JP2008193616A - Program distribution system and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a program distribution system in which continuous and seamless viewing and listening of a program is ensured and the content of program distribution can be edited/altered dynamically and flexibly. <P>SOLUTION: A system timer 10 is cleared to zero in activation and counts up the lapse of time. The distribution content reaching a distribution starting time is read from a content storage section 20 according to a distribution schedule list 31 and present time information and dynamically decoded by a decoding section 40, and a frame number management section 50 sequentially receives frame data being sequentially decoded by the decoding section 40 and applies frame number information to each item of frame data. The frame data, to which a frame number is applied by the frame number management section, are sequentially delivered to a re-encoding section 60, sequentially and dynamically re-encoded again, and distributed from a streaming distribution section. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a program distribution system and program distribution program for streaming distribution of program content data.

A content transfer type and a streaming distribution type are known as distribution techniques for program content data via a network.
The conventional content transfer type distribution technology is a technology for collectively downloading program content data to be distributed from the program distribution system to the client system by content transfer, and the client system starts reproduction after the program content data is completely downloaded. There was a need. This content transfer type program distribution technique may not be practically used because the time required for downloading becomes long when the program content data to be transferred is large-capacity content data.

  Therefore, a streaming distribution type program content data distribution technique has attracted attention. In the streaming distribution type program content data distribution technique, a communication environment conforming to a communication protocol for streaming distribution is realized on the Internet between the streaming server and the client system. The streaming server side continuously transmits the program content data as streaming data, and the client system side receives the streaming data successively. In the client system, after the buffering process of a predetermined number of frame data in the buffer, the program content data can be played back by the playback software. Thereafter, the reception of the program content data from the streaming server and the playback thereof are continued. As described above, even if the program content data has a large capacity for a long time as a whole, the reproduction can be started immediately with only a short buffering waiting time at the start of streaming distribution.

FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically showing the flow of distribution of conventional streaming distribution type program content data.
The transmission control unit 1010 refers to a play list 1040 to be described later, specifies the data of the corresponding part of the program content according to the current time, takes out the data to be distributed to the streaming server 1030 from the storage unit 1020 and delivers it. This is the part that controls streaming delivery.
The program content data stored in the storage unit 1020 is encoded content data compressed into a format suitable for streaming delivery. There are various types of program content, such as captured video images, edited video images, and CG animation.
The streaming server 1030 receives data distributed from the transmission control unit 1010 and distributes it as streaming data. It also has an interface with the network.
The reproduction list 1040 describes the reproduction order of program contents, and can also have time information for reproduction. That is, the program content to be distributed and its scheduled distribution time are described, and can be positioned as a program distribution table such as a so-called TV column.

The flow of distribution of program content data is as follows.
The transmission control unit 1010 refers to the reproduction list 1040 and specifies data of a corresponding part of the content to be distributed at the current time. For example, if it is the last part of the program content data A, the data of the corresponding part of the encoded content A1021A is acquired from the storage unit 1020. The transmission control unit 1010 passes the acquired data of the corresponding part to the streaming server 1030, and the streaming data is distributed from the streaming server 1030 to the client system.
Whenever the time advances, the transmission control unit 1010 refers to the playlist 1040, specifies the data of the corresponding part of the program content to be distributed at the current time, acquires the data from the storage unit 1020, and passes it to the streaming server 1030. .
In this manner, the encoded content A, the encoded content B, and the encoded content C are streamed and delivered one after another in accordance with the description of the play list 1040. In the client system, the play list 1040 looks like a distribution schedule list of TV programs. Positioned on.

JP 2001-54090 A

According to the above-described conventional streaming distribution type program distribution system, there is no long waiting time unlike the conventional content transfer type program distribution system, and it is becoming popular as a system that can withstand practical use. A typical application is Internet television broadcasting.
However, in the conventional streaming distribution technology, when program content is streamed on time according to a predetermined distribution schedule list such as television broadcasting, the continuity of program content distribution cannot be maintained completely, and the client system In the display on the monitor, there is known a phenomenon in which “blackness” and “break” buffering occur not only at the start of distribution of program content but also in the valley between the program content and the program content every time.
First, the reason why buffering occurs at the start of streaming distribution will be described, and then, the reason why “blackness” and “cut” will occur in the valley between the program content and the program content in the conventional streaming distribution technology will be described.

FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically showing the reason why buffering occurs at the start of conventional streaming delivery.
The program distribution system 1000 includes a storage unit 1020, encoded content 1021 of program content, and a streaming server 1030. The client system 1100 includes a receiving unit 1110 and a buffer 1120. The program distribution system 1000 and the client system 1100 are connected via a network 1200.

  First, a program distribution request is issued from the client system 1100 to the program distribution system 1000 ([1] streaming request in FIG. 13), and the program distribution system 1000 reads out the requested program content data 1021 from the storage unit 1020 and streaming data. Transmission is started ([2] streaming start in FIG. 13). The client system 1100 performs a buffering process for a predetermined number of frame data using the buffer 1120 immediately after receiving the requested program content data 1021 ([3] buffering in FIG. 13). There are several reasons for performing buffering. Here, buffering reasons include buffering fluctuations in the data transfer state and securing adjustment time of playback software for new content playback.

  First, the data transfer state is not always uniform and varies slightly depending on the line state. Streaming data is for continuously reproducing and displaying sequentially transmitted data. If the data transfer is delayed or interrupted for a moment, there is a problem that the monitor display of the client 1110 becomes unstable. For this reason, a device is provided to provide a buffer in which a predetermined number of frame data is stored in the buffer before being reproduced and displayed. Since the buffering of the fluctuation buffer of the data transfer state is performed, the display cannot be made immediately and “blackness” or “cut” occurs.

Next, the data format to be reproduced is not always constant, and it is necessary to adjust the parameters of the reproduction software according to the received data. If the header of the received content is read, processing for new content playback is started, and the parameters of the playback software are adjusted using the content information of the header. In particular, in the case of streaming data, it is important to adjust the parameters of the video rate (video bit rate) and audio rate (audio sampling rate) in the playback software. Since the data received during the adjustment time of the playback software is temporarily buffered, “blackness” and “cut” occur.
If buffering of a predetermined amount of data can be performed in the buffer 1120, reproduction is started by predetermined reproduction software ([4] Monitor display start in FIG. 13).

Here, in the conventional streaming distribution technology, there is a problem that a phenomenon in which “blackness” and “cut” due to buffering occur every time in a valley between program contents.
It is not preferable that “blackness” and “breaks” associated with the buffering process occur in the valley between the program content and the program content as described above, and such “blackness” occurs in normal terrestrial and satellite television broadcasting. It is considered one of the weak points of Internet broadcasting because there is no break. In addition, this program and the valley of the program are usually so-called advertising frames that circulate advertising content, and even if it is “black” or “cut” for several seconds, the influence is great.

  The above problem is not due to the recent development of the network environment and the diversification of information transmission entities, but not the environment in which program content is intensively produced in one place. In an environment where program content data is collected on the center system side and the distribution order of the collected program content data is dynamically and flexibly edited and changed on the center system side, the video rate and audio rate between program contents may differ. Many problems are unavoidable.

In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a program distribution system that ensures the seamless and continuous viewing of program content in the display of distributed streaming data on a client system.
In particular, it is not an environment where program content is intensively produced in one place, but a variety of program content data created by the local system is collected via a network and the distribution order of the collected program content data is dynamic and flexible. It is an object of the present invention to provide a program distribution system that can be applied in an environment for editing and changing.

In order to achieve the above object, the program distribution system of the present invention provides:
A system timer that is cleared to zero at startup and counts the elapsed time as system time,
A content storage unit storing a plurality of encoded distribution contents;
A distribution schedule list editing section for editing a distribution schedule list of the distribution contents;
A decoding unit that reads the distribution content that has reached a distribution start time according to the distribution schedule list from the content storage unit and dynamically decodes the distribution content;
The decoding unit sequentially receives the frame data that is being sequentially decoded, assigns the system time value at the delivery start time to the top frame, and attaches to the top frame for each subsequent frame By adding a value obtained by adding a time stamp time, which is an elapsed time from the first frame given in advance to each subsequent frame, to the value of the system time, the serial frame number information is added to each frame data. A frame number management section to give,
A re-encoding unit that sequentially receives frame data to which a serial frame number is given by the frame number management unit, and sequentially performs encoding again at a predetermined audio rate and video rate,
A streaming delivery unit for streaming delivery of data supplied from the re-encoding unit.

  In the program distribution system, the distribution content includes program content that is the content of the program content and advertising content that is the content of the advertising content, and the distribution schedule list editing unit includes the advertising content between the program contents. It is preferable to edit the distribution schedule list in such a manner as to sandwich.

  In the program distribution system, the distribution content includes program content that is the content of the program content and advertisement content that is the content of the advertisement content, and the distribution schedule list editing unit includes a plurality of the program contents. It is preferable that the distribution schedule list is edited in such a manner that the advertisement content is sandwiched between them.

  With the above configuration, it is possible to ensure seamless and continuous viewing of program content without causing blackness or breaks in the display of the client system between programs, and to dynamically change the content and order of program distribution Therefore, flexible program distribution is possible. Blackness does not occur in the valley of the program content in the client system.

  According to the program distribution system of the present invention, seamless and continuous viewing of program content can be ensured, and the contents and order of program distribution can be dynamically and flexibly edited and changed.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a program distribution system of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the specific applications, shapes, dimensions, and the like shown in the following embodiments.

  The program distribution system of the present invention ensures seamless and continuous viewing of program content without blackening or breaks in the valley between the program content and the program content when the distributed streaming data is displayed on the client system. It is possible to edit and change the contents and order of the contents dynamically and flexibly.

  In describing the program distribution system of the present invention, first, [1] the reason why blackness and breaks occur in the reproduction display of the client system in the valley of the program contents in the streaming distribution is first analyzed. Next, [2] the principle of realizing seamless streaming distribution in the reproduction display of the client system of the program distribution system of the present invention will be described. Next, [3] a configuration example of the program distribution system of the present invention in a network distributed environment using a local system and a center system, and [4] a flow of program distribution will be described.

[1] Analysis of Reasons for Blackness and Breaks in Reproduction of Program Content In the following, the reason why blackness and breaks are generated in the playback display on the client system in the valley between the program content and the program content is generally analyzed in streaming distribution.

  The cause of blackness and breaks in the valley between the program content and the program content is considered to be “buffering for parameter adjustment of playback software” for the new content playback of the latter. Here, it is necessary to adjust the playback software for new content playback: (a) when a new header is received; and (b) video rate of preceding program content and subsequent program content. The audio rate may be different.

  With reference to FIG. 1, a phenomenon in which blackness or breaks occur in reproduction by a client system in a valley of general streaming distribution program content will be described.

(A) Buffering process associated with reception of new header For example, assume that the preceding program content A has already been reproduced and displayed (FIG. 1 (a)). Here, it is assumed that the distribution of the preceding program content A is completed and the streaming data of the subsequent program content B is received (FIG. 1B).
Since the header of the streaming data of the subsequent program content B is added, the playback software recognizes that the streaming playback processing of the new program content B starts by receiving the header, and plays back the new content. The process is started. If the currently popular playback software reads the header of the new content, the previous program content data existing in the current buffer is discarded in order to secure time for adjusting the parameters of the playback software for the new streaming playback processing. A new buffering process for subsequent program content data is started (FIG. 1B). During this buffering process, “blackness” and “cuts” occur.

(B) Buffering processing when the video rate and the audio rate are different between program contents Generally, the video rate and the audio rate of data that is streamed are various. There are variations in video quality and audio quality depending on the production process and purpose, such as video footage, music video clips, animation footage, and computer graphic footage produced during the news gathering process. Client system playback software needs to be decoded and played back according to the audio rate and video rate. When encoded content with different audio rate and video rate is received, the client system playback software supports the new rate. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust the parameters.

  In FIG. 1, for example, it is assumed that the preceding program content A has already been reproduced and displayed at the video rate and audio rate R1 (for example, video rate 180 bps, audio rate 76 bps) (FIG. 1A). Here, it is assumed that the distribution of the preceding program content A is completed and the streaming data of the subsequent program content B is received (FIG. 1B). Assume that the video rate and audio rate of the subsequent program content B are R2 (for example, the video rate is 220 bps and the audio rate is 36 bps). If the audio rate and the video rate are different, it is necessary to adjust the parameters of the playback software. Therefore, if the playback software recognizes the difference between the video rate and the audio rate, The preceding program content data is discarded, and a buffering process for new subsequent program content data is started (FIG. 1B). During this buffering process, “blackness” and “cuts” occur.

[2] Principle of Realizing Seamless Streaming Distribution in Reproduction Display of Client System of Program Distribution System of the Present Invention Next, the principle of realizing seamless streaming distribution in reproduction display of the client system of the program distribution system of the present invention will be described. To do.

In the program distribution system of the present invention, the program content content is decoded according to the current time according to the distribution schedule list to be temporarily converted into frame data, and the frame data is sequentially re-encoded after adding frame serial number information through the frame number management unit. By re-encoding through a part and delivering at a constant rate, the frame data is dynamically delivered on-time and continuously connected in order of numbers. The frame serial number is not the original program content content unit, but is, for example, a daily frame serial number from the morning distribution start time to the midnight distribution end time of the daily distribution schedule list.
In the program distribution system of the present invention, it is premised that the distribution program can be dynamically changed even after the distribution of the day is started. The distribution processing is performed while the serial numbers are assigned to the frames for the first time at the stage where the distribution processing is performed after reaching the time.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating the mechanism of streaming distribution in the program distribution system of the present invention.

A plurality of encoded contents are data serving as program distribution material. The encoding format of the encoded content is not limited as long as the decoding unit can handle it. Here, the encoded contents A, B, and C may be inconsistent.
The encoded contents A, B, and C are delivered to the decoding unit 40 in that order at the distribution time according to the distribution schedule list that is currently valid. The decoding unit 40 decodes the encoded content and decomposes it into frame data units. If it is broken down into frame data units, each frame data is a piece of image data and does not depend on the difference in the original encoded content. That is, even if the original encoded content is the encoded content A or the encoded content B, it is a piece of image data as frame data.

  The frame data decomposed into frame data units from the decoding unit 40 is successively passed to the frame number management unit 50. The frame number management unit 50 assigns serial numbers to the received frame data. Here, the serial number refers to a serial number that has been processed throughout the day of the program distribution system. For example, when the distribution schedule list is distributed as it is without being changed by the program distribution system in the order of encoded contents A, B, and C, a predetermined value is applied to frame data decoded from encoded contents A, B, and C. A serial number is dynamically and sequentially assigned by the rule.

The serial number is assigned according to the following procedure.
As described above, the decoding unit 40 reads the distribution content that has reached the distribution start time from the content storage unit according to the distribution schedule list that is currently valid, and dynamically starts the decoding process.
The frame number management unit 50 sequentially receives frame data from the decoding unit 40 and assigns a serial number. Here, a rule for assigning a serial number to the first frame of the distribution content and a serial number to the subsequent frame are assigned. The rules are different.

FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating a rule for assigning serial numbers to the first frame and subsequent frames.
For the first frame, the system timer 10 is referred to at the distribution start time, and the value of the system time is directly assigned as a serial number. Here, the system time refers to the elapsed time of system operation with zero when the program distribution system is activated. For example, a numerical value in milliseconds. Now, when the program distribution system is activated at 6:00 and distribution of the program A is started, referring to the system time at the distribution start time is “0000000 (msec)”, and the first frame of the program A has a serial number. “0000000” is given. If the program B is distributed at 7:00, referring to the system time at the distribution start time, it is “3600000 (msec)”, and the first frame of the program B is given “3600000” as a serial number. Similarly, if the program C is distributed at 8:00, the system time is referred to as “7200000 (msec)” at the distribution start time, and “7200000” is assigned as the serial number to the first frame of the program C.

  Next, for the subsequent frame, the value obtained by adding the time stamp time, which is the playback timing in the program given in advance to each subsequent frame, is added to the value of the system time given as a serial number to the first frame. To do. Normally, each frame of the program is given as time stamp information timing information at which the frame should be reproduced and displayed after the program is reproduced and displayed. That is, for each frame, the playback timing at which it should be displayed, for example, 30 frames / second, “0000033 (msec)” for the second frame, “0000067 (msec)” for the third frame, 4 frames The time stamp information “0000100 (msec)” is originally attached to the eyes. Therefore, since the serial number “3600000” is assigned to the first frame of program B, the serial number “3600033” is added to the second frame of program B as the total value, and the serial number is added to the third frame of program B. A serial number “3600100” is assigned to “3600067” and the fourth frame as a combined value. For example, for program C, the serial number “7200000” is assigned to the first frame, so the serial number “7200033” is added to the second frame of program C as the combined value, and the serial number is added to the third frame of program C. “7200067”, the fourth frame is given a serial number “7200100” as a sum value.

The reason for assigning the serial number of the first frame and the serial number of the subsequent frame in this way is shown below.
The subsequent frame of the program content to be distributed includes a value (T + S) obtained by adding the system time (T) given to the top frame and the time stamp time (S) that is an elapsed time from the top frame given in advance. ).

  First, since the system time (T) is used for the first frame, the sequence control between distribution programs and the distribution start time are correctly processed. In the program distribution system of the present invention, it is premised that the distribution program can be dynamically changed even after the distribution of the day is started. The distribution process is performed with a serial number for the first time when the time is reached and the distribution process is performed. Since the program content is assigned to the first frame as a serial number after the distribution time is reached on the distribution schedule list that is currently valid, the distribution start time is correctly processed while enabling dynamic change. .

  Next, since the time stamp time (S) is used for the subsequent frames, the order of all the subsequent frames is correctly controlled and the display timing in the local system receiving the distribution is also correctly controlled. The time required for the decoding process varies depending on the resource state of the program distribution system 100, and the process within the program distribution system may be long or short, but each frame has time stamp information (timing information to be displayed on the local system 200). Since S) is given, the reproduction display on the local system 200 that receives the distribution can be reproduced at the correct display timing even if the timing of the decoding process on the program distribution system 100 varies.

  If it is assumed that the system time (T) is given as a serial number for each subsequent frame with reference to the system timer 10 every time, the system time (T) always increases, so the order between the subsequent frames is correct. Be controlled. However, as described above, the time required for the decoding process varies depending on the resource state of the program distribution system 100, and the process in the program distribution system may take a long or short time. Therefore, the system timer 10 is referred to every time in the course of the distribution process. If time (T) is given as a serial number, the time interval between subsequent frames is not constant. Therefore, when playback display is performed in the local system 200 that has received the distribution, each frame is originally played back at a speed of 1/30 seconds, but some frames are displayed shorter than 1/30 seconds, and one frame is 1 / Inconvenience such as being displayed longer than 30 seconds occurs.

  On the other hand, since the time stamp information (S) is the display timing itself in the local system, by using the time stamp information (S) as the serial number, the display timing in the local system is such that the time interval between subsequent frames is correct and constant. Is displayed.

  Here, if only the time stamp information (S) is a serial number, the order control and display timing control within the program content can be performed, but the order control and display timing control across the program content cannot be performed. That is, since the time stamp information (S) is only relative display timing with respect to the first frame of the program content, for example, the frame data near the end of the program A is near the joint of the program A of 1 hour and the program B of 1 hour. Should have time stamp information (S) of a large value near 3600000 (msec). On the other hand, frame data near the beginning of the program B should have time stamp information (S) with a small value near 0000000 (msec). That is, if only the time stamp information (S) is used as a serial number for subsequent frames, there is a risk that correct sequence control cannot be performed.

  Therefore, in the present invention, a value (T + S) obtained by adding the system time (T) given to the first frame and the time stamp time (S) is assigned to the subsequent frame. That is, the system time (T) always increases, but the system timer 10 is dynamically referred to when each program is distributed, so the system time (T) is given as a serial number to the first frame of each program. Since the subsequent frame is given a serial number in the form of (T + S), the subsequent frame is given as display timing from the distribution start time of the program. For example, in the vicinity of the joint between the program A and the program B, the frame data near the tail of the program A has a system (T) of “0000000” and a time stamp (S) smaller than 3600000 (msec), and a serial number (T + S) is a value smaller than 3600000 (msec). For example, the serial number “3599967” is assigned to the last frame data of program A. On the other hand, in the frame data near the beginning of the program B, the system (T) is “3600000”, the time stamp (S) is a small value near 0000000 (msec), and the serial number (T + S) is a value larger than 3600000. Is attached. For example, the serial number of the first frame data of the program B is given as “36000000” and the serial number of the next frame data “3600033”. That is, it is possible to control the order of all the first frames and subsequent frames and the display timing control in the local system across the programs A and B.

  Note that even if the processing of the last frame of the program content A takes 33 msec or more depending on the state of the system resource, the time stamp information does not change, so “3599967” is given. Since the frame data near the beginning of program B refers to the system timer at 7 o'clock, that is, 3600000 (msec) according to the distribution schedule list, “3600000” is added, and the last frame of program A and program B The order of serial numbers in the first frame is never reversed.

Returning to FIG. 2, the re-encoding process will be described. With respect to the frame data decoded according to the distribution program list, each frame data is sequentially passed to the re-encoding unit 60 and encoded. Here, it is schematically illustrated that encoding can be performed if there are three pieces of frame data before and after, but encoding is performed with a necessary number of frames according to the encoding format employed. At this time, each frame data is encoded with proper sequence control using the serial number as a clue. Here, the encoded content is seamlessly connected and encoded. For example, at the joint between encoded content A and encoded content B, the serial number “3599967” is the last frame data of program A, the serial number of the first frame data of program B is “3600000”, and the serial number of the next frame data Since “3600033” is attached, the re-encoding process in the re-encoding unit 60 is edited so that the joint of the encoded content is eliminated and is seamless.
The re-encoded data re-encoded by the re-encoding unit 60 is streamed and distributed by the streaming distribution unit 70 as a series of program content joints.

The local system 200 reproduces and displays the content data distributed by streaming while decoding. Each frame includes time stamp information in the form of a serial number and is displayed on the local system 200 at the correct display timing.
The above is the principle for realizing seamless streaming distribution in the reproduction display of the client system of the program distribution system of the present invention.

[3] Configuration Example of Program Distribution System of the Present Invention in a Network Distributed Environment Using Local System and Center System Next, a configuration example of the program distribution system of the present invention in a network distributed environment using local system and center system will be described. To do.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the program distribution system of the present invention in a network distributed environment using the local system 200 and the center system 100.
4 includes a system timer 10, a timer 11, a content storage unit 20, a distribution schedule list editing unit 30, a decoding unit 40, a frame number management unit 50, a re-encoding unit 60, and a streaming distribution unit 70. ing.

The system timer 10 is as described above.
The timer records the current time, and is used by the decoding unit 40 to reference the current time and detect the start of distribution of each program content in the distribution schedule list.
The content storage unit 20 stores a plurality of encoded distribution contents. In this example, twelve contents of encoded distribution contents A, B,..., L are stored. Note that it is also preferable that encoded content is uploaded from the local system 200 and the uploaded encoded distribution content is stored. This is because, in a distributed environment, there may be a usage form in which a distribution program is edited on the local system 200 side, uploaded, and distributed from the center system side.

  The distribution schedule list editing unit 30 has a function of editing a distribution schedule list 31 of distribution contents. FIG. 5 schematically shows the distribution schedule list 31. The distribution schedule list editing unit 30 can dynamically edit the distribution schedule list 31 of distribution contents. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when it is desired to distribute the program M instead of the program E scheduled to be distributed from 10 o'clock, even if the distribution of the day has already started (for example, 8 o'clock), it is distributed at 10 o'clock. Scheduled programs can be replaced dynamically.

  The decoding function provided in the decoding unit 40 may be any function that can perform decoding processing corresponding to the encoded format of the encoded content stored in the content storage unit 20. If the encoding format handled by the entire program distribution system 100 is limited to one type, it is sufficient to have a decoding function corresponding to the encoding format, and if there are three possible encoding formats, it is necessary to have three types of decoding functions. good. For example, when the program distribution system 100 assumes three types of encoding formats of WMF, AVI, and MPEG, the decoding unit 40 may have each decoding function.

The frame number management unit 50 is as described above.
The re-encoding unit 60 sequentially receives the frame data given the frame number by the frame number management unit 50, and when a plurality of frame data necessary for the encoding process are accumulated, the re-encoding unit 60 dynamically changes to a predetermined audio rate and video rate one after another. The encoding process is performed again. For example, in MPEG, a plurality of frames are collected before and after and an uncompressed frame (I frame), an intra compressed frame (P frame), and an inter compressed frame (B frame) are determined and compressed, so one frame data is obtained. However, the re-encoding unit 60 accepts and re-encodes a plurality of necessary front and rear frames.
The streaming distribution unit 70 performs streaming distribution of the encoded data supplied from the re-encoding unit 60.

[4] Program Distribution Flow The program distribution flow of the program distribution system shown in the first embodiment is organized.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a process flow centered on a process in the center system of the program distribution system according to the first embodiment.
As a premise, it is assumed that the encoded program content has already been stored in the content storage unit 20 and the editing process of the distribution schedule list 31 has been completed.

First, the program distribution system 100 is activated to start distribution (step S1). For example, the program distribution system 100 is activated so that the distribution of the program can be started at 6 am.
Simultaneously with this activation, the count value of the system timer 10 is once cleared to zero, and the elapsed time starts to be counted up (step S2). The elapsed time is counted up without interruption from the start to the end of the program distribution system 100.

Next, the decoding unit 40 obtains the current time information, accesses the distribution schedule list 31, and grasps what program is distributed at the current time (step S3). For example, suppose that it has just reached 8 o'clock.
The decoding unit 40 grasps the program content to be distributed from the distribution schedule list 31, accesses the content storage unit 20, and decodes the program content (step S4). Now, it is assumed that the distribution start of the new program content C is detected at 8 o'clock, the decoding unit 40 accesses the content storage unit 20 and starts decoding the content of the program content C.

  Although the frame data is sequentially obtained one after another by the decoding process of the decoding unit 40, the decoding unit 40 sequentially passes them to the frame number management unit 50 (step S5). Here, the frames are delivered to the frame number management unit 50 in chronological order from the first frame of the program content C.

  Next, the frame number management unit 50 obtains the system time with reference to the system timer 10 for the frame data sequentially passed from the decoding unit 40 in time series, and gives the value as a serial number (step S6). For example, serial frame number information “7200000” is assigned to the first frame data of the program content C. “7200033” with the time stamp value added to the next frame data is added as frame number information, and the serial number with the time stamp added is added to the subsequent frame data in order. go.

Next, the frame data to which the serial frame number information is added by the frame number management unit 50 is transferred to the re-encoding unit 60, and the re-encoding unit 60 performs re-encoding processing at a predetermined video rate and audio rate (step S7). ).
The streaming server 70 receives the re-encoded data from the re-encoding unit 60, and distributes the program content data to the client system 200 (step S8). That is, data to be distributed in accordance with the current time continues to be distributed as seamless streaming data from the streaming server 70 to the client system 200.
The above process is repeated whenever the time advances (return to step S3).
The above is an outline of the flow of streaming data distribution.

In the reproduction display of the client system 200, “blackness” and “cut” do not occur in the valleys between program contents.
FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing a reproduction process on the client computer of the program content stream-distributed from the first program distribution system 100 of the present invention.

  Subsequent to the streaming distribution process of the final part of the program content A (FIG. 7A), the streaming distribution process of the beginning part of the program content B is performed (FIG. 7B). Here, since there is no header or footer in the valley between the end portion of the program content C and the beginning portion of the program content D and the rate is R0 of the same unified contract, the data is distributed as seamless continuous data from the streaming server 70. In the client system 200, the end portion of the program content C and the beginning portion of the program content D are supplied as completely seamless continuous data. Therefore, the playback processing by the playback software is also performed seamlessly, and continuous video is displayed on the monitor. Is displayed. That is, there is no “blackness” or “break” in the valley between the program content C and the program content D, the program content having a predetermined content is displayed at a predetermined time, and the display environment is as if watching a TV program. It is obtained (FIG. 7 (b) monitor display).

Next, the dynamic editing function for program distribution will be described.
First, for comparison, the distribution when there is no change by the distribution schedule list editing unit 30 will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing a flow in the case where the program content E is distributed according to the original distribution schedule list 31 without being changed by the distribution schedule list editing unit 30 at 10:00.

  The program content D is decoded by the decoding unit 40 until immediately before 10 o'clock, and at 10 o'clock, the decoding unit 40 decodes the program content E. The frame number management unit 50 assigns serial frame numbers. If the distribution of the program content E matches the original schedule, the serial frame number assigned to the final frame of the program content D is “143939967” The serial frame number assigned to the first frame of the content E is “14400000”, and the serial frame number is continuous at the joint between the program content D and the program content E, and the frame data in the program content The connection and the connection between the frame data between program contents are the same. By re-encoding the frame data in order, the program content D and the program content E are distributed as seamless streaming data.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 5, the program content E originally scheduled for distribution at 10:00 in the distribution schedule list 31 is changed to the program content M by the distribution schedule list editing unit 30. And FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically illustrating a flow when the distribution schedule list 31 at 10 o'clock is edited by the distribution schedule list editing unit 30 and the program content M is distributed instead of the program content E.

  The program content D is decoded by the decoding unit 40 until immediately before 10 o'clock, and at 10 o'clock, the decoding unit 40 decodes the program content M. The frame number management unit 50 assigns a serial frame number. In this example as well, the serial frame number assigned to the last frame of the program content D is “14399967”, and the serial frame attached to the first frame of the program content M The number is “14400000”, and the frame numbers are continuous even at the joint between the program content D and the program content M. Even if the distributed program content is changed from the program content E to the program content M, the program The connection between the frame data between contents is the same. That is, even in the case of this dynamic editing, by re-encoding the frame data in order, the program content D and the program content M are distributed as seamless streaming data.

  As described above, according to the program distribution system of the first embodiment, it is possible to ensure seamless and continuous viewing of program content without causing blackness or breaks in the display of the client system between programs, The contents and order of program distribution can be dynamically edited and changed, and flexible program distribution becomes possible. Blackness does not occur in the valley of the program content in the client system.

In the second embodiment, a method for inserting advertisement content in the program distribution system of the present invention will be described.
The first method is simply a method of positioning advertising content as one of distribution contents. In the program distribution system of the present invention, since the content of the distribution content does not depend on the difference between the content such as a movie or the content such as an advertisement, the advertisement content can be inserted.
As shown in FIG. 10, for example, among the four distribution contents, the first distribution content is set as program content A, the second distribution content is set as advertisement content A, and the third distribution content is set as advertisement content B. This is an example in which the fourth distribution content is the program content B. Distribution of program contents and distribution of advertisement contents are processed as shown in the first embodiment and distributed as seamless streaming.
However, with this method, when the program content itself starts to be distributed, an advertisement cannot be inserted until the distribution ends. That is, when a two-hour movie is distributed, the movie continues to be played for two hours, and the advertisement can be distributed only after that.

  Next, the second method is a method in which a group of program contents is divided by pre-editing, divided into a plurality of sub contents, and advertisement contents are inserted between the sub contents. In the current general television broadcasting, when a movie or the like is broadcasted, it is common to divide the program contents in units of about 15 minutes and insert an advertisement between them. This is an advertisement insertion method that is divided into contents, and can be said to be an advertisement insertion method similar to that of the current television broadcast.

  As shown in FIG. 11, for example, the distribution content A is divided into four parts by pre-editing, and “first half 1 of program A”, “first half 2 of program A”, “second half 1 of program A”, “program A It is set as four sub contents of “second half 2”, and the advertising content A and the advertising content are sandwiched between the sub contents. The distribution of the program sub-content and the distribution of the advertising content are processed as shown in the first or second embodiment and distributed as seamless streaming.

  As described above, according to the program distribution system of the second embodiment, the advertisement content can be inserted between the program contents, and the program content can be seamlessly and continuously generated without blackening or discontinuity in the display of the client system. Viewing of advertisement content can be ensured, and flexible program distribution is possible. Blackness does not occur in the valley between the program content and the advertisement content in the client system.

  Although the preferred embodiment of the program distribution system of the present invention has been illustrated and described above, it will be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the technical scope of the present invention.

  The present invention can be applied to a program distribution system. In particular, the present invention can be applied to Internet broadcasting using the Internet.

The figure explaining the reason for the occurrence of blackness in the valley of the program content when the header is present and the rate is different The figure which illustrates typically the mechanism of the streaming delivery in the program delivery system of this invention The figure which illustrates typically the rule which gives a serial number with respect to a head frame and a succeeding frame The figure which shows the structural example of the program delivery system of this invention in the network distributed environment using the local system 200 and the center system 100. The figure which showed the delivery schedule list 31 typically The flowchart which shows the flow of a process centering on the process in the center system of the program delivery system concerning Example 1. FIG. The figure which shows typically the reproduction | regeneration process in the client computer of the program content stream-distributed from the 1st program delivery system 100 of this invention. The figure which shows typically the flow in case the program content E is delivered as the original delivery schedule list 31 is. The figure which shows typically the flow when it replaces with the program content E and the program content M is delivered. The figure which shows typically the specific example of the insertion method of 1st advertisement content The figure which shows typically the specific example of the insertion method of 2nd advertising content A diagram schematically showing the flow of distribution of conventional streaming distribution type program content data A diagram schematically showing the reason why buffering occurs at the start of conventional streaming delivery

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 System timer 20 Content memory | storage part 30 Distribution schedule list edit part 31 Distribution schedule list 40 Decoding part 50 Frame number management part 60 Re-encoding part 70 Streaming server 100 Center system 200 Local system

Claims (4)

A system timer that is cleared to zero at startup and counts the elapsed time as system time,
A content storage unit storing a plurality of encoded distribution contents;
A distribution schedule list editing section for editing a distribution schedule list of the distribution contents;
A decoding unit that reads the distribution content that has reached a distribution start time according to the distribution schedule list from the content storage unit and dynamically decodes the distribution content;
The decoding unit sequentially receives the frame data that is being sequentially decoded, assigns the system time value at the delivery start time to the top frame, and attaches to the top frame for each subsequent frame By adding a value obtained by adding a time stamp time, which is an elapsed time from the first frame given in advance to each subsequent frame, to the value of the system time, the serial frame number information is added to each frame data. A frame number management section to give,
A re-encoding unit that sequentially receives frame data to which a serial frame number is given by the frame number management unit, and sequentially performs encoding again at a predetermined audio rate and video rate,
A program distribution system comprising: a streaming distribution unit that performs streaming distribution of data supplied from the re-encoding unit. The distribution content includes program content that is content of program content and advertising content that is content of advertising content,
The program distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the distribution schedule list editing unit edits the distribution schedule list in such a manner that the advertisement content is sandwiched between the program contents. The distribution content includes program content that is content of program content and advertising content that is content of advertising content,
3. The program distribution according to claim 1, wherein the distribution schedule list editing unit divides one program content into a plurality of pieces and edits the distribution schedule list in such a manner that the advertisement content is sandwiched therebetween. system. System time processing step that clears the system timer to zero at startup and counts elapsed time as system time,
A content storage processing step of storing a plurality of encoded delivery contents in the content storage unit;
A distribution schedule edit processing step of editing the distribution schedule list of the distribution contents;
A decoding process step of dynamically reading and decoding the distribution content that has reached the distribution start time according to the distribution schedule list;
The frame data sequentially decoded by the decoding processing step is sequentially received, the value of the system time at the distribution start time is assigned to the first frame, and the first frame is assigned to each subsequent frame. By adding a value obtained by adding a time stamp time, which is an elapsed time from the first frame given in advance to each subsequent frame, to the value of the system time, the serial frame number information is added to each frame data. A frame number management processing step to be given;
Re-encoding processing step of sequentially receiving the frame data given the frame number by the frame number management processing step, and encoding again at a predetermined audio rate and video rate dynamically one after another,
A program delivery program comprising: a streaming delivery processing step for streaming delivery of data supplied from the re-encoding processing step.

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