JP2004289628A - Set top box, system, method, and program for streaming download - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform receiving bit rate measurement, and to perform on the side of a client, selection of a download bit rate which accords with the condition of a network using this result. <P>SOLUTION: An STB (Set Top Box) 60 receives data on contents streaming-downloaded from a distribution server 12 via an IP network, and makes a TV receiving set 70 output the content data. The STB 60 measures a bit rate when the content data are received, and makes the set 70 display the measured result together with contents displayed in the screen of the set 70 on the basis of the content data. Into the STB 60, instructions from a user with respect to the result displayed in the screen, for example whether or not to continue viewing and listening, or instructions to select a download bit rate are inputted, and these instructions are transmitted to the server 12. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a streaming distribution system for streaming distribution of content data over an IP network using the Internet technology, a set-top box used in the system, a streaming distribution method, and a streaming distribution program.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, IP streaming broadcasting of video (moving images) and music has been performed via an IP (Internet protocol) network such as a CATV network or the Internet using Internet technology. IP streaming refers to a general technique for distributing contents such as video and audio as IP packets using IP and reproducing the contents on the user side. In a narrow sense, the user receives and reproduces the IP packets in a memory. IP streaming, and pseudo IP streaming in which a user temporarily stores some or all of the content in a hard disk device (HDD) and then starts playback.
[0003]
In a streaming distribution system via an IP network, guaranteeing QoS (Quality of Service) is an important issue. When the network is constructed as a closed system and is constructed in advance with the provision of QoS in mind, it is possible to guarantee the bandwidth in the network. However, since the Internet is configured by combining a plurality of ISPs (Internet Service Providers), it is difficult to guarantee QoS if there are a plurality of ISPs in an end-to-end system.
[0004]
By the way, in a streaming distribution system, generally, when streaming video or audio is distributed from a distribution server 12 to a client, a method of selecting a distribution bit rate by a user on the client side and notifying the distribution server 12 is generally used. is there. The distribution server 12 distributes the content according to the distribution bit rate notified from the client.
[0005]
Conventionally, a server transmits a test file prior to transmitting image data of a content so that data can be transmitted under a condition (for example, an allowable standby time) specified by a user. It is considered that the congestion state of the line is determined from the transmission result of the above, and the compression ratio is changed to process the image data of the content (for example, Patent Document 1).
[0006]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2000-295272 A (FIGS. 1, 4 and 5)
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, conventionally, when the congestion state of the line is determined based on the test file and the content is processed in accordance with the result, the distribution server 12 and the client are, for example, products of the same manufacturer. However, they cannot be realized unless both of them support a function for measuring a distribution bit rate using a test file.
[0008]
In addition, if the end user selects the delivery bit rate, the delivery bit rate is not determined in consideration of the actual network congestion state, and the optimal bit rate may not be adopted.
[0009]
The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and it is possible to execute a reception bit rate measurement and use the result to select a distribution bit rate according to a network situation on a client side. It is an object to provide a streaming distribution system, a set-top box, a streaming distribution method, and a streaming distribution program.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention provides a set-top box for receiving content data stream-distributed from a distribution server 12 via an IP network and outputting the content data to a TV receiver, and measuring a bit rate when the content data is received. And a result screen displaying means for displaying the result measured by the measuring means together with the content displayed on the screen of the TV receiver based on the content data; An input unit for inputting an instruction, and a response transmitting unit for transmitting the instruction input by the input unit to the distribution server 12 are provided.
[0011]
The present invention also provides a set-top box for receiving content data stream-distributed from the distribution server 12 via the IP network and outputting the content data to the TV receiver, for receiving test content data from the distribution server 12. Means, a measuring means for measuring a bit rate when receiving the test content data received by the receiving means, and an available range determined according to the bit rate measured by the measuring means. A result screen display unit for displaying a choice of a distribution bit rate, an input unit for inputting an instruction for the option displayed by the result screen display unit, and a distribution bit rate determined by the instruction input by the input unit. Delivery bit rate notification to the delivery server 12 Characterized in that and means.
[0012]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a streaming distribution system according to the present embodiment.
[0013]
In the streaming distribution system according to the present embodiment, in the streaming distribution service provided by the distribution server 12 (content distribution system 10), the client (STB 60, PC 50, TV device 72 described later) does not depend on the content distribution system 10 and , The bit rate of the content data received at the time of content distribution is measured, and the result can be used to allow the end user to select whether to view (continue) (first embodiment).
[0014]
Further, when distributing the content from the distribution server 12 to the client, the test content (or file) is transmitted from the distribution server 12 before the actual distribution of the content data without the end user selecting the distribution bit rate. The client then measures the reception bit rate of the test content on the client side, determines a distribution bit rate within an available range, and allows the user to select a distribution bit rate from the distribution bit rate. The rate can be determined (second embodiment).
[0015]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a streaming distribution system that performs streaming distribution via an IP (Internet protocol) network according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the streaming distribution system according to the present embodiment includes a content distribution system 10, POPs (Point of Presence) 20, 40, an ISP (Internet Service Provider) backbone 30, an STB (Set Up Box) 60, and a TV device. 70. Further, a PC (Personal Computer) 50 and a TV device 72 on which functions equivalent to those of the STB 60 are mounted can also be used.
[0016]
The content distribution system 10 accumulates various types of multimedia content and executes a process of distributing multimedia content such as a video for which a user has requested a trial listening.
[0017]
The content distribution system 10 is provided with a server group such as a navigation server 11 and a distribution server 12, and further configures a routing table based on a routing protocol, and includes a server group and a router 14 for relaying IP packets sent from the network side. Is provided.
[0018]
The navigation server 11 holds an EPG (Electronic Program Guide) for causing the STB 60 (or the TV device 72 or the PC 50) to display a menu screen for the user to actually select the content. The content is loaded on the STB side according to a viewing request from a user through a browser. On the menu screen based on the EPG, for example, a thumbnail (a still image obtained by reducing the content video) of the content is displayed, so that the end user can select the content. The navigation server 11 is loaded with navigation server software and other necessary programs. The navigation server 11 executes processes while cooperating with these EPGs and various programs. If there is, the request content is received, and in the case of a request for VOD (Video On Demand) content, the request is notified to the distribution server 12.
[0019]
The distribution server 12 has a distribution information database 12a for storing information necessary for distributing each type of content, in addition to other types of multimedia content, and has a function of managing distribution information including these various types of content. When receiving the distribution request of the VOD content based on the request source information such as the IP address from the navigation server 11, the distribution server 12 reads the content file of the distribution request content from the distribution information database 12a, and based on the request source information, Stream data. In the distribution server 12 of the present embodiment, for example, it is assumed that, for each content, content files corresponding to a distribution bit rate at the time of distributing the content data, for example, 500 kbps, 750 kbps, and 1 Mbps are prepared. The distribution server 12 reads a content file corresponding to the distribution bit rate requested from the content side, and performs streaming distribution to the requesting client.
[0020]
POPs (Point of Presence) 20 and 40 are bases for connecting many end users to the Internet. Each of the POPs 20 and 40 includes, for example, a group of routers connected to each other, a DNS (Domain Name System) server, an access server for dial-up, and the like. Represents.
[0021]
The ISP backbone 30 connects the POPs 20 and 40 to each other and includes, for example, an ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) switch, a SONET (Synchronous Optical Network) connection device, a DWDM switch, and the like.
[0022]
The STB (Setup Box) 60 has a network interface, has a function of connecting to the Internet (IP network), a browser function, a function of receiving IP streaming (IP packets including content data) distributed from the content distribution system 10, It has a function of decoding video / audio of content data included in a packet in accordance with CODEC (code / decode), a connection function of outputting content (video, audio, etc.) in the TV device 70, and the like. The STB 60 is provided with a function for determining a distribution bit rate when distributing content data from the content distribution system 10 according to the present invention. The detailed configuration will be described later (see FIG. 2).
[0023]
The TV device 70 is connected to the STB 60, displays an image based on the content data distributed from the content distribution system 10 on a screen, and outputs sound from a speaker.
[0024]
The PC 50 has a function (hereinafter, content receiving function) 50a equivalent to the STB 60, and is connected to the POP 40 through a network interface. The PC 50 displays an image on a display and outputs sound from a speaker based on the streaming (content data) received by the content receiving function 50a.
[0025]
The TV device 72 has a function (hereinafter, content receiving function) 72a equivalent to the STB 60, and is connected to the POP 40 through a network interface. The TV device 72 displays an image on a display and outputs sound from a speaker based on the streaming (content data) received by the content receiving function 72a.
[0026]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the STB 60 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the STB 60 includes a PHY unit 80, a MAC (Media Access Control) controller 81, an HDD controller 82, an HDD 83, a video decoder 84, a flash memory 85, a memory 86, a CPU 87, an IR-IF 88, and an NSTC (National Television). System Committee) encoder 89. The internal bus 90 interconnects each unit except the PHY unit 80, the HDD 83, and the IR-IF 88.
[0027]
The PHY unit 80 connects cables such as Ethernet (registered trademark) (100Base-T), ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line), FTTH (Fiber to the Home) (optical fiber cable), CATV cable, and the like. This is an interface for receiving IP streaming delivered from the delivery system 10.
[0028]
The MAC controller 81 executes access control for the IP streaming received via the PHY unit 80. That is, the receiving side has a function of receiving the cable MAC frame, transmitting the IP packet to the internal bus 90, and the transmitting side encapsulating the IP packet received from the internal bus 90 into the cable MAC format and outputting the same to the PHY unit 80. Have.
[0029]
The HDD controller 82 controls data transfer between the HDD 83 and the memory 86.
[0030]
The HDD 83 is used for the purpose of temporarily storing an OS (operating system), various middleware programs and contents. It should be noted that various nonvolatile memories can be used instead. In the present embodiment, the content data (file) distributed at each distribution bit rate, or each distribution bit rate when the content distribution system 10 (the distribution server 12) distributes the content data to the HDD 83, In addition, the content data (file) received in a predetermined state of the IP network is recorded. The content data recorded on the HDD 83 is used as a sample output for reference when the user selects a distribution bit rate from the distribution server 12. The sample content data recorded in the HDD 83 may be recorded via the network without the content distribution system 10 receiving an instruction from the user, or the STB 60 may store the content data distributed from the content distribution system 10 in a predetermined format. It may be recorded as a sample for each communication situation.
[0031]
The video decoder 84 is an IC corresponding to a codec (code / decode) such as MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) 2. In addition, the video decoder 84 executes processing for audio as well as video. When the video decoding process is executed by the CPU 87 based on a program, the video decoder 84 does not need to be provided.
[0032]
The flash memory 85 stores a boot program.
[0033]
The memory 86 is used for transmission / reception of IP packets containing content data distributed from the content distribution system 10 and a work area when executing various programs.
[0034]
The CPU 87 executes various programs and realizes various functions. For example, the CPU 87 performs transmission / reception processing of control IP packets, decoding processing of video / audio contents, various application processing, and real-time execution of control of these processing. In addition to the processing of the OS, it has a timer function used to promote the reception bit rate of the content data distributed from the content distribution system 10.
[0035]
The IR-IF 88 is connected to the CPU 87 via, for example, a serial interface or the like, and controls information by infrared radiation (infrared radiation) output from a remote controller (not shown; hereinafter, referred to as a remote controller) operated by the user. For example, it receives an instruction to change channels, power on / off, select an option displayed on the screen, and notifies the CPU 87.
[0036]
The NTSC encoder 89 encodes content data (video) into a video signal of the NTSC system and outputs it to the TV device 70. For example, the NTSC encoder 89 is connected to the TV device 70 via a composite interface or an S-VIDEO terminal. . Instead of the NSTC encoder 89, it is also possible to use a TV encoder that handles a PAL (Phase Alternation by Line) format video signal.
[0037]
(1st Embodiment)
Next, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0038]
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a sequence of procedures on the STB 60 side and the distribution server 12 side. In the first embodiment, the STB 60 does not depend on the content distribution system 10, measures the bit rate of the actual content data distributed from the distribution server 12, and uses the result to view or listen to the end user (continue). (A) is implemented.
[0039]
First, the STB 60 acquires information such as a URL (uniform resource locator) holding video content and a file name of the content through a browser function. For example, it can be obtained as link information from a video search portal site on the Internet (step A1). The user may acquire the information as offline information (person, magazine) and input the information to the STB 60.
[0040]
Here, the STB 60 accesses the content distribution system 10 through the browser function, acquires information (EPG) of the content held by the navigation server 11, and displays the information on the TV device 70. The end user looks at the content information and selects the content he / she wants to see, and when a plurality of distribution bit rates are prepared, selects one of the distribution bit rates (for example, 500 kbps). The STB 60 notifies the navigation server 11 of the content specified by the user and the distribution bit rate. In response to the notification to the navigation server 11, the STB 60 acquires the file name of the content and the address (URL) of the distribution server 12 from the navigation server 11.
[0041]
The STB 60 transmits a command for setting up the distribution server 12 based on the file name of the content acquired from the navigation server 11 and the address of the distribution server 12, and transmits a content setup request (step A2). After receiving this request, the distribution server 12 executes preparations for distribution, and after completion of the preparation, notifies the STB 60 of a response indicating that the setup has been completed (step A3).
[0042]
When receiving the response of the setup completion, the STB 60 transmits a content distribution start request (file request) (step A4). In response, the distribution server 12 responds to the file request (step A5), reads a content file at the distribution bit rate designated by the user from the distribution information database 12a, and distributes the content data by streaming (step A6). .
[0043]
Here, the STB 60 receives the content data distributed from the distribution server 12 and starts buffering the content data. The STB 60 executes a content data reception rate measurement process using the buffering time of the content data received first (step A7). The reception rate measurement processing will be described with reference to FIG. 4 (described later).
[0044]
When the reception rate measurement process is completed, the STB 60 displays the average bit rate for a certain period of time as a reception rate measurement result on a part of the screen of the TV device 70 on which video is displayed based on the content data (step). A8). Note that the STB 60 can also perform display using screen data (video of content) stored in a nonvolatile memory (not shown) such as a flash disk.
[0045]
FIG. 5 shows a display example of a screen of the TV device 70 on which the measurement result of the reception rate is displayed. In FIG. 5, a content video is displayed in the content display area 106, and the measurement result of the reception rate is displayed together with this video as a test result 108, for example, “800 kbps”. In addition, a menu 110 is displayed to allow the user to select whether to continue viewing the content. Here, a choice of "Yes" or "No" is displayed together with a message of "Do you want to continue watching?" That is, the distribution server 12 selects whether to continue the distribution of the content data at the current distribution bit rate.
[0046]
Here, the end user compares the result displayed on the test result screen (current reception rate) with a video at a bit rate at which a clear video can be viewed, and determines whether to view the video. can do.
[0047]
For example, the STB 60 causes the TV device 70 to display a list of bit rates of the sample video recorded in the HDD 83 when the IR-IF 88 receives a sample video display request by a user's operation on the remote controller. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, a content file for sample display is recorded in the HDD 83 at each of three bit rates (500 kbps, 750 kbps, and 1 Mbps) at which content data can be distributed by the distribution server 12. And The STB 60 displays a list of bit rates at which the content files are recorded on the HDD 83 on the screen of the TV device 70, and allows the user to select the bit rates. The STB 60 reads a content file of a bit rate specified by the user, and causes the TV device 70 to output video and audio based on the content data in the file. Thereby, it is possible to compare the current reception bit rate measured by the reception rate measurement and the video of the content currently being received with the video that can be viewed when the distribution bit rate is changed.
[0048]
In FIG. 6, it is assumed that a sample display content file for each bit rate distributable by the distribution server 12 is recorded. However, as shown in FIG. Alternatively, the content data actually distributed from the content distribution system 10 may be recorded as a sample for each predetermined communication state. For example, the reception bit rate measured by the reception rate measurement process is classified for each predetermined bit rate, for example, for every 50 kbps. For example, when the distribution bit rate by the distribution server 12 is 500 kbps, the STB 60 determines which of the classifications (X1, X2,... ) Is recorded for the sample in association with the corresponding classification. As a result, a list of pairs of the distribution bit rate and the reception bit rate of the sample video is displayed on the TV device 70 in the same manner as described above. Then, a sample video corresponding to the set of the distribution bit rate and the reception bit rate selected by the user is displayed.
[0049]
Here, if “Yes” is selected from menu 110 by remote control operation to continue viewing, STB 60 continues to receive the content data distributed from distribution server 12 as it is, and receives the received content data. Is output by the TV device 70 in accordance with the video and audio.
[0050]
On the other hand, when “No” is selected from the menu 110 by the user and an instruction to stop viewing is issued, the STB 60 transmits a content stop request to the distribution server 12 (Step A9). The distribution server 12 transmits a response to this and resets it to an initial state (step A10).
[0051]
For example, when the STB 60 receives a distribution request for the content whose designation of the distribution bit rate has been changed, the content distribution system 10 executes the distribution of the content data by the same procedure as described above.
[0052]
In the above description, the test result screen is displayed in step A8, and the content stop request is transmitted from the STB 60 by the end user selecting the content transmission stop request in this screen. It is also possible to automatically transmit a content transmission stop request without causing the end user to determine whether to continue the content distribution.
[0053]
Also, for example, the minimum viewing bit rate is set in advance on the STB 60 side in accordance with the designation from the user, and if the reception bit rate measured by the reception rate measurement is equal to or lower than the minimum viewing bit rate, the content is automatically set. May be stopped (a content transmission stop request is transmitted).
[0054]
Next, the reception rate measurement processing in step A7 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0055]
First, the STB 60 resets the internal timer before receiving the content data (step B1) and starts timer measurement (step B2).
[0056]
Next, measurement of the received byte of the IP packet of the content data is started (step B3). In this process, the measured value of the timer is periodically checked to determine whether or not the elapsed time from the start of the timer measurement has reached a predetermined unit time (step B4).
[0057]
If the unit time has not been reached (step B4, No), the counting of the received bytes is continued. On the other hand, if the unit time has been reached (step B4, Yes), the received byte number is divided by the unit time to determine the reception bit rate (step B5).
[0058]
Note that there are various methods for measuring the reception bit rate. For example, if the received byte reaches a certain value using the real time without resetting the timer in step B1, the difference from the real time is calculated. It is also possible to use a method of calculating the reception rate by time.
[0059]
In this way, in the streaming distribution system according to the first embodiment, the STB 60 measures the bit rate based on the content data distributed from the distribution server 12 without depending on the content distribution system 10, and determines the measurement result. Can be displayed and presented to the user. Then, based on the result, the user can input an instruction to stop distribution of the content data and notify the content distribution system 10 (distribution server 12). Then, it becomes possible to select a distribution bit rate suitable for viewing again and receive the content data.
[0060]
Note that, in the above description, the STB 60 is described as the client side as the client side. However, the PC 50 in which the content receiving function 50a having the same function as the STB 60 is mounted or the TV device 72 in which the content receiving function 72a is mounted is used. It is also possible to realize. In the PC 50, the same function executed by the STB 60 can be realized by software.
[0061]
(2nd Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described.
[0062]
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a sequence of procedures on the STB 60 side and the distribution server 12 side. In the second embodiment, when distributing the content from the distribution server 12 to the STB 60, the test content (or file) is transmitted from the distribution server 12 before the distribution of the content data, and the reception bit of the test content is transmitted. The rate is measured by the STB 60, and the distribution bit rate of the usable range is determined, and the distribution bit rate of the streaming content from the distribution server 12 is determined by allowing the user to select from the distribution bit rates.
[0063]
As an initial state, it is assumed that the STB 60 has already acquired the EPG from the navigation server 11 and displays a menu on the TV device 70, and the end user has selected one content (selected link information). .
[0064]
First, the STB 60 inquires of the navigation server 11 about information such as a URL holding a video content and a file name (step C1). In response to this inquiry, the navigation server 11 notifies the STB 60 of information such as the URL of the video content and the file name (Step C2).
[0065]
Here, prior to the distribution of the actual content, the STB 60 indicates a setup request for the test content added in advance to the player or the like as information for measuring the available bit rate of the line, using the URL acquired in step C2. A request is made to the distribution server 12 (step C3). Note that the information of the test content may be included in the first EPG screen.
[0066]
After receiving the test content setup request from the STB 60, the distribution server 12 performs preparation for distribution, and after completion of the preparation, notifies the STB 60 of the completion of the setup (step C4).
[0067]
The STB 60 transmits a test content distribution start request in response to the response from the distribution server 12 (Step C5). In response, the distribution server 12 responds to the distribution start request (step C6), and starts distribution of the test content (step C7).
[0068]
Here, the STB 60 receives the test content from the distribution server 12, and measures the average reception bit rate at that time (Step C8). This bit rate measuring method is executed according to, for example, the procedure of the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 described in the first embodiment.
[0069]
In addition to the method of measuring the reception bit rate described with reference to FIG. 4, for example, the size and time of a test file are previously determined between the STB 60 and the distribution server 12, and the file size is divided by the time when the entire file is received. Alternatively, a method of determining the reception bit rate by using the method may be used. Also, instead of measuring the reception bit rate, the received content data is reproduced (there is no need to display the reproduction result), and the pointer of the buffer which buffers the content data, that is, the writing position of the content data is indicated. There is also a method of judging that it is possible to view the bit rate of the corresponding test content because the pointer and the pointer indicating the position read for reproduction move within a certain range. That is, the fact that both writing and reading of content data to and from the buffer are stable within a certain range can be determined as a state where stable viewing of the content is possible. In this case, the test is executed in the order of the distribution bit rate (for example, in the order of 1 Mbps, 750 kbps, and 500 kbps). In any of the cases of 1 Mbps, 750 kbps, and 500 kbps, if the buffer pointer is within a certain range, there is a method of displaying no problem as a test result.
[0070]
When the measurement of the reception bit rate ends, the STB 60 notifies the distribution server 12 of the measurement result of the reception rate (Step C9). Distribution server 12 receives the measurement result and transmits a reception confirmation notification to STB 60 (step C10).
[0071]
Next, the STB 60 transmits a test result screen request to the distribution server 12 for displaying the measurement result of the reception rate and the bit rate options distributable from the distribution server 12 to the user based on the measurement result ( Step C11). The file name of the test result screen request at this time may be included in the response in step C10, or may be obtained as the test result screen file name at the same time as the video and audio file names in step C2. .
[0072]
Based on the reception rate measurement result notified from STB 60, distribution server 12 determines a distribution bit rate within a range not exceeding the reception rate, a file name of a content file prepared for the relevant distribution bit rate, and a file name of the content file. A thumbnail or the like for confirming the contents of the above is constructed and transmitted to the STB 60 (step C12). At this time, the preview file corresponding to the content file may be actually transmitted, and the preview video may be displayed by the STB 60 to confirm the relationship between the distribution bit rate and the video quality.
[0073]
For example, if the measurement result of the reception bit rate for the test content in the STB 60 is 800 kbps, the content file for the content selected by the user is 500 kbps. A screen is configured so that only a file of 750 kbps can be viewed and transmitted to STB 60.
[0074]
FIG. 9 shows an example of a test result screen displayed on the screen of TV device 70 by STB 60. In the test result screen shown in FIG. 9, in addition to a display area 100 (a preview video may be displayed) in which a thumbnail image for a content file is displayed, a distribution bit rate range 102 selectable by a user, A selection cursor 104 indicating the currently selected distribution bit rate is displayed. The selection cursor 104 can be moved within the range 102 by a user's remote control operation.
[0075]
Here, when the movement of the selection cursor 104 in the test result screen is instructed by a user's remote control operation, the STB 60 changes the distribution bit rate to be selected within the range 102 according to the instruction. Then, when the selection execution is instructed, the STB 60 determines the distribution bit rate indicated by the selection cursor 104 at that time, for example, 750 kbps, to the distribution bit rate specified by the user, and obtains the file name information of the content corresponding to the distribution bits. Then, an inquiry to perform is sent to the distribution server 12 (step C13). In response to the inquiry from STB 60, distribution server 12 notifies STB 60 of the file name information of the content file at the distribution bit rate specified by the user (step C14).
[0076]
Here, for simplicity of description, all steps from step C9 have been described as being executed between the STB 60 and the distribution server 12, but the distribution server 12 holds only actual content files of 500 kbps, 750 kbps, and 1 Mbps. It is also possible for the distribution server 12 to execute steps C9 to C14 using the navigation server 11 (or its database). In steps C11 and C12, the STB 60 can display the test results on the client side by using the screen information and the like stored in its own non-volatile memory. Further, as described in the first embodiment, it is also possible to read and display a sample image in accordance with an instruction from a user (see FIGS. 6 and 7).
[0077]
Further, although it has been described that the test content is distributed for measuring the reception rate in the STB 60, the reception bit rate may be simply measured by file transfer using FTP (File Transfer Protocol) or the like.
[0078]
Next, the STB 60 that has acquired the file name of the actual distribution content from the distribution server 12 transmits a setup request to the distribution server 12 together with the file name of the actual content (Step C15). After receiving this request, the distribution server 12 executes preparations for distributing the content, and after completion of the preparation, notifies the STB 60 of the completion of the setup (step C16).
[0079]
Thereafter, the STB 60 transmits a distribution start request of the actual content (Step C17). The distribution server 12 responds to the distribution start request (Step C18), and distributes a content file having an appropriate distribution bit rate determined using the measurement result of the reception rate to the STB 60 (Step C19).
[0080]
As described above, in the streaming distribution system according to the second embodiment, the reception bit rate is measured by the STB 60 using the test content transmitted from the distribution server 12 prior to the actual distribution of the content data, and the result is also measured. At this time, the distribution server 12 determines the range of distribution bit rates that can be distributed, and allows the user to select a distribution bit rate suitable for viewing from the range.
[0081]
Note that the method described in the above-described embodiment may be implemented as a program that can be executed by a computer, for example, on a recording medium such as a magnetic disk (such as a flexible disk or a hard disk), an optical disk (such as a CD-ROM or a DVD), or a semiconductor memory. It can be written and provided to various devices. In addition, it is also possible to transmit the data via a communication medium and provide it to various devices. A computer that realizes the present apparatus reads the program recorded on the recording medium or receives the program via the communication medium, and executes the above-described processing by controlling the operation of the program.
[0082]
In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying constituent elements in an implementation stage without departing from the scope of the invention. Various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Further, components of different embodiments may be appropriately combined.
[0083]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the present invention, it is possible to execute the reception bit rate measurement and use the result to select the distribution bit rate according to the network conditions on the client side.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a streaming distribution system according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an STB 60 according to the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a sequence of procedures on the STB 60 side and the distribution server 12 side in the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a reception rate measurement process.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display example of a screen of a TV device 70 on which a measurement result of a reception rate is displayed.
FIG. 6 is a diagram conceptually showing recording of a content file for sample display.
FIG. 7 is a diagram conceptually showing recording of a content file for sample display.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a sequence of procedures on the STB 60 side and the distribution server 12 side in the second embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a view showing an example of a test result screen displayed on the screen of the TV device 70 by the STB 60.
[Explanation of symbols]
Reference Signs List 10: Content distribution system, 11: Navigation server, 12: Distribution server, 12a: Distribution information database, 14, 22, 42: Router, 20, 40: POP (Point of Presence), 30: ISP backbone, 50: PC ( Personal computer), 60: STB (Setup Box), 70: TV device, 80: PHY unit, 81: MAC, 82: HDD controller, 83: HDD, 84: video decoder, 85: flash memory, 86: memory, 87 ... CPU, 88 ... IR-IF (interface), 89 ... NSTC encoder.

Claims (9)

A set-top box that receives content data stream-distributed from a distribution server via an IP (Internet protocol) network and outputs the content data to a TV (television) receiver,
Measuring means for measuring a bit rate when receiving the content data,
A result screen display unit for displaying a result measured by the measurement unit together with the content displayed on the screen of the TV receiver based on the content data;
Input means for inputting an instruction for a result displayed by the result screen display means,
A response transmission unit that transmits an instruction input by the input unit to the distribution server. The result screen display means,
When the bit rate measured by the measuring means is lower than the distribution bit rate from the distribution server, a bit rate value measured by the measuring means is displayed,
2. The set-top box according to claim 1, wherein an option for inputting an instruction as to whether to continue receiving the content data by the input unit is displayed. Recording means for recording content data distributed at each distribution bit rate, for each distribution bit rate when the distribution server distributes the content data,
Request input means for inputting a content output request together with designation of a distribution bit rate;
2. The set according to claim 1, further comprising sample output means for outputting content data recorded in said recording means corresponding to said distribution bit rate in response to the output request input by said request input means. Top box. Recording means for recording, for each distribution bit rate when the distribution server distributes the content data, content data received in a predetermined state of the IP network;
Request input means for inputting a content output request together with designation of a distribution bit rate and a predetermined situation of the IP network;
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising sample output means for outputting the content data recorded in the recording means corresponding to the distribution bit rate and the situation according to the output request from the request input means. Set top box. In a set-top box that receives content data stream-distributed from a distribution server via an IP network and outputs the data to a TV receiver,
Receiving means for receiving test content data from the distribution server;
Measuring means for measuring a bit rate when receiving the test content data received by the receiving means,
Determined according to the bit rate measured by the measuring means, a result screen display means for displaying the available range of delivery bit rate options,
Input means for inputting an instruction for an option displayed by the result screen display means,
Distribution bit rate notification means for notifying the distribution server of the distribution bit rate determined by the instruction input by the input means,
A set-top box comprising: In a server device for streaming distribution of content data to a client via an IP network,
Transmitting means for transmitting test content data to the client;
Notification receiving means for receiving a notification of the distribution bit rate from the client for the test content data transmitted by the transmitting means,
A server device comprising: a content distribution unit that distributes content data to the client at a distribution bit rate received by the notification reception unit. In a set-top box that receives content data streamed from a distribution server via an IP network and outputs the content data to a TV receiver,
A measuring step of measuring a bit rate when receiving the content data,
A result screen displaying step of displaying a result measured by the measuring step together with the content displayed on the screen of the TV receiver based on the content data;
An input step of inputting an instruction for a result displayed by this step;
A response transmission step of transmitting an instruction input in the input step to the distribution server. In a streaming distribution system in which content data stream-distributed from a distribution server via an IP network is output to a client,
The test server transmits content data for test to the client from the distribution server, and measures the bit rate at the time of receiving the test content data in the client,
In the client, to display a choice of available range of delivery bit rate determined according to the measured bit rate, notify the delivery server the delivery bit rate selected from among them,
A streaming distribution method, wherein the distribution server distributes content data to the client at a distribution bit rate notified from the client. A streaming distribution program for receiving content data stream-distributed from a distribution server via an IP network and outputting the content data to a TV receiver,
Computer
Measuring means for measuring a bit rate when receiving the content data,
A result screen display unit for displaying a result measured by the measurement unit together with the content displayed on the screen of the TV receiver based on the content data;
Input means for inputting an instruction for a result displayed by the result screen display means,
A streaming distribution program for causing an instruction input by the input unit to function as a response transmission unit that transmits the instruction to the distribution server.

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