JP2007334602A - Update data delivery system, terminal device therein, update data delivery device, connection control device, update data delivery method, and program used therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To rapidly and reliably deliver update data to many terminal devices without reinforcing an update data delivery device from a performance aspect irrespective of the number of the terminal devices to the delivery of the update data. <P>SOLUTION: A terminal device transmits a connection destination introduction request for receiving the update data to a connection control device when a predetermined connection request condition is established, and performs the logical connection to a candidate connection destination to be logically connected in a multilayer manner in a hierarchical structure with an update data delivery device as an apex. The terminal device receives the update data from the update data delivery device which is logically connected to the upper layer or another upper layer terminal device, relays the received update data to another lower layer terminal device which is logically connected to the lower layer, and performs the updating based on the update data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an update data distribution system, a terminal device in the update data distribution system, an update data distribution device, a connection management device, an update data distribution method, and a program used therefor. Update data distribution system in which update data is updated in a plurality of terminal devices by being distributed at a distribution time, terminal device in the update data distribution system, update data distribution device, connection management device, update data distribution method, and It relates to the program used.

  In recent years, there has been an update data distribution system that distributes update data via a network such as the Internet.

  The update data distribution system includes an update data distribution device that stores and distributes update data, and a terminal device that can perform data communication with the update data distribution device via a network. In such a system, communication is performed by a server client method, a request for update data is transmitted from the terminal device to the update data distribution device, and update data is distributed according to the version of the program in the terminal device. Become.

  In such an update data distribution service, for example, as shown in Patent Document 1, the update data distribution device registers update data of the latest version, and updates data to be distributed to a server having a terminal device, Distributing the distribution date and time, version, and the number of broadcast distributions, the server receives via the network, and according to the specified content, the software is distributed multiple times to the lower-layer terminal device is disclosed Therefore, the number of terminal devices that have not been distributed is configured to be as small as possible.

Further, for example, as shown in Patent Document 2, update data distribution service is disclosed in which update data or its difference data is taken out by managing the distribution of update data, and the distribution scale or Efficiently distributes the load efficiently without being affected by the distribution environment.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-21100 JP 7-44392 A

  However, in the update data distribution system described above, many servers have a server client type system configuration that directly distributes update data from the update data distribution server to a plurality of terminal devices in association with distribution of update data. When a distribution request is made from the device to the update data distribution device, there is a risk that the load on the update data distribution device may increase even when update data with a small size such as difference data is distributed. It was. As a result, the update data distribution device causes a system down, and in some cases, the update data distribution device is changed such as changing the specifications of the update data distribution device only for the timing when there are distribution requests from many terminal devices. It had to be reinforced from the aspect of performance.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, it is not necessary to reinforce the update data distribution device in terms of performance regardless of the number of terminal devices for distribution of update data, and update data can be distributed quickly and reliably to many terminal devices. An object of the present invention is to provide an update data distribution system, a terminal device, an update data distribution apparatus, a connection management apparatus, an update data distribution method, and a program used therefor in the update data distribution system.

  In order to solve the above problem, the invention according to claim 1 is an update data distribution device that distributes update data at a predetermined distribution time via a network, and receives and updates the update data via the network. In an update data distribution system comprising a plurality of terminal devices, and the update data distribution device and a connection management device that manages a connection state of the plurality of terminal devices on the network, each of the plurality of terminal devices includes: A connection request condition determining unit that determines whether or not a predetermined connection request condition is satisfied; and when the connection request condition determining unit determines that the predetermined connection request condition is satisfied, A connection destination introduction request means for transmitting a connection destination introduction request to the connection management device; And the connection management device stores connection status information for storing the connection status information of the plurality of terminal devices logically connected in a multi-layered hierarchical structure on the network with the update data distribution device at the top. Means, a connection destination introduction request receiving means for receiving a connection destination introduction request transmitted by the connection destination introduction request means, and a connection destination information when the connection destination introduction request is received by the connection destination introduction request reception means. Based on the connection state information stored by the storage means, the update data distribution device is used as a vertex so that the terminal device that has transmitted the connection destination introduction request is logically connected in multiple layers in a hierarchical structure on the network. Connection destination candidate selection means for selecting a destination candidate, and the connection selected by the connection destination candidate selection means Connection destination candidate notifying means for notifying the terminal device that has transmitted the connection destination introduction request, each of the plurality of terminal devices is connected to the connection destination candidate notified by the connection destination candidate notification means. A connection destination candidate receiving means for receiving, and a connection means for logically connecting to the connection destination candidate received by the connection destination candidate receiving means, wherein the update data distribution device updates the update data in which the update data is stored. Storage means and update data distribution means for distributing the update data to the connected terminal device before the distribution time, and each of the plurality of terminal devices is logically connected to an upper layer by the connection means. Update data that receives the update data from the connected update data distribution device or another upper layer terminal device Data update means, update data relay control means for controlling the update data received by the update data reception means to another lower level terminal device logically connected to the lower level by the connection means, and the update data Update means for performing an update based on the update data received by the receiving means.

  Also, in the invention described in claim 2, in the invention described in claim 1, the update data distribution unit distributes one update data stored in the update data storage unit a plurality of times at different distribution times. It has a function.

  Further, the invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 2, wherein the connection state information storage means in the connection management device is configured such that the terminal device has the update data distribution device as a vertex for each distribution time. The connection state information of the plurality of terminal devices logically connected in a multilayer structure on the network is stored, and the connection destination candidate selection unit distributes the update data from the first distribution time by the update data distribution unit. If the connection destination introduction request is received by the connection destination introduction request receiving means after the first distribution time and before the second distribution time, update data is received from the second distribution time. The terminal device that has transmitted the connection destination introduction request at the apex of the update data distribution device to be distributed is the network. It is characterized in that it has a function of selecting a connection destination candidate to be logically connected to the multi-layer in a hierarchical structure on click.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to third aspects, the update data distribution device includes a plurality of update data distribution units independent from each other, and the connection management The connection state information storage means in the device is connected to the plurality of terminal devices in which the terminal devices are logically connected in a multi-layered hierarchical structure on the network with the update data distribution device as a vertex for each update data distribution device. It is characterized by storing state information.

  The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each of the plurality of terminal devices includes a program management means for managing a type of program and the program management means. Update data determination means for determining whether or not the update data received by the update data reception means is the latest data based on the type of program being managed, the update means includes the update data, When the update data determination means determines that the update data is the latest data, the update data is updated, while the update data determination means determines that the update data is not the latest data. Performs control to regulate the update of the update data It is characterized in that it has a capability.

  The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the connection request condition determining means is configured to execute the predetermined request during activation of the terminal device having the connection request condition determining means. It has a function of determining that the connection request condition is satisfied.

  The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each of the plurality of terminal devices makes the connection destination introduction request by the connection destination introduction request unit. A connection request time storage means for storing a connection request time, and a connection request for determining whether or not the connection request time stored in the connection request time storage means has been reached after activation in each of the plurality of terminal devices The time determination unit and the connection request condition determination unit have a function of determining that the predetermined connection request condition is satisfied when the connection request time determination unit determines that the connection request time is reached. It is what.

  The invention according to claim 8 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising an update management device that manages the update data, wherein the update management device is earlier than the distribution time. Yes, a connection request time storage means for storing a connection request time for making the connection destination introduction request by the connection destination introduction request means, and requesting connection information including a connection request time from any of the plurality of terminal devices When the connection information request is received by the connection information request receiving means and the connection information request receiving means, the connection request time stored in the connection request time storage means is Connection request time transmission means for transmitting the connection information request to the terminal device that has transmitted the connection information request, and each of the plurality of terminal devices includes Connection information request transmitting means for transmitting a connection information request to a remote management apparatus, and connection request time receiving means for receiving a connection request time corresponding to the connection information request transmitted by the connection information request transmitting means from the update management apparatus. Connection request time setting means for setting the connection request time received by the connection request time reception means, and the connection request set in the connection request time setting means after activation in each of the plurality of terminal devices. The connection request time determining means for determining whether or not the time has come, and the connection request condition determining means, when the connection request time determining means determines that the connection request time is reached, the predetermined connection request condition is It has a function of determining that it has been established.

  The invention according to claim 9 is the reception end according to the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein each of the plurality of terminal devices determines whether reception of the update data has ended. If the determination means and the reception end determination means determine that the reception of the update data has ended, the logical connection between the update data distribution apparatus or the upper layer terminal apparatus that has received the update data is cut off. Connection cut-off control means for performing control.

  The invention described in claim 10 is the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the connection destination introduction requesting unit is configured to connect the predetermined connection after activation in the terminal device having the connection destination introduction requesting unit. A connection condition introduction request for receiving the update data is satisfied, and the connection means includes a connection destination candidate received by the connection destination candidate reception means. It has a function of performing a logical connection and a control for continuing the logical connection.

  The invention according to claim 11 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a content distribution device for distributing content data via the network, wherein each of the plurality of terminal devices includes: Content receiving means for receiving content data distributed from the content distribution device from the content distribution device or another upper layer terminal device is provided.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the eleventh aspect, each of the plurality of terminal devices receives content data by the content receiving unit and receives update data by the update data receiving unit. And receiving control means for performing in parallel.

  The invention according to claim 13 is an update data distribution device that distributes update data at a predetermined distribution time via a network, and a plurality of terminal devices that receive and update the update data via the network, Whether or not a predetermined connection request condition is satisfied in the terminal device in the update data distribution system including the update data distribution device and a connection management device that manages a connection state of the plurality of terminal devices on the network A connection request condition determination unit for determining the connection data, and a connection destination introduction request for receiving the update data when the connection request condition determination unit determines that a predetermined connection request condition is satisfied. Connection destination introduction request means for transmitting to the connection destination from the connection management device Connection destination candidate receiving means for receiving a complement, connection means for logically connecting to a connection destination candidate received by the connection destination candidate receiving means, and update data distributed at the distribution time from the update data distribution apparatus, Update data receiving means received from the update data distribution device or another upper layer terminal device logically connected to the upper layer by connection means, update means for performing update based on the update data received by the update data receiving means, and Update data relay control means for performing control to relay update data received by the update data receiving means to another lower-layer terminal device logically connected to the lower layer by the connection means, .

  According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the thirteenth aspect, the update data is based on a program management means for managing the type of program and the type of program managed by the program management means. Update data determination means for determining whether or not the update data received by the reception means is the latest data, and the update means is that the update data is the latest data by the update data determination means If it is determined, the update data is updated. On the other hand, if the update data determination means determines that the update data is not the latest data, a function for controlling the update of the update data. It is characterized by having.

  The invention according to claim 15 is the invention according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the connection request condition determining means is configured to execute the predetermined connection request condition during startup in the terminal device having the connection request condition determining means. It has the function to determine that is established.

  The invention according to claim 16 is the connection request according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the connection request time for making the connection destination introduction request by the connection destination introduction request means is stored. A connection request time determination unit that determines whether or not the connection request time stored in the connection request time storage unit has been reached after activation in each of the plurality of terminal devices; and the connection request time A connection request condition determining unit that determines that the predetermined connection request condition is satisfied when the determination unit determines that the connection request time has been reached, and the connection request condition determining unit includes the connection request time. It has a function of determining that the predetermined connection request condition is satisfied when it is determined by the determination means that the connection request time is reached.

  The invention according to claim 17 is the invention according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein a connection information request transmitting means for transmitting a connection information request to an update management apparatus for managing the update data, Connection request time receiving means for receiving a connection request time for making the connection destination introduction request by the connection destination introduction request means from the update management apparatus, and a connection for setting the connection request time received by the connection request time reception means Request time setting means, connection request time determination means for determining whether or not the connection request time set in the connection request time setting means after activation in each of the plurality of terminal devices, and the connection request The condition determining means determines that the connection request time determining means determines that the connection request time has been reached. It is characterized in that the have a function of determining a connection request condition is satisfied.

  The invention according to claim 18 is the reception end according to the invention according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein each of the plurality of terminal devices determines whether or not reception of the update data has ended. If the determination means and the reception end determination means determine that the reception of the update data has ended, the logical connection between the update data distribution apparatus or the upper layer terminal apparatus that has received the update data is cut off. Connection cut-off control means for performing control.

  The invention according to claim 19 is the invention according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the connection request condition determining means is configured to execute the predetermined request after starting the terminal device having the connection request condition determining means. The connection request introduction means has a function of determining that a connection request condition has been established, and when the connection request condition determination means determines that the predetermined connection request condition is satisfied, the connection destination introduction request means A function of transmitting a connection destination introduction request for reception to the connection management device, wherein the connection unit logically connects to the connection destination candidate received by the connection destination candidate reception unit and continues the logical connection; It has a function of performing control.

  The invention according to claim 20 is the invention according to any one of claims 13 to 19, wherein the content distribution apparatus distributes content data distributed from a content distribution apparatus that distributes content data via the network. Or it has the content receiving means to receive from another upper layer terminal device, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  The invention according to claim 21 is the reception control according to claim 20, wherein the reception of content data by the content receiving means and the reception of update data by the update data receiving means are performed in parallel. It has the means.

  The invention according to claim 22 is an update data distribution device that distributes update data at a predetermined distribution time via a network, and a plurality of terminal devices that receive and update the update data via the network, Update data in which the update data is stored in the update data distribution apparatus in the update data distribution system comprising: the update data distribution apparatus; and a connection management apparatus that manages connection states of the plurality of terminal apparatuses on the network. Update data distribution means for distributing the update data to the connected terminal device at the distribution time, and each of the plurality of terminal devices is logically connected to an upper layer. Data distribution equipment Alternatively, the update data received from another upper layer terminal device is controlled to be relayed to another lower layer terminal device logically connected to the lower layer, and the update is performed based on the received update data. is there.

  The invention according to claim 23 is the invention according to claim 22, wherein the update data distribution means distributes one update data stored in the update data storage means a plurality of times at different distribution times. It has a function.

  According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the twenty-second or twenty-third aspect, the update data distribution device includes a plurality of update data distribution units independent of each other. .

  The invention according to claim 25 is an update data distribution device that distributes update data at a predetermined distribution time via a network, and a plurality of terminal devices that receive and update the update data via the network, In the connection management apparatus in an update data distribution system comprising: the update data distribution apparatus; and a connection management apparatus that manages a connection state of the plurality of terminal apparatuses on the network. Connection state information storage means for storing connection state information of the plurality of terminal devices logically connected in multiple layers in a hierarchical structure on the network, and establishment of a predetermined connection request condition from any of the plurality of terminal devices Receiving the connection introduction request sent by When the connection destination introduction request is received by the connection destination introduction request receiving means and the connection destination introduction request receiving means, the update data distribution device is changed based on the connection state information stored by the connection state information storage means. As the apex, the connection destination candidate selection means for selecting the connection destination candidate so that the terminal device that has transmitted the connection destination introduction request is logically connected in a multilayer structure on the network, and the connection destination candidate selection means select Connection destination candidate notifying means for notifying the terminal device that has transmitted the connection destination introduction request to each of the plurality of terminal devices before the delivery time. Logical connection to the connection destination candidate notified by the notification means, the update data distribution device to the connected terminal device The update data is distributed at the distribution time, and each of the plurality of terminal devices receives the update data received from the update data distribution device logically connected to the upper layer or another upper layer terminal device, and is separately connected to the lower layer. The control is performed to relay to the lower-layer terminal device, and updating based on the received update data is performed.

  Further, in the invention described in claim 26, in the invention described in claim 25, the connection state information storage means has a hierarchical structure in which the terminal device has a hierarchical structure on the network with the update data distribution device as a vertex for each distribution time. The connection state information of the plurality of terminal devices logically connected in multiple layers is stored, and the connection destination candidate selection unit is configured to update the update data distributed from the first distribution time by the update data distribution unit. An update data distribution device that distributes update data from the second distribution time when the connection destination introduction request is received by the connection destination introduction request receiving means after the first distribution time and before the second distribution time. At the apex, the terminal device that sent the connection destination introduction request has a hierarchical structure on the network. It is characterized in that it has a function of selecting a connection destination candidate to be logically connected to the layer.

  The invention according to claim 27 is an update data distribution device that distributes update data at a predetermined distribution time via a network, and a plurality of terminal devices that receive and update the update data via the network, An update data distribution method in an update data distribution system comprising: the update data distribution apparatus; and a connection management apparatus that manages a connection state of the plurality of terminal apparatuses on the network. The update data distribution apparatus includes: A connection request condition determining step for determining whether or not each of the plurality of terminal devices satisfies a predetermined connection request condition; and each of the plurality of terminal devices includes: The connection request condition determining step If it is determined that a predetermined connection request condition is satisfied, a connection destination introduction request step for transmitting a connection destination introduction request for receiving the update data to the connection management device, and the connection management device, A connection state information storage step of storing connection state information of the plurality of terminal devices logically connected in a multi-layered hierarchical structure on the network with the update data distribution device as a vertex; and the connection management device, A connection destination introduction request receiving step for receiving a connection destination introduction request transmitted by the connection destination introduction request step; and when the connection management device receives a connection destination introduction request by the connection destination introduction request reception step, Based on the connection state information stored in the connection state information storage step, the update data A connection destination candidate selection step of selecting a connection destination candidate so that the terminal device that has transmitted the connection destination introduction request at the distribution device is logically connected in multiple layers in a hierarchical structure on the network; and A connection destination candidate notification step of notifying the connection destination candidate selected in the connection destination candidate selection step to the terminal device that has transmitted the connection destination introduction request; and each of the plurality of terminal devices is notified of the connection destination candidate. A connection destination candidate receiving step for receiving the connection destination candidate notified in the step; a connection step in which each of the plurality of terminal devices logically connects to the connection destination candidates received in the connection destination candidate reception step; The data distribution device distributes the update data to the connected terminal device at the distribution time. An update data receiving step in which each of the plurality of terminal devices receives the update data from the update data distribution device logically connected to an upper layer by the connecting step or another upper layer terminal device; An update data relay control step for controlling each of a plurality of terminal devices to relay the update data received by the update data receiving step to another lower layer terminal device logically connected to a lower layer by the connection step; Each of the plurality of terminal devices includes an update step for performing an update based on the update data received in the update data receiving step.

  The invention according to claim 28 is a program for causing a computer to function as each means in the terminal device according to any of claims 13 to 21.

  The invention according to claim 29 is a program for causing a computer to function as each means in the update data distribution apparatus according to any one of claims 22 to 24.

  The invention according to claim 30 is a program for causing a computer to function as each means in the connection management device according to claim 25 or 26.

  According to the invention of any one of claims 1, 13, 22, 25, 27 to 30, the connection management device introduces the connection destination from any of the plurality of terminal devices before the distribution time when the update data is distributed. When the request is received, based on the connection status information of a plurality of terminal devices on the network, the update data distribution device is the top, and the terminal device that has transmitted the connection destination introduction request is logically structured in multiple layers on the network. A connection destination candidate is selected so as to be connected, and the terminal device that transmitted the connection destination introduction request is notified. Further, each of the plurality of terminal devices transmits a connection destination introduction request for receiving update data to the connection management device when it is determined that a predetermined connection request condition is satisfied, and the received connection destination candidate Logically connect to Further, the update data distribution device distributes the update data to the connected terminal device when the distribution time comes. Each of the plurality of terminal devices receives update data from an update data distribution device logically connected to the upper layer or another upper layer terminal device, and the received update data is sent to another lower layer logically connected to the lower layer. Relay to terminal device. And the update based on the update data is performed. Accordingly, a plurality of terminal devices are connected in a hierarchical structure with the update data distribution device at the top, and update data can be received, updated, and relayed. For this reason, it is not necessary to reinforce the update data distribution device in terms of performance regardless of the number of terminal devices for update data distribution, and update data can be distributed quickly and reliably to many terminal devices.

  According to the invention of claim 2 or 23, since the update data distribution means distributes one update data a plurality of times with different distribution times, a terminal that has not received one update data, such as a terminal device that has not been activated. Also in the apparatus, when a predetermined connection request condition is satisfied, one piece of update data can be received and updated again.

  According to the invention of claim 3 or 26, when the update data is distributed from the first distribution time, the connection destination introduction request is received after the first distribution time and before the second distribution time. In some cases, the update data distribution device that distributes update data from the second distribution time is the apex, and the connection destination candidates are such that the terminal device that has transmitted the connection destination introduction request is logically connected in a hierarchical structure on the network. Select. Therefore, even when the connection destination introduction request is received after the first distribution time, the transmission of the update data distributed at the first distribution time is not interrupted in the second distribution time. By logically connecting to an update data distribution apparatus that has not yet distributed update data, update data distributed from the second distribution time can be received and updated.

  According to the invention of claim 4 or 24, the update data distribution device distributes update data and has a plurality of update data distribution means independent from each other. For example, by distributing a plurality of types of update data, Various types of update data can be distributed, and moreover, it is possible to reduce the waiting time before receiving update data by distributing one update data multiple times by sliding the time, etc. Update data distribution efficiency can be improved.

  According to the invention of claim 5 or 14, when each of the plurality of terminal devices is determined that the received update data is the latest data based on the type of the managed program, While updating the update data, if it is determined that it is not the latest data, update of the update data is regulated, so there is no centralized management of the program type etc. in each terminal device. In addition, the distribution efficiency of update data can be improved by reducing the chance of each terminal device withdrawing from the hierarchical structure of update data.

  According to the invention of claim 6 or 15, since it is determined that a predetermined connection request condition has been established during startup in the terminal device, update data that cannot be updated after startup, update data with high urgency, etc. Since it can be updated during startup, various types of update data can be updated quickly and reliably.

  According to the invention of claim 7 or 16, when it is determined that the stored connection request time has been reached after activation in each of the plurality of terminal devices, it is determined that a predetermined connection request condition is satisfied. Without being conscious of updating the special update data, when the connection request time is reached, the specified connection request conditions are established, and the connection is made to the hierarchical structure. Update data can be updated. The connection request time here may be, for example, a predetermined time such as 3:00 pm or every predetermined period such as every two hours.

  According to the invention of claim 8 or 17, in the update management apparatus for managing update data, when a connection information request for requesting connection information including a connection request time is received from a terminal apparatus, a connection destination introduction request The connection request time for performing is transmitted to the terminal device that transmitted the connection information request, the terminal device transmits a connection information request to the update management device, and sets a connection request time corresponding to the connection information request, When it is determined that the set connection request time has been reached after activation of the terminal device, it is determined that a predetermined connection request condition is satisfied. Therefore, by requesting the update management apparatus that manages the connection request time to connect to the hierarchical structure to receive the update data, the terminal device can recognize the connection request time and the like efficiently. Various update data can be updated.

  According to the ninth or eighteenth aspect of the present invention, when it is determined that the reception of the update data has been completed, the logical connection with the update data distribution device or the upper layer terminal device that has received the update data is cut off. In the case where the reception of update data is completed in each terminal device, the update is performed without receiving information for blocking the connection state even before the distribution of update data to all the terminal devices is completed. Since the connection state with the device that has received the data can be blocked and a new connection state can be easily requested, an efficient control process can be performed.

  According to the invention of claim 10 or 19, when it is determined that a predetermined connection request condition is satisfied after activation in the terminal device, a connection destination introduction request for receiving update data is transmitted to the connection management device. Since the logical connection is made to the connection destination candidate and the logical connection is continued, various types of update data can be updated quickly and reliably after the terminal device is activated.

  According to the invention of claim 11 or 20, since the terminal device receives the content data distributed from the content distribution device via the network from the content distribution device or another upper layer terminal device, the terminal device can receive the content data and the like. The update data can be received by a simple terminal device.

  According to the invention of claim 12 or 21, since the reception of the content data and the reception of the update data are performed in parallel, the content data is received and the update data is received while being connected in a hierarchical structure. It is not necessary to interrupt the reception of content data or the reception of update data, which is simple.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the best embodiment of the invention will be described based on the drawings.

[1. Update data distribution system configuration]
First, with reference to FIG. 1, an outline configuration and the like of the update data distribution system S will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of an update data distribution system S according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the update data distribution system S according to the present embodiment is a system that provides an update data distribution service that distributes various types of update data via a network such as the Internet 9. The update data distribution system S is also a system that distributes various types of update data at a predetermined distribution time. In particular, even when the number of terminal devices 2 that can receive the update data is large, It is a system that can distribute update data to the terminal device 2 quickly and reliably without the need to reinforce. Note that the update data distribution system S in this embodiment is employed in a content distribution service that distributes content data (hereinafter also referred to as “content”) such as music, movies, and talk programs.

  The update data distribution system S includes an update data distribution device 4 that distributes update data to a plurality of terminal devices 2 via a network such as the Internet 9 at a predetermined distribution time, and an update management device 5 that manages update data. The content distribution apparatus 1 that distributes content data via a network such as the Internet 9 and the update data is received and updated based on the data via the network such as the Internet 9, and the content data is received and reproduced. The configuration includes a plurality of terminal devices 2, and a connection management device 3 that manages connection states of various devices such as the update data distribution device 4, the content distribution device 1, and the plurality of terminal devices 2 on the update data distribution system S. .

  An IP address is assigned to each of the content distribution device 1, the terminal device 2, the connection management device 3, the update data distribution device 4, and the update management device 5, and these devices are connected to the Internet 9 as an example of a network by a router 10. Etc. are connected through. In other words, communication connection is possible by transmitting a packet including a header with the destination IP address of the target terminal device as the destination IP address and the IP address of the own device as the source IP address.

In the present embodiment, the content distribution device 1, the connection management device 3, the update data distribution device 4, the update management device 5, and the like are configured as separate devices. However, the present invention is not limited to this, for example, the content distribution device 1 Alternatively, the connection management device 3, the update management device 5, and the like may be included in the update data distribution device 4. In this case, the content distribution apparatus 1, the connection management apparatus 3, and the update management apparatus 5 do not have to be assigned an IP address, but may be shared with the IP address of the update data distribution apparatus 4. Further, for example, in addition to the content distribution device 1, the connection management device 3, the update data distribution device 4, and the update management device 5, a configuration including a device having another function may be used.

  The update data distribution device 4 distributes update data executed in the terminal device 2 to the terminal devices 2 participating in the update data distribution system S. Further, before the update data distribution time, since the terminal device 2 is logically connected in multiple layers in a hierarchical structure on the network with the update data distribution device 4 as the apex, this update data distribution device 4 is directly logically connected. By distributing the update data only to the connected terminal devices 2, the update data can be distributed to all the terminal devices 2 that are logically connected in multiple layers in a hierarchical structure.

  The update data distribution device 4 has a plurality of ports for distributing update data. The plurality of ports are independent from each other, and different update data can be distributed to each of the plurality of ports. The update data distribution device 4 can distribute the same update data (one update data) a plurality of times at different distribution times, depending on the update data distribution schedule set.

  The update management device 5 performs management related to updates in the update data distribution system S. In particular, the update management device 5 is before the update data distribution time, and the connection request time for the terminal device 2 to make a connection destination introduction request to the connection management device 3 is determined according to the request from the terminal device 2. Will be sent. As a result, the update management device 5 notifies the terminal device 2 of the connection request time for making a connection destination introduction request for receiving update data.

  When the connection management device 3 receives a connection destination introduction request from a terminal device 2 or the like not participating in the update data distribution system S, the connection management device 3 determines that the terminal device 2 updates the update data based on the connection state in the update data distribution system S. Or connection destination candidates (update data distribution device 4, content distribution device 1, etc.) connected to the upstream for receiving streaming distribution. Then, the location information of the connection destination candidate selected in this way (such as the IP address and port number of the connection destination candidate) and the communication protocol are notified.

  In the present embodiment, the update data distribution system S is a system including the content distribution device 1, and the content distribution device 1 performs streaming distribution of content data. In the update data distribution system S, the content distribution device 1 is arranged as a single device. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of content distribution devices 1 may be arranged. For convenience, all of the plurality of terminal devices may be represented by reference numeral 2.

  In the update data distribution system S, when the communication protocol and the port number are already fixed, the port number and the communication protocol to the terminal device 2 need not be notified. Here, as a communication protocol, an MMS (Microsoft Media Server) protocol, an RTSP (Real Time Streaming Protocol), or the like is used. As the format of content data, ASF (Advanced Streaming Format), WMA (Windows (registered trademark) Media Audio), WMV (Windows (registered trademark) Media Video), or the like is used.

  When the terminal device 2 receives the location information of the connection destination candidate from the connection management device 3, the terminal device 2 requests the connection destination candidate of the IP address to participate (connect) to the update data distribution system S, and thereby the terminal device 2 is incorporated into the update data distribution system S. That is, the terminal device 2 can receive the update data distributed from the update data distribution device 4. In the present embodiment, the terminal device 2 is notified when the update management device 5 is notified that update data is updated during the startup of the device, or when the update check time is reached after the startup of the device. Then, the connection management apparatus 3 is requested for a connection destination candidate for receiving the update data, and the connection destination candidate notified from the connection management apparatus 3 is connected to any one of them.

  The update data distributed to the terminal device 2 includes data for updating a program or the like while the terminal device 2 is activated, data for updating a program or the like after activation. Such update data is distributed from the update data distribution device 4 to the terminal device 2 in a push manner, and the terminal device 2 is updated based on the data.

  The terminal device 2 can also receive content data distributed from the content distribution device 1. The content data distributed to the terminal device 2 includes reproduction time information (hereinafter referred to as “reproduction time data”) in addition to the above-described content data such as music and movies. The plurality of terminal devices 2 that have received the content data can reproduce the content data that is sequentially transmitted based on the reproduction time data.

  In this way, the update data distribution system S can stream the content data transmitted from the content distribution device 1 to the plurality of terminal devices 2 and reproduce the content at the same time on the plurality of terminal devices 2. That is, streaming distribution in a broadcast format to a plurality of terminal devices 2 is realized using a server client type.

  In this way, in the update data distribution system S, when the terminal device 2 participates in this way, the plurality of terminal devices 2 are logically connected with the update data distribution device 4 and the content distribution device 1 as vertices.

  Further, as described above, the update data distribution system S according to the present embodiment can distribute update data. However, if the number of terminal devices 2 that distribute the update data increases excessively, the server client type performs distribution processing. The load may increase. For this reason, when the update data is distributed, a tree-type update-dedicated topology that is logically connected in a hierarchical structure is formed before the update data distribution time. Specifically, this will be described below with reference to FIG.

  When the content data is distributed, as shown in FIG. 2A, a server client type connection state is formed, and the content data is transmitted from the content distribution device 1 to the terminal in response to a purchase request from the terminal device 2 or the like. Transmitted to the device 2.

  On the other hand, in the terminal device 2, when a predetermined connection request condition is satisfied, the connection state shown in FIG. 2 (A) is changed to the connection state shown in FIG. 2 (B). Specifically, when there is update data to be updated during the activation of the terminal device 2, the terminal device 2 requests the connection management device 3 for a connection destination candidate, which is shown in FIG. As described above, the terminal device 2 is logically connected to a tree-type topology having the update data distribution device 4 as a vertex. In addition, when a predetermined connection time (connection request time) is reached after the terminal device 2 is activated, a connection destination candidate is requested from the terminal device 2 to the connection management device 3, as shown in FIG. In addition, the terminal device 2 is logically connected to a tree topology having the update data distribution device 4 as a vertex.

  In this way, the update data distribution system S is managed by the connection management apparatus 3 so that the plurality of terminal apparatuses 2 are logically connected in multiple layers in a tree-like hierarchical structure with the update data distribution apparatus 4 as a vertex. In this way, the update data distribution device 4 distributes the update data to the terminal devices 2 that participate in the tree-type topology.

[2. Description of Update Data Distribution Device 4 Configuration]
Next, the configuration and operation of the update data distribution device 4 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of the update data distribution device 4 in the present embodiment. The update data distribution device 4 is applicable to a general server computer. As shown in FIG. 3, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 402, a rewritable main storage device 405 for storing (storing) various programs, and the like A hard disk device 403 for storing various data, a network interface 404 for communicating with the terminal device 2, the connection management device 3 and the update management device 5 via the Internet 9, and a keyboard capable of inputting predetermined information A peripheral device control chip 406 that controls input means such as 407 and a mouse 408 and image data from the CPU 402 are received and written to an internal video memory (not shown), and the data written to the video memory is stored in a built-in display 410 described later. Show on A video chip 409, a built-in display 410 that performs display according to a signal transmitted from the video chip 409, a sound source chip 411 having a sound source such as an FM sound source (Frequency Modulation) or a Wave Table sound source, and a sound source chip 411. And a built-in speaker 412 for converting audio signals to sound waves, and these various components are connected to each other via a system bus 401.

  The network interface 404 is connected to the Internet 9 via the router 10d. This router 10d corresponds to the router 10 shown in FIG.

  In the present embodiment, the CPU 402 and the main storage device 405 constitute a control unit 430. In addition, the update data distribution device 4 includes the built-in display (liquid crystal display or the like) 410 as described above. For example, an operator who operates the update data distribution system S looks at the built-in display 410. Predetermined information can be input from the input means. In the present embodiment, the built-in display 410, the built-in speaker 412 and the like are built in the update data distribution device 4. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be connected separately, for example.

(About main memory 405)
Further, the main storage device 405 takes out an OS (operating system) program 417 for providing basic functions as a computer of the update data distribution device 4 and update data 413 stored in the hard disk device 403 to obtain a terminal. A stream control program 415 for streaming delivery to the device 2, a topology management program 416 for managing location information (IP address, port number, etc.) of each terminal device 2 of each floor structure for each port, and built-in display Update data read from the screen control program 418 for controlling 410, the decoder program 419 for decoding the encoded data, and the update data 413 stored in the hard disk device 403; End devices and the like a ring buffer 420 for temporarily storing is stored before transmission to 2, they are retrieved by the CPU 402, and functions according to the program by the CPU 402 is executed.

  Here, the OS program 417 is read out and executed by the CPU 402, whereby functions related to input / output of the keyboard 407 and mouse 408, and update data distribution device 4 such as memory management of the main storage device 405 and hard disk device 403. It is possible to execute the basic functions of a computer.

  Then, with the OS program 417 being executed by the CPU 402, the above-described stream control program 415, topology management program 416, screen control program 418, and decoder program 419 are read from the main storage device 405 and executed. .

  In particular, in the present embodiment, the main storage device 405 stores update data transmitted from the update management device 5 and an update management program 421 for managing an update database related thereto, which is read by the CPU 402. Then, the CPU 402 executes functions according to these programs.

  Then, with the OS program 417 being executed by the CPU 402, the above-described update management program 421 is read from the main storage device 405 and executed.

  Note that the OS program 417, the stream control program 415, the topology management program 416, the screen control program 418, the decoder program 419, the update management program 421, and the like are downloaded to the main storage device 405 from, for example, a server connected to the Internet 9. Alternatively, after being recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, it may be read into the main storage device 405 via a drive of the recording medium.

(About control unit 430)
The control unit 430 is configured by the CPU 402 and the main storage device 405 as described above, and the update data distribution device 4 is read out by the CPU 402 by reading and executing various programs 415 stored in the main storage device 405. The system controls the entire system and functions as an update data distribution means to be described later. It should be noted that the CPU 402 executes the stream control program 415 and thereby the update data distribution unit and the like, and the CPU 402 executes the topology management program 416 and the CPU 402 executes the screen control program 418 and the topology management unit 416. As a display control unit, the CPU 402 executes the decoder program 419, as a playback unit, and as the playback unit, the CPU 402 executes the update management program 421. It is supposed to function. Further, the hard disk device 403 is used as update data storage means in which update data and a distribution time corresponding to the update data are stored.

(About distribution update data receiving means and distribution update data storage means)
The distribution update data receiving means receives update data transmitted from the update management device 5 and update database data corresponding to the update data. Also, the distribution update data storage means, when the update data from the update management device 5 or an update database corresponding to the update data is received by the distribution update data reception means, the received update data as update data 413 on the hard disk The update database data stored in the apparatus 403 and received is registered in the update database 414.

(About update data distribution means)
The update data distribution unit retrieves the specified update data from the update data 413 stored in the hard disk device 403 when it is determined by the input unit such as the keyboard 407 or when the set distribution time is reached, Through the network interface 404, streaming distribution is performed to the connected terminal device 2 (for example, the uppermost terminal device when connected in a tree shape).

  Streaming distribution to the terminal device 2 or the like by the update data distribution means is executed according to the following procedure.

  The update data distribution means sequentially retrieves preset update data from the update data 413 stored in advance in the hard disk device 403 and stores it in the ring buffer 420.

  Next, the update data distribution means encodes the update data extracted from the ring buffer 420 into a data format for streaming distribution, for example, a data format such as ASF, WMA, WMV.

  Thereafter, the update data distribution means stores the update data corresponding to the connected terminal device 2 or the like in the update data packet while dividing the update data by a predetermined capacity, and via the network interface 404, the update data packet. Send.

(Topology management means)
In the update data distribution apparatus 4, a plurality of ports are allocated to one update data distribution apparatus 4, and the topology management means participates in the first hierarchy of a tree-like hierarchical structure configured by the allocated ports. The location information (IP address, port number, etc.) of the terminal device 2 is managed. The update data distribution means described above distributes update data to the terminal apparatus 2 using the IP address of the terminal device 2 managed by the topology management means as the destination address and the distribution IP address as the transmission source.

(Display control means)
The display control means has a function of controlling the video chip 409 and the built-in display 410 to display various information. That is, the display control means can control how video and various types of information are displayed on the built-in display 410.

(About playback means)
The reproduction means has a function of displaying various kinds of information on the built-in display 410 and outputting from the built-in speaker 412.

[3. Description of Configuration of Terminal Device 2]
Next, the configuration and operation of the terminal device 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of the terminal device 2 in the present embodiment. The terminal device 2 can be a general personal computer or a dedicated terminal. As shown in FIG. 4, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 202 and a rewritable main storage device 205 that stores (stores) various programs and the like. Between the content distribution device 1, the connection management device 3, the update data distribution device 4, the update management device 5, and other terminal devices 2 on the network via the Internet 9 A network interface 204 for performing communication by wired communication, a user input remote control 208 that transmits and receives a predetermined infrared signal that allows the user to remotely operate the terminal device 2, and the user input remote control 208 and infrared rays. Red for communication The image data is received from the external line port 207, the peripheral device control chip 206 for controlling the infrared port 207, and the CPU 202, and is written into an internal video memory (not shown), and the data written in the video memory is stored in a built-in display 210 described later. A video chip 209 to be displayed, a built-in display 210 that performs display according to a signal transmitted from the video chip 209, a sound source chip 211 having a sound source such as an FM sound source (Frequency Modulation) or a Wave Table sound source, and a sound source chip 211 And a built-in speaker 212 that converts audio signals output from the sound wave into sound waves, and these various components are connected to each other via a system bus 201.

  In the present embodiment, the CPU 202 and the main storage device 205 constitute a control unit 230. The network interface 204 is connected to the Internet 9 via the router 10b. This router 10b corresponds to the router 10 shown in FIG.

  With the user-input remote control 208 as described above, operations such as setting an update check time for receiving update data in the update data distribution system S and purchasing content in the content distribution service are possible.

(About the main storage device 205)
In addition, the main storage device 205 is stream-distributed by the OS program 217 for providing basic functions of the terminal device 2 as a computer and the update data distribution device 4 directly or relayed to another terminal device 2. Location data of the stream control program 215 for receiving and streaming the update data to be transmitted to the downstream terminal device 2 and the upstream-side terminal device 2 (or the update data distribution device 4 or the content distribution device 1) connected in a tree A topology control program 216 for managing location information of the terminal device 2 further downstream (IP address and port number) and a tree connection, a screen control program 218 for controlling the built-in display 210, and an upstream Updates received from devices A decoder program 219 for decoding the received data, the update data received by streaming are sequentially stored, update data that has been updated among the stored update data, and other terminal devices 2 connected downstream are present. In such a case, a ring buffer 220 or the like in which update data that has been distributed to the terminal device 2 is sequentially deleted is stored. These are read out by the CPU 202, and the function according to these programs is executed by the CPU 202. The

  The stream control program 215 is also a program for receiving and streaming transmitting content data streamed and distributed from the content distribution device 1 directly or to another terminal device 2 to the downstream terminal device 2. The decoder program 219 is also a program for decoding and reproducing the content data stream-received from the upstream device. In addition, the ring buffer 220 sequentially stores the content data received by streaming, and when there is content data that has been reproduced from the stored content data and other terminal devices 2 connected downstream, the ring buffer 220 It is also a buffer in which content data that has been distributed to the terminal device 2 is sequentially deleted.

  Here, the OS program 217 is read out and executed by the CPU 202, thereby causing the terminal device 2 such as a function related to input / output of the user-input remote control 208 or memory management such as the main storage device 205 and the hard disk device 203. It enables the basic functions of a computer to be executed. Then, with the OS program 217 being executed by the CPU 202, the above-described stream control program 215, topology control program 216, screen control program 218, decoder program 219, etc. are read from the main storage device 205 and executed.

  The main storage device 205 also stores an update data update program 221 for decoding and updating update data received from an upstream device, and these are read by the CPU 202 and these programs are read by the CPU 202. The function according to is executed.

  Then, in a state where the OS program 217 is executed by the CPU 202, the update data update program 221 described above is read from the main storage device 205 and executed.

  The OS program 217, the stream control program 215, the topology control program 216, the screen control program 218, the decoder program 219, the update data update program 221 and the like are downloaded to the main storage device 205 from, for example, a server connected to the Internet 9. Alternatively, it may be recorded on a storage medium such as a CD-ROM and then read into the main storage device 205 via a drive of the storage medium.

(About the control unit 230)
The control unit 230 includes the CPU 202 and the main storage device 205 as described above, and the CPU 202 reads and executes the various programs 215 and 221 stored in the main storage device 205, thereby executing the entire terminal device 2. General control and connection request condition determination means, connection request time determination means, connection destination introduction request means, connection destination candidate reception means, connection means, content reception means, update data reception means, update data relay control means, which will be described later, It functions as update means, program management means, update data determination means, reception end determination means, connection cutoff control means, display control means, reproduction means, and the like. Further, the hard disk device 203 is used as a connection request time storage unit in which a connection request time for making a connection destination introduction request is stored.

  The CPU 202 executes the stream control program 215 as a content receiving unit, update data receiving unit, update data relay control unit, and the like, and the CPU 202 executes the topology control program 216, thereby connecting request condition determining unit, As a connection request time determination unit, a connection destination introduction request unit, a connection destination candidate reception unit, a connection unit, a reception end determination unit, a connection cutoff control unit, etc., and as a display control unit by the CPU 202 executing the screen control program 218 Further, the CPU 202 executes the decoder program 219 as a reproducing means, and the CPU 202 executes the update data update program 221 so that the updating means, the program management means, the update data, etc. Data decision means, as such, is adapted to function, respectively.

(About connection request condition judgment means, etc.)
The connection request condition determining means determines whether or not a predetermined connection request condition is satisfied. Specifically, the connection request condition determining unit determines that a predetermined connection request condition is established during activation of the terminal device 2. The connection request condition determining means determines that a predetermined connection request condition is satisfied when it is determined that the connection request time is reached. The connection request time determination unit determines whether or not the stored connection request time has been reached after activation of the terminal device.

(About connection methods, etc.)
The connection destination introduction request unit transmits a connection destination introduction request for receiving update data to the connection management device 3 when it is determined that a predetermined connection request condition is satisfied. The connection destination candidate receiving means receives the notified connection destination candidate, and the connection means logically connects to the received connection destination candidate.

(About update data receiving means and update data relay control means)
The update data receiving means receives update data from the update data distribution device 4 or the terminal device 2 connected to the upper layer via the network interface 204. Further, when the update data relay control means receives the update data and the terminal device 2 is connected to the lower layer, the update data relay control means is connected to the lower layer via the network interface 204. The data is transferred to another terminal device 2 via the network interface 204. That is, the update data relay control means performs control to relay to another lower layer terminal device logically connected to the lower layer.

(About update means)
The update means performs update based on the received update data. In particular, the update means updates the update data when it is determined that the received update data is the latest data, while it determines that the received update data is not the latest data. Then, control for restricting (prohibiting) update of update data is performed. The program management means manages the type of program, and the update data determination means determines whether or not the received update data is the latest data based on the managed program type.

(Reception end determination means, connection cutoff control means)
The reception end determination means determines whether or not the update data received from the update data distribution device 4 or the terminal device 2 connected to the upper layer via the network interface 204 has ended. Then, when it is determined that the received update data has ended, the connection cutoff control means disconnects the logical connection with the update data distribution device 4 or the terminal device 2 connected to the upper layer.

(About content receiving means)
The content receiving means receives content data from the content distribution device 1 or the terminal device 2 connected to the upper layer via the network interface 204.

(About playback means)
The reproduction means has a function of sequentially storing the content data stream-received by the network interface 204 in the ring buffer 220 and reproducing it sequentially.

  This reproduction means realizes this function by operating the sound source chip 211 and the video chip 209, and sequentially extracts the content data stored in the ring buffer 220 and converts it into a predetermined content data format (for example, Wave format). The content is converted and input to the sound source chip 211 and the video chip 209 to reproduce the content.

  If the content data includes audio information, the content data converted into a predetermined content data format by the reproduction means is output from the built-in speaker 212 after the audio information is converted into an audio signal by the sound source chip 211. The

  In addition, when the content data converted into a predetermined content data format by the playback means includes video information, the video information is displayed on the built-in display 210 under the control of the display control means described later.

  Further, the reproduction means determines the timing for reproducing the content data based on the reproduction start time information included in the content data stored in the ring buffer 220. That is, the playback means is configured to output the content data stored in the ring buffer 220 to the built-in speaker 212 and the built-in display 210 at the playback start time.

(Display control means)
The display control means has a function of controlling the video chip 209 and the built-in display 210 to display content data and various types of information. That is, the display control means can control how the content video and various types of information are displayed on the built-in display 210.

[4. Description of Configuration of Connection Management Device 3]
Next, the configuration and operation of the connection management device 3 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of the connection management device 3 in the present embodiment. As the connection management device 3, a general server computer can be applied. As shown in FIG. 5, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 302, a rewritable main storage device 305 that stores (stores) various programs, and the like, A hard disk device 303 for storing various data, a network interface 304 for communicating with the content distribution device 1, the update data distribution device 4, the update management device 5 and the terminal device 2 via the Internet 9, and predetermined information A peripheral device control chip 306 that controls input means such as a keyboard 307 and a mouse 308 capable of inputting image data, and receives image data from the CPU 302 and writes the image data to an internal video memory (not shown) and the data written to the video memory. Built-in display A video chip 309 displayed on 310 is configured, and these various components are connected to each other via a system bus 301.

  In the present embodiment, the CPU 302 and the main storage device 305 constitute a control unit 330. The network interface 304 is connected to the Internet 9 via the router 10c. This router 10c corresponds to the router 10 shown in FIG.

(About the main storage device 305)
The main storage device 305 also includes an OS program 317 for providing basic functions of the connection management device 3 as a computer, and location information (IP addresses and port numbers) of a plurality of terminal devices 2 connected to the ports. Etc.), a topology management program 319 for constructing and managing a tree-like hierarchical structure of each port, and a port corresponding to a connection destination introduction request transmitted from the terminal device 2 A connection destination introduction program 320 or the like for selecting connection destination candidates and transmitting connection destination candidate information to the terminal device 2 is stored. These are read out by the CPU 302 and executed by the CPU 302 according to these programs. The function is executed.

  Here, the OS program 317 is read and executed by the CPU 302, whereby functions related to input / output of the keyboard 307 and mouse 308, and connection management device 3 such as memory management of the main storage device 305 and hard disk device 303. It is possible to execute the basic functions of a computer. Then, with the OS program 317 being executed by the CPU 302, the terminal management program 318, the topology management program 319, the connection destination introduction program 320, and the like are executed.

  The OS program 317, the terminal management program 318, the topology management program 319, the connection destination introduction program 320, etc. may be downloaded to the main storage device 305 from a server connected to the Internet 9, for example. After being recorded on a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, it may be read into the main storage device 305 via a drive of the storage medium.

(Regarding the controller 330)
The control unit 330 is configured by the CPU 302 and the main storage device 305 as described above, and the CPU 302 reads out and executes various programs 317 to 320 stored in the main storage device 305 to control the entire connection management device 3. It controls and functions as terminal management means, topology management means, new topology generation means, topology change means, connection destination introduction request reception means, connection destination candidate selection means, connection destination candidate notification means, etc., which will be described later. Further, the hard disk device 303 has a plurality of terminal devices logically connected in multiple layers in a hierarchical structure on the network with the update data distribution device 4 to which update data is distributed for each port and distribution time being distributed. Used as connection state information storage means for storing connection state information. In addition, the hard disk device 303 is connected to a plurality of terminal devices logically connected in multiple layers in a hierarchical structure on the network with the content distribution device 1 to which content data is distributed as a vertex for each distribution port and distribution time. Used as connection state information storage means for storing state information.

  The CPU 302 executes the terminal management program 318 as a terminal management unit or the like, and the CPU 302 executes the topology management program 319 as a topology management unit, a new topology generation unit, a topology change unit, or the like. Executing the connection destination introduction program 320 functions as a connection destination introduction request receiving unit, a connection destination candidate selection unit, a connection destination candidate notification unit, and the like.

(About terminal management means)
When receiving the registration request from the terminal device 2, the terminal management means registers the IP address, which is the location information of the terminal device 2, in the terminal management database 315 for each port. Further, even when a registration request is received from the update management apparatus 5 or the content distribution apparatus 1, the location information of the update data distribution apparatus 4 or the content distribution apparatus 1 is stored in the terminal management database 315 for each port. sign up. The location information of these devices is included in the registration request, and the location information is acquired from the registration request.

(About topology management means)
The topology management unit includes a new topology generation unit for generating a tree-like hierarchical structure of new ports based on a new port generation request transmitted from the update management device 5 or the content distribution device 1, and a connection destination of the terminal device 2. It has a function as topology change means for changing connection information of the terminal device 2 at the port by topology change notification such as introduction request or connection disconnection notification. Further, the topology management means stores the connection state information of the terminal device 2 constituting the hierarchical structure for each port in the topology database 314 as the connection state information storage means.

  When receiving a new port generation request from the update management device 5 or the content distribution device 1, the new topology generation unit generates a new port topology table and registers it in the topology database 314. Here, the topology table is a table for storing connection state information and the like of the terminal device 2 constituting a hierarchical structure for each port, and is generated for each port and registered in the topology database 314.

  The topology change means executes a function of adding or deleting information of the terminal device 2 to / from a plurality of topology tables stored in the topology database 314, and based on the connection destination introduction request topology participation report from the terminal device 2. Addition or change to the topology table.

(About connection destination introduction request receiving means)
The connection destination introduction request receiving unit receives the connection destination introduction request transmitted from the terminal device 2 or the like.

(About connection destination candidate selection means)
The connection destination candidate selection means, when receiving the connection destination introduction request from the terminal device 2 to newly join the port, the terminal device that has transmitted the connection destination introduction request in the hierarchical structure of the port corresponding to the connection destination introduction request Connection destination candidates that are logically connected in multiple layers in a hierarchical structure on the network are selected from the connection state information stored in the topology database 314. That is, when a connection destination introduction request is received from the terminal device 2, the connection destination candidate selection means uses the update data distribution device 4 as the apex based on the connection state information stored in the topology database 314 and requests a connection destination introduction request. The connection destination candidate is selected so that the terminal apparatus 2 that has transmitted the logical connection is hierarchically structured in a hierarchical structure on the network. In particular, the connection destination candidate selecting means, when the connection destination introduction request is received after the first distribution time when the update data is distributed and before the second distribution time when the update data is distributed next, With the update data distribution device 4 (port of the update data distribution device 4) to which update data is distributed from the second distribution time as a vertex, the terminal device 2 that has transmitted the connection destination introduction request has a hierarchical structure on the network in multiple layers Select connection destination candidates so that they are logically connected.

(About connection destination candidate notification means)
The connection destination candidate notifying unit has a function of notifying the connection destination candidate selected by the connection destination candidate selecting unit to the terminal device 2 that has transmitted the connection destination introduction request. The notification of the connection destination candidate includes information on the connection destination candidate, that is, information such as the communication protocol, IP address, and port number of the connection destination candidate terminal device 2.

[5. Description of Update Management Device 5 Configuration]
Next, the configuration and operation of the update management apparatus 5 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of the update management apparatus 5 in the present embodiment. The update management device 5 is applicable to a general server computer. As shown in FIG. 6, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 502, a rewritable main storage device 505 for storing (storing) various programs, and the like, A hard disk device 503 for storing various data, a network interface 504 for communicating with the connection management device 3, the update data distribution device 4 and the terminal device 2 via the Internet 9, and a keyboard for inputting predetermined information The image data is received from the peripheral device control chip 506 for controlling the input means such as 507 and the mouse 508 and the CPU 502 and written to the internal video memory (not shown) and the data written to the video memory is displayed on the built-in display 510. Video These components are connected to each other via a system bus 501.

  In the present embodiment, the CPU 502 and the main storage device 505 constitute a control unit 530. The network interface 504 is connected to the Internet 9 via the router 10e. This router 10e corresponds to the router 10 shown in FIG.

(About the main memory 505)
The main storage device 505 has an OS program 517 for providing basic functions as a computer of the update management device 5, an update data input program 518 for inputting update data for distribution, and an update. An update management program 520 and the like for performing management related to these are stored, and these are read by the CPU 502, and the function according to these programs is executed by the CPU 502.

  Here, the OS program 517 is read out and executed by the CPU 502, whereby functions related to input / output of the keyboard 507 and mouse 508, and update management device 5 such as memory management of the main storage device 505 and hard disk device 503. It is possible to execute the basic functions of a computer. Then, with the OS program 517 being executed by the CPU 502, the above-described update data input program 518, the update management program 520, and the like are executed.

  Note that the OS program 517, the update data input program 518, the update management program 520, and the like may be downloaded to the main storage device 505 from, for example, a server connected to the Internet 9, or a CD-ROM or the like. May be read into the main storage device 505 via a drive of the storage medium after being recorded on the storage medium.

(About control unit 530)
As described above, the control unit 530 includes the CPU 502 and the main storage device 505. The CPU 502 reads out and executes the various programs 517, 518, and 520 stored in the main storage device 505, whereby the update management device 5 as a whole. And control the update data registration means, connection information request reception means, connection request time transmission means, and the like, which will be described later. Furthermore, the hard disk device 503 is used as a connection request time storage unit that is before the update data distribution time and stores the connection request time for the terminal device 2 to make a connection destination introduction request.

  The CPU 502 executes the update data input program 518 and functions as an update data registration unit, and the CPU 502 executes the update management program 421 as a connection information request reception unit and a connection request time transmission unit. It is supposed to be.

(About update data registration means)
The update data registration means registers update data 514 and an update database 515 (specifically, refer to FIG. 8) such as data related to the update data in accordance with input / output of the keyboard 507 and the mouse 508.

(About connection information request reception means and connection request time transmission means)
The connection information request receiving unit receives from the terminal device 2 a connection information request for requesting a connection request time for participating in a hierarchical structure having the update data distribution device 4 as a vertex. Further, when the connection information request is received, the connection request time transmission unit transmits the connection request time of the update data to the terminal device 2 that has transmitted the connection information request.

[6. Description of Content Distribution Device 1 Configuration]
Next, the configuration and operation of the content distribution apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of the content distribution apparatus 1 in the present embodiment. The content distribution apparatus 1 is applicable to a general server computer, and as shown in FIG. 7, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 102, a rewritable main storage apparatus 105 that stores (stores) various programs, and the like, A hard disk device 103 that stores various data, a network interface 104 that communicates with the terminal device 2, the connection management device 3, and the update data distribution device 4 via the Internet 9, and a keyboard that can input predetermined information The peripheral device control chip 106 for controlling the input means such as 107 and the mouse 108, and the image data from the CPU 102 are received and written in an internal video memory (not shown), and the data written in the video memory is stored in a built-in display 110 described later. Be displayed on The audio chip 109, the built-in display 110 that performs display according to the signal transmitted from the video chip 109, the sound source chip 111 having a sound source such as an FM sound source (Frequency Modulation) or Wave Table sound source, and the sound source chip 111 output And a built-in speaker 112 for converting an audio signal into a sound wave. These various components are connected to each other via a system bus 101.

  The network interface 104 is connected to the Internet 9 via the router 10a. This router 10a corresponds to the router 10 shown in FIG.

  In the present embodiment, the CPU 102 and the main storage device 105 constitute a control unit 130. In addition, the content distribution apparatus 1 includes the built-in display (liquid crystal display or the like) 110 as described above. For example, a broadcast operator who operates the update data distribution system S looks at the built-in display 110. Predetermined information can be input from the input means. In the present embodiment, the built-in display 110, the built-in speaker 112, and the like are built in the content distribution apparatus 1. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be connected separately, for example.

(Main memory 105)
In addition, the main storage device 105 takes out an OS (operating system) program 117 for providing basic functions as a computer of the content distribution device 1 and the content data 113 stored in the hard disk device 103 to obtain a terminal device. 2, a stream control program 115 for streaming delivery to 2, a topology control program 116 for managing location information (IP address, port number, etc.) of each terminal device 2 of each floor structure connected to each port, Screen control program 118 for controlling built-in display 110, decoder program 119 for decoding encoded content data, content management program for managing content data and content data 21 and a ring buffer 120 that temporarily stores the content data 113 stored in the hard disk device 103 before being transmitted to the terminal device 2 are stored. These are read by the CPU 102 and are read by the CPU 102. The function according to the program is executed.

  Here, the OS program 117 is read and executed by the CPU 102, so that the content distribution device 1 such as the function relating to input / output of the keyboard 107 and the mouse 108 and the memory management of the main storage device 105 and the hard disk device 103. It enables the basic functions of a computer to be executed.

  Then, with the OS program 117 being executed by the CPU 102, the above-described stream control program 115, topology control program 116, screen control program 118, decoder program 119, and content management program 121 are read from the main storage device 105. To be executed.

  Note that the OS program 117, the stream control program 115, the topology control program 116, the screen control program 118, the decoder program 119, the content management program 121, and the like are downloaded to the main storage device 105 from, for example, a server connected to the Internet 9. Alternatively, after being recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, it may be read into the main storage device 105 via a drive of the recording medium.

(About the control unit 130)
The control unit 130 includes the CPU 102 and the main storage device 105 as described above, and the CPU 102 reads out and executes 119, 121 from the various programs 115 stored in the main storage device 105, whereby the content distribution device 1 as a whole. And functions as a content data distribution means, which will be described later. When the CPU 102 executes the stream control program 115, the CPU 102 executes the screen control program 118 as a content data distribution unit or the like, and when the CPU 102 executes the topology control program 116, as the topology management unit. As a result, the CPU 102 functions as a playback unit when the CPU 102 executes the decoder program 119 as a display control unit or the like. Further, the hard disk device 103 is used as a content data storage unit that stores content data and a delivery time corresponding to the content data.

(About content distribution means)
The content data distribution unit retrieves the specified content data from the content data 113 stored in the hard disk device 103 by the input unit such as the keyboard 107 or when the set distribution time is reached, and the network interface 104 The terminal is streamed to the connected terminal device 2 (for example, the top-level terminal device when connected in a tree shape).

  The streaming distribution to the terminal device 2 or the like by the content data distribution unit is executed according to the following procedure.

  The content data distribution unit sequentially extracts content data corresponding to preset content from the content data 113 stored in advance in the hard disk device 103 and stores the content data in the ring buffer 120.

  Next, the content data distribution unit encodes the content data retrieved from the ring buffer 120 into a data format for streaming distribution, for example, a data format such as ASF, WMA, WMV, or the like.

  Thereafter, the content data distribution unit stores the corresponding content data in the content packet while dividing the content data for each predetermined capacity with respect to the connected terminal device 2 and the like, and transmits the content packet via the network interface 104. To do.

(Topology management means)
In the content distribution apparatus 1, a plurality of ports are allocated to one content distribution apparatus 1, and the topology management unit is a terminal that participates in the first layer of a tree-like hierarchical structure configured by the allocated ports. The location information (IP address, port number, etc.) of the device 2 is managed. The above distribution means distributes the content data to the terminal apparatus 2 using the IP address of the terminal device 2 managed by the topology management means as the destination address and the distribution IP address as the transmission source.

(Display control means)
The display control means has a function of controlling the video chip 109 and the built-in display 110 to display content data and various types of information. That is, the display control means can control how the content video and various types of information are displayed on the built-in display 110.

(About playback means)
The reproduction means has a function of displaying content data from the content data 113 on the built-in display 110 and outputting it from the built-in speaker 112.

(Update database)
An update database stored in the hard disk device 503 or the like in the update management apparatus 5 having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to FIG. Even when the update database described below is not stored in the hard disk device 503 in the update management device 5, data and programs having such functions are stored in the hard disk device 503 in the update management device 5 or the like. It only has to be.

  The update database stored in the hard disk device 503 in the update management device 5 is a database for managing information related to updates. In this update database, as shown in FIG. 8, a topology ID, a distribution date / time (distribution time), a connection date / time (connection time), and an update data ID are associated with each other.

  The topology ID here indicates a port to which update data is distributed. Specifically, the topology ID is an ID that can identify the update data distribution device 4 and the port. The distribution date and time is the date and time when update data is distributed from the update data distribution device 4. The connection date and time is a date and time for requesting the connection management apparatus 3 for a connection destination candidate for receiving update data. Specifically, the connection date and time can be set at a date and time earlier than the distribution date and time. You may comprise so that it may be default-set as 10 minutes before a date. A plurality of delivery dates / times and connection dates / times can be set, such as a first delivery date / time, a second delivery date / time, a first connection date / time, and a second connection date / time. The update data ID is an identification ID for identifying update data.

  Such an update database is registered according to input / output of the keyboard 507 and mouse 508 in the update management apparatus 5. The information registered in the update database is transmitted to the connection management device 3, the update data distribution device 4, etc., and stored in these devices. With such an update database, information related to update data can be efficiently managed.

(About the number of ports in the update data distribution device 4)
Further, when such update data is distributed, the distribution efficiency varies depending on the number of ports in the update data distribution apparatus 4, and the waiting time of the terminal apparatus 2 varies. The number of ports for distributing such update data will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the distribution timing of update data. In FIG. 9, it is assumed that it takes about 10 minutes to complete the distribution of one update data. FIG. 9A shows a distribution timing for distributing the same update data with a time difference through four ports in the update data distribution apparatus 4, and FIG. 9B shows one port in the update data distribution apparatus 4. The distribution timing which distributes update data via is shown.

  In the update data distribution device 4, when the same update data is distributed via the four ports with a time difference, as shown in FIG. 9A, every 2.5 minutes (2 minutes 30 seconds) elapses. The update data is set to be distributed from a certain port. This is a time difference in distribution of update data, which is the time obtained by dividing 10 minutes for distribution of update data by the number of ports (four). For this reason, distribution of update data is started by waiting at most 2.5 minutes after the power of the terminal device 2 is turned on.

  On the other hand, in the update data distribution device 4, when update data is distributed through one port, the update data is distributed from the port 1 every 10 minutes as shown in FIG. 9B. Is set to In this case, the time (10 minutes) required for distribution of update data is a time difference in distribution of update data. For this reason, distribution of update data is started by waiting for a maximum of 10 minutes after the terminal device 2 is turned on.

  Thus, the more ports that deliver update data, the better the delivery efficiency. In other words, the update data distribution device distributes update data and has a plurality of update data distribution means independent from each other. For example, by distributing a plurality of types of update data, it is possible to distribute various types of update data. In addition, it is possible to reduce the waiting time before receiving the update data by distributing one update data multiple times while sliding the time, so that the update data distribution efficiency can be improved. Can do. A similar effect is obtained even in a system including a plurality of update data distribution apparatuses 4. Of course, the update data distribution device 4 has one port, that is, the update data distribution device may be configured to have one update data distribution means for distributing update data.

[7. Operation of update data distribution system S]
Hereinafter, detailed operations of the content distribution device 1, the terminal device 2, the connection management device 3, the update data distribution device 4, and the update management device 5 will be described more specifically with reference to flowcharts.

(Description of processing flow of update data distribution device 4)
First, a more specific operation of the update data distribution device 4 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the entire processing in the update data distribution apparatus 4.

  First, as shown in FIG. 10, when the update data distribution device 4 is powered on, in the update data distribution device 4, the CPU 402 permits access to the main storage device 405 and the hard disk device 403, initializes the work area, and the like. The initial setting process is executed (step S400), the programs 415 to 419 and 421 are put into an execution state by the CPU 402, the function as the control unit 430 is operated, and the process proceeds to step S401.

  In step S401, the control unit 430 in the update data distribution device 4 determines whether update data or the like has been received. In this process, the control unit 430 in the update data distribution device 4 determines whether update data or the like has been received from the update management device 5 via the network interface 404.

  In this process, if the control unit 430 determines that update data or the like has been received (step S401: YES), the control unit 430 stores the update data or the like in the hard disk device 403 (represented as HDD in FIG. 10) (step S401). S402), registered as update data, and the process proceeds to step S410. That is, the control unit 430 stores the update data. In addition to the update data, the control unit 430 receives an update database in which information related to the update data is registered, stores the update database in the hard disk device 403, and registers it as an update database. That is, the hard disk device 403 stores update data, distribution time for distributing update data, and the like. Such a hard disk device 403 functions as update data storage means.

  On the other hand, in step S401, if the control unit 430 does not determine that update data has been received (step S401: NO), the process proceeds to step S421.

  In step S <b> 421, the control unit 430 in the update data distribution device 4 determines whether there is a session establishment or disconnection request from the terminal device 2. In this process, the control unit 430 determines whether there is a request for opening or disconnecting a session from the terminal device 2 via the network interface 404.

  In this process, if the control unit 430 determines that there is a request for opening a session (step S421: YES), the control unit 430 opens a connection with the terminal device 2 (step S422) and determines that a session disconnection request has been received. If it is determined (step S421: YES), the connection with the terminal device 2 is disconnected (step S422), and the process proceeds to step S410. That is, the control unit 430 performs control to change and set the connection state of the terminal device in response to a request from the terminal device 2. In particular, when distributing the update data, the control unit 430 receives a session establishment request from the terminal device 2 that directly distributes the update data before the distribution time for distributing the update data, and establishes a connection. When the distribution of data is completed, a session disconnection request is received from the terminal device 2 that has been directly distributed, and the connection is disconnected.

  On the other hand, in step S421, when the control unit 430 determines that neither the session opening nor the disconnection is requested from the terminal device 2 (step S421: NO), the process proceeds to step S431.

  In step S431, the control unit 430 in the update data distribution device 4 determines whether it is distribution time. In this process, the control unit 430 in the update data distribution device 4 refers to the distribution time in the update database (see FIG. 8) and determines whether or not the current time is the distribution time.

  In this process, when it is determined that the distribution time is reached (step S431: YES), the control unit 430 reads the update data corresponding to the update data ID determined to have reached the distribution time, and is logically connected to the lower layer. Stream transmission is started to the terminal device 2 that is present (step S432), and the process proceeds to step S410. That is, the control unit 430 determines whether or not the update data distribution time stored in the hard disk device 403 is reached, and when it is determined that the update data distribution time is reached, it is determined to be directly distributed, The update data is distributed to the logically connected terminal devices (terminal devices at the highest level). In other words, the control unit 430 distributes the update data to the terminal device 2 connected before the distribution time. Moreover, the control part 430 will distribute one update data in multiple delivery time several times depending on the delivery schedule. The control unit 430 that executes these steps functions as a distribution time determination unit and an update data distribution unit. The update data distribution apparatus 4 has a plurality of update data distribution units independent from each other since a plurality of ports through which update data can be distributed are set.

  In this way, even in a terminal device that has not received one update data, such as a terminal device that has not been activated, the one update data is received and updated again when a predetermined connection request condition is satisfied. Can do. In addition, for example, by distributing multiple types of update data, it is possible to distribute various types of update data, and furthermore, by receiving a single update data multiple times over time, the update data can be received. It is possible to improve the distribution efficiency of update data, such as reducing the waiting time before the update.

  On the other hand, if the control unit 430 determines in step S431 that it is not the delivery time (step S431: NO), the process proceeds to step S441.

  In step S441, the control unit 430 in the update data distribution device 4 determines whether the distribution is complete. In this process, the control unit 430 in the update data distribution device 4 determines whether or not the distribution of update data has been completed.

  In this process, when it is determined that the distribution is complete (step S441: YES), the control unit 430 manages connection of the update data ID corresponding to the update data for which the distribution has been completed and the data indicating the completion of the distribution. The data is transmitted to the device 3 (step S442), and the process proceeds to step S410. As described above, when the control unit 430 notifies the connection management device 3 that the distribution of the content data is completed, the connection management device 3 deletes the topology information from the topology database.

  On the other hand, in step S441, when the control unit 430 determines that the distribution is not completed (step S441: NO), the process proceeds to step S451.

  In step S451, control unit 430 determines whether or not to execute other processing. In this process, when it is determined that the other process is executed (step S451: YES), the control unit 430 executes the other process (step S452), and moves the process to step S410.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S451 that the other processing is not performed (step S451: NO), the control unit 430 proceeds to step S410.

  In step S410, the control unit 430 determines whether or not the power source is off, and if the power source is off, the control unit 430 ends the process, but determines that the power source is not off. Will repeat the process from step S401.

(Description of processing flow of connection management device 3)
Next, a more specific operation of the connection management device 3 will be described with reference to FIG. 11 and FIG. 11 and 12 are flowcharts showing the entire processing in the connection management apparatus 3.

  When the power of the connection management device 3 is turned on, in the connection management device 3, the CPU 302 executes an initial setting place such as access permission of the main storage device 305 and the hard disk device 303 and initialization of the work area (step S300). Each program 317 to 320 is put into an execution state by the CPU 302 and the function as the control unit 330 is operated, and then the process proceeds to step S301.

  In step S301, the control unit 330 determines whether there is a registration request for the update data distribution device 4. In this process, the control unit 330 determines whether there is a registration request for the update data distribution device 4 from the update management device 5 via the network interface 304.

  In this process, if the control unit 330 determines that there is a request for registration of the update data distribution device 4 (step S301: YES), the control unit 330 registers the update data ID and the location information of the update data distribution device 4 in the terminal management database. (Step S302). Then, the control unit 330 registers the update data distribution topology information (for example, topology ID) in the topology database (step S303), and returns the topology ID to the update management apparatus 5 that issued the registration request (step S304). The process proceeds to step S310.

  On the other hand, in step S301, when the control unit 330 determines that there is no registration request for the update data distribution device 4 (step S301: NO), the process proceeds to step S311.

  In step S311, the control unit 330 determines whether there is a content registration request. In this process, the control unit 330 determines whether there is a registration request for the content distribution device 1 from the content distribution device 1 via the network interface 304.

  In this process, when it is determined that there is a content registration request (step S311: YES), the control unit 330 registers the content ID and the location information of the content distribution device 1 in the terminal management database (step S312). Then, the control unit 330 registers the content distribution topology information (for example, topology ID) in the topology database (step S313), and returns the topology ID to the content distribution apparatus 1 that is the registration request source (step S314). The process moves to step S310.

  On the other hand, in step S311, when it is determined that there is no content registration request (step S311: NO), the control unit 330 moves the process to step S321 shown in FIG.

  In step S321 in FIG. 12, the control unit 330 determines whether there is a connection destination introduction request. In this process, the control unit 330 determines whether there is a connection destination introduction request from the terminal device 2 via the network interface 304.

  In this process, when it is determined that there is a connection destination introduction request (step S321: YES), the control unit 330 acquires terminal device information as a connection destination candidate from the topology database (step S322). That is, the control unit 330 receives the connection destination introduction request transmitted from the terminal device 2. In addition, when receiving the connection destination introduction request, the control unit 330 acquires the identification information of the terminal device that has transmitted the connection destination introduction request from the terminal device. The control unit 330 that executes such steps functions as a connection destination introduction request receiving unit. In this process, the control unit 330 refers to the topology database in the hard disk device 303 and selects connection destination candidates so that the connection form of the terminal devices 2 connected to the same topology ID is a tree type. That is, when the connection destination introduction request from the terminal device 2 is received, the control unit 330 uses the update data distribution device 4 as a vertex based on the connection state information, and the terminal device 2 that has transmitted the connection destination introduction request Connection destination candidates are selected so that they are logically connected in multiple layers in a hierarchical structure on the network. In particular, when the update data is being distributed in the update data distribution device 4 (with a port) and the same update data is distributed with the other update data distribution device 4 (with the port), the control unit 330 is pre-distributed. If so, connection destination candidates are selected so that the terminal device 2 is logically connected in multiple layers with the other update data distribution device 4 as a vertex. That is, when the update data is distributed from the update data distribution device 4 from the first distribution time, the control unit 330 makes a connection destination introduction request after the first distribution time and before the second distribution time. When received, the update data distribution device 4 (the port of the update data distribution device 4) that distributes update data from the second distribution time is the apex, and the terminal device that has transmitted the connection destination introduction request has a hierarchical structure on the network. Thus, the connection destination candidates are selected so as to be logically connected in multiple layers. The control unit 330 that executes such steps functions as a connection destination candidate selection unit. When receiving a connection destination introduction request for receiving update data, the control unit 330 selects connection destination candidates for receiving update data, but the connection destination introduction for receiving content data is selected. When a request is received, a connection destination candidate for receiving content data is selected.

  Then, the control unit 330 returns the connection destination candidate to the request source apparatus (step S323), and moves the process to step S310 in FIG. That is, the control unit 330 notifies the selected connection destination candidate to the terminal device 2 that has transmitted the connection destination candidate request. The control unit 330 that executes such steps functions as a connection destination candidate notification unit.

  On the other hand, in step S321, when it is determined that there is no connection destination introduction request (step S321: NO), the control unit 330 moves the process to step S331.

  In step S331, the control unit 330 determines whether there is a topology participation report. In this process, the control unit 330 determines whether there is a topology participation report from the terminal device 2 via the network interface 304.

  In this process, if it is determined that there is a topology participation report (step S331: YES), the controller 330 registers the topology fluctuation information in the topology database in the hard disk device 303 (step S332), and the step of FIG. The process proceeds to S310. In particular, in this process, the control unit 330 causes the terminal device 2 to be hierarchically arranged on the network with the update data distribution device 4 as the apex for each port for distributing update data and for each distribution time for distributing the update data. Connection state information of a plurality of terminal devices 2 logically connected in multiple layers in the structure is stored in the hard disk device 303. The control unit 330 that executes such steps functions as a connection state information storage unit.

  Therefore, even when the connection destination introduction request is received after the first distribution time, the transmission of the update data distributed at the first distribution time is not interrupted in the second distribution time. By logically connecting to an update data distribution apparatus that has not yet distributed update data, update data distributed from the second distribution time can be received and updated.

  On the other hand, when determining in step S331 that there is no topology participation report (step S331: NO), the control unit 330 moves the process to step S341.

  In step S341, the control unit 330 determines whether there is a delivery completion notification. In this process, the control unit 330 determines whether or not there is a delivery completion notification from the update data delivery device 4 or the content delivery device 1 via the network interface 304.

  In this process, when it is determined that there is a delivery completion notification (step S341: YES), the controller 330 deletes the topology information from the topology database in the hard disk device 303 (step S342), and the process proceeds to step S310 in FIG. Move.

  On the other hand, when determining in step S341 that there is no delivery completion notification (step S341: NO), the controller 330 moves the process to step S310 shown in FIG.

  In step S310, the control unit 330 determines whether or not the service of the connection management device 3 has ended. If it is determined that the service of the connection management device 3 has ended, the control unit 330 ends the process, while If it is determined that the service of the device 3 has not ended, the process is repeated from step S301.

(Description of processing flow of update management device 5)
Next, a more specific operation of the update management apparatus 5 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the entire processing in the update management apparatus 5.

  When the power of the update management device 5 is turned on, in the update management device 5, the CPU 502 executes an initial setting place such as access permission of the main storage device 505 and the hard disk device 503 and initialization of the work area (step S500). The respective programs 517, 518, and 520 are put into an execution state by the CPU 502, the function as the control unit 530 is operated, and then the process proceeds to step S501.

  In step S501, the control unit 530 determines whether update data has been updated. In this process, the control unit 530 determines whether or not the update data has been updated in accordance with an input operation of the keyboard 507, the mouse 508, or the like.

  In this process, when it is determined that the update data has been updated (step S501: YES), the control unit 530 updates the update database (step S502). The control unit 530 acquires various types of information regarding update data based on input information from the keyboard 507 and the mouse 508 and updates the update database in the hard disk device 503.

  And the control part 530 transmits update data etc. to the update data delivery apparatus 4 (step S503). In this processing, the control unit 530 sets the update data distribution device 4 that distributes the update data added to the update database, and transmits the added update data itself to the update data distribution device 4.

  Then, the control unit 530 registers the update data distribution device 4 in the connection management device 3 (step S504), and moves the process to step S510. In this processing, the control unit 530 transmits items in the update database, identification information that enables identification of the update data distribution device 4 (port of the update data distribution device 4) that distributes update data, and the like to the connection management device 3. . If this process ends, the process moves to a step S510.

  On the other hand, in step S501, if the control unit 530 determines that the update data has not been updated (step S501: NO), the process proceeds to step S511.

  In step S511, the control unit 530 determines whether or not there has been an update presence / absence inquiry. In this processing, the control unit 530 determines whether or not there is an inquiry about the presence or absence of update data from the terminal device 2 via the network interface 504.

  In this process, when it is determined that there has been an update presence / absence inquiry (step S511: YES), the control unit 530 transmits update presence / absence information to the terminal device 2 that has made the inquiry (step S512). In this process, the control unit 530 refers to the update database and determines whether the version of the program or data in the terminal device 2 included in the update presence / absence inquiry is the latest version. When it is determined that the version of the program or data in the terminal device 2 is the latest, the control unit transmits update presence / absence information indicating that update data is unnecessary to the terminal device 2, and the program or data in the terminal device 2 is transmitted. If it is determined that the version is not the latest, update presence / absence information indicating that update data is required is transmitted to the terminal device 2. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S510.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S511 that the update presence / absence inquiry has not been made (step S511: NO), the control unit 530 proceeds to step S521.

  In step S521, the control unit 530 determines whether or not there is an inquiry about a connection time or the like. In this processing, the control unit 530 determines whether or not there has been an inquiry from the terminal device 2 via the network interface 504 such as a connection time for making a connection destination introduction request.

  In this process, when it is determined that there is an inquiry about the connection time or the like (step S521: YES), the control unit 530 transmits the connection time or the like to the terminal device 2 that has made the inquiry. In this process, the control unit 530 refers to the update database, reads the connection time, distribution time, and the like corresponding to the update data and transmits them to the terminal device 2. That is, the control unit 530 receives a connection information request for requesting a connection request time, and when the connection information request is received, transmits the connection request time to the terminal device that transmitted the connection information request. Become. The connection request time here is before the update data delivery time, and is a time for making a connection destination introduction request for receiving update data. The controller 330 that executes such steps functions as a connection information request receiving unit and a connection request time transmitting unit. As described above, the connection time (connection request time) and the delivery time are notified in response to the inquiry (request) from the terminal device 2, but in this embodiment, there is no inquiry about the connection time or the like from the terminal device 2. It is set, and such processing functions in other embodiments. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S510.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S521 that the inquiry about the connection time or the like has not been made (step S521: NO), the control unit 530 moves the process to step S531.

  In step S531, control unit 530 determines whether or not to execute other processing. In this process, when it is determined that the other process is executed (step S531: YES), the control unit 530 executes the other process (step S532), and moves the process to step S510.

  As a specific example of other processing, when it is determined that the topology ID has been received, the control unit 430 stores the received topology ID in association with the update data ID.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S531 that the other processing is not performed (step S531: NO), the control unit 530 proceeds to step S510.

  In step S510, the control unit 530 determines whether or not the service of the update management device 5 has ended. If it is determined that the service of the update management device 5 has ended, the control unit 530 ends the process while updating control is completed. If it is determined that the service of the device 5 has not ended, the process is repeated from step S501.

(Description of processing flow of terminal device 2)
First, a more specific operation of the terminal device 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 16 are flowcharts showing the entire processing in the terminal device 2.

  First, as shown in FIG. 14, when the power of the terminal device 2 is turned on, in the terminal device 2, the CPU 202 allows an initial setting location such as access permission of the main storage device 205 and the hard disk device 203 and initialization of the work area. Is executed (step S200), the programs 215 to 219 and 221 are put into an execution state by the CPU 202, the function as the control unit 230 is operated, and the process proceeds to step S201.

  In step S201, the control unit 230 executes a startup update process. Although details will be described later with reference to FIG. 16, update data to be updated at the time of activation is received and updated. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S202.

  In step S202, the control unit 230 determines whether it is an update check time. In this process, the control unit 230 refers to the current time and determines whether or not the time is the update check time. When determining that it is the update check time, the control unit 230 requests the connection management apparatus 3 for a connection destination candidate for startup (step S203), and moves the process to step S210. The update check time may be a set time (for example, every day at 5:00 pm) or every set period (for example, every week). That is, the control unit 230 determines that the predetermined connection request condition is satisfied when it is determined that the connection request time is reached after the terminal device 2 is activated, and it is determined that the predetermined connection request condition is satisfied. In this case, a connection destination introduction request for receiving update data is transmitted to the connection management device 3. The control unit 230 that executes such steps functions as a connection request condition determination unit and a connection destination introduction request unit.

  On the other hand, when the control unit 230 determines in step S202 that it is not the update check time (step S202: NO), the process proceeds to step S211.

  In step S210, the control unit 230 determines whether or not the terminal is turned off. If it is determined that the terminal is turned off, the control unit 230 ends the process, while the terminal is turned off. If it is determined that there is not, the process is repeated from step S201.

  In step S <b> 211, the control unit 230 determines whether an upstream terminal candidate has been received from the connection management device 3. In this process, the control unit 230 determines whether an upstream terminal candidate has been received from the connection management device 3 via the network interface 204 in response to the transmission of the connection destination candidate request in step S203.

  In this process, when it is determined that the upstream terminal candidate has been received from the connection management device (step S211: YES), the control unit 230 selects one upstream terminal from the acquired candidates (step S212). . That is, the control unit 230 receives the connection destination candidate notified from the connection management device 3, and selects any one of the received connection destination candidates. The control unit 230 that executes these steps functions as a connection destination candidate receiving unit.

  And the control part 230 connects as a downstream terminal of the upstream terminal (step S213). That is, the control unit 230 makes a logical connection to the received connection destination candidate. The control unit 230 that executes such steps functions as a connection unit. And the control part 230 transmits a topology participation report to the connection management apparatus 3 (step S214), and moves a process to step S210 again.

  On the other hand, in Step S211, when it is determined that the upstream terminal candidate is not received from the connection management device 3 (Step S211: NO), the control unit 230 moves the process to Step S221 in FIG.

  In step S221 of FIG. 15, the control unit 230 determines whether an update data packet has been received from the upstream terminal. In this process, the control unit 230 determines whether or not an update data packet has been received from the upstream terminal connected to the upper layer in step S213 via the network interface 204.

  In this process, when it is determined that the update data packet has been received from the upstream terminal (step S221: YES), the control unit 230 sends the packet to the downstream downstream terminal if there is a downstream downstream terminal. Transfer (step S222). That is, the control unit 230 receives update data from the update data distribution device 4 logically connected to the upper layer or another upper layer terminal device, and receives the received update data from another lower layer terminal device logically connected to the lower layer. It will be controlled to relay to. The control unit 230 that executes these steps functions as an update data receiving unit and an update data relay control unit. And the control part 230 acquires an update data packet from a ring buffer (step S223). If this process ends, the process moves to a step S224.

  In step S224, the control unit 230 determines whether or not the received update data is new data. In this process, the control unit 230 refers to a program stored in the hard disk device 203 and determines whether or not the received update data is new data. That is, the control unit 230 manages the types of programs stored in the hard disk device 203, and whether or not the received update data is the latest data based on the managed program types. Will be determined. The control unit 230 that executes such steps functions as a program management unit and an update data determination unit.

  In this process, when the control unit 230 determines that the received update data is new data, the control unit 230 updates the data in the hard disk device 203 (step S225). That is, the control unit 230 performs an update based on the received update data. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S226.

  On the other hand, in step S224, when the control unit 230 determines that the received update data is not new data (step S224: NO), the process proceeds to step S226 without executing step S225. That is, when it is determined that the update data is the latest data, the control unit 230 updates the update data, while when it is determined that the update data is not the latest data, the update data is updated. Control to restrict (prohibit) data update is performed. The control unit 230 that executes these steps functions as an updating unit. Accordingly, since the types of programs in each terminal device are not centrally managed, it is possible to prevent the concentration of processing, and further reduce the opportunity for each terminal device to leave the hierarchical structure of update data. As a result, the distribution efficiency of update data can be improved.

  In step S226, the control unit 230 determines whether or not it is an update data distribution end packet. The control unit 230 determines whether or not the received update data is a distribution end packet. That is, the control unit 230 determines whether or not reception of update data has been completed. The control unit 230 that executes such steps functions as a reception end determination unit.

  If the control unit 230 determines that the packet is an update data distribution end packet (step S226: YES), the control unit 230 disconnects (disconnects) the connection with the upstream terminal (step S227), and ends this subroutine. That is, when the control unit 230 determines that the reception of the update data has been completed, the control unit 230 performs control to block the logical connection with the update data distribution device 4 or the upper layer terminal device 2 that has received the update data. It will be. The control unit 230 that executes such steps functions as a connection cutoff control unit.

  As described above, when it is determined that the reception of the update data is completed, the logical connection with the update data distribution device or the upper layer terminal device that has received the update data is cut off, so that the update is performed in each terminal device. The device that received the update data without receiving the information for blocking the connection state even when the distribution of the update data to all the terminal devices is completed when the reception of the data is completed Can be cut off and a new connection state can be easily requested, so that efficient control processing can be performed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S226 that the update data distribution is not an end packet (step S226: NO), the control unit 230 moves the process to step S210 in FIG. 14 without executing step S227.

  In step S221, when it is determined that the update data packet has not been received from the upstream terminal connected to the upper layer (step S221: NO), the control unit 230 moves the process to step S231.

  In step S231, the control unit 230 determines whether to execute other processing. In this process, if it is determined that the other process is to be executed (step S231: YES), the control unit 230 executes the other process (step S232), and moves the process to step S210 in FIG.

  As a specific example of other processing, the control unit 230 receives content data from the content distribution device 1 or the terminal device 2 logically connected upstream. Then, the control unit 230 performs control to relay the received content data to the terminal device 2 logically connected downstream, and reproduces the received content data. That is, the control unit 230 receives the content data distributed from the content distribution device 1 from the content distribution device 1 or another upper layer terminal device 2. The control unit 230 that executes such steps functions as a content receiving unit.

  As a specific example of other processing, the control unit 230 can set an update check time according to an input operation of the user input remote control 208 and store the update check time in the hard disk device 203. That is, the control unit 230 can set the connection request time. In other words, the hard disk device 203 stores a connection request time for making a connection destination introduction request. The hard disk device 203 functions as a connection request time storage unit.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S231 that other processing is not to be executed (step S231: NO), the control unit 530 proceeds to step S210 in FIG.

  In this way, with the update data distribution device at the top, a plurality of terminal devices are connected in a hierarchical structure, and update data can be received, updated, and relayed. For this reason, it is not necessary to reinforce the update data distribution device in terms of performance regardless of the number of terminal devices for update data distribution, and update data can be distributed quickly and reliably to many terminal devices.

  In addition, when it is determined that the stored connection request time has been reached after activation of each of the plurality of terminal devices, it is determined that a predetermined connection request condition has been established, so that the update of the special update data is conscious. However, when the connection request time is reached, a predetermined connection request condition is established and the connection is made to the hierarchical structure. When the connection request time comes after startup, various update data can be reliably updated. it can. The connection request time here may be, for example, a predetermined time such as 3:00 pm or every predetermined period such as every two hours. In addition, update data can be received in a terminal device that can receive content data and the like.

(Update process at startup)
Next, the startup update process performed in step S201 shown in FIG. 14 will be specifically described with reference to FIG.

  First, as illustrated in FIG. 16, the control unit 230 in the terminal device 2 inquires whether there is an update (step S251). In this process, the control unit 230 transmits inquiry information regarding the presence or absence of update data to be updated at the time of activation to the update management apparatus 5 via the network interface 204. Then, the control unit 230 receives update data presence / absence information from the update management apparatus 5 via the network interface 204 (step S252). If this process ends, the process moves to a step S253.

  In step S253, the control unit 230 determines whether an update is necessary. In this process, the control unit 230 determines whether or not an update is necessary based on the update data presence / absence information received in step S252. When determining that the update is necessary, the control unit 230 requests the connection management apparatus 3 for a connection destination candidate for startup (step S254), and moves the process to step S255. That is, the control unit 230 determines that the predetermined connection request condition is satisfied during activation of the terminal device 2, and if it is determined that the predetermined connection request condition is satisfied, for receiving the update data A connection destination introduction request is transmitted to the connection management device 3. The control unit 230 that executes such steps functions as a connection request condition determination unit and a connection destination introduction request unit. On the other hand, when determining that the update is not necessary, the control unit 230 ends the present subroutine.

  In step S <b> 255, the control unit 230 determines whether an upstream terminal candidate has been received from the connection management device 3. In this process, the control unit 230 determines whether an upstream terminal candidate has been received from the connection management device 3 via the network interface 204 in response to the transmission of the connection destination candidate request in step S254.

  In this process, when it is determined that the upstream terminal candidate has been received from the connection management device (step S255: YES), the control unit 230 selects one upstream terminal from the acquired candidates (step S256). . That is, the control unit 230 receives the connection destination candidate notified from the connection management device 3, and selects any one of the received connection destination candidates. The control unit 230 that executes these steps functions as a connection destination candidate receiving unit.

  And the control part 230 connects as a downstream terminal of the upstream terminal (step S257). That is, the control unit 230 makes a logical connection to the received connection destination candidate. The control unit 230 that executes such steps functions as a connection unit. Then, the control unit 230 requests the terminal device 2 or the update data distribution device 4 connected upstream via the network interface 204 to start transmission of the update data stream (step S258). And the control part 230 transmits a topology participation report to the connection management apparatus 3 (step S259), and moves a process to step S255 again.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S255 that the upstream terminal candidate has not been received from the connection management device 3 (step S255: NO), the control unit 230 moves the process to step S261.

  In step S261, the control unit 230 determines whether an update data packet has been received from the upstream terminal. In this processing, the control unit 230 determines whether or not an update data packet has been received from the upstream terminal connected to the upper layer in step S257 via the network interface 204.

  In this process, when it is determined that the update data packet has been received from the upstream terminal (step S261: YES), the control unit 230 sends the packet to the downstream downstream terminal if there is a downstream downstream terminal. Transfer (step S262). That is, the control unit 230 receives update data from the update data distribution device 4 logically connected to the upper layer or another upper layer terminal device, and receives the received update data from another lower layer terminal device logically connected to the lower layer. It will be controlled to relay to. The control unit 230 that executes these steps functions as an update data receiving unit and an update data relay control unit. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S263.

  In step S263, the control unit 230 acquires an update data packet from the ring buffer. Then, the control unit 230 updates the data in the hard disk device 203 (step S264). That is, the control unit 230 performs an update based on the received update data. The control unit 230 that executes such steps functions as an updating unit. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S265.

  In step S <b> 265, the control unit 230 determines whether or not it is an update data distribution end packet. The control unit 230 determines whether or not the received update data is a distribution end packet. That is, the control unit 230 determines whether or not reception of update data has been completed. The control unit 230 that executes such steps functions as a reception end determination unit.

  When it is determined that the packet is an update data distribution end packet (step S265: YES), the control unit 230 disconnects (disconnects) the connection with the upstream terminal (step S266), and ends this subroutine. That is, when the control unit 230 determines that the reception of the update data has been completed, the control unit 230 performs control to block the logical connection with the update data distribution device 4 or the upper layer terminal device 2 that has received the update data. It will be. The control unit 230 that executes such steps functions as a connection cutoff control unit.

  As described above, when it is determined that the reception of the update data is completed, the logical connection with the update data distribution device or the upper layer terminal device that has received the update data is cut off, so that the update is performed in each terminal device. The device that received the update data without receiving the information for blocking the connection state even when the distribution of the update data to all the terminal devices is completed when the reception of the data is completed Can be cut off and a new connection state can be easily requested, so that efficient control processing can be performed.

  On the other hand, if the control unit 230 determines in step S265 that the update data distribution is not finished (step S265: NO), the process proceeds to step S255 without executing step S266.

  In step S261, when it is determined that the update data packet has not been received from the upstream terminal (step S261: NO), the control unit 230 moves the process to step S255.

  In this way, with the update data distribution device at the top, a plurality of terminal devices are connected in a hierarchical structure, and update data can be received, updated, and relayed. For this reason, it is not necessary to reinforce the update data distribution device in terms of performance regardless of the number of terminal devices for update data distribution, and update data can be distributed quickly and reliably to many terminal devices.

  In addition, since it is determined that a predetermined connection request condition has been established during startup in the terminal device, update data that cannot be updated after startup, update data with high urgency, etc. can be updated during startup. Various update data can be updated quickly and reliably.

(Description of processing flow of content distribution apparatus 1)
First, a more specific operation of the content distribution apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the entire processing in the content distribution apparatus 1.

  First, as shown in FIG. 17, when the content distribution apparatus 1 is powered on, in the content distribution apparatus 1, the CPU 102 initializes access permission and work area initialization of the main storage device 105 and the hard disk device 103. The setting process is executed (step S100), the programs 115 to 119, 121 are set to the execution state by the CPU 102, the function as the control unit 130 is operated, and the process proceeds to step S121.

  In step S <b> 121, the control unit 130 in the content distribution device 1 determines whether a request for opening or disconnecting a session has been received from the terminal device 2. In this process, the control unit 130 in the content distribution apparatus 1 determines whether or not a session establishment or disconnection request has been received from the terminal apparatus 2 via the network interface 104.

  In this process, if the control unit 130 determines that there is a request for opening a session (step S121: YES), the control unit 130 establishes a connection with the terminal device 2 (step S122) and determines that there is a session disconnection request. If it is determined (step S121: YES), the connection with the terminal device 2 is disconnected (step S122), and the process proceeds to step S110. That is, the control unit 130 performs control to change and set the connection state of the terminal device in response to a request from the terminal device 2.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S121 that the terminal device 2 has not requested a session establishment or disconnection (step S121: NO), the control unit 130 shifts the processing to step S131.

  In step S131, the control unit 130 in the content distribution apparatus 1 determines whether it is a distribution time. In this process, the control unit 130 in the content distribution apparatus 1 refers to the distribution time in the content database and determines whether or not the current time is the distribution time.

  In this process, when it is determined that the distribution time is reached (step S131: YES), the control unit 130 reads the content data determined to have reached the distribution time, and the terminal device 2 logically connected to the lower layer is read out. Then, stream transmission is started (step S132), and the process proceeds to step S110. That is, the control unit 130 determines whether or not the content data distribution time is reached, and distributes the content data to the logically connected terminal devices when it is determined that the content data distribution time is reached. It becomes. The control unit 130 that executes such steps functions as content data distribution means.

  On the other hand, if the control unit 130 determines in step S131 that the distribution time is not reached (step S131: NO), the process proceeds to step S141.

  In step S141, the control unit 130 in the content distribution apparatus 1 determines whether or not the distribution is complete. In this process, the control unit 130 in the content distribution apparatus 1 determines whether or not the distribution of content data has been completed.

  In this process, when it is determined that the distribution is completed (step S141: YES), the control unit 130 transmits data indicating the completion of distribution of the content data whose distribution is completed to the connection management device 3 (step S141). S142), the process proceeds to step S110. As described above, when the control unit 130 notifies the connection management device 3 that the distribution of the content data has been completed, the connection management device 3 deletes the topology information from the topology database.

  On the other hand, when the control unit 130 determines in step S141 that the distribution is not completed (step S141: NO), the process proceeds to step S151.

  In step S151, the control unit 130 determines whether to perform other processing. In this process, when it is determined that the other process is to be executed (step S151: YES), the control unit 130 executes the other process (step S152) and moves the process to step S110.

  A specific example of other processing includes registration of content data. In this case, the control unit 130 stores content data in the hard disk device 103 in accordance with information from input means such as the keyboard 107 and the mouse 108, and stores information related to the content data as a content database. Then, the control unit 130 transmits information indicating that the content has been registered to the connection management device 3 via the network interface 104. As a result, information regarding the content to be distributed is notified to the connection management device 3.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S151 that the other process is not to be executed (step S151: NO), the control unit 130 moves the process to step S110.

  In step S110, the control unit 130 determines whether or not the power source is off. If it is determined that the power source is off, the control unit 130 ends the present process, but determines that the power source is not off. Will repeat the process from step S101.

  In this way, since the terminal device receives the content data distributed from the content distribution device via the network from the content distribution device or another upper layer terminal device, the update data of the terminal device that can receive the content data and the like is received. Reception can be performed.

[Second Embodiment]
In the embodiment described above, when it is determined that the connection request time is reached after the terminal device 2 is activated, it is determined that a predetermined connection request condition is satisfied, a connection destination introduction request is transmitted, and update data is transmitted. The terminal device 2 is logically connected in a multi-layered structure on the network with the distribution device 4 as a vertex. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As an example, the terminal device 2 may be logically connected in multiple layers in a hierarchical structure on the network.

  An embodiment having such a function will be described below with reference to FIG. In addition, about the structure and process similar to embodiment mentioned above, in order to make an understanding of invention easy, it abbreviate | omits and the structure and process which represent are demonstrated below.

(Description of processing flow of terminal device 2)
As shown in FIG. 18, when step S201 is completed, the process proceeds to step S203. In step S203, processing similar to that in step S203 in the above-described embodiment is executed. That is, the control unit 230 determines that a predetermined connection request condition is satisfied after activation of the terminal device 2, and if it is determined that the predetermined connection request condition is satisfied, a connection for receiving update data is performed. The advance introduction request is transmitted to the connection management device 3. The control unit 230 that executes such steps functions as a connection request condition determination unit and a connection destination introduction request unit.

  In step S224, when the control unit 230 determines that the received update data is not new data (step S224: NO), step S225 is not executed, but step S226 in the above-described embodiment. Also, the process moves to step S210 without executing step S227. Of course, even when step S225 is completed, the control unit 230 moves the process to step S210 without executing steps S226 and S227 in the above-described embodiment. That is, the control unit 230 receives the update data without interrupting the logical connection with the update data distribution device 4 or the upper layer terminal device 2 that has received the update data, even when the reception of the update data is completed. Control is performed to logically connect to the connection destination candidate and continue the logical connection.

  Accordingly, a plurality of terminal devices are connected in a hierarchical structure with the update data distribution device at the top, and update data can be received, updated, and relayed. For this reason, it is not necessary to reinforce the update data distribution device in terms of performance regardless of the number of terminal devices for update data distribution, and update data can be distributed quickly and reliably to many terminal devices. If it is determined that a predetermined connection request condition has been established after activation in the terminal device, a connection destination introduction request for receiving update data is transmitted to the connection management device, logically connected to a connection destination candidate, Since the logical connection is continued, various types of update data can be updated quickly and reliably after the terminal device is activated.

[Third Embodiment]
Further, for example, after the terminal device 2 is activated, the update management device 5 manages the connection time for transmitting the connection destination introduction request to the connection management device 3, and the terminal device 2 makes the request for the connection time. May be.

  An embodiment having such a function will be described below with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20. In addition, about the structure and process similar to embodiment mentioned above, in order to make an understanding of invention easy, it abbreviate | omits and the structure and process which represent are demonstrated below.

(Description of processing flow of terminal device 2)
As shown in FIG. 19, when step S201 is completed, the process proceeds to step S271.

  In step S271, the control unit 230 determines whether it is an update check time. In this process, the control unit 230 refers to the current time and determines whether or not the time is the update check time. When it is determined that it is the update check time (step S271: YES), the control unit 230 requests a connection time or the like from the update management apparatus 5 (step S272), and moves the process to step S210. That is, the control unit 230 transmits a connection information request to the update management device 5 after the terminal device 2 is activated. The control unit 230 that executes such steps functions as a connection information request transmission unit.

  On the other hand, when determining in step S271 that it is not the update check time (step S271: NO), the control unit 230 moves the process to step S276.

  In step S276, the control unit 230 determines whether a connection time or the like has been received. In this process, the control unit 230 determines whether or not a connection time or the like has been received from the update management apparatus 5 via the network interface 204. When it is determined that the connection time or the like has been received (step S276: YES), the control unit 230 stores the connection time or the like in the hard disk device 203 (step S277), and the process proceeds to step S210. That is, the control unit 230 receives the connection request time corresponding to the connection information request transmitted in step S272 from the update management apparatus 5, and sets the received connection request time. The control unit 230 that executes such steps functions as a connection request time receiving unit and a connection request time setting unit.

In step S280, the control unit 230 determines whether it is a connection time. In this process, the control unit 230 reads the connection time set in the hard disk device 203 in step S277 and determines whether it is the connection time. When the control unit 230 determines that it is the connection time (step S280: YES),
An update tree connection destination candidate is requested to the connection management device (step S203), and the process proceeds to step S210. That is, the control unit 230 determines whether or not the connection request time set in step S277 is reached, and determines that a predetermined connection request condition is satisfied when it is determined that the connection request time is reached. Become. The control unit 230 that executes such steps functions as a connection request time determination unit and a connection request condition determination unit.

  On the other hand, when determining in step S280 that it is not the connection time (step S280: NO), the control unit 230 moves the process to step S211 in FIG. After shifting to this step S211, processing similar to that in the above-described embodiment is executed.

  Accordingly, a plurality of terminal devices are connected in a hierarchical structure with the update data distribution device at the top, and update data can be received, updated, and relayed. For this reason, it is not necessary to reinforce the update data distribution device in terms of performance regardless of the number of terminal devices for update data distribution, and update data can be distributed quickly and reliably to many terminal devices. Also, by requesting the update management device that manages the connection request time to connect to the hierarchical structure to receive the update data, the terminal device can recognize the connection request time and the like efficiently. Various update data can be updated.

(Other embodiments)
In the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not update data is updated while the terminal device 2 is activated. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, update of update data is performed while the terminal device 2 is activated. You may comprise so that it may not perform.

  In the present embodiment, when the terminal device 2 determines that the received update data is the latest data based on the type of program, the update data is updated while the latest data is updated. If it is determined that the update data is not, update of update data is prohibited. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, update based on all received update data may be performed. Furthermore, as in the above-described embodiment, it is preferable to determine whether to receive update data after determining whether update data has been updated.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, one update data is configured to be distributed a plurality of times at different distribution times, but there is no problem even if the configuration is such that the update data is not distributed a plurality of times.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, when it is determined that the reception of update data has been completed, the logical connection with the update data distribution device 4 or the upper layer terminal device 2 that has received the update data is blocked. For example, the update data distribution device 4 that has received the update data when it is determined that the reception of the update data has been completed in all the terminal devices 2 that are logically connected with the update data distribution device 4 as a vertex. Or you may comprise so that a logical connection with the upper terminal device 2 may be interrupted | blocked.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the configuration is one in which any one of the update data reception processing and other processing such as content data reception is selectively executed. As shown in FIG. 21, the update data reception processing and other processing such as content data reception may be executed in parallel. That is, the control unit 230 in the terminal device 2 may be configured to have a function of performing reception of content data and reception of update data in parallel. The control unit 230 that executes such processing functions as a reception control unit. As a result, a plurality of processes can be executed in parallel, and update data can be reliably received without interfering with other processes, which is convenient. In particular, by receiving content data and receiving update data while connected in a hierarchical structure, there is no need to interrupt the reception of content data or the reception of update data. .

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the terminal device 2 receives content from the content distribution device 1, transmits various information (requests, etc.) to the connection management device 3 and the update management device 5, etc. The server and the server client type connection form have been formed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 22, a logically overlay network using a distributed hash table (DHT (Distributed Hash Table)) It may be a connection form for constructing. The update data distribution system in the configuration as shown in FIG. 22 includes a plurality of node devices (terminal devices) connected to each other via a network, and some node devices among the plurality of node devices. A content data management device for storing the content data in the part of the node devices in order to be a content holding node device for storing content data to be shared between the node devices, from the content holding node device to Content data is distributed to the node device. Further, the node device includes a routing table storage unit that stores a routing table in which identification information and position information of some of the node devices are associated with each other, and destination identification of a message received via the network Based on the information and the routing table, message destination determination means for determining whether or not the received message is addressed to the own node apparatus, and the message received via the network by the message destination determination means is the own node apparatus If it is determined that the message is not addressed, the location information of the transfer destination node device is extracted from the routing table based on the destination identification information of the received message, and the received message is transferred to the transfer destination node device It is an apparatus provided with transfer means. A specific configuration is generally described in Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-11889, Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-4210, and the like. For example, as shown in FIG. 23, other connection forms such as a tree distribution type connection form may be formed. That is, the present invention is not limited to these systems, and a combination thereof may be used.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, update data is distributed in a content distribution service that distributes content data via a network. However, not limited to this, update data is distributed in other services. Also good.

  As described above, some of the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, these are merely examples, and the knowledge of those skilled in the art including the aspects described in the above [Disclosure of the Invention] section. It is possible to implement the present invention in other forms in which various modifications and improvements are made based on the above.

It is a figure showing the example of outline composition of update data distribution system S concerning this embodiment. It is a figure showing the example of outline composition of update data distribution system S concerning this embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows an update data delivery apparatus. It is a functional block diagram which shows a terminal device. It is a functional block diagram which shows a connection management apparatus. It is a functional block diagram which shows an update management apparatus. It is a functional block diagram which shows a content delivery apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows an update database. It is explanatory drawing which shows the delivery timing of update data. It is a flowchart which shows the process which the control part of an update data delivery apparatus performs. It is a flowchart which shows the process which the control part of a connection management apparatus performs. It is a flowchart which shows the process which the control part of a connection management apparatus performs. It is a flowchart which shows the process which the control part of an update management apparatus performs. It is a flowchart which shows the process which the control part of a terminal device performs. It is a flowchart which shows the process which the control part of a terminal device performs. It is a flowchart which shows the process which the control part of a terminal device performs. It is a flowchart which shows the process which the control part of a content delivery apparatus performs. It is a flowchart which shows the process which the control part of a terminal device performs. It is a flowchart which shows the process which the control part of a terminal device performs. It is a flowchart which shows the process which the control part of a terminal device performs. It is a figure showing the example of outline composition of update data distribution system S concerning this embodiment. It is a figure showing the example of outline composition of update data distribution system S concerning this embodiment. It is a figure showing the example of outline composition of update data distribution system S concerning this embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

S Update Data Distribution System 1 Content Distribution Device 2 Terminal Device 3 Connection Management Device 4 Update Data Distribution Device 5 Update Management Device 130, 230, 330, 430, 530 Control Unit

Claims (30)

Update data distribution device for distributing update data at a predetermined distribution time via a network, a plurality of terminal devices for receiving and updating the update data via the network, the update data distribution device and the plurality of terminal devices In an update data distribution system comprising: a connection management device that manages a connection state on the network;
Each of the plurality of terminal devices is
Connection request condition determining means for determining whether or not a predetermined connection request condition is satisfied;
If it is determined by the connection request condition determination means that a predetermined connection request condition is established, a connection destination introduction request means for transmitting a connection destination introduction request for receiving the update data to the connection management device; Have
The connection management device includes:
Connection state information storage means for storing connection state information of the plurality of terminal devices logically connected in multiple layers in a hierarchical structure on the network with the update data distribution device as a vertex;
A connection destination introduction request receiving means for receiving a connection destination introduction request transmitted by the connection destination introduction request means;
When a connection destination introduction request is received by the connection destination introduction request receiving means, based on the connection state information stored by the connection state information storage means, the connection destination introduction request with the update data distribution device as a vertex Connection destination candidate selection means for selecting connection destination candidates so that the terminal device that has transmitted a logical connection in multiple layers in a hierarchical structure on the network;
A connection destination candidate notification means for notifying the connection destination candidate selected by the connection destination candidate selection means to the terminal device that has transmitted the connection destination introduction request;
Each of the plurality of terminal devices is
Connection destination candidate receiving means for receiving the connection destination candidate notified by the connection destination candidate notification means;
Connection means for logically connecting to the connection destination candidates received by the connection destination candidate reception means,
The update data distribution device includes:
Update data storage means for storing the update data;
Before the delivery time, update data delivery means for delivering the update data to the connected terminal device,
Each of the plurality of terminal devices is
Update data receiving means for receiving the update data from the update data distribution apparatus logically connected to the upper layer by the connection means or another upper layer terminal apparatus;
Update data relay control means for controlling the update data received by the update data receiving means to relay to another lower level terminal device logically connected to the lower level by the connection means;
An update data distribution system comprising: update means for performing update based on update data received by the update data receiving means.   The update data distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the update data distribution unit has a function of distributing one update data stored in the update data storage unit a plurality of times at different distribution times. The connection status information storage means in the connection management device is connected to the plurality of terminal devices in which the terminal device is logically connected in multiple layers in a hierarchical structure on the network with the update data distribution device as a vertex for each distribution time. Memorize state information,
The connection destination candidate selection means, when the update data is delivered from the first delivery time by the update data delivery means, after the first delivery time by the connection destination introduction request receiving means, and a second When the connection destination introduction request is received before the distribution time, the update data distribution device that distributes the update data from the second distribution time is the top, and the terminal device that has transmitted the connection destination introduction request is layered on the network. 3. The update data distribution system according to claim 2, further comprising a function of selecting connection destination candidates so as to be logically connected in multiple layers in a structure. The update data distribution device has a plurality of update data distribution means independent of each other,
The connection state information storage means in the connection management device includes a plurality of terminals in which the terminal device is logically connected in a multi-layered structure on the network with the update data distribution device as a vertex for each update data distribution unit. 4. The update data distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the connection state information of the apparatus is stored. Each of the plurality of terminal devices is
Program management means for managing the type of program;
Update data determination means for determining whether the update data received by the update data reception means is the latest data based on the type of program managed by the program management means,
The update unit updates the update data when the update data determination unit determines that the update data is the latest data, while the update data determination unit does not update the update data. 5. The update data distribution system according to claim 1, further comprising a function of performing a control of restricting update of the update data when it is determined.   6. The connection request condition determining unit according to claim 1, wherein the connection request condition determining unit has a function of determining that the predetermined connection request condition is satisfied during activation of the terminal device having the connection request condition determining unit. Update data distribution system described in 1. Each of the plurality of terminal devices is
A connection request time storage means for storing a connection request time for making the connection destination introduction request by the connection destination introduction request means;
A connection request time determination unit that determines whether or not the connection request time stored in the connection request time storage unit has been reached after activation in each of the plurality of terminal devices;
The connection request condition determining unit has a function of determining that the predetermined connection request condition is satisfied when the connection request time determining unit determines that the connection request time is reached. The update data distribution system according to any one of items 1 to 6. An update management device for managing the update data;
The update management device includes:
Connection request time storage means that is earlier than the delivery time and in which a connection request time for making the connection destination introduction request by the connection destination introduction request means is stored;
A connection information request receiving means for receiving a connection information request for requesting connection information including a connection request time from any of the plurality of terminal devices;
When the connection information request is received by the connection information request receiving means, a connection request for transmitting the connection request time stored in the connection request time storage means to the terminal device that has transmitted the connection information request. And a time transmission means,
Each of the plurality of terminal devices is
Connection information request transmitting means for transmitting a connection information request to the update management device;
Connection request time receiving means for receiving a connection request time corresponding to the connection information request transmitted by the connection information request transmitting means from the update management device;
Connection request time setting means for setting the connection request time received by the connection request time receiving means;
A connection request time determination unit for determining whether or not the connection request time set in the connection request time setting unit has been reached after activation in each of the plurality of terminal devices;
The connection request condition determining unit has a function of determining that the predetermined connection request condition is satisfied when the connection request time determining unit determines that the connection request time is reached. The update data distribution system according to any one of items 1 to 6. Each of the plurality of terminal devices is
A reception end determination means for determining whether or not reception of the update data has ended;
When the reception end determination means determines that the reception of the update data has ended, it performs control to block the logical connection with the update data distribution apparatus or the upper layer terminal apparatus that has received the update data The update data distribution system according to claim 1, further comprising a connection cutoff control unit. The connection request condition determining means has a function of determining that the predetermined connection request condition is satisfied after activation in the terminal device having the connection request condition determining means,
The connection destination introduction request unit sends a connection destination introduction request for receiving the update data to the connection management device when the connection request condition determination unit determines that the predetermined connection request condition is satisfied. Has the ability to send,
7. The connection unit according to claim 1, wherein the connection unit has a function of logically connecting to the connection destination candidate received by the connection destination candidate receiving unit and performing control to continue the logical connection. Update data distribution system. A content distribution device for distributing content data via the network;
11. Each of the plurality of terminal devices includes content receiving means for receiving content data distributed from the content distribution device from the content distribution device or another upper layer terminal device. The update data distribution system according to any one of the above.   12. Each of the plurality of terminal devices includes reception control means for performing in parallel reception of content data by the content receiving means and reception of update data by the update data receiving means. Update data distribution system described in 1. Update data distribution device for distributing update data at a predetermined distribution time via a network, a plurality of terminal devices for receiving and updating the update data via the network, the update data distribution device and the plurality of terminal devices A connection management device for managing a connection state on the network, and the terminal device in the update data distribution system comprising:
Connection request condition determining means for determining whether or not a predetermined connection request condition is satisfied;
If it is determined by the connection request condition determination means that a predetermined connection request condition is established, a connection destination introduction request means for transmitting a connection destination introduction request for receiving the update data to the connection management device;
Connection destination candidate receiving means for receiving connection destination candidates from the connection management device;
Connection means for logically connecting to the connection destination candidates received by the connection destination candidate receiving means;
Update data receiving means for receiving update data distributed from the update data distribution apparatus at the distribution time from the update data distribution apparatus logically connected to the upper layer by the connection means or another upper layer terminal apparatus;
Updating means for performing an update based on the update data received by the update data receiving means;
Update data relay control means for performing control to relay update data received by the update data receiving means to another lower layer terminal apparatus logically connected to a lower layer by the connection means, A terminal device in a distribution system. Program management means for managing the type of program;
Update data determination means for determining whether the update data received by the update data reception means is the latest data based on the type of program managed by the program management means,
The update unit updates the update data when the update data determination unit determines that the update data is the latest data, while the update data determination unit does not update the update data. The terminal device in the update data distribution system according to claim 13, wherein the terminal device has a function of performing control for restricting update of the update data when it is determined.   15. The connection request condition determining unit has a function of determining that the predetermined connection request condition is satisfied during startup in a terminal device having the connection request condition determining unit. Terminal device in update data distribution system. A connection request time storage means for storing a connection request time for making the connection destination introduction request by the connection destination introduction request means;
A connection request time determination unit that determines whether or not the connection request time stored in the connection request time storage unit has been reached after activation in each of the plurality of terminal devices;
A connection request condition determination unit that determines that the predetermined connection request condition is satisfied when it is determined by the connection request time determination unit that a connection request time has been reached,
The connection request condition determining unit has a function of determining that the predetermined connection request condition is satisfied when the connection request time determining unit determines that the connection request time has been reached. 15 is a terminal device in the update data distribution system according to any one of 1 to 15. A connection information request transmitting means for transmitting a connection information request to an update management device for managing the update data;
Connection request time receiving means for receiving, from the update management device, a connection request time for making the connection destination introduction request by the connection destination introduction request means;
Connection request time setting means for setting the connection request time received by the connection request time receiving means;
A connection request time determination unit for determining whether or not the connection request time set in the connection request time setting unit has been reached after activation in each of the plurality of terminal devices;
The connection request condition determining unit has a function of determining that the predetermined connection request condition is satisfied when the connection request time determining unit determines that the connection request time has been reached. 15 is a terminal device in the update data distribution system according to any one of 1 to 15. Each of the plurality of terminal devices is
A reception end determination means for determining whether or not reception of the update data has ended;
When the reception end determination means determines that the reception of the update data has ended, it performs control to block the logical connection with the update data distribution apparatus or the upper layer terminal apparatus that has received the update data The terminal device in the update data distribution system according to claim 13, further comprising a connection cutoff control unit. The connection request condition determining means has a function of determining that the predetermined connection request condition is satisfied after activation in the terminal device having the connection request condition determining means,
The connection destination introduction request unit sends a connection destination introduction request for receiving the update data to the connection management device when the connection request condition determination unit determines that the predetermined connection request condition is satisfied. Has the ability to send,
16. The connection unit according to claim 13, wherein the connection unit has a function of logically connecting to the connection destination candidate received by the connection destination candidate receiving unit and performing control to continue the logical connection. Terminal device in the update data distribution system.   20. The content receiving means for receiving content data distributed from a content distribution device that distributes content data via the network from the content distribution device or another upper-layer terminal device. A terminal device in the update data distribution system according to any one of the above.   21. A terminal in an update data distribution system according to claim 20, further comprising reception control means for performing in parallel the reception of content data by the content reception means and the reception of update data by the update data reception means. apparatus. Update data distribution device for distributing update data at a predetermined distribution time via a network, a plurality of terminal devices for receiving and updating the update data via the network, the update data distribution device and the plurality of terminal devices In the update data distribution device in the update data distribution system, comprising: a connection management device that manages a connection state on the network;
Update data storage means for storing the update data;
Update data distribution means for distributing the update data to the connected terminal device at the distribution time,
Control that each of the plurality of terminal devices relays the update data received from the update data distribution device logically connected to the upper layer or another upper layer terminal device to another lower layer terminal device logically connected to the lower layer. An update data distribution apparatus in an update data distribution system, wherein the update is performed based on the received update data.   The update in the update data distribution system according to claim 22, wherein the update data distribution unit has a function of distributing one update data stored in the update data storage unit a plurality of times at different distribution times. Data distribution device.   The update data distribution apparatus according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the update data distribution apparatus includes a plurality of update data distribution units that are independent of each other. Update data distribution device for distributing update data at a predetermined distribution time via a network, a plurality of terminal devices for receiving and updating the update data via the network, the update data distribution device and the plurality of terminal devices A connection management device for managing a connection state on the network, and the connection management device in the update data distribution system comprising:
Connection state information storage means for storing connection state information of the plurality of terminal devices logically connected in multiple layers in a hierarchical structure on the network with the update data distribution device as a vertex;
A connection destination introduction request receiving means for receiving a connection destination introduction request transmitted by establishment of a predetermined connection request condition from any of the plurality of terminal devices;
When a connection destination introduction request is received by the connection destination introduction request receiving means, based on the connection state information stored by the connection state information storage means, the connection destination introduction request with the update data distribution device as a vertex Connection destination candidate selection means for selecting connection destination candidates so that the terminal device that has transmitted a logical connection in multiple layers in a hierarchical structure on the network;
A connection destination candidate notification means for notifying the connection destination candidate selected by the connection destination candidate selection means to the terminal device that has transmitted the connection destination introduction request;
Each of the plurality of terminal devices logically connects to the connection destination candidate notified by the connection destination candidate notification means before the distribution time, and the update data distribution device updates the update to the connected terminal device. The data is distributed at the distribution time, and each of the plurality of terminal devices receives the update data received from the update data distribution device logically connected to the upper layer or another upper layer terminal device, and is separately connected to the lower layer. A connection management apparatus in an update data distribution system that performs control to relay to a lower-layer terminal device and updates based on the received update data. The connection state information storage means stores connection state information of the plurality of terminal devices logically connected in multiple layers in a hierarchical structure on the network with the update data distribution device serving as a vertex for each distribution time,
The connection destination candidate selection means, when the update data is delivered from the first delivery time by the update data delivery means, after the first delivery time by the connection destination introduction request receiving means, and a second When the connection destination introduction request is received before the distribution time, the update data distribution device that distributes the update data from the second distribution time is the top, and the terminal device that has transmitted the connection destination introduction request is layered on the network. 26. The connection management apparatus in the update data distribution system according to claim 25, wherein the connection management apparatus has a function of selecting connection destination candidates so as to be logically connected in multiple layers in a structure. Update data distribution device for distributing update data at a predetermined distribution time via a network, a plurality of terminal devices for receiving and updating the update data via the network, the update data distribution device and the plurality of terminal devices In an update data distribution method in an update data distribution system comprising: a connection management device that manages a connection state on the network;
The update data distribution device has update data storage means in which the update data is stored,
A connection request condition determination step for determining whether or not each of the plurality of terminal devices satisfies a predetermined connection request condition;
When each of the plurality of terminal devices determines that a predetermined connection request condition is satisfied in the connection request condition determination step, a connection destination introduction request for receiving the update data is sent to the connection management device. A connection introduction request step to send;
A connection state information storage step in which the connection management device stores connection state information of the plurality of terminal devices logically connected in multiple layers in a hierarchical structure on the network with the update data distribution device as a vertex;
A connection destination introduction request receiving step for the connection management device to receive the connection destination introduction request transmitted in the connection destination introduction request step;
When the connection management device receives a connection destination introduction request in the connection destination introduction request reception step, the update data distribution device is set as a vertex based on the connection state information stored in the connection state information storage step. A connection destination candidate selection step of selecting a connection destination candidate so that the terminal device that has transmitted the connection destination introduction request is logically connected in multiple layers in a hierarchical structure on the network;
A connection destination candidate notifying step for notifying the connection destination candidate selected by the connection destination candidate selection step to the terminal device that has transmitted the connection destination introduction request;
Each of the plurality of terminal devices receives a connection destination candidate notified by the connection destination candidate notification step, and a connection destination candidate reception step;
A connection step in which each of the plurality of terminal devices logically connects to the connection destination candidates received by the connection destination candidate reception step;
An update data distribution step in which the update data distribution device distributes the update data to the connected terminal device at the distribution time;
An update data receiving step in which each of the plurality of terminal devices receives the update data from the update data distribution device logically connected to an upper layer by the connecting step or another upper layer terminal device;
An update data relay control step in which each of the plurality of terminal devices performs control to relay the update data received in the update data reception step to another lower layer terminal device logically connected to the lower layer in the connection step;
An update data distribution method in an update data distribution system, comprising: an update step in which each of the plurality of terminal devices performs an update based on the update data received in the update data reception step.   The program for functioning a computer as each means in the terminal device in any one of Claims 13-21.   The program for functioning a computer as each means in the update data delivery apparatus in any one of Claim 22 to 24.   The program for functioning a computer as each means in the connection management apparatus of Claim 25 or 26.

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