not a decoder that satisfies the search condition is detected (step S304). If it is determined that a decoder that satisfies the search condition is detected, the decoder is searched for. And outputs it to the media playback unit (step S309). on the other hand,
If it is determined that an appropriate decoder cannot be obtained from the embedded decoder management unit 18-1, the decoder search unit 17
-1 accesses the decoder proxy server information storage unit 16-1 (step S305).

Next, the decoder search unit 17-1 determines whether or not the address of the decoder proxy server is stored in the decoder proxy server information storage unit 16-1 (step S306). Then, the address of the decoder proxy server is stored in the decoder proxy server information storage unit 1.
If it is determined that the data is not stored in 6-1, the decoder search unit 17-1 ends the decoder search process (1), and performs a process (error process) when the decoder search fails.

If it is determined that the address of the decoder proxy server is stored in the decoder proxy server information storage unit 16-1, the decoder search unit 17-1 determines
A decoder search request is transmitted to the decoder proxy server (decoder proxy server 30) (step S30).
7). Next, the decoder search unit 17-1 determines whether an appropriate decoder has been acquired from the decoder proxy server 30 (step S308). If it is determined that an appropriate decoder has been obtained from the decoder proxy server 30, the decoder search unit 17-1 outputs the obtained decoder to the media playback unit (step S30).
9). On the other hand, when it is determined that an appropriate decoder has not been obtained from the decoder proxy server 30, the decoder search unit 17-1 shifts to the process of step S305.

[0110] When an appropriate decoder is not detected from the decoders stored in the decoder database 34, the decoder proxy server 30 accesses the decoder server 70 and acquires an appropriate decoder.
Then, the decoder server 70 transmits the obtained decoder to the terminal device 10-1. Here, also when a decoder search is performed in the decoder proxy server 30 and the decoder server 70, the device information is referred to and an appropriate decoder is obtained.

Next, the processing performed by the scenario server 20 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a scenario data distribution process performed by the scenario server 20. The scenario data distribution process is started when the scenario server 20 receives a scenario data distribution request.

In FIG. 8, upon receiving a scenario data distribution request, the scenario server 20 accesses the scenario database 23 and searches for scenario data indicated in the scenario data distribution request (step S401).
Then, the scenario data acquired from the scenario database 23 is transmitted to the media conversion proxy server 40 (step S402), and the scenario data distribution process ends.

Next, the processing performed by the decoder proxy server 30 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a decoder search process (2) performed by the decoder proxy server 30. In FIG. 9, when the decoder search process (2) is started, the decoder proxy server 30 enters a standby state for receiving a decoder search request transmitted from the terminal device or the media conversion proxy server 40 (step S501).

Next, the decoder proxy server 30 determines whether or not a decoder search request has been received from the terminal device or the media conversion proxy server 40 (step S502). If it is determined that the request has not been received, the process of step S501 is repeated. On the other hand, the terminal device or the media conversion proxy server 40
It is determined that the device information regarding the device (terminal device or media conversion proxy server 40) that transmitted the decoder search request was obtained from the decoder search request or the stored information, etc. A determination is made (step S503).

If it is determined in step S503 that the device information relating to the device that has transmitted the decoder search request has not been obtained, the decoder proxy server 30 determines, based on the media type indicated in the decoder search request,
The decoder proxy server 30 searches for an appropriate decoder from the decoder database 34 (step S504), and when it is determined that the device information regarding the device that transmitted the decoder search request has been obtained, the decoder proxy server 30 determines the media type indicated in the device information and the decoder search request , A suitable decoder is searched (step S505).

Step S504 and step S505
Thereafter, the decoder proxy server 30 determines whether an appropriate decoder has been searched (step S50).
6) If it is determined that an appropriate decoder has been searched, the searched decoder is transmitted to the device that transmitted the decoder search request (step S507), and the decoder search process (2)
To end.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S506 that an appropriate decoder has not been searched, the decoder proxy server 30 searches the decoder server list (step S508), and the decoder server address is stored in the decoder server list. It is determined whether or not there is (step S509). In step S509,
When it is determined that the address of the decoder server is not stored in the decoder server list, the decoder proxy server 30 transmits to the terminal device or the media conversion proxy server 40 that transmitted the decoder search request that the decoder cannot be obtained ( Step S511), the decoder search process (2) ends.

If it is determined in step S509 that the address of the decoder server is stored in the decoder server list, the decoder proxy server 30 transmits a decoder search request to the decoder server (step S5).
10), the process proceeds to step S506. Next, processing performed by the media conversion proxy server 40 will be described.

FIG. 10 shows the media conversion proxy server 4
11 is a flowchart showing a media conversion process performed by the media conversion unit 0. The media conversion process is started when the media conversion proxy server 40 sends a scenario data distribution request to the scenario server 20. In FIG. 10, the media conversion proxy server 40 includes the scenario server 20
Sends a scenario data distribution request to the
1) It is determined whether predetermined scenario data has been obtained from the scenario server 20 (step S602).

If it is determined in step S 602 that the predetermined scenario data has not been obtained from the scenario server 20, the media conversion proxy server 40 ends the media conversion process and determines that the predetermined scenario data has been obtained from the scenario server 20. If determined, the media conversion proxy server 40 determines whether or not device information of the terminal device that transmitted the scenario data distribution request is stored (step S603).

If it is determined in step S603 that the device information of the terminal device that has transmitted the scenario data distribution request is not stored, the media conversion proxy server 40
Ends the media conversion process, and determines that the device information of the terminal device that transmitted the scenario data distribution request is stored, the media conversion proxy server 40 refers to the device information (step S604), and The data is analyzed, and information on the analyzed scenario data is stored in a predetermined storage unit (step S605).

Next, the media conversion proxy server 40
Extracts the multimedia data name included in the scenario data (step S606), and refers to the device information,
A predetermined decoder for converting the type of the media type is searched from the decoders managed by the built-in decoder management unit 43 (step S607). Then, the media conversion proxy server 40 determines whether or not an appropriate decoder has been searched (step S608). If an appropriate decoder has not been searched, the media conversion proxy server 40 accesses the decoder proxy server information storage unit 44 (step S609).

Next, the media conversion proxy server 40
Determines whether or not the position information of the decoder proxy server is stored in the decoder proxy server information storage unit 44 (step S610), and the position information of the decoder proxy server is stored in the decoder proxy server information storage unit 44. If there is, a decoder search request is transmitted to the decoder proxy server 30 (step S611), and the process proceeds to step S608.

On the other hand, when the position information of the decoder proxy server is not stored in the decoder proxy server information storage section 44, the media conversion proxy server 40 cannot perform media conversion because the media type cannot be converted, and does not perform the media conversion. (Step S61)
2), the reconstructed scenario data is transmitted to the terminal device that transmitted the scenario data distribution request (step S61).
3).

If an appropriate decoder is found in step S608, the media conversion proxy server 40
Incorporates the found decoder into the media converter 46 (step S614), and transmits a transmission request for multimedia data to the media server 50 (step S61).
5). Next, the media conversion proxy server 40 converts the data format of the multimedia data received from the media server 50 by the above-described appropriate decoder (step S616), and stores the converted media data in the converted media storage unit 48. (Step S617).

Next, the media conversion proxy server 40
Changes the name of the multimedia data included in the scenario data (step S618), and determines whether or not all the media types of the multimedia data included in the scenario data have been converted (step S619).
If it is determined in step S619 that the conversion of all the media types of the multimedia data included in the scenario data has not been completed, the media conversion proxy server 40 proceeds to the process of step S606. On the other hand, when it is determined that the conversion of the media type of the multimedia data included in the scenario data has all been completed,
The media conversion proxy server 40 determines in step S612
Move to the processing of.

FIG. 11 shows the media conversion proxy server 4
9 is a flowchart showing a device information registration process performed by a device information registration process. In FIG. 11, when device information is transmitted from a terminal device at a predetermined time (when the terminal device is connected to the media conversion proxy server 40 or when transmitting a scenario data distribution request), the media conversion proxy server 40
The device information is received (step S701), the device information managed by the device information management unit 47 is updated based on the received device information (step S702), and the device information registration process ends.

Next, the processing performed by the decoder server 70 will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the decoder search process (3) performed by the decoder server 70. In FIG. 12, when the decoder search process (3) is started, the decoder server 70
0 enters a standby state for receiving a decoder search request transmitted from the decoder proxy server 30 (step S80).
1).

Next, the decoder server 70 determines whether or not a decoder search request has been received from the decoder proxy server 30 (step S802), and has determined that no decoder search request has been received from the decoder proxy server 30. In this case, the process of step S801 is repeated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the decoder search request has been received from the decoder proxy server 30, the decoder proxy server 3
It is determined whether or not device information relating to the device (terminal device or media conversion proxy server 40) that transmitted the decoder search request to 0 has been obtained from the decoder search request or the stored information (step S803).

If it is determined in step S803 that the device information relating to the device that has transmitted the decoder search request has not been obtained, the decoder server 70 sends an appropriate decoder (Step S504), and when it is determined that the device information relating to the device that transmitted the decoder search request has been acquired, the decoder server 70 determines an appropriate decoder based on the device information and the media type indicated in the decoder search request. A search is performed (step S805).

Steps S804 and S805
Thereafter, the decoder server 70 determines whether or not an appropriate decoder has been searched (step S806). If it determines that an appropriate decoder has been searched, the decoder server 70 sends the searched decoder to the device that transmitted the decoder search request. Transmit (step S807), and terminate the decoder search process (3).

If it is determined in step S806 that an appropriate decoder has not been searched, the decoder server 70 sends a message indicating that the decoder cannot be obtained to the terminal device which has transmitted the decoder search request via the decoder proxy server 30. Alternatively, the data is transmitted to the media conversion proxy server 40, and the decoder search process (3) ends.

As described above, in the data distribution system 1 to which the present invention is applied, when the terminal device receives the scenario data and the multimedia data indicated by the scenario data, the terminal device receives the scenario data via the media conversion proxy server 40. Then, the media conversion proxy server 40 converts the media type of the transmitted multimedia data into a format suitable for reproduction on the terminal device,
The contents of the scenario data transmitted to the terminal device are changed in accordance with the conversion of the media type of the multimedia data.

Therefore, the terminal device that reproduces the scenario data can reproduce the scenario data with the contents (data format) most suitable for the own device, and the scenario data indicates the multimedia data in a format that cannot be reproduced by the own device. In such a case, the multimedia data can be reproduced, and the scenario data can be reproduced more efficiently.

Further, even when various terminal devices having different processing capabilities are connected to the data distribution system 1,
In each terminal device, a more appropriate scenario data reproduction environment can be realized. In the data distribution system 1, the decoder used when the media conversion proxy server 40 converts (decodes) the data format of the multimedia data is a decoder stored in the media conversion proxy server 40 and a decoder proxy server. 30 or the decoder server 70.

Therefore, even when the media conversion proxy server 40 does not store a necessary decoder, it can be obtained from the outside and conversion of a wide range of media types becomes possible. Also, when acquiring these decoders,
An appropriate decoder is obtained based on the device information of the media conversion proxy server 40. Therefore, the media conversion proxy server 40 can convert the media type by a decoder suitable for its own processing capacity.

Further, in the data distribution system 1, the media conversion proxy server 40 does not decode the media data to be transmitted to the terminal device according to the processing load of the device itself, and does not decode the original media type indicated in the scenario data. By transmitting the multimedia data to the terminal device as it is, the media conversion proxy server 4
0 and a terminal device can be realized.

In the data distribution system 1 to which the present invention is applied, an appropriate decoder is incorporated according to the processing capability of each terminal device. Therefore, when reproducing the scenario data, the reproduction timing or the display position of each multimedia data is appropriately processed, and the scenario data can be appropriately reproduced even by terminal devices having different processing capabilities.

Furthermore, the media conversion proxy server 40
By appropriately selecting the functions provided by the and the terminal device, for each processing load or processing content,
A flexible system can be constructed. In the present embodiment, the decoder is described as being described in Java, but other general-purpose languages may be used as long as the language does not depend on the platform, such as the model of the terminal device.

In the present embodiment, the scenario server 20, the decoder proxy server 30, the media conversion proxy server 40, the media server 50, and the decoder server 70 have been described as being realized on different hardware. Some or all of these may be implemented on a single piece of hardware.

Further, the device information may include information indicating the type of multimedia data that can be reproduced most efficiently in the terminal device. Also, in the present embodiment, after receiving the scenario data, the media conversion proxy server 40 acquires the multimedia data in advance and receives the multimedia data transmission request from the terminal device, and converts the data format. It has been described that the multimedia data is stored in the converted media storage unit 48. However, after receiving a transmission request for multimedia data from the terminal device, the multimedia data is acquired, the data format is converted, and then the multimedia data is immediately transmitted to the terminal device. You may do it.
In this case, the converted media storage unit 48 becomes unnecessary, and the manufacturing cost of the media conversion proxy server 40 and the power consumption for storing the converted media can be reduced.

[0142]

According to the present invention, the media conversion proxy server more appropriately converts the type of multimedia data transmitted to the terminal device into a type that can be reproduced on the terminal device and transmits the multimedia data to the terminal device. Change the content of the scenario data according to the conversion of the multimedia data type.

Therefore, the terminal device can reproduce the scenario data with the content (data format) most suitable for the terminal device itself. If the scenario data indicates multimedia data in a format that cannot be reproduced by the terminal device, the terminal device can reproduce the scenario data. Can reproduce the multimedia data, and also can reproduce the scenario data more efficiently.

Further, even when various terminal devices having different processing capabilities are connected to the data distribution system according to the present invention, a more appropriate scenario data reproduction environment can be realized in each terminal device. it can. In the data distribution system according to the present invention, the decoder used when the media conversion proxy server converts (decodes) the type of multimedia data is, in addition to the one stored inside the media conversion proxy server,
The configuration can be obtained from a decoder proxy server or a decoder server.

Therefore, even when the media conversion proxy server does not store a necessary decoder, it can be obtained from the outside, and conversion of a wide range of media types becomes possible. Further, in the data distribution system according to the present invention, the media conversion proxy server does not decode the media data to be transmitted to the terminal device according to the processing load of the device itself, and keeps the original media type indicated in the scenario data. By transmitting the multimedia data to the terminal device, a distributed processing system including the media conversion proxy server and the terminal device can be realized.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a data distribution system 1.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a hardware functional configuration of terminal devices 10-1 to 10-n and each server.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a terminal device 10-1 and each server of the data distribution system 1.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a terminal control process performed by the terminal device 10-1.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a scenario reproduction management process performed by a scenario reproduction management unit 13-1.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a scenario playback process performed by the scenario playback unit 14-1.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a decoder search process (1) performed by a decoder search unit 17-1.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a scenario data distribution process performed by the scenario server 20.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a decoder search process (2) performed by the decoder proxy server 30.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a media conversion process performed by the media conversion proxy server 40.

11 is a flowchart showing a device information registration process performed by the media conversion proxy server 40. FIG.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a decoder search process (3) performed by the decoder server 70;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Data distribution system 10-1 to 10-n Terminal device 11-1 Network communication unit 12-1 Scenario decoding unit 13-1 Scenario playback management unit 14-1 Scenario playback unit 14a-1 Media playback unit 15-1 Device information management Unit 16-1 Decoder proxy server information storage unit 17-1 Decoder search unit 18-1 Embedded decoder management unit 19-1 User interface unit 20 Scenario server 21 WWW server 22 Scenario database management unit 23 Scenario database 30 Decoder proxy server 31 WWW server 32 Decoder search unit 33 Decoder database management unit 34 Decoder database 35 Decoder server search unit 40 Media conversion proxy server 41 WWW server 42 Decoder search unit 43 Embedded decoder management unit 4 Decoder proxy server information storage unit 45 Scenario data conversion unit 46 Media conversion unit 47 Device information management unit 48 Converted media storage unit 49 Media conversion server information storage unit 50 Media server 51 WWW server 52 Media database management unit 53 Media database 60 Media conversion Server 70 decoder server 71 WWW server 72 decoder search unit 73 decoder database management unit 74 decoder database 80 network

Claims (24)

[Claims] 1. A terminal via a media conversion proxy server from a scenario server that stores scenario data associated with specific multimedia data and a multimedia server that stores multimedia data associated with the scenario data. A data distribution system configured to distribute the scenario data or the multimedia data to a device, wherein the terminal device includes a scenario data distribution request transmitting unit that transmits a scenario data distribution request to the scenario server; A media conversion proxy server, a scenario data acquisition unit that acquires scenario data transmitted by the scenario server in response to the scenario data distribution request, and device information of the terminal device from the terminal device that transmitted the scenario data distribution request. Get Device information obtaining means, multimedia data obtaining means for obtaining multimedia data indicated in scenario data from the multimedia server, and a specific type of multimedia data indicated in scenario data based on the device information. A data conversion unit that can be appropriately converted to a type that can be reproduced in the terminal device; and a converted data transmission unit that transmits, to the terminal device, multimedia data converted by the data conversion unit and scenario data in which the conversion is reflected. And a data distribution system, wherein the terminal device is capable of reproducing the multimedia data converted by the data conversion means and scenario data in which the conversion is reflected. 2. The data conversion unit includes a decoder acquisition unit that acquires a decoder for converting the type of multimedia data based on the device information. 2. The data distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the specific type of multimedia data indicated in the scenario data can be more appropriately converted into a type that can be reproduced in the terminal device. 3. The decoder obtaining means includes a decoder storage means storing a predetermined decoder, and when a predetermined decoder conforming to the device information is stored in the decoder storage means, the decoder storage means stores the predetermined decoder. 3. The data distribution according to claim 1, wherein when a predetermined decoder conforming to the device information is not stored in the decoder storage unit, the predetermined decoder is obtained from an external device. system. 4. A decoder proxy server which is directly connected to the media conversion proxy server and stores a decoder for converting the type of multimedia data, wherein the decoder obtaining means is a decoder stored in the decoder storage means. Transmitting, to the decoder proxy server, a decoder search request requesting a search for a predetermined decoder compatible with the device information, wherein the decoder proxy server In response to the decoder search request, if a predetermined decoder conforming to the device information is stored, the decoder is transmitted to the media conversion proxy server, and a predetermined decoder conforming to the device information is transmitted. If not stored, obtain a predetermined decoder from an external device 3. Data distribution system, wherein the door. 5. The decoder proxy server further includes a decoder server connected to the decoder proxy server and storing a decoder of the multimedia data, wherein the decoder proxy server is adapted to the device information among decoders stored in its own device. When a predetermined decoder cannot be obtained, the decoder search request is transmitted to the decoder server, and the decoder server stores a predetermined decoder that matches the device information in response to the decoder search request. Sending the decoder to the decoder proxy server or the media conversion proxy server,
5. A predetermined process is performed when a predetermined decoder suitable for the device information is not stored.
Data distribution system as described. 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the decoder is an application described in a general-purpose language.
6. The data distribution system according to any one of claims 5 to 5. 7. The process of converting the type of multimedia data by determining whether to perform a process of converting the type of multimedia data according to a processing load of the media conversion proxy server. If it is determined that the process is to be performed, the process is performed, and if it is determined that the process of converting the type of multimedia data is not performed, the obtained multimedia data is transmitted to the terminal device without conversion. The data distribution system according to claim 1. 8. The data distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the device information includes information based on a hardware configuration of the media conversion proxy server. 9. The data distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the device information includes information based on an operation state of the media conversion proxy server. 10. The data distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the device information includes information indicating a type of multimedia data that the terminal device can process more efficiently. . 11. A terminal device for the data distribution system according to claim 1. 12. A scenario server for storing scenario data associated with specific multimedia data;
A multimedia server for storing multimedia data associated with the scenario data, and a data distribution system configured to be able to distribute the scenario data or the multimedia data to a terminal device via a media conversion proxy server. A media conversion proxy server, wherein the scenario server obtains scenario data transmitted in response to a scenario data distribution request that requests transmission of scenario data transmitted from a terminal device; A device information obtaining unit that obtains device information of the terminal device from the terminal device that has transmitted the scenario data distribution request; a multimedia data obtaining unit that obtains multimedia data indicated by the scenario data from the multimedia server; Based on the device information, a data conversion unit that can more appropriately convert the specific type of multimedia data indicated in the scenario data into a type that can be reproduced in the terminal device, and the multimedia data converted by the data conversion unit. A media conversion proxy server, comprising: converted data transmission means for transmitting scenario data reflecting the conversion to the terminal device. 13. The data conversion means includes a decoder acquisition means for acquiring a decoder for converting the type of multimedia data based on the device information, and using the decoder acquired by the decoder acquisition means, 13. The media conversion proxy server according to claim 12, wherein the specific type of multimedia data indicated in the scenario data can be more appropriately converted to a type that can be reproduced in the terminal device. 14. The data conversion means determines whether or not to perform processing for converting the type of multimedia data according to the processing load of the apparatus itself, and performs processing for converting the type of multimedia data. 13. When it is determined that the process is performed and when it is determined that the process of converting the type of multimedia data is not performed, the obtained multimedia data is transmitted to the terminal device without conversion. Or a media conversion proxy server according to item 13. 15. A scenario server for storing scenario data associated with specific multimedia data;
Data distribution in a data distribution system configured to distribute the scenario data or the multimedia data to a terminal device via a media conversion proxy server from a multimedia server storing multimedia data associated with the scenario data. A scenario data distribution request transmitting step in which the terminal device requests the scenario server to transmit scenario data; and a scenario transmitted by the media conversion proxy server in response to the scenario data distribution request by the scenario server. A scenario data obtaining step of obtaining data; a device information obtaining step of obtaining device information of the terminal device from the terminal device that transmitted the scenario data distribution request; A multimedia data obtaining step of obtaining multimedia data to be performed, and a data conversion step of converting a specific type of multimedia data indicated in the scenario data into a type that can be more appropriately reproduced in the terminal device based on the device information. Transmitting the converted multimedia data and the scenario data reflecting the conversion to the terminal device, and transmitting the converted data to the terminal device. The terminal device performs the converted multimedia data and the conversion thereof. A data distribution method characterized by reproducing scenario data in which is reflected. 16. The data conversion step includes a decoder acquisition step of acquiring a decoder for converting the type of multimedia data based on the device information, and using the acquired decoder to convert the scenario data to 16. The data distribution method according to claim 15, further comprising a step of converting the indicated specific type of multimedia data into a type that can be more appropriately reproduced on the terminal device. 17. In the decoder obtaining step, a predetermined decoder suitable for the device information is stored in the media conversion proxy server while a predetermined decoder is stored in the media conversion proxy server. In this case, the method includes a step of obtaining the decoder, and obtaining a predetermined decoder from an external device when a predetermined decoder conforming to the device information is not stored in the media conversion proxy server. The data distribution method according to claim 15 or 16, wherein 18. The data distribution system further includes a decoder proxy server that is directly connected to the media conversion proxy server and stores a decoder that converts the type of multimedia data. Transmitting, to the decoder proxy server, a decoder search request requesting a search for a predetermined decoder conforming to the device information, when a predetermined decoder conforming to the device information cannot be obtained from the decoders that have been performed. If the decoder proxy server stores a predetermined decoder that matches the device information in response to the decoder search request, the decoder proxy server transmits the decoder to the media conversion proxy server, and the device information If you do not remember the predetermined decoder that Data distribution method according to claim 17, wherein the the device further comprises the step of obtaining a predetermined decoder. 19. The data distribution system further includes a decoder server that is connected to the decoder proxy server and stores a decoder of the multimedia data, wherein the decoder proxy server is configured to store the decoder of the multimedia data. Transmitting a decoder search request to the decoder server when a predetermined decoder conforming to the device information cannot be obtained; andthe decoder server responds to the device information in response to the decoder search request. If a suitable predetermined decoder is stored, the decoder is transmitted to the decoder proxy server or the media conversion proxy server,
19. The data distribution method according to claim 18, further comprising: performing a predetermined process when a predetermined decoder conforming to the device information is not stored. 20. The data distribution method according to claim 15, wherein the decoder is an application described in a general-purpose language. 21. The data conversion step includes a determination step of determining whether to perform a process of converting the type of multimedia data according to a processing load of the media conversion proxy server. If it is determined that the process of converting the type of multimedia data is to be performed, the terminal performs the process, and determines that the process of converting the type of multimedia data is not to be performed. 21. The data distribution method according to claim 15, further comprising a step of transmitting the data to an apparatus. 22. The data distribution method according to claim 15, wherein the device information includes information based on a hardware configuration of the terminal device. 23. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the device information includes information based on an operation state of the terminal device.
23. The data distribution method according to any one of 22. 24. The data distribution method according to claim 15, wherein the device information includes information indicating a type of multimedia data that the terminal device can process more efficiently. .