JP2009152952A - Distribution system, distribution method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a distribution system, a distribution method, and a program, by which the minimum video quality is secured by distributing information by switching a streaming system and a download system according to a situation. <P>SOLUTION: The distribution system distributes information to a terminal, and is provided with: a distribution means distributing the information to the terminal by a plurality of distribution systems; and a control means for distributing the information by any of the plurality of distribution systems according to the reproduction state of the terminal. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a distribution system, a distribution method, and a program for distributing video from a video distribution server to a terminal such as a portable terminal.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a service for wirelessly distributing video to a terminal such as a mobile terminal, a notebook PC, or a personal computer has been provided from a server that stores video such as a movie or a program in response to a user request. Yes. Such video distribution methods mainly include a download method and a streaming method. The download method is a method in which the video is reproduced after all the video data distributed from the server is received by the terminal. The streaming method is a method in which video data is received and simultaneously reproduced on a terminal.

  In the content transmission method described in Patent Document 1, the client data acquisition unit acquires the information processing capability of the client, and the network load monitoring unit monitors the load state of the network. The content list transmission unit selects the content having the quality that matches the information processing capability of the client and the load state of the network from among the plurality of content having the same content and different quality stored in the content database. It is described that the selected content is transmitted as a content list.

  In addition, the information providing system described in Patent Document 2 generates a two-dimensional barcode that can be read by the function of a mobile phone. It is described that when a website is accessed by reading this two-dimensional barcode, information is provided using an information providing method suitable for the mobile phone model by determining the mobile phone model. Yes.

  In the network camera device described in Patent Document 3, when the video frame transmission method request is a video frame transmission method request for recording, each video frame generated in the photographing unit is temporarily stored in the holding unit. And each of the held video frames is transmitted to the communication means. On the other hand, when the request for the transmission method of the video frame is a request for the transmission method of the video frame for live display, the latest frame among the video frames generated in the photographing unit is transmitted to the communication unit.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2003-281032 (page 3-8, FIG. 1) JP 2006-155604 A (page 5-10, FIG. 1) Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2007-49681 (page 4-11, FIG. 1)

  However, in the conventional video delivery method to a portable terminal or the like, the network bandwidth of wireless communication has been increasing in recent years. However, in wireless communication, the fluctuation range of the bandwidth is very large due to its characteristics. For this reason, when the bit rate of the video to be distributed is increased, the video is disturbed due to buffering or packet loss, and a clear image cannot be obtained, resulting in a problem that the usability is impaired.

  In particular, in the network camera device of Patent Document 3, even when a request for a method for transmitting a video frame for live display is transmitted, if the bit rate of the video is increased, the video may be disturbed due to buffering or the like.

  Also, the video data has a larger capacity than the still image data, the decoding process is complicated, and the load on the CPU of the terminal is high. For this reason, there is a problem that if another application is used or another operation is performed, the CPU cannot complete the processing and a stable image cannot be obtained.

  Even in the methods and systems described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, content is provided according to the information processing capability and model of the client, but it is provided according to the CPU load and status during actual distribution. Therefore, there is a possibility that a stable video cannot be obtained due to an unexpected situation when distributing contents.

  Therefore, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a technique capable of ensuring the minimum video quality by switching between the streaming method and the download method according to the situation and delivering.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, a distribution system according to the present invention is a distribution system that distributes information to a terminal, the distribution means capable of distributing information to the terminal by a plurality of distribution methods, and the terminal And a control means for distributing by any one of the plurality of distribution methods according to the reproduction state.

  The distribution method according to the present invention includes a step in which a distribution server starts distributing information to a terminal by using any one of a plurality of distribution methods, and the distribution server is configured according to a playback state of the terminal. And switching the distribution method to one of the plurality of distribution methods.

  Another distribution method according to the present invention includes a step in which a video distribution server receives reproduction state information transmitted from a terminal and indicating a reproduction state of the terminal, and a video distribution server includes the received reproduction state information in the received reproduction state information. On the basis of the step of determining whether or not the video can be distributed by the streaming method, and when the video distribution server determines that the video cannot be distributed by the streaming method as a result of the determination, the streaming is performed. And switching from the system to the download system for distribution.

  In addition, the program according to the present invention provides a process for starting distribution of information to a terminal using any one of a plurality of distribution methods, and any of the plurality of distribution methods according to a playback state of the terminal. This is a program for causing an information processing device to execute a process of switching the distribution method and distributing.

  Another program according to the present invention receives the playback state information indicating the playback state of the terminal transmitted from the terminal, and distributes the video in a streaming manner based on the received playback state information. The information processing apparatus, and a process of switching from the streaming method to the download method when the determination result indicates that distribution by the streaming method is not possible. This is a program to be executed.

  According to the present invention, the streaming method and the download method can be switched and distributed according to the situation, and the minimum video quality can be ensured.

The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of a distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The distribution system 1 includes a mobile terminal 100, a video distribution server 200, a radio base station 300, and a network 400. The mobile terminal 100 is owned by a user who desires to view a video. The video distribution server 200 stores videos such as movies and programs, and distributes these videos to the mobile terminal 100. The radio base station 300 is connected to the video distribution server 200 via the network 400. Further, for example, communication with the mobile terminal 100 is performed wirelessly to relay communication between the mobile terminal 100 and the video distribution server 200.

  The mobile terminal 100 includes a CPU 110, a main memory 120, a program memory 130, an audio output unit 140 (speaker 141), a display unit 150 (monitor 151), a wireless communication unit 160 (antenna 161), and a key input unit 170 (operation keys 171). RAM 180 is provided.

  The CPU 110 requests the video distribution server 200 to distribute the video by executing the streaming reception program 131 stored in the program memory 130, and the video distributed by the connectionless streaming method in response to the request. Process to receive. In addition, the CPU 110 executes a download reception program 132 stored in the program memory 130 to perform processing for receiving video distributed from the video distribution server 200 by the connection-type download method. The processing of the streaming reception program 131 and the download reception program 132 corresponds to the processing of the video reception unit.

  The CPU 110 executes the playback state monitoring program 133 stored in the program memory 130 to monitor and acquire the playback state of the mobile terminal 100 at a predetermined timing such as 1 second and 1 minute intervals. The reproduction state information indicating the reproduction state of the mobile terminal 100 is transmitted to the video distribution server 200. This process corresponds to the process of the reproduction state information acquisition unit. Specifically, the CPU 110 monitors the playback state of the mobile terminal 100 to detect load information (for example, CPU usage rate) indicating the load state, and the environment related to the network 400 to which the mobile terminal 100 is connected. Information (for example, network bandwidth) is detected, and reproduction state information including these CPU usage rate and network bandwidth is acquired.

  In the main memory 120, when the CPU 110 actually executes the streaming reception program 131, the download reception program 132, and the playback state information monitoring program 133, these programs are temporarily stored.

  The program memory 130 stores a program necessary for the CPU 110 to execute processing described below. In particular, the program memory 130 stores a streaming reception program 131, a download reception program 132, and a reproduction state monitoring program 133 corresponding to processing performed by the video reception unit and the reproduction state information acquisition unit.

  When the video distributed from the video distribution server 200 is reproduced by the CPU 110, the audio output unit 140 outputs audio such as music and sound effects included in the video through the speaker 141.

  The display unit 150 displays the video on the monitor 151 when the video distributed from the video distribution server 200 is reproduced by the CPU 110.

  The wireless communication unit 160 is wirelessly connected to the wireless base station 300 through the antenna 161, and communicates with the video distribution server 200 via the network 400 using the wireless base station 300 as a relay. The wireless communication unit 160 transmits the reproduction state information acquired by the CPU 110 monitoring the reproduction state of the mobile terminal 100 or receives the video distributed from the video distribution server 200.

  The key input unit 170 receives information input by a user operating an operation key 171 realized using a keyboard, a mouse, or the like, and transmits the information to the CPU 110. The RAM 180 temporarily stores calculation results and information obtained by the processing performed by the CPU 110.

  The video distribution server 200 includes a CPU 210, a main memory 220, a program memory 230, a communication unit 240, a video file storage unit 250, and a database 260.

  The CPU 210 executes the streaming control program 231 stored in the program memory 230, thereby performing processing for distributing the video stored in the video file storage unit 250 to the mobile terminal 100 in a streaming manner. In addition, the CPU 210 executes the download control program 232 stored in the program memory 230, thereby performing a process of distributing the video stored in the video file storage unit 250 to the mobile terminal 100 by a download method. These processes correspond to the processes executed by the distribution means.

  The CPU 210 receives the reproduction state information transmitted from the portable terminal 100 by executing the distribution method control program 233 stored in the program memory 230, and based on the reproduction state information, the streaming method or the download method is received. The distribution method is switched to one of them, and processing for distributing the video to the mobile terminal 100 using the streaming control program 231 or the download control program 232 is performed. This processing corresponds to processing executed by the reproduction state information receiving unit and the control unit. Further, the CPU 210 performs a process of determining whether or not it is possible to distribute the video by the streaming method based on the reproduction state information transmitted from the mobile terminal 100. This process corresponds to the process executed by the determination means.

  Furthermore, when the CPU 210 uses the streaming control program 231 to start distributing the video to the terminal in the streaming method and, as a result of the determination, determines that the streaming method cannot be distributed, the streaming method The distribution method is switched from the download method to the distribution method.

  On the other hand, after switching from the streaming method to the download method, if the CPU 210 determines that distribution by the streaming method is possible as a result of the determination, the CPU 210 switches the distribution method from the download method to the distribution method for distribution. These processes correspond to the processes executed by the control means.

  When the CPU 210 actually executes the streaming control program 231, the download control program 232, and the distribution method control program 233, these programs are temporarily stored in the main memory 220.

  The program memory 230 stores a program necessary for the CPU 210 to execute processing described below. In particular, the program memory 230 stores a streaming control program 231, a download control program 232, and a distribution method control program 233 corresponding to processing performed by the distribution means and the control means.

  The communication unit 240 is connected to the radio base station 300 via the network 400 and communicates with the mobile terminal 100 using the radio base station 300 as a relay. The communication unit 240 transmits the video stored in the video file storage unit 250 or receives the playback state information transmitted from the mobile terminal 100 in response to a request from the mobile terminal 100.

  The video file storage unit 250 stores videos such as various movies and programs. The database 260 stores a video file management table 261, a portable terminal information management table 262, and a distribution progress management table 263. The video file management table 261 is a table for managing each video stored in the video file storage unit 250. The mobile terminal information management table 262 is a table for managing information related to each terminal that distributes video including the mobile terminal 100. The distribution progress management table 263 is a table for storing the progress status of distribution of video to each terminal.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents stored in the video file management table 261. As shown in FIG. 2, the video file management table 261 distributes each video, an ID for identifying each video stored in the video file storage unit 250, an address storing each video, and so on. Are stored in association with the bit rate and the frame rate, the upper and lower thresholds of the network bandwidth at the time of determination based on the playback state information of the terminal, and the frame decimation rate at the time of distributing each video.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents stored in the mobile terminal information management table 262. The portable terminal information management table 262 associates an ID for identifying each terminal model, the model of each terminal, and the upper and lower thresholds of the CPU usage rate when determining based on the playback state information of the terminal. I remember.

  In the processing of the determination unit, the CPU 210 reads each information corresponding to the distributed video and terminal from the video file management table 261 and the mobile terminal information management table 262. When the CPU 210 distributes the video by the streaming method, the CPU usage rate included in the playback state information of the terminal that distributes the video exceeds the upper limit threshold of the CPU usage rate corresponding to this terminal, Alternatively, it is determined whether or not the network bandwidth included in the playback state information is below a numerical value obtained by multiplying the bit rate of the video being distributed and the lower limit threshold of the network bandwidth corresponding to the video. As a result of the determination, when the CPU usage rate exceeds the upper limit threshold value or when the network bandwidth is lower than the multiplied value, it is determined that it is not possible to deliver in the streaming method.

  On the other hand, in the processing of the determination means, when the video is distributed by the download method, the CPU usage rate included in the playback state information of the terminal that distributes the video sets the lower threshold of the CPU usage rate corresponding to this terminal. It is determined whether or not the network bandwidth included in the reproduction state information is greater than a numerical value obtained by multiplying the bit rate of the video being distributed and the upper limit threshold of the network bandwidth corresponding to the video. As a result of the determination, when the CPU usage rate falls below the lower limit threshold or when the network bandwidth exceeds the multiplied value, it is determined that it is possible to deliver in the streaming method.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents stored in the distribution progress management table 263. The distribution progress management table 263 includes a client ID for identifying a terminal that distributes video, an ID of the video that is being distributed, and a current position that indicates a progress status in which the distribution is progressing with video data. It is associated and remembered.

  In the processing of the control means performed by executing the distribution method control program 233, the CPU 210 reads each piece of information corresponding to the terminal that is distributing from the distribution progress management table 263. Then, when the CPU 210 switches from the streaming method to the download method or from the download method to the streaming method according to the determined result, the current position corresponding to the video being distributed is used as a switching point, and from this point onward. Deliver video data.

  Next, the operation of the distribution system 1 in the present embodiment will be described using the sequence diagram shown in FIG. First, the mobile terminal 100 is operated by the user, establishes a connection with the video distribution server 200 via the wireless base station 300 and the network 400 by the wireless communication unit 160, and performs communication.

  Step S101: The portable terminal 100 performs a process of requesting distribution of a video that the user desires to view by the wireless communication unit 160 according to the operation of the user. When the user operates the operation key 171 and inputs information specifying a video from the key input unit 170, the mobile terminal 100 sends request information requesting distribution of the specified video to the wireless communication unit 160 by the video receiving unit. Is transmitted to the video distribution server 200.

  Step S102: Upon receiving the request information from the mobile terminal 100, the video distribution server 200 reads out the video to be distributed and the information to be determined based on the video to be distributed and the playback state information of the mobile terminal 100. I do. When receiving the request information from the mobile terminal 100, the video distribution server 200 reads the video specified by the request information from the video file storage unit 250 and stores it in the RAM 180. Further, referring to the video file management table 261, the bit rate, the frame rate, the upper and lower thresholds of the network bandwidth and the frame thinning rate corresponding to the specified video ID are read, and the portable terminal information management table 262 is read out. Referring to FIG. 5, the upper limit threshold and the lower limit threshold of the CPU usage rate corresponding to the mobile terminal 100 included in the request information are read out.

  Step S103: The video distribution server 200 performs a process of distributing the designated video to the mobile terminal 100 by the streaming method by the distribution means. The video distribution server 200 sequentially reads out the video data stored in the RAM 180 in step S102 by the distribution means, and distributes the video to the mobile terminal 100 by the streaming method.

  At this time, the video distribution server 200 stores the client ID assigned to the mobile terminal 100, the video ID, and the current position of the video data in the distribution progress management table 263 in association with each other. In parallel with video distribution, the current position is sequentially updated each time data is distributed.

  Step S104: The portable terminal 100 performs a process of simultaneously reproducing the video distributed by the video receiving means while receiving the video distributed by the streaming method. The mobile terminal 100 simultaneously decodes the video data while receiving the video distributed by the streaming method by the video receiving means, displays the video on the monitor 151 by the display unit 150, and outputs the audio by the audio output unit 140. Output from the speaker 141.

  Step S105: The portable terminal 100 determines whether or not it is a predetermined timing for monitoring the reproduction state by the reproduction state information acquisition means. For example, the portable terminal 100 measures the time from the time of first receiving the video distributed by the streaming method, and determines whether or not the measured time is a predetermined timing such as 1 second or 1 minute. As a result of the determination, if the predetermined timing is not reached (NO in step S105), the processes in steps S103 and S104 are executed again.

  Steps S106 and S107: If it is determined that it is a predetermined timing (YES in Step S105), the portable terminal 100 performs a process of monitoring the reproduction state by the reproduction state information acquisition unit. The portable terminal 100 detects the CPU usage rate by monitoring the reproduction state of the portable terminal 100 by the reproduction state information acquisition unit, detects the network bandwidth of the network 400 to which the portable terminal 100 is connected, and The reproduction state information including the CPU usage rate and the network bandwidth is acquired. Then, the portable terminal 100 transmits the acquired reproduction state information to the video distribution server 200.

  Step S108: The video distribution server 200 performs a process of determining whether or not the video can be distributed by the streaming method based on the reproduction state information of the mobile terminal 100 by the determination unit. The video distribution server 200 uses the bit rate read in step S102, the lower limit threshold of the network bandwidth, and the upper limit threshold of the CPU usage corresponding to the mobile terminal 100 to use the CPU usage rate included in the playback state information received in step S107. However, it is determined whether or not the upper limit threshold value of the CPU usage rate corresponding to the mobile terminal 100 is exceeded.

  Furthermore, the video distribution server 200 determines whether or not the network bandwidth included in the status information is less than a value obtained by multiplying the bit rate of the currently distributed video by the lower limit threshold of the network bandwidth corresponding to the video. judge. As a result of the determination, if the CPU usage rate exceeds the upper limit threshold value or falls below the numerical value multiplied by the network bandwidth (NO in step S108), the streaming method can be used. As a result, the processing after step S103 is executed again.

  Steps S109 and S110: As a result of the determination, if the CPU usage rate exceeds the upper limit threshold value or falls below the numerical value multiplied by the network bandwidth (YES in Step S108), it is determined that the video cannot be delivered by the streaming method. The distribution server 200 causes the control unit to stop the process of distributing the video to the mobile terminal 100 by the streaming method. Then, the streaming method is switched to the download method, and processing for distributing the video to the portable terminal 100 by the download method is performed by the distribution means.

  Here, the process of distributing by the download method is performed as follows. The video distribution server 200 reads the current position corresponding to the client ID assigned in step S103 by referring to the distribution progress management table 263 by the distribution means. The video data after the switching location indicated by the read current position is read out from the RAM 180, for example, one frame at a time, and decoded, and still images are sequentially created. Using the frame rate and the frame decimation rate read out in step S102, the frame rate is lowered using a numerical value obtained by multiplying the frame rate and the frame decimation rate as a still image transmission interval, and still images sequentially generated at this frame rate are downloaded. To the mobile terminal 100. At this time, in parallel with the distribution of the still image, the current position of the distribution progress management table 263 is sequentially updated every time data is distributed.

  Step S111: The mobile terminal 100 performs a process of sequentially displaying the video received by the video receiving means while receiving the video distributed by the download method. The mobile terminal 100 sequentially displays the video data on the monitor 151 by the display unit 150 while sequentially receiving still images distributed by the download method at a fixed transmission interval by the video receiving means.

  Step S112: The portable terminal 100 determines whether or not it is a predetermined timing for monitoring the reproduction state by the reproduction state information acquisition means. For example, the portable terminal 100 measures time from the time when the playback state information is transmitted to the video distribution server 200 in step S107, and determines whether or not the measured time is a predetermined timing such as 1 second or 1 minute. . As a result of the determination, if the predetermined timing is not reached (NO in step S112), the processes in steps S110 and S111 are executed again.

  Steps S113 and S114: As a result of the determination, if it is a predetermined timing (YES in Step S112), the portable terminal 100 performs a process of monitoring the reproduction state by the reproduction state information acquisition unit. The portable terminal 100 detects the CPU usage rate by monitoring the reproduction state of the portable terminal 100 by the reproduction state information acquisition unit, detects the network bandwidth of the network 400 to which the portable terminal 100 is connected, and The reproduction state information including the CPU usage rate and the network bandwidth is acquired. Then, the portable terminal 100 transmits the acquired reproduction state information to the video distribution server 200.

  Step S115: The video distribution server 200 performs a process of determining whether to distribute by the streaming method or the download method based on the reproduction state information of the mobile terminal 100 by the reproduction state information acquisition unit. The video distribution server 200 uses the bit rate read in step S102, the upper limit threshold of the network bandwidth, and the lower limit threshold of the CPU usage corresponding to the mobile terminal 100 to use the CPU usage rate included in the playback state information received in step S114. Is lower than the lower limit threshold value of the CPU usage rate corresponding to the mobile terminal 100, or the network bandwidth included in the reproduction state information is the bit rate of the currently distributed video and the upper limit threshold value of the network bandwidth corresponding to the video It is judged whether it exceeds the numerical value multiplied by. As a result of the determination, if the CPU usage rate falls below either the lower threshold or exceeds the numerical value multiplied by the network bandwidth (NO in step S115), it can be distributed in the streaming method. If not, the processing after step S110 is executed again.

  Step S116: As a result of the determination, if the CPU usage rate falls below the lower threshold or exceeds the numerical value multiplied by the network bandwidth (YES in Step S115), it is assumed that the video can be delivered by the streaming method. The server 200 stops the process of distributing the video to the mobile terminal 100 using the download method by the control means. Then, the download method is switched to the streaming method, and the distribution unit performs processing for distributing the video to the mobile terminal 100 by the streaming method.

  As described above, in the distribution system 1 according to the present embodiment, first, video is distributed from the video distribution server 200 to the mobile terminal 100 by the streaming method, and the reproduction status information is transmitted to the video distribution server 200 at a predetermined timing. To determine which method to deliver. As a result of the determination, if the CPU usage rate exceeds the upper threshold or falls below the value multiplied by the network bandwidth, it automatically switches to the download method, preventing the image from being disturbed due to the occurrence of packet loss, etc. , And can be distributed in an appropriate manner according to changes in the load state. Unlike streaming playback, smooth moving images cannot be obtained, but minimum image quality can be ensured.

  In particular, in the case of a streaming method in a mobile terminal, it is necessary to decode and play the distributed video data, which increases the CPU load and is easily affected by the usage rate. Therefore, the minimum image quality can be ensured by appropriately switching the method.

  In addition, during distribution using the download method, when a predetermined timing is reached, the reproduction state information is transmitted to the video distribution server 200 to determine whether or not distribution using the streaming method is possible. As a result of the determination, if the CPU usage rate falls below the lower threshold or exceeds the value multiplied by the network bandwidth, it automatically switches to the streaming method, so depending on the change to a stable state where the streaming method is possible Can be distributed in an appropriate manner.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the delivery system in this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the video file management table of the delivery system in this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the portable terminal information management table of the delivery system in this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the delivery progress management table of the delivery system in this Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows operation | movement of the delivery system in this Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 Distribution System 100 Mobile Terminal 110 CPU
130 Program memory 131 Streaming reception program 132 Download reception program 133 Status monitoring program 200 Video distribution server 210 CPU
230 Program memory 231 Streaming control program 232 Download control program 233 Distribution method control program 260 Database 300 Wireless base station 400 Network

Claims (17)

A distribution system that distributes information to terminals,
A distribution means capable of distributing information to a terminal by a plurality of distribution methods;
A distribution system comprising: a control unit configured to perform distribution using any one of the plurality of distribution methods according to a reproduction state of the terminal. A video distribution server that distributes video to terminals,
The video distribution server is
The delivery means;
The control means;
Playback state information receiving means for receiving playback state information transmitted from the terminal and indicating the playback state of the terminal;
Determination means for determining whether the video can be distributed in a streaming manner based on the reproduction state information received by the reproduction state information receiving unit;
The delivery means includes
It is a means that can distribute video to the terminal by streaming method or download method,
The control means includes
The distribution unit is configured to be able to switch from the streaming method to the download method and distribute with the distribution unit when the determination unit determines that the distribution method is not possible. The distribution system according to claim 1. The control means
After switching from the streaming method to the download method, the distribution unit is configured to switch from the download method to the streaming method when the determination unit determines that the streaming method can be distributed. The distribution system according to claim 2, wherein: A terminal for receiving video distributed from a video distribution server;
The terminal
A reproduction state information acquisition means for monitoring the reproduction state of the own terminal and obtaining reproduction state information indicating the reproduction state of the own terminal;
4. The distribution system according to claim 2, further comprising reproduction state information transmission means for transmitting the reproduction state information acquired by the reproduction state information acquisition means to a video distribution server. The video distribution server
Load information upper limit storage means for storing an upper limit threshold of load information indicating the load state of the terminal,
The terminal playback status information acquisition means
It is a means for acquiring the playback status of the own terminal and acquiring playback status information including the load information of the own terminal,
The judging means is
The load information stored in the load information upper limit value storage means is the load information of the terminal included in the reproduction status information received by the reproduction status information receiving means when the video is distributed to the terminal by the streaming method. 5. The distribution system according to claim 2, wherein the distribution system is configured to determine that distribution by the streaming method is not possible when the upper limit threshold is exceeded. The video distribution server
Load information lower limit storage means for storing the lower limit threshold of the load information of the terminal,
The judging means is
The load information stored in the load information lower limit value storage means is the load information of the terminal included in the reproduction status information received by the reproduction status information receiving means when the video is distributed to the terminal by the download method. The distribution system according to claim 5, wherein the distribution system is configured to determine that the distribution can be performed by a streaming method when the lower limit threshold is exceeded. The video distribution server
Environmental information lower limit storage means for storing the lower threshold of environmental information related to the network,
The terminal playback status information acquisition means
It is a means for monitoring the playback status of the terminal itself and obtaining playback status information including environmental information about the network to which the terminal is connected,
The judging means is
When the video is delivered to the terminal by the streaming method, the environment information included in the playback status information received by the playback status information receiving means is stored in the video bit rate and the environmental information lower limit storage means. 7. The distribution according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the distribution is configured to determine that distribution by the streaming method is not possible when the value is less than a numerical value obtained by multiplying the lower limit threshold of the environmental information. system. The video distribution server
Environmental information upper limit storage means for storing an upper limit threshold of environmental information related to the network;
The judging means is
When the video is distributed to the terminal by the download method, the environment information included in the playback state information received by the playback state information receiving unit is stored in the video bit rate and the environment information upper limit storage unit. The distribution system according to claim 7, wherein the distribution system is configured to determine that distribution by the streaming method is possible when a numerical value obtained by multiplying the upper limit threshold value of the environmental information is increased. The video distribution server
Progress information storage means for storing information indicating the progress of video distribution to the terminal;
The control means
According to the switching of the distribution method by the control means, the video after the switching point indicated by the information stored in the progress status information storage means is distributed to the terminal by the distribution means. The distribution system according to claim 2.   The distribution system according to any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein the reproduction state information acquisition unit of the terminal is a unit that monitors the reproduction state of the terminal at a predetermined timing and acquires the reproduction state information. The download method is
It is a distribution method for distributing still images created by decoding video frames one by one at a transmission interval obtained by multiplying a video frame rate by a predetermined decimation rate. The distribution system according to claim 2. A distribution server starting distribution of information to a terminal by any one of a plurality of distribution methods;
A distribution server comprising: a distribution server that switches a distribution method to one of the plurality of distribution methods according to a reproduction state of a terminal and distributes the distribution method. A step in which the video distribution server receives reproduction state information transmitted from the terminal and indicating the reproduction state of the terminal;
A step of determining whether or not the video distribution server can distribute the video in a streaming manner based on the received reproduction state information;
A distribution method comprising the step of switching from the streaming method to the download method when the video distribution server determines that distribution by the streaming method is not possible as a result of the determination. The video distribution server includes a step of switching from the download method to the streaming method when the video distribution server determines that the streaming method can be distributed after switching from the streaming method to the download method. The distribution method according to claim 13. Processing for starting distribution of information to the terminal by any one of a plurality of distribution methods;
A program for causing an information processing device to execute a process of switching a distribution method to one of the plurality of distribution methods according to a reproduction state of a terminal. Processing for receiving playback state information transmitted from the terminal and indicating the playback state of the terminal;
A process of determining whether or not the video can be distributed in a streaming manner based on the received reproduction state information;
As a result of the determination, a program for causing an information processing apparatus to execute processing for switching from a streaming method to a download method when it is determined that distribution by a streaming method is not possible. 17. The information processing apparatus according to claim 16, for causing the information processing apparatus to execute processing for switching from the download method to the streaming method when it is determined that the streaming method can be distributed after switching from the streaming method to the download method. program.

Images