JP2007124393A - Vod control method, image content viewing and listening preparation method, image content publishing method, vod server, vod system, image content viewing and listening system, and image content publishing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable motion picture information to be viewed and listened as needed via a VOD (Video On Demand) receiver by cooperating a service or a terminal with a VOD server or a VOD system on a network. <P>SOLUTION: Information of a server (i.e. VOD server) 4 to which a STB (Set Top Box) (i.e. VOD receiver) 2 is connected can be acquired on demand, and VOD control is to be performed by a server (i.e. private channel resolver) 3 for verifying a second IP (Internet Protocol) network/line (for example, IPv6 (Internet Protocol Version 6) network/FTTH (Fiber To The Home) line 101) to which the STB2 is connected. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a VOD control method, a video content viewing preparation method, a video content disclosure method, a VOD server, a VOD system, a video content viewing system, and a video content disclosure system, for example, video distribution.

  Currently, in multimedia services on the Internet, SAN (Storage Area Network), VOD (Video On Demand), and server virtualization are important elemental technologies.

  The SAN, which is the first elemental technology, uses a current storage device for a part thereof. The storage device used is composed of a single or an aggregate of a plurality of hard disk drives, or a disk array device that controls a plurality of hard disk drives by a dedicated control unit.

  Examples of the interface technology for connecting the storage device and the host device (for example, a server or a personal computer) include Fiber Channel (hereinafter abbreviated as FC), InfiniBand, SCSI (Small Computer Systems Interface), and the like. It has been known.

  In particular, the SCSI is excellent as an application for realizing short-range connection at low cost, and has already been widely spread in the market. In the SCSI, the function corresponding to the client is called an initiator, and the function corresponding to the server is called a target. The initiator and the target are connected by exchanging SCSI commands (that is, CDB (Command Descriptor Block)).

  In 2003, the high-level protocol standard iSCSI (Internet SCSI) that realizes SCSI processing on TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol), which is one of the common network protocols, is IETF (The Internet Engineering Task). Force) Standardized as RFC (Request for Comments) 3720.

  The iSCSI technology is used in a trunk line (for example, an intra-data center line, an inter-data center line, a large-scale LAN (Local Area Network) system) having a line quality of gigabit or higher (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1). There is no example in which the iSCSI technology is applied as a service on a consumer access line (for example, a broadband line) between a terminal and a server or between a terminal and a terminal.

  On the other hand, the spread and speeding up of FTTH (Fiber To The Home) lines are ongoing in Japan, and for example, a service using 100BASE-TX as a user terminal interface has been put into practical use. In the near future, gigabit networks using FTTH lines are expected in urban areas.

  The second elemental technology, VOD, is streaming using digital compression technology such as MPEG2 (Moving Picture Experts Group phase 2) for consumers with the spread of FTTH lines (ie, broadband IP (Internet Protocol) network). It has been put into practical use as a video distribution service.

  The main purpose of the VOD service is to provide premium contents (for example, movies) provided on rental videos, CS (Communication Satellite) broadcasts, BS (Broadcasting Satellite) broadcasts, CATV (Community Antenna TeleVision) broadcasts and the like (for example, movies). (FTTH) to provide directly to the home. That is, the user can connect and view a set-top box (STB (Set Top Box)) connected to the television receiver at any time to a server device on which desired content is mounted.

  Since the STB used in the VOD service implements general-purpose protocols on the IP network (for example, RTP (Real-time Transport Protocol), RTCP (RTP Control Protocol), HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol)) and the like. High versatility as a communication device is known.

  The VOD system provided for consumers is mainly intended for providing premium content and specific use, and user-common content (for example, educational videos) limited in quantity. For this reason, in the VOD system, a group of contents can be centrally managed (that is, loaded), and a service is provided by an expensive VOD server that has a high processing capacity for simultaneous connection or simultaneous reproduction of a plurality of terminals.

  Here, the basic configuration of the conventional VOD system will be described below with reference to FIGS. The VOD system includes a VOD server (that is, a video distribution server) 4, a server (hereinafter referred to as a program distribution server) 16 for distributing program information, and a common storage 17 in FIG. It is assumed that the VOD server 4 and the common storage 17 are always connected.

  A viewer who receives the VOD service (hereinafter referred to as a VOD viewer) 18 receives the VOD service via the IPv6 network / FTTH line 101 using the STB 2 for the VOD service. The VOD service includes, for example, a program information (for example, program guide) distribution service from the program distribution server 16 and a video distribution service from the VOD server 4.

  Here, the procedure of the VOD service will be described below with reference to FIG.

  First, the VOD viewer 18 turns on the STB 2 and activates the STB 2 (M501).

  Next, at the same time that the STB 2 is activated (or the VOD viewer 18 operates the STB 2), a program information request is transmitted to the program distribution server 16 (M502).

  Next, the program distribution server 16 creates program information and transmits the program information to the STB 2 (M503).

  In the communication related to the program information request and the program information, for example, it is preferable to use HTTP. Furthermore, in FIG. 10, it is assumed that any STB 2 is connected to the same VOD server.

  Next, the STB 2 displays the program information to the VOD viewer 18 (M504).

  Next, the VOD viewer 18 operates the STB 2 to select a desired program from the program information (M505).

  Next, the STB 2 transmits a connection request to the VOD server 4 (M506).

  Next, the VOD server 4 transmits a connection completion to the STB 2 (M507).

  Next, the STB 2 transmits a content request (request related to the selected content) to the VOD server 4 (M508). Note that RTSP is preferably used for communication related to the content request.

  Next, capability negotiation is performed between the VOD4 server and the STB 2 (M509).

  Next, the VOD4 server transmits video streaming to the STB2 (M510). Note that UDP (User Datagram Protocol) or RTP is preferably used for the communication related to the video streaming.

  Then, the STB 2 displays a program to the VOD viewer 18 (M511).

  Server virtualization (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 2), which is the third elemental technology, has recently been announced in succession at the hardware level. A multi-core CPU has been released in the lineup of the latest CPU (Central Processing Unit) and is scheduled to become the main product in the future.

  One of the technologies that make use of the multi-core CPU is a server virtualization technology. For example, there is a technique for virtualizing on the same layer as the OS (Operating System) on the same hardware. In fact, server products have also been released.

In addition, by using the server virtualization technology, it is possible to dynamically allocate CPU resources and the like in the OS layer. However, in addition to this, it is possible to process multiple applications that you want to operate independently in the OS layer on the same hardware, so logically separate server groups can be placed in a specific physical space with high density. It becomes possible to arrange. For example, when a server is installed in a data center, a spatial and economic advantage can be obtained by adopting the server virtualization technology as an alternative to introducing a blade server.
STORAGE NETWORKING INDUSTRIY ASSOCIATION, “NAS and iSCSI Technology Overview”, [online], April 12, 2005, STORAGE NETWORKING INDUSTRIw URL, Heisei 17 . snwusa. com / images / NASandISCSITologyOverview. pdf>. Takeshi Matsumoto, “Evaluation Points for Introducing Server Virtualization Technology”, NRI Technology Emergence, Nomura Research Institute, January 6, 2005, No. 5, 2005, p. 35-49.

  A consumer-oriented VOD receiver (for example, STB) as a video communication device as described above has high versatility such as a mounting protocol and can be easily used in combination with other applications. However, the consumer-use VOD receivers depend on premium content (for example, movies) for broadcast quality content, and have become practically dedicated machines at present, and remain a substitute for rental video services. . Therefore, the above-mentioned consumer VOD receiver has not been efficiently diverted or used together.

  Also, WEB server-based services for the purpose of community formation such as a public personal diary service called blog (BLOG) on the Internet and SNS (Social Networking Site) are gaining popularity. With the widespread use of broadband lines, the service creates not only text but also simple images that have been captured or compressed for still images taken with a digital camera, etc. Advanced users posted on the server are not uncommon.

  However, moving images are overwhelmingly larger than text and still images. Therefore, the capacity that a general blog service allocates to an individual user according to an economical fee is greatly restricted by the number of publications, playback time, resolution (for example, screen size), and the like. Furthermore, the quality of many moving images on the Internet homepage is less than the broadcast quality. In particular, few personally photographed content posted on the blog has reached broadcast quality.

  On the other hand, in services other than the WEB server base, for example, on information magazines such as magazines, which are mainly based on paper, a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) and a two-dimensional barcode are used in a form added to information such as still images. There are services that attempt to provide (or guide to) information that cannot be posted on the magazine via the telephone. However, the mobile phone itself is not connected to a broadband line, and provides broadcast quality moving images (for example, private moving images) in cooperation with the original information (information posted in the magazine) with a simple operation. The service does not exist.

  Furthermore, focusing on the personal environment, it has already become easy to shoot moving images corresponding to broadcast quality at the personal level due to the spread of digital cameras and the like. Also, a model equipped with a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) or a hard disk as a recording medium has appeared. This is partly because the video compression standard for digital video cameras has been established. If a large-capacity storage device that is privately owned and highly economical is prepared separately, it is highly likely that it will be easy to store the captured video in the storage device in the near future.

  The present invention has been made on the basis of the above-mentioned problems, and a VOD control method and video in which a service or a terminal on a network and a VOD server or a VOD system cooperate to view video information at any time via a VOD receiver. It is to provide a content viewing preparation method, a video content disclosure method, a VOD server, a VOD system, a video content viewing system, and a video content disclosure system.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a VOD control method in which a VOD receiver connects to a VOD server via an IP network / line, and a private channel resolver Receiving a content ID transmitted by the VOD receiver, resolving VOD server connection information based on the content ID, and the private channel resolver Transmitting the VOD server connection information; and receiving the VOD server connection information from the VOD receiver and connecting to a VOD server corresponding to the VOD server connection information.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the private channel resolver determines an IP line assignment address of a line to which the VOD receiver is connected based on a preset IP line assignment address. Including a step of verifying.

  The invention according to claim 3 is a VOD control method for the iSCSI storage apparatus from the VOD server, wherein the VOD server receives the content ID and transmits an iSCSI connection information request including the content ID to the CID manager. The CID manager receives the iSCSI connection information request, resolves the iSCSI connection information corresponding to the content ID, transmits the ISCSI connection information to the VOD server, and the VOD server includes the ISCSI connection information. And connecting to the iSCSI storage device.

  The invention according to claim 4 is a video content viewing preparation method for preparing video content viewing from a first IP and a second IP compatible dual stack terminal via a first IP network and a second IP network / line, wherein the first IP and the second IP A step in which the 2-IP compatible dual stack terminal transmits a video content viewing request including a unique content ID to the WEB server via the first IP network; the WEB server receives the video content viewing request; A step of transmitting an electronic ticket issuing request including the content ID corresponding to the video content viewing request to the ticket server; and the ticket server receives the electronic ticket issuing request and responds to the electronic ticket issuing request. A content transmission preparation request including the content ID is transmitted to the VOD system. The VOD system receives the content viewing preparation request, and transmits a viewing preparation completion including the VOD server name of the VOD system to the ticket server; and the ticket server completes the viewing preparation. Receiving the one-time ID and the one-time PW issuance request to the authentication server, the authentication server receiving the one-time ID and the one-time PW issuance request, and receiving the one-time ID and the one-time ID. Generating a PW and transmitting the one-time ID and one-time PW to the ticket server; the ticket server receives the one-time ID and one-time PW; and the one-time ID and one-time PW Issuing a first electronic ticket including: and transmitting the first electronic ticket to the WEB server; A WEB server receiving the first electronic ticket and transmitting the first electronic ticket to the first IP and second IP compatible dual stack terminals; and the first IP and second IP dual stack terminals, A first electronic ticket is received, a second electronic ticket is created including a second IP line assignment address assigned to the line used by the VOD receiver for the first electronic ticket, and the second electronic ticket is Transmitting to the VOD system via the second IP network / line; the VOD system receives the second electronic ticket and includes the one-time ID and one-time PW for the authentication server; A step of transmitting an authentication request; and the authentication server receives the one-time ID and one-time PW, and the one-time ID and one-time PW Authenticating based on, and transmitting authentication completion to the VOD system, the VOD system receiving the authentication completion, and preparing for video content viewing for the first IP and second IP compatible dual stack terminals Sending a notification.

  The invention according to claim 5 is a video content viewing preparation method for preparing video content viewing from a mobile phone via a mobile phone network and an IP network / line, wherein the mobile phone has a content ID of a desired video content. , Obtaining access information for the private channel agent, and the mobile phone accesses the private channel agent based on the obtained access information, and the video content including the content ID and the phone number of the mobile phone A step of transmitting a viewing request; a step of receiving the video content viewing request by the private channel agent; and a step of transmitting a content viewing preparation request to the VOD system via the IP network / line; The content viewing preparation request is received and the V Transmitting a content viewing preparation completion including the VOD server name of the D system to the private channel agent; the private channel agent receives the content viewing preparation completion; The FM-DB receives the inquiry, obtains a line assignment address corresponding to the telephone number, and sends the line assignment address to the private channel agent. Transmitting, the private channel agent receiving the line assignment address, creating private channel configuration information, transmitting the private channel configuration information to the VOD system, and the VOD system comprising the private channel configuration information H Receiving the channel setting information, setting the private channel setting information as a private channel, and transmitting the private channel setting completion to the private channel agent; and Receiving a setting completion and transmitting a video content viewing preparation completion notification to the mobile phone.

  The invention according to claim 6 is a content publishing method for registering a content ID corresponding to a video content file stored in a storage device in a WEB page and publishing the video content file, which is compatible with the first IP and the second IP. The dual stack terminal sends a content ID issuance request including the file name of the video content file, the iSCSI connection parameter of the iSCSI gateway device, and the second IP line assignment address to the CID manager via the second IP network / line. The CID manager receives the content ID issue request, issues a unique content ID based on a combination of the second IP line assignment address and the file name of the video content file, and the CID manager But, Registering the combination of the content ID, the iSCSI connection parameter, and the second IP line assignment address in the CID manager itself, and transmitting the content ID to the first IP and second IP compatible dual stack terminal; The first IP and the second IP-compatible dual stack terminal receive the content ID, and register the content ID in the WEB page of the WEB server via the first IP network; and the WEB server performs the registration. In response, the content ID registration completion is transmitted to the first IP and second IP compatible dual stack terminal, and the content ID registered in the WEB page is selected from the browsing terminal, and the VOD server selects the selection. To the storage device corresponding to the specified content ID Receiving the request; sending the iSCSI connection information request for the iSCSI gateway device corresponding to the content ID and the second IP line assignment address to the CID manager; Receiving the iSCSI connection information request, and transmitting the iSCSI connection information including the second IP line allocation address to the VOD server; the VOD server receiving the iSCSI connection information; and The method includes a step of transmitting an iSCSI connection request to the iSCSI gateway device based on the information.

  The invention according to claim 7 is a VOD server connected to an iSCSI storage device storing video content files, and the VOD server establishes an iSCSI connection to the iSCSI storage device in response to the received reproduction request. And reading the video content file from the iSCSI storage device and delivering the video content file to a predetermined VOD receiver.

  The invention according to claim 8 is the invention according to claim 7, wherein the VOD server includes a virtual dedicated server.

  The invention according to claim 9 is a VOD system in which a VOD receiver is connected to a VOD server via an IP network / line, and the VOD receiver transmits a content ID to a private channel resolver. The private channel resolver receives the content ID and resolves the name of the VOD server corresponding to the content ID, and the private channel resolver sends the VOD receiver to the VOD receiver. And a means for transmitting the name of the VOD server and a means for connecting the VOD receiver to the VOD server corresponding to the name of the VOD server.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the ninth aspect, the VOD server transmits to the CID manager an iSCSI connection information request including the content ID, and the CID manager includes the iSCSI connection. Means for receiving an information request, resolving the iSCSI connection information corresponding to the content ID, and transmitting the ISCSI connection information to the VOD server; and the VOD server based on the iSCSI connection information Means for connecting to the apparatus.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the ninth or tenth aspect, the private channel resolver determines an IP line assignment address of a line to which the VOD receiver is connected based on a preset IP line assignment address. And verifying means.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a video content viewing system in which a VOD receiver receives distribution of video content from a VOD system, wherein a ticket server receives an electronic ticket issuing request and responds to the electronic ticket issuing request with content. Means for transmitting content preparation including ID to the VOD system; receiving the one-time ID and one-time PW; issuing a first electronic ticket including the one-time ID and one-time PW; A means for transmitting one electronic ticket to the WEB server, and means for receiving a viewing preparation completion and transmitting a one-time ID and a one-time PW issuance request to the authentication server. Receiving the video content viewing request, and responding to the video content viewing request and including the content ID A means for transmitting a ticket issuing request to the ticket server, and means for receiving the first electronic ticket and transmitting the first electronic ticket to the first IP and the second IP compatible dual stack terminal, The first IP and second IP compatible dual stack terminals receive the video content viewing request including the unique content ID to the WEB server via the first IP network; and the first electronic ticket is received; A second electronic ticket is created for the first electronic ticket, including a second IP line assignment address assigned to the line used by the VOD receiver, and the second electronic ticket is sent to the VOD system from the second IP network. Means for transmitting via the line, the authentication server receives the one-time ID and the one-time PW issue request, and the one-time ID Generating one-time PW, transmitting the one-time ID and one-time PW to the ticket server, receiving the one-time ID and one-time PW, and based on the one-time ID and one-time PW Means for authenticating and transmitting authentication completion to the VOD system, the VOD system receiving the content viewing preparation request, and ticketing the viewing preparation completion including the VOD server name of the VOD system Means for transmitting to the server; receiving the second electronic ticket; receiving means for transmitting an authentication request including the one-time ID and one-time PW to the authentication server; Means for transmitting a video content viewing preparation completion notification to the first IP and second IP-compatible dual stack terminals. The

  The invention described in claim 13 is a video content viewing system in which the VOD receiver receives video content from the VOD system, and the mobile phone obtains the content ID of the desired video content and access information for the private channel agent. Means for accessing the private channel agent based on the obtained access information and transmitting a video content viewing request including the content ID and the telephone number of the mobile phone, and the private channel The agent receives the video content viewing request, receives a content viewing preparation request via the IP network / line to the VOD system, receives the content viewing preparation completion, and sends to the FM-DB Inquiry including the phone number of the mobile phone Means for receiving the line assignment address, creating private channel setting information, transmitting the private channel setting information to the VOD system, receiving private channel setting completion, and And a means for transmitting video content viewing preparation completion. The VOD system receives the content viewing preparation request, and sends a content viewing preparation completion including the VOD server name of the VOD system to the private channel agent. And means for receiving the private channel setting information, setting the private channel setting information as a private channel, and transmitting the private channel setting completion to the private channel agent. And the FM-DB Receives the combined, obtains the line allocation address corresponding to the telephone number, with respect to the private channel agent comprises means for transmitting a 該回 line assigned address, and wherein the.

  The invention according to claim 14 is a video content publishing system for registering a content ID corresponding to a content file stored in a storage device in a WEB page and publishing the content file, wherein the first IP and second IP dual A stack terminal sends a content ID issue request including means for connecting to the storage device, a file name of the content file, an iSCSI connection parameter of the iSCSI gateway device, and a second IP line allocation address via the second IP network / line. Means for transmitting to the CID manager; means for receiving the content ID; registering the content ID in the WEB page of the WEB server via the first IP network; and means for disconnecting the connected storage device And the CID The manager receives the content ID issuance request, issues a unique content ID based on the combination of the second IP line assignment address and the file name of the content file, the content ID, the iSCSI connection parameter, the A second IP line allocation address combination is registered in the CID manager itself, the content ID is transmitted to the first IP and the second IP compatible dual stack terminal, the iSCSI connection information request is received, and the second IP Means for transmitting iSCSI connection information including a line allocation address to the VOD server, and the WEB server receives the content ID registration and completes the content ID registration corresponding to the first IP and the second IP. Means for transmitting to the dual stack terminal; Means for accessing a WEB page on the WEB server via a browsing terminal on the P network, and the iSCSI gateway device has means for connecting to the storage device, and the VOD server Sends a connection request related to the storage device corresponding to the content ID and an iSCSI connection information request related to the iSCSI gateway device corresponding to the content ID and the second IP line allocation address to the CID manager. And means for receiving the iSCSI connection information and transmitting an iSCSI connection request to the iSCSI gateway based on the iSCSI connection information.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the VOD server connection information can be acquired based on the content ID.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to verify the second IP line assignment address (for example, IPv6 network prefix) to which the VOD receiver is connected.

  According to the third aspect of the invention, the iSCSI connection information corresponding to the content ID can be solved.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, authentication and preparation for using the VOD system can be performed by the first IP and second IP compatible dual stack terminals (for example, IPv4 / IPv6 dual stack terminals). According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, preparation for using the VOD system can be performed by the mobile phone.

  According to the invention described in claim 6, the content ID can be acquired and registered in the WEB page.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to perform the iSCSI connection and read the video content file from the iSCSI storage device in response to the reproduction request.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the VOD server can be regarded as a virtual dedicated server.

  According to the ninth aspect of the invention, the name of the VOD server can be acquired based on the content ID.

  According to the invention of the tenth aspect, the iSCSI connection information corresponding to the content ID can be solved.

  According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the line assignment address of the line to which the VOD receiver is connected can be verified.

According to the invention of claim 12, authentication and preparation for using the VOD system can be performed by the first IP and second IP compatible dual stack terminals. A cell phone can be used to prepare for using the VOD system.

  According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the content ID can be acquired and registered on the WEB page.

  As described above, according to the first and ninth aspects of the invention, the VOD servers can be distributed based on the content ID.

  According to the second and eleventh aspects of the invention, the result of verifying the second IP line assignment address (for example, IPv6 network prefix) connected to the VOD receiver can be acquired.

  According to the third and tenth aspects of the present invention, the VOD server can be connected to the iSCSI storage device corresponding to the content ID.

  According to the fourth, fifth, twelfth and thirteenth aspects of the present invention, the video content can be viewed using the VOD system.

  According to the sixth and fourteenth aspects, the content file stored in the storage device can be disclosed on the network.

  According to the seventh aspect of the invention, the video content file can be distributed in response to the reproduction request.

  According to the eighth aspect of the invention, management of the VOD server can be facilitated.

  These can contribute to the video distribution field.

  Hereinafter, a VOD control method, a video content viewing preparation method, a video content disclosure method, a VOD server, a VOD system, a video content viewing system, and a video content disclosure system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  In the first to fourth embodiments, information on a server to which a VOD receiver is connected can be acquired on demand, and an IP network / line (for example, an IPv6 (Internet Protocol Version 6) / FTTH line to which the VOD receiver is connected). VOD control is performed by a server (hereinafter referred to as a private channel resolver) that verifies. Furthermore, video content is distributed by a VOD server employing a virtualization server.

  The basic configuration and operation in the first to fourth embodiments will be described below.

  First, a private channel by which a VOD service user can select desired content by an STB and acquire information on a server to which the STB is connected (ie, connection parameters; for example, server name, content name) on demand (dynamically). The resolver is installed on the IPv6 network configured with FTTH lines.

  Since the IPv6 network has a huge address space, it is possible to assign a fixed address to the FTTH line. Further, by verifying the IPv6 network prefix (that is, the upper 64 bits of 128-bit data indicating the IPv6 address), user authentication for access from the STB can be easily performed. That is, the IPv6 network prefix can be regarded as a line allocation address based on IPv6.

  An example of a method for setting a private channel by a VOD service user is realized by making an Internet terminal (for example, a personal computer) browsing a WEB site on the Internet into IPv4 (Internet Protocol Version 4) / IPv6 dual stack.

  When the VOD service user browses the Internet using a dual-stack Internet terminal, the user connects to an Internet provider via the IPv4 stack and accesses various WEB pages.

  Next, when a WEB page including an image desired to be viewed is found via the STB, an electronic ticket is received through a predetermined procedure on the page. The received electronic ticket is automatically delivered to the private channel resolver via the dual-stack Internet terminal.

  In the electronic ticket, information on a storage device in which the moving image content desired to be viewed is described, and the electronic ticket is set as a private channel of the VOD system.

  Another example of a method for setting a private channel by a VOD service user is to construct a database (hereinafter referred to as FM-DB (Fixed Mobile-DataBase)) in which a cellular phone number and a network prefix of an IPv6 network are mapped one-to-one. It is realized by installing it.

  First, a predetermined agent system is accessed from a mobile phone whose telephone number is registered in the database, and a private channel is set based on an ID (Identifier) of a desired moving image content. The access to the agent system can use, for example, a paper medium (for example, a magazine) describing access information expressed in a two-dimensional barcode.

  When the VOD service user selects a private channel on the STB via a remote controller or the like, the user can view the selected moving image with a broadcast quality on a personal computer or mobile phone.

  Note that the total capacity of content files to be viewed based on the private channel is expected to be enormous, so it is impractical to centrally manage large-capacity content that is assumed in advance. Therefore, the management of each content file is performed by the content provider itself, and a storage device that stores the content is connected and accommodated on demand from the center server side by the iSCSI protocol.

  In addition, although it is expected that the probability of simultaneous access to the same content through a private channel is small, the iSCSI protocol generates a relatively high CPU load, so resources for each server providing each private channel are fixedly distributed. That is economically inefficient.

  Therefore, in order to realize a center server configuration in consideration of economic efficiency, a configuration combining iSCSI technology and virtualization server technology is adopted. By adopting the virtual server technology described above, even if access to a specific private channel is concentrated, if there are few accesses to other private channels, resources can be distributed to the server on which access is concentrated. As described above, the configuration combining the iSCSI technology and the virtualization server technology can constitute a highly economical VOD server group.

  In addition to the above configuration, the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention are configured as a basic configuration by a combination of an authentication server and a database.

[First Embodiment]
The first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. In the first embodiment, the iSCSI private storage in which the VOD server 4 or the virtual dedicated server adoption VOD server 4A has the iSCSI target function in response to the video content playback request via the STB 2 of the VOD viewer 18 in FIG. This is a VOD system in which an iSCSI connection is made to the apparatus 5 and the video content is displayed to the VOD viewer 18.

  The VOD viewer 18 accesses the VOD server 4 using a server (that is, a private channel resolver) 3 that provides access information to the VOD server 4. That is, the connection destination VOD server for the STB 2 can be distinguished by the private channel setting of the private channel resolver 3.

  Furthermore, it is assumed that the VOD viewer 18 can obtain program information from the program distribution server 16 in FIG.

  The VOD server 4 can accommodate only one or several FTTH lines / iSCSI (which can be regarded as a storage device) 103 with one server because of load characteristics based on the iSCSI technology. For this reason, it shall be comprised by the aggregate | assembly of a VOD server according to the objective of accommodating a mass user.

  The server aggregate is, for example, a server (that is, a virtual dedicated server adopting VOD server) 4A configured by a virtual dedicated server (for example, VPS (Virtual Private Server)) in consideration of economy and traffic characteristics.

  Furthermore, in consideration of facility economics, the number of VOD servers is assumed to be smaller than the number of private storages. For this reason, the connection to the iSCSI private storage device 5 is on-demand by content access, and the iSCSI connection automatically times out after viewing ends. However, the private storage with high access frequency can be automatically changed so as not to perform the automatic timeout.

  The procedure in the first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.

  First, the VOD viewer 18 in FIG. 2 turns on the STB 2 and activates the STB 2 (M101).

  Next, when the STB 2 is activated, a program information request is automatically transmitted to the program distribution server 16 (or the VOD viewer 18 operates the STB 2) (M102).

  Next, the program distribution server 16 creates program information and transmits the program information to the STB 2 (M103).

  In the communication related to the program information request and the program information, for example, it is preferable to use HTTP.

  Next, the STB 2 receives the program information and displays the program information to the VOD viewer 18 (M104).

  Next, the VOD viewer 18 uses the STB 2 to select a private channel via the program information (M105).

  Next, the STB 2 transmits an inquiry related to the private channel selection to the private channel resolver 3 (M106). The inquiry includes a content ID.

  Next, the private channel resolver 3 receives the inquiry related to the private channel selection, creates an answer corresponding to the inquiry, and transmits the answer to the STB 2 (M107).

  The answer includes information for connecting to the VOD server (that is, VOD server connection information; for example, the name of the VOD server 4). That is, the connection destination VOD server can be distinguished according to the contents of the private channel.

  Also, the private channel resolver 3 acquires an IPv6 network prefix in the IPv6 network address assigned to the STB 2, and assigns information that can be connected to the VOD server 4 according to the combination of the IPv6 network prefix and the content ID. Also good.

  Next, the STB 2 receives the answer and transmits a connection request to the VOD server 4 based on the VOD server connection information in the answer (M108).

  Next, the VOD4 server performs a predetermined operation (for example, iSCSI connection to the iSCSI private storage device 5) in response to the connection request, and transmits a connection completion to the STB2 (M109).

  Next, the STB 2 transmits a content request (for example, a content request including a content ID) to the VOD server 4 (M110). Note that RTSP is preferably used for communication related to the content request.

  Next, capability negotiation is performed between the VOD4 server and the STB 2 (M111).

  Next, the VOD4 server transmits video streaming to the STB2 (M112). Note that UDP or RTP is preferably used for the communication related to the video streaming.

  Then, the STB 2 displays a program to the VOD viewer 18 (M113).

[Second Embodiment]
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. In the second embodiment, a service user who uses a home terminal acquires an electronic ticket for a content service via the service provider's system, and the service user uses the STB of the service user. This is a video content viewing system for viewing content owned by a content holder (content holder other than the service user). The second embodiment includes a service provider, service user, and content holder system.

  The service user system has devices indicated by reference numerals 1 and 2 in FIG.

  The apparatus denoted by reference numeral 1 enables Internet connection with an Internet provider via the FTTH line (for example, 100BASETX connector) in FIG. 3, and the IPv6 network / FTTH line 101 (that is, the IPv6 network is fixed) via the FTTH line. This is a home terminal (for example, a personal computer) that has an IPv4 / IPv6 dual stack that can be connected to an addressed FTTH line) and can access a WEB page.

  The IPv6 network / FTTH line 101 adopts a fixed IPv6 address, and the upper 64 bits of the IPv6 address (that is, IPv6 network prefix) are mapped one-to-one with the FTTH line. That is, the IPv6 network / FTTH line is an FTTH line provided with an IPv6 network prefix in the IPv6 network.

  The apparatus denoted by reference numeral 2 is an STB (STB provided with an IPv6 fixed address) that can be connected to the VOD server 4 on the IPv6 network (that is, on the IPv6 network / FTTH line 101) via the FTTH line.

  The system of the service provider has devices indicated by reference numerals 3, 4, 6 to 9 in FIG.

  A device denoted by reference numeral 8 is a WEB server that provides a WEB-based service such as BLOG.

  A device denoted by reference numeral 9 is a server (hereinafter referred to as a ticket server) that gives a parameter related to private channel setting for the STB 2 to the home terminal 1.

  An apparatus denoted by reference numeral 4 is a server that provides a VOD service (hereinafter referred to as a VOD server). Note that the VOD server 4 needs to support load characteristics based on the iSCSI technology, and therefore, the VOD server 4A adopting a virtual dedicated server in FIG.

  An apparatus denoted by reference numeral 3 is a server (hereinafter referred to as a private channel resolver) that provides access information to the VOD server (that is, a VOD server that the STB 2 accesses via a private channel) 4.

  A device denoted by reference numeral 7 is a server (hereinafter referred to as an authentication server) that handles authentication information for controlling whether or not the connection to the private channel resolver 3 is possible. The authentication server can also be accessed from the IPv6 network / FTTH line 101.

  A device denoted by reference numeral 6 is a device (hereinafter referred to as a CID (Contents ID) manager) 6 that manages mapping information of private content and location (for example, FTTH line) information of a storage device that stores the content.

  The content holder system has a device denoted by 5.

  Reference numeral 5 denotes a storage device for storing content (hereinafter referred to as an iSCSI private storage device; a storage device having an iSCSI target function). The iSCSI private storage device 5 can be connected to the IPv6 network / FTTH line 101 via the FTTH line. Note that an iSCSI termination function (for example, an iSCSI target device) connected to the private storage device is used for the connection. Further, a general-purpose interface (for example, IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) 1934, USB (Universal Serial Bus), SCSI) is used for connection between the iSCSI terminator and the storage device.

  The procedure in the second embodiment will be described below.

  First, the service user views high-quality viewing provided by the VOD server 4 via the home terminal 1 for predetermined content (that is, content having a unique content ID) in the WEB server 8 in FIG. A request is made (that is, a video content viewing request is transmitted via the IPv4 network) (M201). Note that the video content viewing request is made, for example, by clicking a predetermined portion of the content with a mouse or reading a two-dimensional barcode.

  Next, the WEB server 8 receives the video content viewing request and transmits an electronic ticket issuing request to the ticket server 9 in order to view the selected content (M202). The electronic ticket issuing request includes the content ID d1 in FIG.

  Next, the ticket server 9 receives the electronic ticket issuance request, and sends a private storage connection request (that is, a video content viewing preparation request) to the VOD server (VOD server loaded with the selected content) 4. Transmit (M203).

  The connection request includes the content ID d1 in FIG. Since the ticket server 9 and the VOD server 4 have different IP versions, the ticket server 9 has an IPv4 / IPv6 dual stack function or a translator is installed between the ticket server 9 and the VOD server 4. Suppose that

  Next, the VOD server 4 receives the private storage connection request, and transmits an iSCSI connection parameter request for the private storage loaded with the selected content to the CID manager 6 (M204). It is assumed that the iSCSI connection parameter request includes the content ID d1 in FIG.

  Next, the CID manager 6 receives the iSCSI connection parameter request and transmits an iSCSI connection parameter D1 based on the presented content ID d1 in FIG. 4 to the VOD server 4 (M205, in FIG. 4). Code OP1).

  Next, the VOD server 4 transmits an iSCSI connection request to the iSCSI private storage device 5 based on the received iSCSI connection parameter D1 in FIG. 4 (M206).

  Next, the iSCSI private storage device 5 performs predetermined processing (for example, access preparation and disk mounting processing for the selected content) in response to the received iSCSI connection request, and sends iSCSI connection completion to the VOD server 4 (M207).

  Next, the VOD server 4 receives the completion of the iSCSI connection, and transmits a viewing preparation completion of the selected content to the ticket server 9 (M208). The viewing preparation completion includes the VOD server name of the VOD server 4 (that is, the VOD server name d2 in FIG. 5).

  Next, the ticket server 9 receives the viewing preparation completion, and transmits a one-time ID and one-time PW (Password) issue request to the authentication server 7 (M209).

  Next, the authentication server 7 receives the one-time ID and the one-time PW issue request, generates the one-time ID d3 and the one-time PW d4 in FIG. 5, and generates the one-time ID d3 and the one-time PW. d4 is transmitted to the ticket server 9 (M210).

  Next, the ticket server 9 receives the one-time ID and the one-time PW, issues an electronic ticket D2 including the one-time ID d3 and the one-time PW d4, and sends the electronic ticket D2 to the WEB server 8. It transmits to (M211, code | symbol OP2 in FIG. 5).

  Next, the WEB server 8 receives the electronic ticket D2, and transmits the electronic ticket D2 to the in-home terminal (that is, the ticket issuing request source terminal) 1 (M212, symbol OP2 in FIG. 5). .

  Next, the in-home terminal 1 receives the electronic ticket D2, and transmits the electronic ticket D3 to the private channel resolver 3 via the IPv6 stack (M213 and reference numeral IP1 in FIG. 6). The electronic ticket D3 includes an IPv6 network prefix (that is, a symbol d5 in FIG. 6) assigned to the FTTH line used by the STB 2.

  Next, the private channel resolver 3 receives the electronic ticket D3 and transmits an authentication request including the one-time ID d3 and the one-time PW d4 to the authentication server 7 (M214).

  Note that the authentication can also be regarded as authentication for a combination of an IPv6 network prefix (that is, an FTTH line to which the STB 2 is connected) and a content ID. Further, since the IP version is different between the authentication server 7 and the private channel resolver 3, the authentication server 7 has an IPv4 / IPv6 dual stack function, or a translator is installed between the authentication server 7 and the private channel resolver 3. Suppose that

  Next, the authentication server 7 performs authentication based on the one-time ID d3 and the one-time PW d4, and transmits an authentication completion to the private channel resolver 3 (M215).

  Next, the private channel resolver 3 receives the authentication completion and transmits a private channel setting completion notification (that is, a video content viewing preparation completion notification) to the home terminal 1 (M216).

  Note that the content ID included in the electronic ticket D3 is notified to the STB 2 by electronic communication (for example, IP communication via the IPv6 network / FTTH line 101) or manually input by the service user.

  Next, a private channel is selected using the STB 2 that can be connected to the VOD server 4, and a content viewing request (viewing request including the content ID) designated on the WEB server 8 is sent to the private channel resolver 3. ) Is transmitted (M217). The viewing request includes the content ID.

  Next, the private channel resolver 3 verifies the IPv6 network prefix in the IPv6 address of the STB 2 obtained by the connection from the STB 2 based on the IPv6 network prefix in the electronic ticket D3. When the verification is successful, the private channel resolver 3 transmits a connection parameter (for example, VOD server name, content ID) to the VOD server to the STB 2 (M218). The connection parameters are included in an electronic ticket D3 registered in the private channel resolver 3 (that is, an electronic ticket set as a private channel) D3.

  Next, the STB 2 transmits a connection request to the VOD server 4 based on the connection parameters received from the private channel resolver 3 (M219).

  Next, the VOD server 4 transmits a connection completion to the STB 2 (M220).

  Then, the service user starts desired viewing via the STB 2.

[Third Embodiment]
The third embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. In the third embodiment, a service user using a mobile phone acquires an electronic ticket for a content service via the service provider's system, and the service user uses the service user's STB. This is a video content viewing system for viewing content owned by a content holder (content holder other than the service user). The third embodiment includes a service provider, service user, and content holder system.

  The service user system has devices indicated by reference numerals 2 and 10 in FIG.

  Note that the IPv6 network / FTTH line 101 in FIG. 7 adopts a fixed IPv6 address, and the upper 64 bits of the IPv6 address (that is, IPv6 network prefix) are mapped one-to-one with the FTTH line. To do.

  The device indicated by reference numeral 10 is a mobile phone. An operation is performed using the mobile phone 10 via the mobile phone network 102. Preferably, the mobile phone 10 has a two-dimensional barcode reader function.

  The device denoted by reference numeral 2 is the same as that denoted by the same reference numeral in FIG.

  The service provider system includes devices indicated by reference numerals 3, 4, 6, 12, and 13 in FIG. In addition, since the apparatus shown with the code | symbol 3, 4, 6 is the same as what is shown with the same code | symbol in FIG. 3, detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  An apparatus denoted by reference numeral 12 is an agent that accesses the FM-DB, VOD server, and private channel resolver in response to a content viewing preparation request transmitted from a mobile phone, and prepares for content viewing (hereinafter referred to as a private channel agent). It is.

  A device denoted by reference numeral 13 is a database (hereinafter referred to as FM-DB (Fixed-Mobile Database)) that manages mapping information between IPv6 network prefixes and mobile phone numbers.

  The content holder system has the same configuration as in FIG.

  The procedure in the third embodiment will be described below.

  First, the mobile phone 10 in FIG. 7 accesses a private channel agent 12 that performs content ID and private channel setting of desired video content from various media (for example, WEB page, i-mode (registered trademark), magazine) 11. Information (for example, telephone number, URL) is obtained (M301).

  The access information format (or format) is, for example, information such as an alphanumeric character string or a two-dimensional barcode.

  Next, on the basis of the obtained information, the private channel agent 12 is accessed via the mobile phone network 102 and a video content viewing request (that is, a parameter including the content ID and the phone number of the mobile phone 10). (M302).

  Next, the private channel agent 12 receives the parameters and sends a private storage connection request (that is, a content viewing preparation request) via a IPv6 network / FTTH line to a VOD server (VOD loaded with the selected content). Server) 4 (M303).

  Next, the procedures in reference symbols M304 to M307 in FIG. 7 are the same as the procedures in reference symbols M204 to M207 in FIG.

  Next, the VOD server 4 transmits the selected content viewing preparation completion (that is, private storage connection completion) to the private channel agent 12 (M308). The viewing preparation completion includes the VOD server name of the VOD server 4 (that is, the VOD server name d2 in FIG. 8).

  Next, the private channel agent 12 receives the content viewing preparation completion and transmits an inquiry (inquiry including the telephone number of the mobile phone 10) to the FM-DB 13 (M309). In FIG. 8, the mobile phone 10 is the access source.

  Next, the FM-DB 13 receives the inquiry, and an IPv6 network prefix corresponding to the telephone number (for example, the IPv6 network prefix d5 in FIG. 8; that is, the IPv6 assigned to the FTTH line used by the STB 2). Network prefix) is acquired, and the IPv6 network prefix is transmitted to the private channel agent 12 (M310).

  Next, the private channel agent 12 receives the IPv6 network prefix, creates private channel setting information D4 in FIG. 8, and transmits the private channel setting information D4 to the private channel resolver 3 in FIG. (M311, code IP2 in FIG. 8).

  Next, the private channel resolver 3 receives the private channel setting information D4, sets the private channel setting information D4 as an electronic ticket (that is, a private channel), and sets the private channel setting information D4 to the private channel agent 12. The private channel setting completion is transmitted (M312).

  Next, the private channel agent 12 receives the private channel setting completion, and transmits the private channel setting completion (that is, video content viewing preparation completion) to the mobile phone 10 (M313).

  Note that the content ID obtained by the mobile phone 10 is notified to the STB 2 by electronic communication (for example, infrared communication provided in the mobile phone 10 and the STB 2) or manually input by the service user.

  Next, a private channel is selected using the STB 2 that can be connected to the VOD server 4, and a content viewing request is transmitted to the private channel resolver 3 (M314). The viewing request includes the content ID.

  Next, the private channel resolver 3 verifies the IPv6 network prefix in the IPv6 address of the STB 2 obtained by the connection from the STB 2 based on the IPv6 network prefix in the private channel setting information (ie, electronic ticket) D4. . When the verification is successful, the private channel resolver 3 transmits a connection parameter (for example, VOD server name, content ID) to the VOD server to the STB 2 (M315). The connection parameters are included in the electronic ticket (that is, private channel setting information) D4 registered in the private channel resolver 3.

  Next, the STB 2 transmits a connection request to the VOD server 4 based on the connection parameters received from the private channel resolver 3 (M316).

  Next, the VOD server 4 receives the connection request and transmits a connection completion to the STB 2 (M317).

  Then, the service user starts desired viewing via the STB 2.

[Fourth Embodiment]
The fourth embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. The fourth embodiment is a video content publishing system in which a video content manager (or owner) owns a private storage loaded with video content and publishes the video content. The fourth embodiment includes a system of a video content public management service user and a video content public management service provider.

  The video content disclosure management service user's system enables an Internet connection with an Internet provider via the FTTH line (for example, 100BASETX connector) in FIG. 9, and an ASP (Application Service Provider) provider on the Internet. It is assumed that a BLOG service or a WEB homepage service (for example, a service provided by the WEB server 8 in FIG. 9) provided by the user can be used.

  The video content disclosure management service user system includes devices denoted by reference numerals 1, 5, and 14.

  The apparatus denoted by reference numeral 1 implements an IPv4 / IPv6 dual stack that enables connection to the IPv6 network / FTTH line 101 (that is, a network assigned a fixed address to the FTTH line) via the FTTH line, This is a home terminal (that is, a video content registration terminal) that can access a WEB page (or BLOG page).

  The in-home terminal 1 is, for example, a personal computer equipped with an Internet browser. The IPv6 network / FTTH line 101 employs a fixed IPv6 address, and the upper 64 bits of the IPv6 address (that is, IPv6 network prefix) are mapped one-to-one with the FTTH line.

  The device denoted by reference numeral 5 'is a large-capacity storage device (hereinafter referred to as a private storage device; a storage device that does not have an iSCSI target function). The private storage device 5 ′ is connected to the home terminal 1 and can access the video content file 15 from the home terminal 1. The private storage device 5 'can store a large-capacity video content file 15 disclosed by the video content disclosure management service user.

  A device denoted by reference numeral 14 is a device having an iSCSI target function and capable of being connected to the private storage device 5 '(hereinafter referred to as an iSCSI gateway device).

  The video content disclosure management service provider system includes a VOD server 4 and a CID manager 6 as shown in FIGS.

  The VOD server 4 is a server to which the iSCSI gateway device 14 can be connected via the IPv6 network / FTTH line 101. Note that the VOD server 4 needs to support load characteristics based on the iSCSI technology, and therefore, the VOD server 4A adopting a virtual dedicated server in FIG.

  Then, after the iSCSI connection of the VOD server 4 is completed, the video content released by the VOD server 4 is accessed.

  The CID manager 6 is installed on the IPv6 network as a device that the home terminal 1 can access via the IPv6 network / FTTH line 101.

  The procedure in the fourth embodiment will be described below.

  First, the private storage device 5 ′ is connected to the home terminal 1 in FIG. 9 to make it accessible as an external hard disk of the home terminal 1 (M 401). The file system of the private storage device 5 ′ is common with the file system of the VOD server 4. The file format of the video content is the same as the file format supported by the VOD server 4 (for example, MPEG-2 format).

  Next, the video content public management service user logs in to the WEB server 8 using the home terminal 1 and updates the video content public management service user's own BLOG page (M402). The WEB server 8 is a BLOG server provided by an ASP provider.

  Next, the user of the video content disclosure management service uniquely registers the video content file 15 in order to register the video content (that is, the video content file 15) stored in the private storage device 5 ′ in its own BLOG page. A content ID issuance request for identification is transmitted to the CID manager 6 via the home terminal 1 (M403).

  The content ID issue request includes a file name that uniquely identifies the video content file 15, an iSCSI connection parameter of the iSCSI gateway device 14, and an IPv6 network prefix.

  Next, the CID manager 6 receives the content ID issuance request, issues a unique content ID based on the combination of the IPv6 network prefix and the file name of the video content file 15, and the content ID Is transmitted to the home terminal 1 (M404).

  The CID manager 6 registers the combination of the content ID, the iSCSI connection parameter, and the IPv6 network prefix in the CID manager 6 itself. The registered content ID may be a string obtained by converting the IPv6 network prefix of the iSCSI gateway device 14 and the file name of the video content file 15 into a character string.

  Next, the customer terminal 1 receives the content ID and registers the content ID in the BLOG page of the WEB server 8 via the IPv4 network 100 (M405). The home terminal 1 preferably generates a two-dimensional barcode corresponding to the content ID and registers it in the BLOG page. For example, the two-dimensional barcode is pasted (registered) so that the image is pasted on the BLOG page.

  Next, the WEB server 8 receives the registration and transmits a content ID registration completion to the home terminal 1 (M406).

  Next, the user of the video content disclosure management service disconnects the connection between the home terminal 1 and the private storage device 5 'in order to disclose the private storage device 5' (M407). The disconnection includes a physical disconnection operation (for example, an operation of removing the connection plug of the private storage device 5 ′ from the home terminal 1).

  Next, the user of the video content publishing management service connects the iSCSI gateway device 14 and the private storage device 5 'in order to publish the private storage device 5' (M408). Note that the connection includes a physical connection operation (for example, an operation of inserting a connection plug of the private storage device 5 ′ into the iSCSI gateway device 14).

  Note that the disconnection of the symbol M407 and the connection operation of the symbol M408 are switched between the connection related to the private storage device 5 ′ at the time of registration and the connection related to the private storage device 5 ′ at the time of disclosure as seen in the IEEE 1394 storage. It is for use.

  In addition, the in-home terminal 1 and the private storage device 5 ′ and the private storage device 5 ′ and the iSCSI gateway device 14 remain physically connected (that is, not include the physical switching operation). ) Logically (electronically) the connection between the home terminal 1 and the private storage device 5 ′ from the home terminal 1 (for example, deactivate the driver software of the private storage device 14 incorporated in the home terminal 1) Connected to the iSCSI gateway device 14 via the iSCSI protocol from the home terminal 1, and using the iSCSI gateway device 14, the private storage device 5 ′ and the iSCSI gateway device 14 are logically (electronically connected). (E.g., iSCSI) gateway activates the driver software of the device 14 private storage device built into the 5 ') method also.

  Next, the user of the video content disclosure management service turns on the iSCSI gateway device 14 and completes preparation for the disclosure of the video content (M409).

  Next, it is assumed that the browsing user has accessed the BLOG on the WEB server 8 through the browsing terminal on the IPv4 network 100 (M410).

  Next, a content ID registered in the BLOG is selected from the browsing terminal, and a connection request to the private storage device 5 ′ corresponding to the selected content ID is transmitted to the VOD server 4. (M411).

  The connection request may be transmitted from the WEB server 8 to the VOD server 4 via a translator, or directly from the viewing terminal on the IPv6 network / FTTH line 101 to the VOD server 4. It may be sent. The connection request may be processed in a dual stack server that has both the function of the WEB server and the function of the VOD server.

  Next, the VOD server 4 transmits an iSCSI connection information request related to the iSCSI gateway device 14 corresponding to the content ID to the CID manager 6 (M412).

  In the service provided by the VOD server 4, when the iSCSI connection used for the service is set to have no iSCSI authentication and ignore the initiator name, the lower 64 bits constituting the IPv6 address are a specific fixed number. Value.

  Next, the CID manager 6 receives the iSCSI connection information request and transmits iSCSI connection information to the VOD server 4 (M413).

  Note that the iSCSI connection information must include an IPv6 network prefix.

  Next, the VOD server 4 receives the iSCSI connection information and transmits an iSCSI connection request to the iSCSI gateway device 14 based on the iSCSI connection information (M414).

  Next, the iSCSI gateway device 14 receives the iSCSI connection request, and mounts the private storage device 5 'on the mount point fixed to the service.

  Then, preparation for public viewing of the video content file 15 is completed for a viewer who operates the viewing terminal.

  As described above, according to the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention, not only can a moving image related to an Internet homepage be viewed in broadcast quality, but also a broadcast quality video can be easily obtained from paper-based information. Available.

  In addition, VOD system owners can expect the effect of expanding the genre of content that can be viewed, and can be expected as a new communication means that can be realized only by the FTTH line that has started to spread.

  Furthermore, with regard to personal content, it is possible to provide a large number of broadcast quality moving images at low cost by adapting a personally managed commercial storage device instead of a device for a business with a high bit unit price.

  Although the present invention has been described in detail only for the specific examples described above, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. Such variations and modifications are naturally within the scope of the claims.

  For example, the program distribution server may be provided with the function of the private channel resolver.

The block diagram of the VOD system in the 1st form of this Embodiment. The sequence diagram of the VOD system in the first embodiment. The block diagram of the video content viewing-and-listening system in the 2nd form of this Embodiment. The data block diagram of the iSCSI connection parameter in this 2nd Embodiment. The 1st data block diagram of the electronic ticket in the 2nd form of this Embodiment. The 2nd data block diagram of the electronic ticket in this 2nd Embodiment. The block diagram of the video content viewing-and-listening system in the 3rd Embodiment. The data block diagram of the private channel setting information in the 3rd Embodiment. The block diagram of the video content publication | publishing system in this 4th Embodiment. The block diagram of a general VOD system. A sequence diagram of a general VOD system.

Explanation of symbols

1 ... Home terminal 2 ... STB
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 3 ... Private channel resolver 4 ... VOD server 4A ... Virtual exclusive server adoption VOD server 5 ... iSCSI private storage apparatus 5 '... Private storage apparatus 6 ... CID manager 7 ... Authentication server 8 ... WEB server 9 ... Ticket server 10 ... Mobile phone 11 ... media 12 ... private channel agent 13 ... FM-DB
14 ... iSCSI Gateway device 15 ... Video content file 16 ... Program distribution server 17 ... Common storage 18 ... VOD viewer 100 ... IPv4 network 101 ... IPv6 network / FTTH line 102 ... Mobile phone network 103 ... FTTH line / iSCSI
D1 ... iSCSI connection parameter D2, D3 ... Electronic ticket D4 ... Private channel setting information d1 ... Content ID
d2 ... VOD server name d3 ... One-time ID
d4 ... One-time PW
d5 ... IPv6 network prefix

Claims (14)

A VOD control method in which a VOD receiver connects to a VOD server via an IP network / line,
A VOD server connection information resolving step in which a private channel resolver receives the content ID transmitted by the VOD receiver and resolves the VOD server connection information based on the content ID;
The private channel resolver transmitting the VOD server connection information to the VOD receiver;
The VOD receiver receiving the VOD server connection information and connecting to a VOD server corresponding to the VOD server connection information;
VOD control method characterized by this. The private channel resolver includes verifying an IP line assignment address of a line to which the VOD receiver is connected based on a preset IP line assignment address;
The VOD control method according to claim 1. A VOD control method for an iSCSI storage device from a VOD server,
The VOD server receives the content ID, sends an iSCSI connection information request including the content ID to the CID manager,
The CID manager receives the iSCSI connection information request, resolves the iSCSI connection information corresponding to the content ID, and sends the ISCSI connection information to the VOD server;
The VOD server connects to the iSCSI storage device based on the ISCSI connection information;
VOD control method characterized by this. A video content viewing preparation method for preparing video content viewing from a first IP and a second IP compatible dual stack terminal via a first IP network and a second IP network / line,
The first IP and the second IP compatible dual stack terminal transmitting a video content viewing request including a unique content ID to the WEB server via the first IP network;
The WEB server receiving the video content viewing request and transmitting an electronic ticket issuing request including the content ID corresponding to the video content viewing request to the ticket server;
The ticket server receiving the electronic ticket issuing request and transmitting a content viewing preparation request including the content ID corresponding to the electronic ticket issuing request to the VOD system;
The VOD system receives the content viewing preparation request and sends a viewing preparation completion including the VOD server name of the VOD system to the ticket server;
The ticket server receives the viewing preparation completion and transmits a one-time ID and a one-time PW issue request to the authentication server;
The authentication server receiving the one-time ID and the one-time PW issue request, generating the one-time ID and the one-time PW, and transmitting the one-time ID and the one-time PW to the ticket server;
The ticket server receives the one-time ID and the one-time PW, issues a first electronic ticket including the one-time ID and the one-time PW, and transmits the first electronic ticket to the WEB server. When,
The WEB server receiving the first electronic ticket and transmitting the first electronic ticket to the first IP and second IP-compatible dual stack terminal;
The dual stack terminal corresponding to the first IP and the second IP receives the first electronic ticket, and includes a second IP line assignment address assigned to the line used by the VOD receiver for the first electronic ticket. Creating an electronic ticket and transmitting the second electronic ticket to the VOD system via a second IP network / line;
The VOD system receiving the second electronic ticket and transmitting an authentication request including the one-time ID and one-time PW to the authentication server;
The authentication server receives the one-time ID and one-time PW, performs authentication based on the one-time ID and one-time PW, and transmits authentication completion to the VOD system;
The VOD system receiving the authentication completion, and transmitting a video content viewing preparation completion notification to the first IP and second IP compatible dual stack terminals.
A video content viewing preparation method. A video content viewing preparation method for preparing video content viewing from a mobile phone via a mobile phone network and an IP network / line,
The mobile phone obtains the content ID of the desired video content, access information for the private channel agent;
The mobile phone accessing a private channel agent based on the obtained access information, and transmitting a video content viewing request including the content ID and the mobile phone number;
The private channel agent receives the video content viewing request and transmits a content viewing preparation request to the VOD system via the IP network / line;
The VOD system receiving the content viewing preparation request and transmitting a content viewing preparation completion including the VOD server name of the VOD system to the private channel agent;
The private channel agent receiving the content preparation completion and transmitting an inquiry including the mobile phone number to the FM-DB;
The FM-DB receives the inquiry, obtains a line assignment address corresponding to the telephone number, and transmits the line assignment address to the private channel agent;
The private channel agent receiving the line assignment address, creating private channel configuration information, and transmitting the private channel configuration information to the VOD system;
The VOD system receiving the private channel setting information, setting the private channel setting information as a private channel, and transmitting the private channel setting completion to the private channel agent;
The private channel agent receives the private channel setting completion and transmits a video content viewing preparation completion notification to the mobile phone.
A video content viewing preparation method. A content publishing method for registering a content ID corresponding to a video content file stored in a storage device in a WEB page and publishing the video content file,
The first IP and the second IP compatible dual stack terminal sends a content ID issue request including the file name of the video content file, the iSCSI connection parameter of the iSCSI gateway device, and the second IP line allocation address via the second IP network / line. Transmitting to the CID manager;
The CID manager receives the content ID issue request, and issues a unique content ID based on the combination of the second IP line assignment address and the file name of the video content file,
The CID manager registers a combination of the content ID, the iSCSI connection parameter, and the second IP line allocation address in the CID manager itself,
Transmitting the content ID to the first IP and second IP compatible dual stack terminals;
The first IP and second IP compatible dual stack terminals receive the content ID and register the content ID in the WEB page of the WEB server via the first IP network;
The WEB server receives the registration, and transmits a content ID registration completion to the first IP and second IP compatible dual stack terminals;
A content ID registered in the WEB page is selected from a browsing terminal, and the VOD server receives a connection request to a storage device corresponding to the selected content ID;
The VOD server transmitting to the CID manager an iSCSI connection information request related to the iSCSI gateway device corresponding to the content ID and the second IP line allocation address;
The CID manager receiving the iSCSI connection information request and transmitting iSCSI connection information including the second IP line assignment address to the VOD server;
The VOD server includes receiving the iSCSI connection information and transmitting an iSCSI connection request to the iSCSI gateway device based on the iSCSI connection information;
A video content publishing method characterized by the above. A VOD server connected to an iSCSI storage device that stores video content files,
The VOD server makes an iSCSI connection to the iSCSI storage device in response to the received reproduction request,
Read the video content file from the iSCSI storage device,
Delivering the video content file to a predetermined VOD receiver;
A VOD server characterized by   The VOD server according to claim 7, wherein the VOD server includes a virtual dedicated server. A VOD system for connecting from a VOD receiver to a VOD server via an IP network / line,
Means for the VOD receiver to transmit a content ID to a private channel resolver;
The private channel resolver receives the content ID and resolves the name of the VOD server corresponding to the content ID;
Means for the private channel resolver to send the name of the VOD server to the VOD receiver;
Means for the VOD receiver to connect to a VOD server corresponding to the name of the VOD server;
VOD system characterized by having. Means for the VOD server to send an iSCSI connection information request including the content ID to a CID manager;
Means for receiving the iSCSI connection information request, resolving the iSCSI connection information corresponding to the content ID, and transmitting the ISCSI connection information to the VOD server;
Means for connecting the VOD server to an iSCSI storage device based on the iSCSI connection information;
The VOD system according to claim 9, comprising: Means for verifying the IP line assignment address of the line to which the private channel resolver is connected to the VOD receiver based on a preset IP line assignment address;
The VOD system according to claim 9 or 10, characterized by comprising: A video content viewing system in which a VOD receiver receives distribution of video content from a VOD system,
Ticket server
Means for receiving an electronic ticket issuance request and transmitting to the VOD system a content viewing preparation corresponding to the electronic ticket issuance request and including a content ID;
Means for receiving a one-time ID and a one-time PW, issuing a first electronic ticket including the one-time ID and the one-time PW, and transmitting the first electronic ticket to a WEB server;
Means for receiving completion of viewing preparation and transmitting a one-time ID and a one-time PW issue request to the authentication server;
Have
The WEB server
Means for receiving a video content viewing request and transmitting an electronic ticket issuing request including the content ID corresponding to the video content viewing request to the ticket server;
Means for receiving the first electronic ticket and transmitting the first electronic ticket to the first IP and second IP compatible dual stack terminal;
Have
The dual stack terminal corresponding to the first IP and the second IP,
Means for transmitting the video content viewing request including the unique content ID to the WEB server via the first IP network;
Receiving the first electronic ticket, creating a second electronic ticket including a second IP line assignment address assigned to the line used by the VOD receiver for the first electronic ticket, Means for transmitting to the VOD system via a second IP network / line;
Have
The authentication server is
Means for receiving the one-time ID and the one-time PW issuance request, generating the one-time ID and the one-time PW, and transmitting the one-time ID and the one-time PW to the ticket server;
Means for receiving the one-time ID and one-time PW, performing authentication based on the one-time ID and one-time PW, and transmitting authentication completion to the VOD system;
Have
The VOD system
Means for receiving the content viewing preparation request and transmitting viewing preparation completion including the VOD server name of the VOD system to the ticket server;
Means for receiving the second electronic ticket and transmitting an authentication request including the one-time ID and one-time PW to the authentication server;
Means for receiving the authentication completion and transmitting a video content viewing preparation completion notification to the first IP and second IP compatible dual stack terminals;
Having
A video content viewing system characterized by this. A video content viewing system in which a VOD receiver receives distribution of video content from a VOD system,
Cell phone
Means for obtaining the content ID of the desired video content and access information for the private channel agent;
Means for accessing the private channel agent based on the obtained access information and transmitting a video content viewing request including the content ID and the telephone number of the mobile phone;
Have
The private channel agent
Means for receiving the video content viewing request and transmitting the content viewing preparation request to the VOD system via an IP network / line;
Means for receiving a content viewing preparation completion and sending an inquiry including the phone number of the mobile phone to FM-DB;
Means for receiving a line assignment address, creating private channel setting information, and transmitting the private channel setting information to the VOD system;
Means for receiving completion of private channel setting and transmitting video content viewing preparation completion to the mobile phone;
Have
The VOD system
Means for receiving the content viewing preparation request and transmitting a content viewing preparation completion including the VOD server name of the VOD system to the private channel agent;
Means for receiving the private channel setting information, setting the private channel setting information as a private channel, and transmitting the private channel setting completion to the private channel agent;
Have
The FM-DB is
Means for receiving the inquiry, obtaining a line assignment address corresponding to the telephone number, and transmitting the line assignment address to the private channel agent;
Having
A video content viewing system characterized by this. A video content publishing system for registering a content ID corresponding to a content file stored in a storage device in a WEB page and publishing the content file,
The first IP and second IP compatible dual stack terminals are
Means for connecting to the storage device;
Means for transmitting a content ID issue request including a file name of the content file, an iSCSI connection parameter of the iSCSI gateway device, and a second IP line assignment address to the CID manager via the second IP network / line;
Means for receiving the content ID and registering the content ID in the WEB page of a WEB server via a first IP network;
Means for disconnecting the connected storage device;
Have
The CID manager
The content ID issuance request is received, a unique content ID is issued based on the combination of the second IP line assignment address and the file name of the content file, the content ID, the iSCSI connection parameter, the second IP Means for registering a combination of line assignment addresses in the CID manager itself and transmitting the content ID to the first IP and second IP compatible dual stack terminals;
Means for receiving the iSCSI connection information request and transmitting iSCSI connection information including a second IP line assignment address to the VOD server;
Have
The WEB server
Means for receiving the content ID registration and transmitting content ID registration completion to the first IP and second IP compatible dual stack terminals;
Means for accessing a WEB page on the WEB server via a browsing terminal on the first IP network;
Have
The iSCSI gateway device is
Means for connecting to the storage device;
Have
The VOD server is
Means for receiving a connection request relating to the storage device corresponding to the content ID;
Means for transmitting to the CID manager an iSCSI connection information request relating to an iSCSI gateway device corresponding to the content ID and the second IP line allocation address;
Means for receiving the iSCSI connection information and transmitting an iSCSI connection request to the iSCSI gateway device based on the iSCSI connection information;
Having
A video content publishing system characterized by this.

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