JP2005167787A - Method, apparatus and program for distribution and controlling reproduction of video data - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To seamlessly reproduce a plurality of encoded video data capable of reproducing a plurality of streams of video images seamlessly and continuously without influencing the video image being reproduced in a stream in encoded video data distribution via a network with a reserved band. <P>SOLUTION: A distribution apparatus 2 including a video data distribution section 9 for distributing the encoded video data and a reproducer 1 including a communication control section 5 for requesting the distribution apparatus 2 to distribute the encoded video data, receiving, and requesting the change of a transfer route are provided. At a predetermined time earlier than the reproduction end time of the stream image currently being reproduced, the video data distribution section 9 receives a changed overrate scale factor delivered from the control section 5. Thereafter, the section 9 changes, using the received overate scale factor, the transfer rate of the encoded video data being distributed accumulated with one bit rate for one content to an overrate not exceeding the transmission capacity of the apparatus 2 and distributes it. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a distribution method and a reproduction control method for seamlessly reproducing a plurality of encoded video data in an encoded video data distribution system via a band-reserved network, and a device and a program thereof.

FIG. 4 shows an outline of a conventional video distribution system, which is based on, for example, Patent Document 1 based on a content reproduction apparatus. This content playback apparatus makes a new video distribution request at the time of switching to stream video playback. The illustrated content reproduction apparatus includes a reproduction apparatus 1, a distribution apparatus 2, and a display apparatus 3. The playback apparatus 1 further issues a display control signal 71 to play a playback and control request for the composite video data, and a delivery request and reception of encoded video data to the distribution device 2 and a transfer rate change request. A communication control unit 5 that performs the data request signal 72 to the data request processing unit 41, and a decoding / display control unit 6 that receives the data response signal from the data request processing unit and decodes the encoded video data. . The communication control unit 5 includes data request processing means 41 for supplying the video data distribution unit 9 with the distribution request signal 73 and receiving the video data distribution signal 74 from the distribution unit. The data request processing means 41 is provided with a reception buffer for temporarily storing the distribution signal.
JP 2002-268999 A

  However, according to the above-described prior art, a plurality of pieces of encoded video data are continuously transmitted by a new encoded video data distribution request to the server, search of a management database, buffering after the start of reception, etc. In order to reproduce the video, the video stopped for several seconds to several tens of seconds until the next encoded video started to be reproduced.

  In addition, there was one that shortened the joint playback time by starting the parallel reception of the next data in advance near the end of the old stream playback, but the intermediate network with a bandwidth that can not pass multiple streams simultaneously In the case of being provided via the network, there is a problem in that the network bandwidth becomes insufficient due to the start of reception of the next data, and frames of both images are dropped near the end of the old stream video that is still being reproduced.

  Furthermore, in the Content Delivery Network (CDN) or the like, the bandwidth per user when bandwidth is secured is about + α for one stream video that is less than two normal stream videos from the viewpoint of bandwidth saving. For this reason, in such a bandwidth that cannot simultaneously pass a plurality of stream videos, two stream videos cannot be passed simultaneously. There was a problem that an image may be dropped near the end of the current stream video being played back.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to seamlessly process a plurality of stream videos without affecting the currently played back video in the distribution of encoded video data via a bandwidth-reserved network. The present invention provides a video data distribution method and playback control method for seamless playback of a plurality of encoded video data that can be continuously played back, a device thereof, and a program.

The video data distribution method of the present invention is a video data distribution method for seamlessly and sequentially reproducing a plurality of encoded video data via a network with a bandwidth secured,
A distribution device having a video data distribution unit for distributing encoded video data, and a reproduction device having a communication control unit for requesting distribution, reception and transfer route change of encoded video data to the distribution device; And
When the video data distribution unit receives the changed overrate magnification value distributed from the communication control unit when a predetermined time before the end of reproduction of the currently reproduced stream video is received, the received change overrate magnification value is used. Thus, the transfer rate of the currently distributed encoded video data stored at one bit rate for one content is changed to an over rate that does not exceed the transmission processing capability of the distribution device and distributed.

In addition, the video data playback control method is a video data playback control for seamlessly and sequentially playing back multiple encoded video data from a distribution device including a video data distribution unit that distributes encoded video video data via a network that secures bandwidth. A method,
A reproduction control unit for reproducing encoded video data and requesting control, a communication control unit including two connection control units each including a reception buffer and a connection dedicated buffer, and decoding display control for decoding encoded video data And
The video data distribution unit uses the received changed overrate magnification value to change to an overrate that does not exceed the transmission processing capability of the distribution device, and the overload distribution is performed, so that the communication control unit is connected to the one connection. A step of completing the reception without overflowing the connection dedicated buffer before the unique bit rate distribution of the encoded video data currently being distributed to the connection dedicated buffer of the control unit;
While the composite display control unit is playing back the encoded video data that has been received in the step and stored in the connection-dedicated buffer in the connection control unit at a constant rate, the playback control unit The encoded video data to be reproduced next is received in the reception buffer of the other connection control unit in advance without affecting the stream image being reproduced, and is stored in the first connection dedicated buffer. A step of switching to the next reception buffer and seamlessly reproducing when the data reproduction is completed.

In this video data playback control method, the playback control unit includes transfer rate value setting means for calculating a changed overrate magnification value based on a detection value of a unique bit rate and a bandwidth reserved rate of the stream video currently being played back, Transfer rate change time setting means for calculating a transfer rate change trigger time based on a detection value of the time from the playback request of the stream video being played back until reception of the data amount that can be played back, and the remaining playback time of the currently played stream video And a remaining reproduction time detecting means for monitoring
The transfer rate value setting means detects the unique bit rate and bandwidth reserved rate of the stream video currently being played back, and determines the over rate within the bandwidth reserved rate and within the range that does not exceed the reception processing capacity of the playback device. Calculating a change overrate magnification value from the transfer rate and the bit rate specific to the stream video;
The transfer rate change time setting means detects the time from the playback request of the currently played stream video to the reception of the amount of data that can be played back, and based on the value increased by a certain amount to this time, the stream video currently being played is Calculating a transfer rate change trigger time for a time to change the transfer rate to overrate delivery;
Remaining playback time detection means holds the above change overrate magnification value, transfer rate change trigger time, the inherent bit rate of the currently played stream video, and monitors the remaining playback time of the currently played stream video, When this remaining playback time is equal to the transfer rate change trigger time or less than the transfer rate change trigger time, the change overrate magnification value, the remaining playback time, and the stream video currently being played back are sent to the transfer rate change request means. And a step of notifying the inherent bit rate.

  The connection control unit has a transfer rate change requesting unit, and the transfer rate change requesting unit receives a change overrate magnification value, a remaining playback time, and a unique bit of the stream video currently being played back from the remaining playback time detecting unit. The rate is received, the amount of data for the remaining playback time is calculated from the unique bit rate of the currently played stream video, and the connection dedicated buffer size is changed to this calculated amount of data. On the other hand, when the change over rate magnification value is notified, and the free capacity of the connection dedicated buffer becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value during reception by over rate distribution, the size of the connection dedicated buffer is preferably increased by a certain amount.

The video data distribution system of the present invention is a video data distribution system that seamlessly and sequentially reproduces a plurality of encoded video data via a network that secures bandwidth,
A distribution device including a video data distribution unit that distributes encoded video image data, and a playback device including a communication control unit that performs distribution request, reception, and transfer route change requests for encoded video data to the distribution device. Equipped,
When the video data distribution unit receives the changed overrate magnification value distributed from the communication control unit when a predetermined time before the end of reproduction of the currently reproduced stream video is received, the received change overrate magnification value is used. Thus, the transfer rate of the currently distributed encoded video data stored at one bit rate for one content is changed to an over rate that does not exceed the transmission processing capability of the distribution device, and is distributed.

Furthermore, the video data playback control system of the present invention is a video that seamlessly and sequentially plays back a plurality of encoded video data via a network that secures a band from a distribution device including a video data distribution unit that distributes the encoded video video data. A data reproduction control system,
A reproduction control unit for reproducing encoded video data and requesting control, a communication control unit including two connection control units each including a reception buffer and a connection dedicated buffer, and decoding display control for decoding encoded video data With
The video data distribution unit uses the received changed overrate magnification value to change to an overrate that does not exceed the transmission processing capability of the distribution device, and the overload distribution is performed, so that the communication control unit is connected to the one connection. Receiving the connection-dedicated buffer in the control unit without overflowing the connection-dedicated buffer sooner than when the unique bit rate of the encoded video data currently being distributed is distributed. The composite display control unit completes the reception and performs the connection control. While the encoded video data stored in the connection-dedicated buffer in the unit is being played back as a stream at a constant rate, the playback control unit performs the next playback without affecting the stream video currently being played back. Code previously received in the reception buffer of the other connection control unit and stored in the first connection dedicated buffer When the playback of the video data ends, it switches to the next reception buffer and plays back seamlessly.

  In this video data reproduction control system, the reproduction control unit includes a transfer rate value setting means for calculating a changed overrate magnification value based on a detection value of a bit rate and a bandwidth-reserved rate specific to a currently reproduced stream video, Transfer rate change time setting means for calculating the transfer rate change trigger time based on the detection value of the time from the playback request of the currently played stream video to reception of the data amount that can be played back, and the remaining playback of the currently played stream video Some have a remaining reproduction time detecting means for monitoring the time.

Further, the transfer rate value setting means detects a unique bit rate and a bandwidth-reserved rate of the stream video currently being played back, and overrates within a range that does not exceed the bandwidth-reserved rate and does not exceed the reception processing capability of the playback device. And calculate the changed overrate magnification value from this transfer rate and the specific bit rate of the stream video,
The transfer rate change time setting means detects the time from the playback request of the currently played stream video to the reception of the amount of data that can be played back, and based on the value increased by a certain amount to this time, the stream video currently being played is Calculate the transfer rate change trigger time for the time to change the transfer rate to overrate delivery,
Remaining playback time detection means holds the above change overrate magnification value, transfer rate change trigger time, the inherent bit rate of the currently played stream video, and monitors the remaining playback time of the currently played stream video, When this remaining playback time is equal to the transfer rate change trigger time or less than the transfer rate change trigger time, the change overrate magnification value, the remaining playback time, and the stream video currently being played back are sent to the transfer rate change request means. There are some that notify the specific bit rate.

Furthermore, the connection control unit has a transfer rate change request means,
The transfer rate change request means receives the changed overrate magnification value, the remaining reproduction time, and the specific bit rate of the currently played stream video from the remaining reproduction time detecting means, Calculate from the unique bit rate of the stream video being played back, change the connection dedicated buffer size to this calculated data amount, then notify the distribution device of the changed overrate magnification value, and then distribute the overrate When the free capacity of the connection dedicated buffer becomes less than a predetermined value during reception, the size of the connection dedicated buffer is increased by a certain amount.

  The above video data distribution method, reproduction control method, and these systems can be realized by a computer and a program, and the program can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium or provided through a network. Examples of the recording medium include a flexible disk, MO, ROM, memory card, CD, DVD, and removable disk.

  According to the video data distribution method and playback control method of the present invention, and these systems and programs, it is possible to make a transfer rate change request a predetermined time before the end of playback of the stream video currently being played back, and to Since the video data can be distributed at the changed over rate, the reception can be completed without overflowing the dedicated buffer before the stream at the time of the inherent bit rate distribution of the currently reproduced stream video in the over rate distribution. As a result, while the encoded video data that has been received early and is being stored in the buffer is being played back at a constant rate, the encoding that is to be played next without affecting the currently played stream video is performed. The video data can be received in advance, and when the encoded video data stored in the first connection dedicated buffer has been reproduced, the video data can be switched to the next reception buffer and reproduced. Therefore, seamless playback of multiple encoded video data is possible.

  As described above, according to the video data distribution method, the video data reproduction control method, and the system and program of the present invention, in the encoded video data distribution through the network with the bandwidth secured, the video stream currently reproduced is reproduced. Multi-stream video can be played seamlessly and continuously without any influence.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  In FIG. 1, 1 is a playback device, 2 is a distribution device, and 3 is a display device. Reference numerals 61 to 66 and 71 to 79 denote signals supplied from each device and this component. In particular, 61 is a transfer rate change trigger signal, 62 is a transfer rate change trigger signal, 63 is a buffer size change signal, 64 is a transfer rate change request signal, 65 is a buffer size change signal, 66 is a transfer rate change request signal, 71 is a display control signal, 72 is a data request signal, 73 is a distribution request signal, 74 is a video data distribution signal, and 75 is A data response signal, 76 is a data request signal, 77 is a distribution request signal, 78 is a video data distribution signal, and 79 is a data response signal.

  The distribution device 2 distributes the encoded video data to the reproduction device 2.

  The display device 3 displays the stream video decoded by the playback device 2.

  The reproduction apparatus 1 includes a reproduction control unit 4 that performs reproduction and control requests for encoded video data, a communication control unit 5 that performs distribution request and reception of encoded video data to the distribution apparatus 2, and a transfer rate change request, and encoding. And a decoding / display control unit 6 for decoding video data. The communication control unit 5 includes connection control units 7 and 8 in a pair of A and B.

  The connection control unit (A) 7 includes a data request processing means 41, a reception buffer 42, a connection dedicated buffer 43, and a transfer rate change request means 44. The connection control unit (B) 8 includes data request processing means 45, a reception buffer 46, a connection dedicated buffer 47, and a transfer rate change request means 48.

  The reproduction control unit 4 includes a transfer rate value setting unit 50, a transfer rate change time setting unit 51, and a remaining reproduction time detection unit 52.

  The distribution apparatus 2 includes a video data distribution unit 9 that distributes encoded video data and a transfer rate changing unit 49 that changes a transfer rate.

  The transfer rate value setting hand throw 50 detects the inherent bit rate and the bandwidth reserved rate of the stream video currently being played back, and the change over rate is within the bandwidth reserved rate and does not exceed the reception processing capability of the playback device. If the range is Y%, the change overrate rate value (X times) is calculated by the following calculation.

Changed overrate magnification value (X times) = (band secured rate × Y%) / unique bit rate of stream video currently being played back FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a seamless playback process of a plurality of encoded video data.

  The transfer rate change time setting means 51 detects the time (C1 in FIG. 2) required from the request for reproduction of the currently reproduced stream video to reception of the data amount that can be reproduced. This time (C1 in FIG. 2) is assumed to be the time taken from the next reproduction request for the encoded video data to be reproduced until reception of the data amount that can be reproduced.

  Further, the transfer rate change time setting means 51 sets C2 = C1 × Z times in order to ensure the seamless reproduction of the next encoded video data since C1 is a provisional time until the next encoded video data is reproduced. , The time (t3) required to receive the data amount corresponding to the time of C2 at the above-mentioned X-times overrate is accumulated in the buffer while being reproduced at the 1-time speed, and therefore becomes X-1 times, and t3 = In order to end reception at C2 / (X times-1 times) C2 hours before the reproduction end time, t1 calculated by the following calculation is set as a transfer rate change trigger time.

t1 = C2 / (X times-1 times) + C2
The remaining reproduction time detection means 52 holds the change overrate magnification value (X times), the transfer rate change trigger time (t1), the inherent bit rate of the currently reproduced stream video, and further the stream video currently being reproduced. The remaining reproduction time (t2) is monitored.

At this time, when the transfer rate change trigger time (t1) and the remaining reproduction time (t2) satisfy the transfer rate change trigger time (t1) ≧ remaining playback time (t2),
If the stream video currently being reproduced is encoded video data stored in the connection control unit (A) 7, the transfer rate change trigger signal 61 sends the above-mentioned information to the transfer rate change request means 44 of the connection control unit (A) 7. The change over rate magnification value (X times), the remaining reproduction time (t2), and the inherent bit rate of the stream image currently being reproduced are notified.

  Alternatively, when the currently reproduced stream video is encoded video data stored in the connection control unit (B) 8, the transfer rate change request signal 48 of the connection control unit (B) 8 is transmitted by the transfer rate change trigger signal 62. Is notified of the changed overrate magnification value (X times), the remaining reproduction time (t2), and the bit rate specific to the stream image currently being reproduced.

  When the stream video currently being reproduced is the encoded video data stored in the transition control unit (A) 7 in FIG. 1, the transfer rate change request means 44 of the transition control unit (A) 7 The transfer rate change trigger signal 61 receives from the remaining time detection means 52 the change overrate magnification value (X times), the remaining reproduction time (t2) and the bit rate specific to the stream image currently being reproduced, and the following calculation is performed. .

Accumulated data amount (M) = remaining reproduction time (t2) × unique bit rate of the currently reproduced stream video Next, the buffer size change signal 63 is changed to the accumulated data amount (M) by the buffer size change signal 63 and transferred. The change over rate magnification value (X times) is distributed to the transfer rate changing means 47 of the distribution device 2 by the rate change request signal 64.

  Further, when the free capacity size of the connection dedicated buffer becomes equal to or smaller than a predetermined value during reception by over-rate delivery, the connection dedicated buffer size is increased by a certain amount.

  If the stream video currently being played is the encoded video data stored in the splice control unit (B) 8 in FIG. 1, the transfer rate change request means 48 of the splice control unit (B) 8 From the remaining time detection means 52, the above change overrate magnification value (X times), the remaining reproduction time (t2), and the inherent bit rate of the currently reproduced stream video are received by the transfer rate change trigger signal 62, and the following calculation is performed. Do.

Accumulated data amount (M) = remaining reproduction time (t2) × unique bit rate of stream video currently being reproduced Next, the buffer size change signal 65 is changed to the accumulated data amount (M) by the buffer size change signal 65 and transferred. The change over rate magnification value (X times) is distributed to the transfer rate changing means 47 of the distribution apparatus 2 by the rate change request signal 66.

  Further, when the free capacity size of the connection dedicated buffer becomes equal to or smaller than a predetermined value during reception by over-rate delivery, the connection dedicated buffer size is increased by a certain amount.

  The transfer rate changing means 49 receives the change over rate magnification value (X times) by the transfer rate change request signal 64 or the transfer rate change request signal 66 and stores it at one bit rate for one program (content). The transfer rate of the encoded video data currently being distributed is changed to an over rate that does not exceed the transmission processing capability of the distribution device, using the received change over rate magnification value (X times).

  If the transfer rate change request source is the connection control unit (A) 7, the video data distribution unit 9 performs data request processing on the remaining encoded video data currently being distributed with the video data distribution signal 74 at the changed overrate. Delivery to the means 41 and the delivery is completed earlier than the time of delivery of the inherent bit rate of the encoded video data.

  If the transfer rate change request source is the connection control unit (B) 8, the remaining encoded video data currently being distributed is distributed to the data request processing means 44 by the video data distribution signal 78 at the changed overrate. Then, the distribution is completed earlier than the distribution of the inherent bit rate of the encoded video data.

  Further, while the decoding / display control unit 6 reproduces the encoded video data that has been received and stored in the connection exclusive buffer 43 of the connection control unit (A) 7 at a constant rate, the next reproduction is performed. If there is video data, the next encoded video data is received in advance in the reception buffer 46 of the connection control unit (B) 8, and after reproduction of the encoded video data stored in the connection dedicated buffer 43 is finished, It switches to the reception buffer 46 received in advance and reproduces it.

  Further, while the encoded video data received and stored in the connection dedicated buffer 47 of the connection control unit (B) 8 is being reproduced at a constant rate by the decoding / display control unit 6, the next reproduction is performed. If there is video data, the next encoded video data is received in advance in the reception buffer 42 of the connection control unit (A) 7 and when the reproduction of the encoded video data stored in the connection dedicated buffer 47 is completed, Thus, the data is switched to the reception buffer 42 that has been received and reproduced.

  As described above, a plurality of encoded video data are reproduced seamlessly and continuously by alternately switching the connection control unit (A) 7 and the connection control unit (B) 8.

  From the start of reception of encoded video data to the change of overrate distribution a predetermined time before the end time of playback, the reception buffer 46 in FIG. 1 receives and the stream playback of the encoded video data stored therein is started. After the over-rate distribution, the data is received by the reception buffer 42, but when the reception buffer 42 is full, accumulation starts in the connection dedicated buffer 43, and the connection dedicated buffer 43 starts from the distribution of the inherent bit rate of the encoded video data. The reception is completed early without overflowing, and the encoded video data stored in the reception buffer 42 is stream-reproduced, and then the encoded video data stored in the connection dedicated buffer 43 is stream-reproduced.

  Also, from the start of reception of encoded video data to the change of over-rate delivery a predetermined time before the playback end time, the reception buffer 46 receives the stream, and the encoded video data stored therein is started to be streamed. After the over-rate distribution, reception is performed by the reception buffer 46, but when the reception buffer 46 becomes full, accumulation starts in the connection dedicated buffer 47, and the connection dedicated buffer 47 starts when the encoded bit rate of the encoded video data is distributed. After the encoded video data stored in the reception buffer 46 is stream-reproduced, the encoded video data stored in the connection dedicated buffer 47 is stream-reproduced.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the seamless reproduction process of a plurality of encoded video data.

  After the reproduction request, the encoded video data is received in the current reception buffer of the linkage control unit (A), stream reproduction is started, and the remaining reproduction time (t2) is a transfer rate trigger time (which triggers the change to overrate distribution ( At t1), over-rate delivery is started. Immediately after the start of the overrate delivery, the current reception buffer of the connection control unit (A) becomes full, and reception starts in the current connection dedicated buffer of the connection control unit (A). There is no overflow in the current connection dedicated buffer, reception is completed earlier than the delivery of the inherent bit rate of the currently played stream video, and all the encoded video data in the current reception buffer is stored in the current connection dedicated buffer after playing the stream. Stream the encoded video data. While the encoded video data in the current connection dedicated buffer of the connection control unit (A) is being played back as a stream, immediately after the reception of the current encoded video data is completed, the next stream is immediately preceded without affecting the current stream video. The reception of the encoded video data to be reproduced is started in the next reception buffer of the connection control unit (B), the amount of data necessary for the start of reproduction is received, and after the current stream video reproduction of the connection control unit (A) is completed, This is an example in which seamless playback can be performed by switching to the next reception buffer of the control unit (B).

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the seamless reproduction process. The multi-stream video seamless playback process will be described with reference to FIG.

  Step 101) The connection control unit (A) 7 of the communication control unit 5 makes a reproduction request to the distribution apparatus.

  Step 102) Distribution of the encoded video data is started from the video data distribution unit 9 to the connection control unit (A) 7 of the communication control unit 5, and the transfer rate change time setting means 51 of the reproduction control unit 4 The time from the reproduction request to the reception of the data amount that can be reproduced is detected.

  Step 103) Start reproduction.

  Step 104) The transfer rate value setting means 50 detects the inherent bit rate and the band-reserved rate of the stream video currently being played back, and based on these rates, the over rate magnification value (X Times).

  Step 105) The transfer rate change time setting means 51 sets the time from reception of the encoded video data detected in step 102) or step 118) until reception of the data amount that can be reproduced and the change overrate calculated in step 104). Based on the magnification value (X times), a transfer rate change trigger time is calculated which is a time for changing the stream video currently being reproduced to over-rate delivery.

  Step 106) The remaining reproduction time detecting means 52 holds the changed overrate magnification value (X times), the transfer rate change trigger time, the inherent bit rate of the currently reproduced stream video, and further the stream video currently being reproduced. Monitor the remaining playback time.

  Step 107) The remaining reproduction time detecting means 52 monitors the remaining reproduction time until the transfer rate change trigger time ≧ the remaining reproduction time is satisfied.

  Step 108) When the transfer rate change trigger time ≧ remaining playback time is satisfied, when the current stream video playback is playback control by the connection control unit (A) 7, the transfer rate change request unit 44 changes the playback rate from the playback remaining time detection unit 52. The over rate magnification value (X times), the remaining reproduction time, and the bit rate specific to the currently reproduced stream video are received, and the connection dedicated buffer size 43 is changed to the data amount for the remaining reproduction time.

  Alternatively, when the current stream video reproduction is reproduction control by the connection control unit (B) 8, the transfer rate change request means 48 sends the change overrate magnification value (X times), the remaining reproduction time, the current reproduction time from the reproduction remaining time detection means 52. The unique bit rate of the stream video being reproduced is received, and the connection dedicated buffer size 47 is changed to the data amount for the remaining reproduction time.

  Step 109) The changed overrate magnification value (X times) is distributed to the transfer rate changing means 47 of the distribution apparatus 2.

  Step 110) The transfer rate changing means 47 uses the X times overrate value to change to a transfer rate that does not exceed the transmission processing capacity of the distribution apparatus 2, and the transfer rate change request source is the connection control unit (A) 7. The remaining encoded video data currently being distributed is distributed from the video data distribution unit 9 to the connection control unit (A) 7 at the changed over rate.

  Alternatively, when the transfer rate change request source is the connection control unit (B) 8, the remaining encoded video data currently being distributed is distributed from the video data distribution unit 9 to the connection control unit (B) 8 at the changed over rate. To do.

  Step 111) When the free capacity of the connection dedicated buffer becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value during reception by overrate delivery, the buffer size is increased by a certain amount.

  Step 112) Distribution ends with the change overrate.

  Step 113) When the transfer rate change request source is the connection control unit (A) 7, the overflow distribution does not overflow the connection dedicated buffer 43, and is earlier than the unique bit rate distribution of the encoded video data currently being distributed. And the encoded video data stored in the buffer is reproduced at a constant rate.

  Alternatively, when the transfer rate change request source is the connection control unit (B) 8, the connection dedicated buffer 47 is not overflowed in overrate distribution, and is received earlier than the inherent bit rate distribution of the encoded video data currently being distributed. When completed, the encoded video data stored in the buffer is reproduced at a constant rate.

  Step 114) While the current stream video is being reproduced, the presence / absence of encoded video data to be reproduced next is checked.

  Step 115) If there is no next encoded video data, the reproduction of the current encoded video data stored in the current connection dedicated buffer is terminated.

  Step 116) The reproduction process is terminated.

  Step 117) When there is next encoded video data and the reproduction is terminated by the reproduction control by the connection control unit (A) 7, the connection control unit (B) 8 makes an master request to the distribution apparatus. Alternatively, when the reproduction ends by the reproduction control by the connection control unit (B) 8, the connection control unit (A) 7 issues a reproduction request to the distribution apparatus.

  Step 118) In the case of a reproduction request from the connection control unit (A) 7, distribution of the next encoded video data from the video data distribution unit 9 to the connection control unit (A) 7 is started during reproduction of the current stream video, and the reproduction control unit No. 4 transfer rate change time setting means 51 detects the time from the next encoded video data reproduction request to the reception of the data amount that can be reproduced.

  In the case of a reproduction request from the connection control unit (B) 8, distribution of the next encoded video data is started from the video data distribution unit 9 to the connection control unit (B) 8 during reproduction of the current stream video, and transfer of the reproduction control unit 4 is performed. The rate change time setting means 51 detects the time from the request to reproduce the next encoded video data to the reception of the data amount that can be reproduced.

  Step 119) Confirm the end of playback of the current stream video.

  Step 120) When the playback control of the connection control unit (A) 7 ends the playback of the current encoded video data, the playback control is switched to the reception buffer 46 of the connection control unit (B) 8 that has been previously received, and the seamless playback is started. The process continues to 104).

  Alternatively, when the playback control of the connection control unit (B) 8 ends the playback of the current encoded video data, the playback control is switched to the reception buffer 42 of the connection control unit (A) 7 that has been previously received, and seamless playback is started. Processing continues to).

  Although the video data distribution method and playback control method of the present invention have been described according to the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the numerical values shown in the embodiment are merely for convenience of description. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  In addition, it goes without saying that the video data distribution method and the reproduction control method described in the embodiment can configure the processing steps shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 by a computer program and cause the computer to execute the program. A computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk, an MO, a ROM, a memory card, a CD, or the like. It can be recorded on a DVD, a removable disk, etc. and stored or distributed. It is also possible to provide this program via a network such as the Internet or electronic mail.

  Then, the present invention can be implemented by installing the program from these recording media into a computer, or by downloading the program from a network and installing the program into the computer. However, installation on a computer is a computer unit, and when there are multiple computers to be installed due to multiple devices and systems, it is natural that the program is installed for each necessary processing part. is there. In this case, the program may be recorded on a recording medium corresponding to a computer, or downloaded via a network.

The schematic block diagram which showed the embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing of the seamless reproduction | regeneration processing of the several encoding video data in the embodiment of this invention. The flowchart figure explaining the seamless reproduction | regeneration processing of the several encoding video data in the embodiment of this invention. The schematic block diagram which showed the conventional embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Playback apparatus 2 ... Distribution apparatus 3 ... Display apparatus 4 ... Playback control part 5 ... Communication control part 6 ... Decoding / display control part 7 ... Connection control part (A)
8 ... Link control part (B)
9 ... Video data distribution unit 41 ... Data request processing means 42 ... Reception buffer 43 ... Connection dedicated buffer 44 ... Transfer rate change request means 45 ... Data request processing means 46 ... Reception buffer 47 ... Connection dedicated buffer 48 ... Transfer rate change request means 49 ... Transfer rate changing means 50 ... Transfer rate value setting means 51 ... Transfer rate change time setting means 52 ... Remaining reproduction time detecting means 61 ... Transfer rate change trigger signal 62 ... Transfer rate change trigger signal 63 ... Buffer size change signal 64 ... Transfer rate change request signal 65 ... Buffer size change signal 66 ... Transfer rate change request signal 71 ... Display control signal 72 ... Data request signal 73 ... Distribution request signal 74 ... Video data distribution signal 75 ... Data response signal 76 ... Data request signal 77 ... Delivery request signal 78 ... Video data delivery signal 79 ... Data response signal C ... Time C2 from the request for reproduction of the current stream video to reception of the data amount capable of starting reproduction C1 ... Estimated time value C3 from the request for reproduction of the next stream video to reception of the data amount capable of starting playback C3 ... Time D from start of playback until reception of data amount that can be started D ... Over rate reception section E after change ... Current reception buffer size F ... Next reception buffer size M ... Current connection dedicated buffer t1 ... Transfer rate change trigger time t2 ... Remaining playback time t3: Time required to receive the amount of data corresponding to time C2 at an X-times overrate during stream reproduction

Claims (11)

A video data distribution method for seamlessly reproducing a plurality of encoded video data sequentially over a network with a secured bandwidth,
A distribution device having a video data distribution unit for distributing encoded video data, and a reproduction device having a communication control unit for requesting distribution, reception and transfer route change of encoded video data to the distribution device; And
When the video data distribution unit receives the changed overrate magnification value distributed from the communication control unit when a predetermined time before the end of reproduction of the currently reproduced stream video is received, the received change overrate magnification value is used. The transfer rate of the encoded video data currently being distributed stored at one bit rate for one content is changed to an over rate that does not exceed the transmission processing capability of the distribution device, and is distributed. To distribute video data. A video data reproduction control method for seamlessly and sequentially reproducing a plurality of encoded video data from a distribution device including a video data distribution unit that distributes encoded video image data via a network that secures a band,
A reproduction control unit for reproducing encoded video data and requesting control, a communication control unit including two connection control units each including a reception buffer and a connection dedicated buffer, and decoding display control for decoding encoded video data And
The video data distribution unit uses the received changed overrate magnification value to change to an overrate that does not exceed the transmission processing capability of the distribution device, and the overload distribution is performed, so that the communication control unit is connected to the one connection. A step of completing the reception without overflowing the connection dedicated buffer before the unique bit rate distribution of the encoded video data currently being distributed to the connection dedicated buffer of the control unit;
While the composite display control unit is playing back the encoded video data that has been received in the step and stored in the connection-dedicated buffer in the connection control unit at a constant rate, the playback control unit The encoded video data to be reproduced next is received in the reception buffer of the other connection control unit in advance without affecting the stream image being reproduced, and is stored in the first connection dedicated buffer. And a step of switching to the next reception buffer and seamlessly reproducing when the data reproduction is completed. The playback control unit includes transfer rate value setting means for calculating a changed overrate magnification value based on a detection value of a unique bit rate and a band-reserved rate of the stream video currently being played back, and a playback request for the stream video currently being played back Transfer rate change time setting means for calculating a transfer rate change trigger time based on a detection value of the time from the start of playback to reception of the data amount that can be played back, and remaining playback time detection means for monitoring the remaining playback time of the currently played stream video And
The transfer rate value setting means detects the unique bit rate and bandwidth reserved rate of the stream video currently being played back, and determines the over rate within the bandwidth reserved rate and within the range that does not exceed the reception processing capacity of the playback device. Calculating a change overrate magnification value from the transfer rate and the bit rate specific to the stream video;
The transfer rate change time setting means detects the time from the playback request of the currently played stream video to the reception of the amount of data that can be played back, and based on the value increased by a certain amount to this time, the stream video currently being played is Calculating a transfer rate change trigger time for a time to change the transfer rate to overrate delivery;
Remaining playback time detection means holds the above change overrate magnification value, transfer rate change trigger time, the inherent bit rate of the currently played stream video, and monitors the remaining playback time of the currently played stream video, When this remaining playback time is equal to the transfer rate change trigger time or less than the transfer rate change trigger time, the change overrate magnification value, the remaining playback time, and the stream video currently being played back are sent to the transfer rate change request means. And a step of notifying the inherent bit rate of the video data reproduction control method. The connection control unit includes a transfer rate change request unit,
The transfer rate change request means receives the changed overrate magnification value, the remaining reproduction time, and the specific bit rate of the currently played stream video from the remaining reproduction time detecting means, Calculate from the unique bit rate of the stream video being played back, change the connection dedicated buffer size to this calculated data amount, then notify the distribution device of the changed overrate magnification value, and then distribute the overrate 4. The video data reproduction control method according to claim 3, wherein when the free capacity of the connection dedicated buffer becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value during reception, the connection dedicated buffer size is increased by a certain amount. A video data distribution system for seamlessly and sequentially reproducing a plurality of encoded video data via a network that secures bandwidth,
A distribution device including a video data distribution unit that distributes encoded video image data, and a playback device including a communication control unit that performs distribution request, reception, and transfer route change requests for encoded video data to the distribution device. Equipped,
When the video data distribution unit receives the changed overrate magnification value distributed from the communication control unit when a predetermined time before the end of reproduction of the currently reproduced stream video is received, the received change overrate magnification value is used. The transfer rate of the encoded video data currently being distributed stored at one bit rate for one content is changed to an over rate that does not exceed the transmission processing capability of the distribution device, and is distributed. Video data distribution system. A video data playback control system that seamlessly and sequentially plays back a plurality of encoded video data from a distribution device including a video data distribution unit that distributes encoded video and video data via a network that secures a band,
A reproduction control unit for reproducing encoded video data and requesting control, a communication control unit including two connection control units each including a reception buffer and a connection dedicated buffer, and decoding display control for decoding encoded video data With
The video data distribution unit uses the received changed overrate magnification value to change to an overrate that does not exceed the transmission processing capability of the distribution device, and the overload distribution is performed, so that the communication control unit is connected to the one connection. Receiving the connection-dedicated buffer in the control unit without overflowing the connection-dedicated buffer sooner than when the unique bit rate of the encoded video data currently being distributed is distributed. The composite display control unit completes the reception and performs the connection control. While the encoded video data stored in the connection-dedicated buffer in the unit is being played back as a stream at a constant rate, the playback control unit performs the next playback without affecting the stream video currently being played back. Code previously received in the reception buffer of the other connection control unit and stored in the first connection dedicated buffer A video data playback control system for switching to the next reception buffer and playing back seamlessly when playback of the video data is finished. The reproduction control unit
A transfer rate value setting means for calculating a changed overrate magnification value based on a detection value of a unique bit rate of a stream video currently being reproduced and a bandwidth reserved rate;
A transfer rate change time setting means for calculating a transfer rate change trigger time based on a detection value of a time from a playback request of a stream video currently being played back until reception of a data amount capable of starting playback;
7. The video data reproduction control system according to claim 6, further comprising a reproduction remaining time detecting means for monitoring a remaining reproduction time of a currently reproduced stream image. The transfer rate value setting means detects the unique bit rate and bandwidth reserved rate of the stream video currently being played back, and determines the over rate within the bandwidth reserved rate and within the range that does not exceed the reception processing capacity of the playback device. , Calculate the change overrate magnification value from this transfer rate and the bit rate specific to the stream video,
The transfer rate change time setting means detects the time from the playback request of the currently played stream video to the reception of the amount of data that can be played back, and based on the value increased by a certain amount to this time, the stream video currently being played is Calculate the transfer rate change trigger time for the time to change the transfer rate to overrate delivery,
Remaining playback time detection means holds the above change overrate magnification value, transfer rate change trigger time, the inherent bit rate of the currently played stream video, and monitors the remaining playback time of the currently played stream video, When this remaining playback time is equal to the transfer rate change trigger time or less than the transfer rate change trigger time, the change overrate magnification value, the remaining playback time, and the stream video currently being played back are sent to the transfer rate change request means. The video data reproduction control system according to claim 7, wherein a unique bit rate is notified. The connection control unit includes a transfer rate change request unit,
The transfer rate change request means receives the changed overrate magnification value, the remaining reproduction time, and the specific bit rate of the currently played stream video from the remaining reproduction time detecting means, Calculate from the unique bit rate of the stream video being played back, change the connection dedicated buffer size to this calculated data amount, then notify the distribution device of the changed overrate magnification value, and then distribute the overrate 9. The video data reproduction control system according to claim 7, wherein when the free capacity of the connection dedicated buffer becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value during reception, the connection dedicated buffer size is increased by a certain amount.   A video data distribution program for causing a computer to execute the video data distribution method according to claim 1. A video data reproduction control program for causing a computer to execute the video data reproduction control method according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

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