JP4636076B2 - Distribution system, audio device, and content recording method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a distribution system, an audio device, and a content recording method.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, information distribution systems that distribute music data and the like have become widespread with the speeding up of networks and the development of data compression techniques. In such an information distribution system, generally, a user uses a personal computer (personal computer) to connect to the Internet and access a predetermined music distribution site or the like. Then, the personal computer downloads the desired music data from the access destination music distribution site according to the user's operation, and reproduces the music data that has been downloaded (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2002-74814 A (page 6-7, FIG. 1)

In music distribution sites, music distribution called “streaming” is also performed, in which music data is reproduced while being sequentially received without waiting for downloading of all music data. In such music distribution by streaming, program content composed of a plurality of music data is often distributed.
In other words, when program content with a relatively large capacity (such as data for a plurality of songs) is played after downloading, the user will have to wait a long time before starting playback. There is no waiting for users.
For this reason, such program content is often distributed by streaming rather than by download.

Among the program contents to be distributed in streaming, there are contents such as live distribution and distribution for a limited time whose distribution start date and time is determined in advance. Then, the user operates the personal computer and listens to the program content that is distributed in a streaming manner at the distribution start date and time of such program content.
Still, many users find it cumbersome to remember the delivery start date and time. Then, such a user can set a reservation date and time in a schedule function (schedule management service, program, etc.) of a personal computer, and can automatically listen to live distribution etc. at the scheduled time (delivery start date and time). To do.

By the way, an electronic device such as a personal computer includes a timekeeping unit including a crystal oscillator and the like, and measures time according to the count of the crystal oscillator based on the date and time (date information) set by the user. It is carried out.
However, it has been pointed out that a time lag (time delay or time advance) often occurs in general electronic equipment (clocking unit). For example, the current time gradually shifts due to a change in processing load in the electronic device, a temperature change in the crystal oscillator, and the like.

When such a program content is distributed using a personal computer with a time lag, even if the schedule function is used, it may be too early or delayed for live distribution. In addition, the music data (content) with a time limit may be inappropriately managed (handled).
For this reason, the user needs to pay attention to the time lag of a personal computer or the like, and needs to reset the time correctly every time he notices the time lag.

Furthermore, the music distribution site regularly updates the distribution music and starts distributing new music from a specific date. Therefore, the user must check the update date and time of such music in advance and set the PC so that the music can be automatically acquired (downloaded) at the date and time when the delivery date and time of the new song is checked. Can be considered.
However, on the day of the renewal date and the day of the start of distribution, it is expected that a large number of users (computers) will access the communication bandwidth that is secured between the music distribution site (distribution server) and each computer. Is likely to be extremely narrow. In this situation, not only does it take a long time for each computer to obtain the desired song data (downloading is completed), but in the worst case, downloading of the song data may be interrupted in the middle. possible.
On the music distribution site side, if an access request is received from an enormous number of users at one time, the distribution server may go down. If the distribution server goes down, access to the entire music distribution site becomes impossible.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a distribution system, an audio device, and a content recording method capable of appropriately recording the content to be distributed while appropriately adjusting the time being measured. For the purpose.
The present invention also provides a distribution system, an audio device, and a content recording method capable of reducing the load on the network and the distribution side server and substantially reducing the time required for downloading a desired music piece on the user side. The purpose is to provide.

In order to achieve the above object, a distribution system according to the first aspect of the present invention provides:
A distribution system in which a server and an audio device are connected via a network,
The server
Distribution means for streaming the target content to the accessed audio device between a predetermined distribution start time and a distribution end time;
Differential distribution means for distributing the difference of the target content toward the audio device in response to a request from the audio device after the end of streaming distribution by the distribution means,
The audio equipment is
Timekeeping means for measuring the current time and detecting the arrival of the set reservation time;
When the reserved time is detected by the time measuring means, an external time server is accessed to acquire a standard time, and a time difference between the acquired standard time and the current time measured by the time measuring means is detected, and the time counting Time difference detection means for synchronizing the current time of the means with the standard time;
Storage means for accessing the server and sequentially storing the content that is streamed from the server until the delivery is completed;
A difference distribution requesting means for requesting the server to distribute a difference in content corresponding to the time difference when the time difference is detected by the time difference detecting means and the current time of the time measuring means is later than the standard time of the time server; ,
Content restoration means for receiving a difference between contents delivered from the server in response to a request from the difference delivery request means, and restoring regular contents by combining with the contents stored in the storage means ,
It is characterized by that.

  The audio device includes a reservation resetting unit for resetting a reserved time in the time measuring unit when a time difference is detected by the time difference detecting unit and a current time of the time measuring unit is ahead of a standard time of a time server. Further, it may be provided.

In order to achieve the above object, an audio device according to the second aspect of the present invention provides:
An audio device connected via a network to a server for streaming distribution of content between a predetermined distribution start time and a distribution end time;
Timekeeping means for measuring the current time and detecting the arrival of the set reservation time;
When the reserved time is detected by the time measuring means, an external time server is accessed to acquire a standard time, and a time difference between the acquired standard time and the current time measured by the time measuring means is detected, and the time counting Time difference detection means for synchronizing the current time of the means with the standard time;
Storage means for accessing the server and sequentially storing the content streamed from the server until distribution is completed;
A difference distribution requesting means for requesting the server to distribute a difference in content corresponding to the time difference when the time difference is detected by the time difference detecting means and the current time of the time measuring means is later than the standard time of the time server; ,
Content restoration means for receiving a difference between contents delivered from the server in response to a request from the difference delivery request means, and restoring regular contents by combining with the content stored in the storage means;
It is characterized by providing.

  In the audio device, when the time difference is detected by the time difference detecting means and the current time of the time measuring means is ahead of the standard time of the time server, the reservation resetting means for resetting the reserved time in the time measuring means May be further provided.

In order to achieve the above object, a content recording method according to a third aspect of the present invention includes:
A content recording method in an audio device connected via a network to a server for streaming distribution of content between a predetermined distribution start time and a distribution end time,
A time measuring step for measuring the current time and detecting the arrival of the set reservation time;
When the reserved time is detected in the timekeeping step, the standard time is acquired by accessing an external time server, and the time difference between the acquired standard time and the current time timed in the timekeeping step is detected, A time difference detecting step of synchronizing the current time of the time measuring step with a standard time;
A storage step of accessing the server and sequentially storing the content distributed from the server in a predetermined storage unit until the distribution is completed;
Difference distribution requesting step for requesting the server to distribute the content difference according to the time difference when the time difference is detected in the time difference detecting step and the current time of the time measuring step is delayed from the standard time of the time server. When,
A content restoration step of receiving a difference between the contents delivered from the server in response to the request from the difference delivery requesting step and restoring the legitimate content by combining with the content stored in the storage unit;
It is characterized by providing.

  In the content recording method, when a time difference is detected in the time difference detecting step and the current time of the time measuring step is ahead of the standard time of a time server, the reservation time is reset in the time measuring step. A setting step may be further provided.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the content delivered can be recorded appropriately, adjusting the time which is timed suitably. In addition, the load on the network and the distribution side server can be reduced, and the time required for downloading the desired music on the user side can be substantially reduced.

  An information distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information distribution system applied to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, this system includes an audio device 1, a data server 3, and a time server 5.
The audio device 1, the data server 3, and the time server 5 are connected via a network 9 such as the Internet. The time server 5 is a server that measures a standard time (standard date and time) based on, for example, a cesium atomic clock.

  First, the audio device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the audio device 1. As shown in the figure, the audio device 1 includes a tuner unit 11, an MD recording / reproducing unit 12, a signal processing unit 13, a network adapter 14, a hard disk 15, a flash memory 16, a timing unit 17, and an operation unit 18. A display unit 19, a control unit 20, a source selection unit 21, an amplifier 22, and a speaker 23.

  The tuner unit 11 receives a broadcast program such as AM broadcast or FM broadcast via a predetermined antenna, and supplies the received program sound to the source selection unit 21.

The MD (minidisc) recording / reproducing unit 12 is controlled by the signal processing unit 13 and records music data on the MD (recording MD).
For example, the MD recording / reproducing unit 12 is a recording / reproducing unit conforming to the NetMD (registered trademark) standard, and the music data stored in the hard disk 15 is recorded (checked out) on the MD and recorded on the MD. Return the music data to the hard disk 15 (check in).
The MD recording / reproducing unit 12 reproduces an audio signal from the music data recorded on the MD, and supplies the reproduced audio signal to the source selection unit 21.

The signal processing unit 13 includes, for example, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) and controls the recording / reproducing operation of the MD recording / reproducing unit 12 in accordance with an operation command supplied from the control unit 20.
In addition, the signal processing unit 13 extracts and decodes music data (download data) and program content (stream data) stored in the hard disk 15, and reproduces an audio signal. Then, the reproduced audio signal is supplied to the source selection unit 21.

The network adapter 14 includes, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) card, a high-speed modem, and the like, and is controlled by the control unit 20 to transmit / receive necessary information to / from the data server 3 via the network 9.
For example, the network adapter 14 transmits distribution request information requesting distribution (download distribution or streaming distribution) of music data or program content to the data server 3. In addition, it receives music data (download data), program content (stream data) and the like distributed from the data server 3 in response to the transmitted distribution request information.

The hard disk 15 is composed of a magnetic disk unit having a predetermined capacity, and stores music data downloaded and distributed from the data server 3 and program contents distributed in a streaming manner.
The hard disk 15 is controlled by the control unit 20 and supplies the stored music data and program content to the signal processing unit 13 and the like.

The flash memory 16 includes an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM) or the like, and stores a user ID, a password, a device ID, and the like.
These user IDs, passwords, and the like are appropriately read by the control unit 20 and used for user authentication when the audio device 1 first accesses the data server 3 via the network 9.
The flash memory 16 also stores an address (for example, URL; Universal Resource Locater) of the time server 5 on the network 9.

The clock unit 17 is composed of a clock circuit including a crystal oscillator, and clocks the current date and the current time.
The time measuring unit 17 also has a timer function, and instructs the control unit 20 to start a predetermined operation when the set reservation time (reservation date and time) arrives (elapses).

The operation unit 18 includes a plurality of key switches, analog switches, and the like disposed on the front surface of the audio device 1. The operation unit 18 inputs instruction information according to a user operation and supplies the instruction information to the control unit 20.
For example, the operation unit 18 includes a request key for requesting the data server 3 to distribute music data and program content, and a numeric keypad for setting a reservation time (reservation date and time) in the timing unit 17. It is.

The display unit 19 includes a fluorescent display tube, a liquid crystal display unit, and the like. The display unit 19 is controlled by the control unit 20 and displays symbols, messages, and the like indicating the operation status of the audio device 1.
For example, the display unit 19 displays information such as music data that can be distributed by the data server 3 and a list of program contents.

  The control unit 20 includes a one-chip microcomputer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory), and controls the entire audio device 1.

For example, the control unit 20 obtains a current transmission band secured for communication with the data server 3 when downloading music data or the like. The control unit 20 stores (records) the content distributed from the data server 3 in the hard disk 15 only when the size of the transmission band is equal to or greater than the specified value.
On the other hand, when the size of the transmission band is smaller than the specified value, the control unit 20 tries to download again after a predetermined time has elapsed.

Further, the control unit 20 accesses the time server 5 to acquire the standard date and time when recording the program content to be live distributed from a predetermined distribution start time on the hard disk 15 or the like, A time difference from the current time measured by the time measuring unit 17 is detected. Then, the control unit 20 accesses the data server 3 and sequentially stores the program content to be distributed in the hard disk 15 until the distribution is completed.
When the time difference is detected and the current time of the time measuring unit 17 is later than the standard time, the control unit 20 requests the data server 3 to distribute the difference of the program content according to the time difference, and responds. When the difference data distributed from the data server 3 is received, the regular program content is restored by combining with the program content stored in the hard disk 15.

Furthermore, the control unit 20 sequentially adjusts the time of the time measuring unit 17 and maintains the current time (current date and time) measured by the time measuring unit 17 to be accurate. Specifically, the control unit 20 accesses the time server 5 via the network adapter 14 at a predetermined timing (for example, at a certain time interval, distribution of music data or program content), and the standard time (standard date and time). And the current time of the timing unit 17 is synchronized with the acquired standard time.
In the initial operation (when the user first uses the audio device 1 or the like), the time server 5 may be accessed and the acquired standard time may be set in the clock unit 17.

  The source selection unit 21 includes an input changeover switch and the like, and is controlled by the control unit 20 to select any one of the tuner unit 11, the MD recording / playback unit 12, and the signal processing unit 13 as an input source. The source selection unit 21 supplies an audio signal output from the selected input source to the amplifier 22.

  The amplifier 22 includes a predetermined amplifier circuit and the like, amplifies the audio signal supplied via the source selection unit 21 as appropriate, and supplies the amplified audio signal to the speaker 23.

  The speaker 23 is a stereo speaker or the like, and outputs sound (musical sound or the like) according to the sound signal amplified by the amplifier 22.

  Next, the data server 3 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the data server 3. As illustrated, the data server 3 includes a database 30, a processing control unit 41, an encoding processing unit 42, and a communication control unit 43.

The database 30 includes, for example, a content management DB 31 and a user information management DB 32.
The content management DB 31 is a database for managing program content composed of a plurality of music data and each music data. Specifically, the content management DB 31 uses the program content management information as shown in FIG. 4A and the music data management information as shown in FIG. Manage data.

4A includes, for example, a program ID, a channel number, a program name, a storage address, and the like.
The program ID is unique identification information for specifying the program content. The channel number is a channel number assigned to a program (program content).
The music data management information shown in FIG. 4B includes, for example, a music ID, a music name, and a storage address.
Note that the music ID is unique identification information for specifying music data.

  The user information management DB 32 is a database that manages information about users who can access the data server 3 and use services. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the user information management DB 32 sets a user ID, a password, a user name, and the like for specifying a user, a genre of a song that the user likes to listen to, a song name, an artist, and the like. Stores preference information and the like for storage.

Returning to FIG. 3, the processing control unit 41 includes a predetermined computer unit and controls the entire data server 3.
For example, when receiving the distribution request information sent from the audio device 1 via the communication control unit 43, the processing control unit 41 searches the content management DB 31 and acquires the corresponding program content and music data.
Then, the processing control unit 41 supplies the acquired program content to the encoding processing unit 42 to perform streaming distribution toward the audio device 1, and downloads the acquired music data via the communication control unit 43. To do.

In addition, the process control unit 41 performs live distribution and distribution for a limited time in which a distribution start date and time, a distribution end date and time, and the like are predetermined. For example, when the distribution start time comes, the processing control unit 41 performs streaming distribution of the target program content toward the audio device 1 that is accessed.
Note that the processing control unit 41 responds to a request from the audio device 1 that has failed to receive a part of the program content (such as the top part) after finishing the streaming distribution at the distribution end time or the like. Is distributed to the audio device 1.

The encoding processing unit 42 includes an encoder circuit that encodes program content in a stream data format that can be reproduced by the audio device 1 in real time.
The encoding processing unit 42 sequentially encodes the program content supplied from the processing control unit 41 into stream data, and distributes the encoded program content (stream data) to the audio device 1 via the communication control unit 43.

  Instead of sequentially encoding the program content by the encoding processing unit 42, the program content (stream data) authored in advance for streaming distribution may be stored in the content management DB 31.

  The communication control unit 43 includes a line control device, a gateway device, and the like, and transmits / receives necessary information between the data server 3 and the audio device 1 via the network 9.

The operation of the information distribution system according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
First, the time (date and time) adjustment operation in the audio device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the date / time correction process executed by the control unit 20.
Note that this date and time correction processing is repeatedly started at predetermined time intervals in a state where the operation mode of the audio device 1 is set to “automatic time adjustment”, for example. Further, it may be executed during the initial operation of the audio device 1 regardless of the operation mode.

First, the control unit 20 of the audio device 1 reads the address (URL or the like) of the time server 5 from the flash memory 16 (step S11).
The control unit 20 accesses the time server 5 according to the read address, and acquires a standard date and time considering the network delay (step S12). For example, the control unit 20 accesses the time server 5 in accordance with the ntp protocol, and sets the standard time (date / time information) counted by the time server 5 while taking into account the delay time from when the request is issued until the response is returned. get.

The control unit 20 compares the acquired standard date and time with the current date and time measured by the timing unit 17, and determines whether or not a time difference equal to or greater than a reference value (for example, 500 milliseconds) has occurred (step S13). ).
If the control unit 20 determines that the time difference equal to or greater than the reference value has not occurred, the control unit 20 ends the date and time correction process.
On the other hand, when it is determined that a time difference equal to or greater than the reference value has occurred, the control unit 20 corrects the date and time setting of the time measuring unit 17 according to the standard date and time acquired from the time server 5 (step S14). That is, the current date and time measured by the timing unit 17 is synchronized with the standard date and time.

  In this way, the current date and time counted by the timing unit 17 is automatically synchronized with the standard date and time by the date and time correction process described with reference to FIG. 6, so that the user need not set the date and time. . By repeatedly executing the date and time correction process, the time difference is suppressed in the audio device 1, and music data with a time limit, program content, and the like can be appropriately managed (handled).

Further, even if this date / time correction process is repeated, if the date / time is frequently corrected, a failure of the timing unit 17 or the like may be considered, so the audio device 1 stores the date / time correction history information (log) or the like. The accumulated history information may be transmitted to a predetermined management server or the like together with the device information.
In this case, when the information received by the management server or the like is supplied to the manufacturer, it is expected that the manufacturer will help the maintenance of the audio device 1 or the development of a new device.

Next, an operation in which the audio device 1 downloads music data and the like from the data server 3 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the download process executed by the control unit 20.
It is assumed that the music data to be downloaded has already been specified.

First, when the control unit 20 of the audio device 1 reads the address of the time server 5 from the flash memory 16, the control unit 20 accesses the time server 5 according to this address and acquires the standard date and time (step S21).
The control unit 20 compares the acquired standard date and time with the current date and time measured by the timing unit 17, and determines whether or not a time difference equal to or greater than a reference value has occurred (step S22).

If the control unit 20 determines that a time difference equal to or greater than the reference value has not occurred, the control unit 20 proceeds to step S24 described later. On the other hand, when it is determined that a time difference has occurred, the control unit 20 corrects the date and time setting of the time measuring unit 17 in accordance with the standard date and time acquired from the time server 5 (step S23).
And the control part 20 transmits the request information which requests | requires download distribution of the designated music data toward the data server 3 (step S24).

  When the process control unit 41 of the data server 3 receives the request information sent from the audio device 1, it reads the target music data from the content management DB 31 according to the request information. Then, the read music data is downloaded and distributed to the audio device 1.

  The control unit 20 confirms the current transmission band secured for communication with the data server 3 (step S25). For example, the control unit 20 obtains the current transmission band from the amount of music data received per unit time (reception data amount / second, etc.).

  The control unit 20 determines whether or not the obtained transmission band is sufficient (step S26). That is, it is determined whether or not the line between the data server 3 and the audio device 1 is not crowded and a sufficient transmission band is secured.

When determining that the transmission band is not sufficient, the control unit 20 sets a predetermined standby time in the time measuring unit 17 (step S27). That is, in order to wait for the current line to be crowded and the line load to be reduced, for example, a waiting time such as 5 minutes is set in the timing unit 17.
The waiting time setting request may be transmitted from the data server 3 side. For example, the data server 3 requests each access request source (audio device 1) to set a standby time. At this time, the data server 3 requests each audio device 1 to set a standby time by shifting the time little by little.
As a result, it is possible to control each audio device 1 to be accessed with a little time shift, and the second access is distributed. As a result, it is not necessary to request each audio device 1 to set the standby time again.

  Further, the control unit 20 transmits instruction information for instructing to stop the distribution of the started music data to the data server 3 (step S28).

The control unit 20 waits for the execution of the subsequent process until the standby time set in the timing unit 17 has elapsed (step S29).
And when standby | waiting time passes, the control part 20 returns a process to above-mentioned step S24. That is, in anticipation of the time when the line load is reduced, the control unit 20 starts over from the distribution request again.

When it is determined in step S26 that the transmission band is sufficient, the control unit 20 stores the music data to be downloaded and distributed in the hard disk 15 (step S30). In other words, when the music data distributed from the data server 3 is received in response to the transmitted request information, recording to the hard disk 15 is performed.
Then, when the distribution is completed, the control unit 20 ends the download process.

As described above, when the music data is downloaded by the download process described with reference to FIG. 7, the transmission band is confirmed, and when the line is congested, the download time is extended by a predetermined time. Then, when the line load is reduced, another download is attempted.
As a result, it is possible to appropriately record the distributed content while appropriately adjusting the time being counted. In addition, the load on the network and the distribution side server can be reduced, and the time required for downloading the desired music on the user side can be substantially reduced.

In the download process of FIG. 7 described above, the case where the transmission band is obtained from the data amount of the music data to be actually downloaded has been described. However, the method for obtaining the transmission band is arbitrary.
For example, the transmission band may be obtained by receiving data when obtaining the standard date and time from the time server 5.

  Hereinafter, a modification of the download process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. It is assumed that the music data to be downloaded has already been specified.

  First, the control unit 20 acquires the standard date and time from the time server 5 and confirms the current transmission band (step S41). For example, the control unit 20 issues a plurality of requests to the time server 5 in accordance with the ntp protocol, acquires the standard date and time (date information) measured by the time server 5, and data per unit time at that time The transmission band is obtained from the received amount (received data amount / second, etc.).

The control unit 20 compares the acquired standard date and time with the current date and time measured by the timing unit 17, and determines whether or not a time difference equal to or greater than the reference value has occurred (step S42).
If the control unit 20 determines that a time difference equal to or greater than the reference value has not occurred, the control unit 20 proceeds to step S44 described later. On the other hand, when it is determined that a time difference has occurred, the control unit 20 corrects the date and time setting of the timing unit 17 according to the standard date and time acquired from the time server 5 (step S43).

The control unit 20 determines whether or not the obtained transmission band is sufficient (step S44).
When determining that the transmission band is not sufficient, the control unit 20 sets a predetermined standby time in the time measuring unit 17 (step S45), and waits for execution of the subsequent processing until the standby time elapses (step S46).
And when standby | waiting time passes, the control part 20 returns a process to the above-mentioned step S41.

  If it is determined in step S44 that the transmission band is sufficient, the control unit 20 transmits request information requesting distribution of the designated music data to the data server 3 (step S47). The music data to be played is stored in the hard disk 15 (step S48).

Thus, even with the download process described with reference to FIG. 8, the transmission band is confirmed before the music data is downloaded, and if the line is congested, the download time is extended by a predetermined time. Then, when the line load is reduced, another download is attempted.
As a result, it is possible to appropriately record the distributed content while appropriately adjusting the time being counted. In addition, the load on the network and the distribution side server can be reduced, and the time required for downloading the desired music on the user side can be substantially reduced.

Next, with reference to FIG. 9, an operation in which the audio device 1 records program content that is live-distributed from the data server 3 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the content recording process executed by the control unit 20.
It is assumed that the distribution start time of the program content is set as the reserved time in the timing unit 17. The content recording process in FIG. 9 is automatically started when a few seconds before the reservation time (distribution start time) set in the timing unit 17.

First, when acquiring the standard date and time from the time server 5 (step S51), the control unit 20 determines whether or not a time difference equal to or greater than a reference value has occurred between the acquired standard date and time and the current date and time of the timing unit 17. (Step S52).
If it is determined that a time difference equal to or greater than the reference value has not occurred, the control unit 20 waits for subsequent processing until the distribution start time arrives (elapses) (step S53). When the distribution start time is reached, the process proceeds to step S57 described later.

On the other hand, when it is determined that a time difference has occurred, the control unit 20 corrects the date and time setting of the time measuring unit 17 and stores the time difference (time difference information) that has occurred in its own RAM or the like (step S54).
And the control part 20 discriminate | determines whether it was in the state which time was late in the timing unit 17 before correction (step S55). That is, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the distribution start time has already passed (the distribution of the program content has started) and a part of the program content (the top portion) has not been recorded. Determine.

If it is determined that the time is not delayed (the time is advanced), the control unit 20 resets the distribution start time in the timing unit 17 (step S56). That is, the distribution start time is set as the reserved time in the timing unit 17 so that the content recording process is started again when the accurate distribution start time arrives.
When the distribution start time is reset, the control unit 20 ends the content recording process.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the time is late (including the case where the distribution start is waited in step S53), the control unit 20 accesses the data server 3 and starts receiving the program content. (Step S57).
Then, the control unit 20 sequentially stores the program contents to be distributed in the hard disk 15 (Step S58).

The control unit 20 determines whether or not the distribution completion time has arrived (elapsed) (step S59), and continues to store the program content to be distributed until the distribution completion time has arrived.
When the delivery completion time arrives, the control unit 20 determines whether or not a time difference has occurred (a time delay has occurred) (step S60).
When determining that there is no time difference, the control unit 20 ends the content recording process as it is.

On the other hand, when it is determined that a time difference has occurred (a time delay has occurred), the control unit 20 sends request information requesting the data server 3 to deliver a difference in program content according to the time difference (delay time). Transmitting to the destination (step S61).
And the control part 20 receives the difference data delivered from the data server 3, and completes a program content (step S62). For example, the control unit 20 combines the received difference data with the program content already stored in the hard disk 15 to restore the regular program content.

As described above, when recording the program content to be distributed live by the content recording process described with reference to FIG. 9, a time difference (delay) from the standard date and time is detected, and a part of the program content (the top part) is detected. ) Can be recorded, the program content difference can be received to restore the regular program content.
As a result, it is possible to appropriately record the distributed content while appropriately adjusting the time being counted.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the data server 3 distributes program content and music data has been described. However, the content to be distributed is not limited to music data or the like and is arbitrary. For example, the data server 3 may distribute content composed of video data.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately record the content to be distributed while appropriately adjusting the time being counted. In addition, the load on the network and the distribution side server can be reduced, and the time required for downloading the desired music on the user side can be substantially reduced.

It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of a structure of the information delivery system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of an audio equipment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of a data server. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the information memorize | stored in content management DB, Comprising: (a) is a figure of program content management information, (b) is a figure of music data management information. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the specific content of user information management DB. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the date correction process which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the download process which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the download process which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the content recording process which concerns on other embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Audio equipment 11 Tuner unit 12 MD recording / reproducing unit 13 Signal processing part 14 Network adapter 15 Hard disk 16 Flash memory 17 Timekeeping unit 18 Operation part 19 Display part 20 Control part 21 Source selection part 22 Amplifier 23 Speaker 3 Data server 30 Database 31 Content Management DB
32 User information management DB
41 processing control unit 42 encoding processing unit 43 communication control unit 5 time server

Claims (6)

A distribution system in which a server and an audio device are connected via a network,
The server
Distribution means for streaming the target content to the accessed audio device between a predetermined distribution start time and a distribution end time;
Differential distribution means for distributing the difference of the target content to the audio device in response to a request from the audio device after the end of streaming distribution by the distribution means,
The audio equipment is
Timekeeping means for measuring the current time and detecting the arrival of the set reservation time;
When the reserved time is detected by the time measuring means, an external time server is accessed to acquire a standard time, and a time difference between the acquired standard time and the current time measured by the time measuring means is detected, and the time counting Time difference detection means for synchronizing the current time of the means with the standard time;
Storage means for accessing the server and sequentially storing the content that is streamed from the server until the delivery is completed;
A difference distribution requesting means for requesting the server to distribute a difference in content corresponding to the time difference when the time difference is detected by the time difference detecting means and the current time of the time measuring means is later than the standard time of the time server; ,
Content restoration means for receiving a difference between contents delivered from the server in response to a request from the difference delivery request means, and restoring regular contents by combining with the contents stored in the storage means ,
A distribution system characterized by that. The audio device includes a reservation resetting unit for resetting a reserved time in the time measuring unit when a time difference is detected by the time difference detecting unit and a current time of the time measuring unit is ahead of a standard time of a time server. In addition,
The distribution system according to claim 1. An audio device connected via a network to a server for streaming distribution of content between a predetermined distribution start time and a distribution end time;
Timekeeping means for measuring the current time and detecting the arrival of the set reservation time;
When the reserved time is detected by the time measuring means, an external time server is accessed to acquire a standard time, and a time difference between the acquired standard time and the current time measured by the time measuring means is detected, and the time counting Time difference detection means for synchronizing the current time of the means with the standard time;
Storage means for accessing the server and sequentially storing the content streamed from the server until distribution is completed;
Difference distribution requesting means for requesting the server to distribute a difference in content according to the time difference when the time difference is detected by the time difference detecting means and the current time of the time measuring means is delayed from the standard time of the time server; ,
Content restoration means for receiving a difference between contents delivered from the server in response to a request from the difference delivery request means, and restoring regular contents by combining with the content stored in the storage means;
An audio device comprising: When the time difference is detected by the time difference detecting means and the current time of the time measuring means is ahead of the standard time of the time server, the time difference detecting means further comprises a reservation resetting means for resetting a reserved time.
The audio device according to claim 3. A content recording method in an audio device connected via a network to a server for streaming distribution of content between a predetermined distribution start time and a distribution end time,
A time measuring step for measuring the current time and detecting the arrival of the set reservation time;
When the reserved time is detected in the timekeeping step, the standard time is acquired by accessing an external time server, and the time difference between the acquired standard time and the current time measured in the timekeeping step is detected, A time difference detecting step of synchronizing the current time of the time measuring step with a standard time;
A storage step of accessing the server and sequentially storing the content distributed from the server in a predetermined storage unit until the distribution is completed;
Difference distribution requesting step for requesting the server to distribute the content difference according to the time difference when the time difference is detected in the time difference detecting step and the current time of the time measuring step is delayed from the standard time of the time server. When,
A content restoration step of receiving a difference between the contents delivered from the server in response to the request from the difference delivery requesting step and restoring the legitimate content by combining with the content stored in the storage unit;
A content recording method comprising: In the time difference detection step, when a time difference is detected, and the current time of the time measurement step is ahead of the standard time of the time server, a reservation resetting step of resetting a reservation time in the time measurement step is further provided.
The content recording method according to claim 5, wherein:

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