CN1998199B - Connection mode controlling apparatus, connection mode controlling method, and connection mode controlling program - Google Patents

Abstract

There is provided a network control device capable of surely distributing a content even when a relay function of one of the nodes contained in a network stops, without affecting the process in nodes below the node and while improving the reliability of the network system itself. When controlling a node N contained in a network system NS including a server S and a plurality of nodes N constituting a plurality of hierarchies and connected to one another, wherein a content is distributed from the server S to the respective nodes N, it is checked whether a content relay function in a node located at the uplink with respect to the node N in the content distribution has stopped. When the stop of the relay function is detected, control is performed so that the consumption speed of the content accumulated in the lower node N in the process executed in the node N is smaller than the consumption speed before the relay function has stopped.

Description

Connection mode control appliance, connection mode control method and connection mode control program

Technical field

The present invention relates to the technical field of net control device, connection mode control appliance, network control method, connection mode control method, network control program and connection mode control program.More particularly, the present invention relates to be used for the issue of Control Network system is being connected and is constituting the TU Trunk Unit of multistage level the technical field of net control device, connection mode control appliance, network control method, connection mode control method, network control program and connection mode control program that relaying progressively releases news simultaneously from the release model that releases news of issue source issue.

Background technology

In recent years, along with the lifting of the internet wire speed that is used for family, network system is generally used.In network system; Through home personal computer etc. being connected into the summit is to come building network as the tree structure of the single distribution apparatus of issue source, and is used as releasing news such as so-called contents such as music and films via the network issue from distribution apparatus.See that from the angle of connection mode network is called as " topology ".Each distribution apparatus and the personal computer that constitute network are commonly referred to as " node ".

For example, patent document 1 discloses the prior art of network system.Patent document 1: Japan Patent is unsettled to be disclosed 2003-169089 number.

Disclose in each node that comprises in 2003-169089 number the existing network system of network system representative in that Japan Patent is unsettled, temporarily be stored in the buffer storage and be used for resetting and handle etc. from the content of upper layer node transmission.This structure attempts to reduce the influence of the transmission speed fluctuation in the internet circuit that in network system, constitutes issuing path.For example, used such as FIFO such as ring buffer memory (first in first out) memory and be used as buffer storage.

On the other hand, in network system, the node of constructing system is an aforesaid home personal computer etc.Therefore, possibly exist no matter whether content is published the situation that the power supply of any one node on issuing path is disconnected.The function of the lower level node that in this case, can stop the node that content is relayed to mains switch is disconnected is linked to each other.

During the content release in network system; Under the situation that the relay function of any one node on the issuing path stops; Rebuild topology; To comprise node except the node that relay function stops (that is to say, rebuild issuing path and restart issue) from distribution apparatus to the lower level node that is directly connected to the node that relay function stops.

Summary of the invention

The problem that the present invention will solve

But, in the topology reconstruction of existing network system, the shortest path that begins from delivery system such as search is connected processing such as switching with the use Search Results be essential.As a result, temporarily interrupted content release to lower level node.Under the interrupted situation of issue, in lower level node, proceed to be stored in the processing (in other words, consuming) of the playback of content in the buffer storage, but fresh content is not supplied to buffer as the data of content stores in buffer storage.The result can have problems, and makes that the memory space in the buffer descends gradually, and in some cases, the content playback in the lower level node is handled and is interrupted.

Under the situation that the relay function of any one node that in network system, comprises stops, the interrupt playback processing can cause the deterioration of network system self reliability.

These problems have been considered in realization of the present invention; And the objective of the invention is to propose a kind of net control device, network control method and network control program; The release model that is used for the Control Network system even so that under the situation that the relay function of any one node that in network system, comprises stops, also can carry out content release reliably; Under the situation that does not influence the processing in the lower level node, improve the reliability of network system self simultaneously.The settling mode of problem

In order to realize this purpose; The net control device that the present invention relates to according to claim 1; Be used for being controlled at any one in a plurality of repeaters that following network system comprises; Said network system comprises as the distributor of the issue source that releases news and is connected to said distributor and a plurality of repeaters that form a plurality of levels; And wherein said releasing news is distributed to each repeater from said distributor; Whether this equipment comprises: such as the checkout gear of CPU, be used for detecting to carrying out the said issue that releases news as the target repeater of the said repeater that will control, stop in the said function that releases news of any one said repeater relaying that is arranged in the upper reaches; And such as the consumption control device of CPU; Be used for controlling unit interval consumption as the consumption of the said time per unit that releases news that is stored in said target repeater; Make it stop said unit interval consumption before, said releasing news owing to the use in detecting the processing of in said target repeater, carrying out when said relay function stops to be consumed less than said relay function.

Therefore, when the relay function that is arranged in the repeater on the upstream side in the network system stopped, the time per unit consumption Be Controlled that releases news that is stored in the repeater that is arranged on the downstream must be less than the consumption before stopping.The result; Can be under the situation that does not increase network system self burden, the handling interrupt in the repeater of downstream that is caused under the situation about being consumed with the speed that is similar to before interrupting that prevents to release news still or serious processing delay takes place having interrupted the issue that releases news.

In order to realize this purpose; As claimed in claim 2ly the present invention relates to net control device as claimed in claim 1; Wherein said releasing news is image information; And said consumption control device through making because the said image information that is used for handling reduces the speed of memory space of the said image information of buffer storage is slower than said relay function and stops minimizing speed before; Reduce said unit interval consumption, wherein said buffer storage is used for storing the said image information of said target repeater temporarily.

Therefore; Except effect of the present invention according to claim 1; Releasing news is image information, and the minimizing speed of the memory space through making the image information in the buffer storage is slower than the minimizing speed of relay function before stopping, and reduces the unit interval consumption.Therefore, under the situation of not carrying out complicated speed control processing, can adopt simple structure to reduce the unit interval consumption.

In order to realize this purpose; The net control device that the present invention relates to according to claim 3 according to claim 2; Wherein said image information is the dynamic image data of being made up of a plurality of rest images, and said consumption control device is through repeatedly repeating to export the minimizing speed that identical rest image reduces said memory space from said buffer storage.

Therefore, except effect of the present invention, reduce the speed that reduces memory space through the identical rest image that repeatedly repeats to export as the composition of dynamic image data according to claim 2.Therefore, can reduce the unit interval consumption reliably through simple process.

In order to realize this purpose; The net control device according to claim 1 that the present invention relates to according to claim 4; Wherein said releasing news is image encoded information; And said consumption control device is slower than said relay function through the speed that makes the said image information of decoding in the processing in the said target repeater and stops decoding speed before, reduces said unit interval consumption.

Therefore, except effect of the present invention, be slower than the decoding speed of relay function before stopping through the speed that makes decoded picture information in the processing in the target repeater and reduce the unit interval consumption according to claim 1.Therefore, can come to reduce reliably the unit interval consumption through simple process.

In order to realize this purpose; The net control device that the present invention relates to according to claim 5 according to claim 1; The wherein said dynamic image data that releases news and form into by a plurality of rest images, and said consumption control device is longer than the demonstration time of said relay function before stopping through the demonstration time that makes said rest image and is reduced said unit interval consumption.

Therefore, except effect of the present invention, be longer than the demonstration time of relay function before stopping as the demonstration time of the rest image of the composition of dynamic image data and reduce the unit interval consumption through making according to claim 1.Therefore, can reduce the unit interval consumption reliably through simple process.

In order to realize this purpose; The net control device that the present invention relates to according to claim 6 according to any one of claim 1 to 5; Wherein said release news to release news by a plurality of continuous units form; The unit that said unit in the precalculated position in said the releasing news releases news to sky releases news; Its amount of information that releases news that is used to handle is zero; And this equipment further comprises: such as the reset apparatus of CPU, after the issue to said target repeater restarts, be used for said unit interval consumption with said target repeater and reset to and identical said unit interval consumption before said relay function stops; And such as the issue control device of CPU; After the said unit interval consumption in the said target repeater of resetting; Only be used for releasing news to all the empty units of repeaters issue except following repeater, said repeater is the said repeater that is positioned at downstream in the issue before the said relay function of the said repeater that said relay function has stopped stopping.

Therefore; Except any one the effect of the present invention according to claim 1 to 5, only the unit of sky being released news to be published in the issue before the relay function of the repeater that stops its relaying function stop is positioned at all repeaters the repeater on the downstream.Therefore, the playback time base in the repeater becomes and moves closer to the playback time base in other repeaters.As a result, through reduce its relaying function stop the downstream of repeater on repeater in the unit interval consumption, can reduce departing between the replay position on the playback time base of this repeater and other repeaters.

In order to realize this purpose; The control method that the present invention relates to as claimed in claim 7; Be used for being controlled at any one in a plurality of repeaters that following network system comprises; Said network system comprises as the distributor of the issue source that releases news and is connected to said distributor and a plurality of repeaters that form a plurality of levels; And wherein said releasing news is distributed to each repeater from said distributor; Whether this method comprises: detect step, be used for detecting to carrying out the said issue that releases news as the target repeater of the said repeater that will control, stop in the said function that releases news of any one said repeater relaying that is arranged in the upper reaches; And consumption controlled step; Be used for controlling unit interval consumption as the consumption of the said time per unit that releases news that is stored in said target repeater; Make it stop said unit interval consumption before, said releasing news owing to the use in the processing of when continuing function stop described in detecting, in said target repeater, carrying out is consumed less than said relay function.

Therefore, when the relay function that in network system, is arranged in the repeater on the upstream side stopped, control was arranged in the time per unit consumption that releases news that the repeater on the downstream is stored, with less than the consumption before stopping.The result; Can be under the situation that does not increase network system self burden, prevent handling interrupt or serious processing delay to take place in the repeater of downstream owing to what caused under the situation about being consumed with the speed that is similar to before interrupting that releases news in the issue of having interrupted releasing news still.

In order to realize this purpose; The present invention as claimed in claim 8 makes the computer that is included in the net control device play following effect; Said net control device is used for being controlled at any one in a plurality of repeaters that following network system comprises; Said network system comprises as the distributor of the issue source that releases news and is connected to said distributor and a plurality of repeaters that form a plurality of levels; And wherein said releasing news is distributed to each repeater from said distributor; Said acting as: checkout gear, be used for detecting to carrying out the said issue that releases news as the target repeater of the said repeater that will control, whether stop in the said function that releases news of any one said repeater relaying that is arranged in the upper reaches; And consumption control device; Be used for controlling unit interval consumption as the consumption of the said time per unit that releases news that is stored in said target repeater; Make it stop said unit interval consumption before, said releasing news owing to the use in detecting the processing of in said target repeater, carrying out when said relay function stops to be consumed less than said relay function.

Therefore; When the relay function that is arranged in the repeater on the upstream side in the network system stops; Computer performance function is so that the time per unit consumption that releases news that is stored in the repeater on the downstream becomes less than the unit interval consumption before stopping at relay function.Thereby; Can be under the situation that does not increase network system self burden, prevent handling interrupt or serious processing delay to take place in the repeater of downstream owing to what caused under the situation about being consumed with the speed that is similar to before interrupting that releases news in the issue of having interrupted releasing news still.

In order to realize this purpose; The connection mode control appliance that the present invention relates to as claimed in claim 9; Be used for being controlled at network system and be connected to the connection mode between said distributor and a plurality of repeaters that form a plurality of levels as the distributor of the issue source that releases news with tree structure; Wherein said releasing news issued in said network system; This equipment comprises: such as the indexing unit of CPU, when the relay function in any one said repeater stops, being used to retrieve any one the said repeater except the said repeater that relay function has stopped and can relaying is said releasing news; Such as the jockey of CPU, be used for being connected to said another repeater that retrieves with receiving the said said repeater that releases news; And continue device such as the issue of CPU, be used for through making the said issue speed that releases news continue the said issue that releases news via another repeater of said connection faster than the issue speed before stopping at said relay function via said another repeater.

Therefore, when the relay function in any one repeater stops, another repeater that retrieval can relaying releases news.When issue that another repeater via retrieval continues to release news, make the issue speed that releases news faster than the issue speed before stopping at relay function.Therefore, can continue belong to its relaying function stop repeater under the repeater of level in the processing that releases news.

In order to realize this purpose; The connection mode control appliance that the present invention relates to according to claim 10 according to claim 9; Wherein said issue continues device and proceeds issue; To bring up to simultaneously the maximum of the said issue speed of in the said network that connects said distributor and each repeater, stipulating gradually via the said issue speed that releases news of another repeater of said connection, as the upper limit.

Therefore; Proceed issue; To bring up to maximum via the issue speed that releases news of another repeater that connects gradually simultaneously, can obtain necessary releasing news more apace so that belong to the repeater of lower-level as the issue speed of the upper limit.

In order to realize this purpose; The connection mode control appliance that the present invention relates to according to claim 11 according to claim 9 or 10; Wherein said issue continues device and proceeds issue through making issue speed faster than the issue speed before stopping at said relay function, up to becoming scheduled volume as the said memory space that releases news that is published in the said repeater of issue destination.

Owing to continue issue faster than the issue speed before stopping at relay function through making issue speed; Up to becoming scheduled volume as the memory space that releases news that is published in the repeater of the issue destination that releases news of issue, therefore can continue reliably belong to its relaying function stop repeater under the repeater of level in the processing that releases news.

In order to realize this purpose; The connection mode control appliance that the present invention relates to as claimed in claim 12; Be used for being controlled at network system and be connected to the connection mode between said distributor and a plurality of repeaters that form a plurality of levels as the distributor of the issue source that releases news with tree structure; Wherein said releasing news issued in said network system; This equipment comprises: such as the jockey of CPU, some that are used for said a plurality of repeaters are connected to one of said repeater, thereby form said releasing news are published to the mulitpath of this repeater; And such as the issue control device of CPU; Said the releasing news that is used for being distributed to via the main path as one of path this repeater is published to another repeater of belonging to the level under this repeater, handles for the outside output of this repeater and provide said and release news, and will be via being published to another repeater that belongs to the level under this repeater as the said main path in one of path or as said the releasing news that the subpath of another paths is distributed to this repeater.

Therefore; Form main path and subpath; A plurality of repeaters are connected to a repeater, handle via the outside output that releasing news of main path issue is used for this repeater, and be used to be published to another repeater that belongs to the level under this repeater.Also be used to be published to another repeater that belongs to lower-level via releasing news of issuing as the main path in one of path or subpath.Through many circuits are connected to each node, when preparation stops the relay function of any one node, can increase redundancy, and can prevent that the outside output processing in belonging to the repeater of lower-level is stopped.

In order to realize this purpose; The connection mode control appliance that the present invention relates to according to claim 13 according to claim 12; Further comprise switching device shifter such as CPU; When the said relay function of the said repeater of the level on repeater of this on belonging to said main path stops, being used to switch and being distributed to the said of this repeater via said subpath and releasing news, thereby its outside output that offers in this repeater is handled.

Therefore, when the relay function of the repeater of the level on belonging to this repeater that is positioned on the main path stops, being used to switch via what subpath was issued and releasing news, handle it is offered outside output.Therefore, the outside output that can not interrupt in this repeater is handled.

In order to realize this purpose; The connection mode control appliance that the present invention relates to according to claim 14 according to claim 13; Further comprise indexing unit; When offering said outside output in this repeater when switching through said switching device shifter that be distributed to this repeater via said subpath said releases news so that with it and handling; Be used to retrieve the new repeater that said distributor perhaps belongs to the said level on this repeater, wherein said jockey is connected to this repeater with the said new repeater that said distributor is perhaps retrieved by said indexing unit, thereby forms new path.

Therefore; When switching releasing news when it being offered outside output and handle via the subpath issue; The retrieval distributor perhaps belongs to the new repeater of the level on this repeater, and the new repeater of distributor or retrieval is connected to this repeater, thereby forms new path.Therefore, can guarantee and keep redundant.

In order to realize this purpose; The connection mode control appliance that the present invention relates to according to claim 15 according to claim 12; Further comprise indexing unit; When the said relay function of the said repeater of the said level on repeater of this on belonging to said subpath stops; Be used to retrieve the said new repeater that said distributor perhaps belongs to the said level on this repeater, wherein said jockey is connected to this repeater with said distributor or by the said new repeater that said indexing unit retrieves, thereby forms new subpath.

Therefore; When the relay function of the repeater of the level on belonging to this repeater that is positioned on the subpath stops; The retrieval distributor perhaps belongs to the new repeater of the level on this repeater; And the new repeater of distributor or retrieval is connected to this repeater, thereby forms new subpath.Therefore, even when being arranged in the relay function of the repeater on the subpath and stopping, also can form new subpath, and can guarantee and keep redundant.

In order to realize this purpose; The connection mode control appliance that the present invention relates to according to claim 16 according to claim 14 or 15; Wherein said indexing unit is retrieved said distributor or said new repeater, so that another repeater on the said level under this repeater is included in the said new main path.

Therefore, retrieval distributor or new repeater so that another repeater that is arranged on the level under this repeater is included in new main path, release news thereby can receive via the repeater on the same level.

In order to realize this purpose; According to the present invention relates to of claim 17 according to any one connection mode control appliance in the claim 9 to 16; Wherein said jockey is connected to this repeater with each repeater on the different levels, thereby forms mulitpath.

Therefore; Because the repeater that is positioned on the different levels is connected to this repeater; Thereby the mulitpath that forms this repeater arrives, though therefore when take place possibility such as faults such as relay function stop on different levels not simultaneously, also can guarantee enough redundancies reliably.

In order to realize this purpose; The connection mode control method that the present invention relates to as claimed in claim 18; Be used for being controlled at network system and be connected to the connection mode between said distributor and a plurality of repeaters that form a plurality of levels as the distributor of the issue source that releases news with tree structure; Wherein said releasing news issued in said network system; This method comprises: searching step, when the relay function in any one said repeater stops, retrieval except the said repeater that relay function has stopped any one said repeater and can relaying is said release news; Connection Step will be used to receive the said said repeater that releases news and be connected to said another repeater that retrieves; And issue continues step; Continue the said issue Connection Step that releases news of issue as another repeater, be used for through making the said issue speed that releases news continue issue faster than the issue speed before stopping at said relay function via said another repeater via said connection.

Therefore, when the relay function in any one repeater stops, another repeater that retrieval can relaying releases news.When the issue that releases news that continues via another repeater of retrieval, make the issue speed that releases news faster than the issue speed before stopping at relay function.The processing that releases news in the repeater of the level under the repeater that therefore, can continue to belong to its relaying function stop.

In order to realize this purpose; The connection mode control method that the present invention relates to as claimed in claim 19; Be used for being controlled at network system and be connected to the connection mode between said distributor and a plurality of repeaters that form a plurality of levels as the distributor of the issue source that releases news with tree structure; Wherein said releasing news issued in said network system; This method comprises: Connection Step, and some that are used for said a plurality of repeaters are connected to one of said repeater, thereby form said releasing news are published to the mulitpath of this repeater; And issue controlled step; Said the releasing news that is used for being distributed to via the main path as one of path this repeater is published to another repeater of belonging to the level under this repeater, handles for the outside output of this repeater and provide said and release news, and will be via being published to another repeater that belongs to the level under this repeater as the said main path in one of path or as said the releasing news that the subpath of another paths is distributed to this repeater.

Therefore; Form main path and subpath; A plurality of repeaters are connected to a repeater; Outside output via releasing news of main path issue is used for this repeater is handled, and is used to be published to another repeater that belongs to the level under this repeater, and also is used to be published to another repeater that belongs to lower-level via releasing news of issuing as the main path in one of path or subpath.Therefore, be used for many circuits of repeater, when preparing to stop the relay function of any one repeater, can increase redundancy, and can prevent that outside output in belonging to the repeater of lower-level from handling and be stopped through use.

In order to realize this purpose; The present invention as claimed in claim 20 makes the computer that is included in the control model control appliance play following effect; Said control model control appliance be used for being controlled at network system as the issue source that releases news such as the distributor of node and be connected to said distributor with tree structure and form a plurality of levels such as the connection mode between a plurality of repeaters of a plurality of nodes; Wherein said releasing news issued in said network system; Said acting as: indexing unit; When the relay function of any one said repeater stops, being used to retrieve any one the said repeater except the said repeater that relay function has stopped and can relaying is said releasing news; Jockey is used for being connected to said another repeater that retrieves with receiving the said said repeater that releases news; And issue continues device; Continue the said issue that releases news of issue as another repeater and continue device, be used for through making the said issue speed that releases news continue issue faster than the issue speed before stopping at said relay function via said another repeater via said connection.

Therefore, when the relay function of any one repeater stops, another repeater that retrieval can relaying releases news.When the issue that releases news that continues via another repeater of retrieval, the effect of computer is through making the issue speed that releases news continue issue faster than the issue speed before stopping at relay function.The processing that releases news in the repeater of the level under the repeater that therefore, can continue to belong to its relaying function stop.

In order to realize this purpose; The present invention as claimed in claim 21 makes the computer that is included in the connection mode control appliance play following effect; Said connection mode control appliance is used for being controlled at network system and is connected to the connection mode between said distributor and a plurality of repeaters that form a plurality of levels as the distributor of the issue source that releases news with tree structure; Wherein said releasing news issued in said network system; Said acting as: jockey, some that are used for said a plurality of repeaters are connected to one of said repeater, thereby form said releasing news are published to the mulitpath of this repeater; And issue control device; Said the releasing news that is used for being distributed to via the main path as one of path this repeater is published to another repeater of belonging to the level under this repeater, handles for the outside output of this repeater and provide said and release news, and will be via being published to another repeater that belongs to the level under this repeater as the said main path in one of path or as said the releasing news that the subpath of another paths is distributed to this repeater.

Therefore; Form main path and subpath; A plurality of repeaters are connected to a repeater; Outside output via releasing news of main path issue is used for this repeater is handled, and is used to be published to another repeater that belongs to the level under this repeater, and also is used to be published to another repeater that belongs to lower-level via releasing news of issuing as the main path in one of path or subpath.Therefore, be used for many circuits of repeater, when preparing to stop the relay function of any one repeater, can increase redundancy, and can prevent that outside output in belonging to the repeater of lower-level from handling and be stopped through use.

The present invention according to claim 1; When the relay function that is arranged in the repeater on the upstream side in the network system stops; Control is stored in the time per unit consumption that releases news of the repeater that is arranged on the downstream, so that it is less than the consumption before stopping.The result; Can be under the situation that does not increase network system self burden, prevent because the handling interrupt in the repeater of downstream that is caused under the situation about being consumed with the speed that is similar to before interrupting that releases news on the other hand having interrupted the issue that releases news still or serious processing delay takes place.

Therefore, even under the situation that the relay function in included any one repeater stops in network system, the processing in the repeater of downstream is not being applied under the situation of considerable influence the relay function that can recover to be stopped.Therefore, release news and to issue reliably, improved the reliability of network system self simultaneously.

In the present invention according to claim 2; Except the effect of the present invention of claim 1; Release news and be image information; And the minimizing speed of the memory space through making the image information in the buffer storage is slower than the minimizing speed before relay function stops, and can reduce the unit interval consumption.Therefore, under the situation of not carrying out complicated speed control processing, can adopt simple structure to reduce the unit interval consumption.

In the present invention according to claim 3, except the effect of the present invention of claim 2, through repeating repeatedly to export the slow down minimizing speed of memory space of identical rest image as the composition of dynamic image data.Therefore, adopt simple process can reduce the unit interval consumption reliably.

In the present invention according to claim 4; Except the effect of the present invention of claim 1, the decoding speed that was slower than before relay function stops through the decoding speed that makes in the processing in the target repeater image information reduces the unit interval consumption.Therefore, adopt simple process can reduce the unit interval consumption reliably.

In the present invention according to claim 5, except the effect of the present invention of claim 1, be longer than the demonstration time before relay function stops through making as the demonstration time of the rest image of the composition of dynamic image data.Therefore, adopt simple process can reduce the unit interval consumption reliably.

The present invention according to claim 6; Except any one effect of the present invention of claim 1 to 6; After recovering relay function, with the unit of sky all repeaters the repeater that is positioned at downstream in the issue before stopping of the relay function of the repeater that only has been published to except its relaying function stop that release news.Therefore, the playback time base in the repeater becomes and moves closer to the playback time base in other repeaters.As a result, through reduce its relaying function stop the downstream of repeater on repeater in the unit interval consumption, can eliminate departing between the replay position of the replay position on the playback time base of this repeater and other repeaters.

The present invention according to claim 7; When the relay function that is arranged in the repeater on the upstream side in the network system stops; Control is stored in the consumption of the time per unit that releases news of the repeater that is arranged on the downstream, so that it is less than the consumption before stopping.Therefore; Can be under the situation that does not increase network system self burden, prevent handling interrupt or serious processing delay to take place in the repeater of downstream owing to what caused under the situation about being consumed with the speed that is similar to before interrupting that releases news in the issue of having interrupted releasing news still.

Therefore, even under the situation that the relay function of any one included repeater stops in network system, the processing of downstream repeater is not being applied under the situation of considerable influence the relay function that can recover to be stopped.Therefore, release news and to issue reliably, improved the reliability of network system self simultaneously.

The present invention according to claim 8; When the relay function of the repeater on being arranged in upstream side stops; Computer plays a role, and stops consumption before so that be stored in the consumption of the time per unit that releases news of the repeater that is arranged on the downstream less than relay function.Therefore; Can be under the situation that does not increase network system self burden, prevent handling interrupt or serious processing delay to take place in the repeater of downstream owing to what caused under the situation about being consumed with the speed that is similar to before stopping that releasing news in the issue of having interrupted releasing news still.

Therefore, even under the situation that the relay function of any one included repeater stops in network system, the processing of downstream repeater is not being applied under the situation of considerable influence the relay function that can recover to be stopped.Therefore, release news and to issue reliably, improved the reliability of network system self simultaneously.

The present invention according to claim 9 when the relay function in any one repeater stops, retrieving another repeater that can relaying releases news.When the issue that continues to release news via another repeater that retrieves, make the issue speed of the issue speed that releases news before stopping faster than relay function.The processing that releases news in the repeater of the level under the repeater that as a result, can continue to belong to its relaying function stop.

Therefore, in addition be connected its relaying function stop repeater under another repeater also can use to release news and continue such as processing such as playbacks, and do not receive the influence of function stop.

The present invention according to claim 10; Except the described effect of the present invention of claim 9; Proceed issue; To bring up to maximum via the issue speed that releases news of another repeater that connects gradually simultaneously, can obtain necessary releasing news more apace so that belong to the repeater of lower-level as the issue speed of the upper limit.

The present invention according to claim 11; Except claim 9 or 10 described effects of the present invention; Owing to continue issue faster than the issue speed before stopping at relay function through making issue speed; Up to becoming scheduled volume as the memory space in the repeater of the issue destination that releases news of issue, therefore can continue reliably belong to its relaying function stop repeater under the repeater of level in the processing that releases news.The present invention according to claim 4; Form main path and subpath; A plurality of repeaters are connected to a repeater; Outside output via releasing news of main path issue is used for this repeater is handled, and is used to be published to another repeater that belongs to the level under this repeater.Also be used to be published to another repeater that belongs to lower-level via releasing news of issuing as the main path in one of path or subpath.Through many circuits are connected to each node, when preparation stops the relay function of any one node, can increase redundancy, and can prevent that the outside output processing in belonging to the repeater of lower-level is stopped.

The present invention according to claim 12; Form main path and subpath; A plurality of repeaters are connected to a repeater; Outside output via releasing news of main path issue is used for this repeater is handled, and is used to be published to another repeater that belongs to the level under this repeater.Also be used to be published to another repeater that belongs to lower-level via releasing news of issuing as the main path in one of path or subpath.Through many circuits are connected to each node, when preparation stops the relay function of any one node, can increase redundancy, and can prevent that the outside output processing in belonging to the repeater of lower-level is stopped.

The present invention according to claim 13; Except the described effect of the present invention of claim 12; When the relay function of the repeater of the level on belonging to this repeater that is positioned on the main path stops; Switching releases news via the subpath issue, handles to offer outside output.Therefore, the output of the outside in this repeater is handled and can be interrupted.

The present invention according to claim 14; Except the described effect of the present invention of claim 13; When switching releasing news when offering outside output and handle via the subpath issue; Retrieve the distributor or the new repeater that belong to the level on this repeater, and distributor that retrieves or new repeater are connected to this repeater, thereby form new path.Therefore, can guarantee and keep redundant.

The present invention according to claim 15; Except the described effect of the present invention of claim 12; When the relay function of the repeater of the level on belonging to this repeater that is positioned on the subpath stops; Retrieve the distributor or the new repeater that belong to the level on this repeater, and distributor that retrieves or new repeater are connected to this repeater, thereby form new subpath.Therefore, stop, also can form new subpath, and can guarantee and keep redundant even be arranged in the relay function of the repeater on the subpath.

The present invention according to claim 16; Except claim 14 or 15 described effects of the present invention; Retrieve distributor or repeater; So that another repeater on the level under this repeater is included on the new main path, release news so that can receive via the repeater on the same level.

The present invention according to claim 17, except any one the described effect of the present invention in the claim 9 to 16, the repeater that will be positioned on the different levels is connected to this repeater, thereby is formed into the mulitpath of this repeater.Therefore, though when take place possibility such as faults such as relay function stop in different levels not simultaneously, also can guarantee enough redundancies reliably.

The present invention according to claim 18 when the relay function in any one repeater stops, retrieving another repeater that can relaying releases news.When the issue that continues to release news via another repeater that retrieves, make the issue speed of the issue speed that releases news before stopping faster than relay function.The processing that releases news in the repeater of the level under the repeater that therefore, can continue to belong to its relaying function stop.

Therefore, in addition be connected its relaying function stop repeater under another repeater also can use to release news and continue such as processing such as playbacks, and do not receive the influence of function stop.

The present invention according to claim 19; Form main path and subpath; A plurality of repeaters are connected to a repeater; Outside output via releasing news of main path issue is used for this repeater is handled, and is used to be published to another repeater that belongs to the level under this repeater, and also is used to be published to another repeater that belongs to lower-level via releasing news of issuing as the main path in one of path or subpath.Be used for many circuits of repeater through use, when preparing to stop the relay function of any one repeater, can increase redundancy, and can prevent that outside output in belonging to the repeater of lower-level from handling and be stopped.

The present invention according to claim 20 when the relay function in any one repeater stops, retrieving another repeater that can relaying releases news.When the issue that continues to release news via another repeater that retrieves, computer continues issue through making the issue speed of the issue speed that releases news before stopping faster than relay function.The processing that releases news in the repeater of the level under the repeater that therefore, can continue to belong to its relaying function stop.

Therefore, in addition be connected its relaying function stop repeater under another repeater also can use to release news and continue such as processing such as playbacks, and do not receive the influence of function stop.

The present invention according to claim 21; Computer plays following effect: form main path and subpath; A plurality of repeaters are connected to a repeater; Outside output via releasing news of main path issue is used for this repeater is handled; And be used to be published to another repeater that belongs to the level under this repeater, and also be used to be published to another repeater that belongs to lower-level via releasing news of issuing as the main path in one of path or subpath.Be used for many circuits of a plurality of repeaters through use, when preparing to stop the relay function of any one repeater, can increase redundancy, and can prevent that outside output in belonging to the repeater of lower-level from handling and be stopped.

Description of drawings

Figure 1A and 1B are block diagram, show the schematic structure according to the network system of first embodiment.Figure 1A is a block diagram, shows the physical connection pattern of network system.Figure 1B is a block diagram, shows the connection mode as the network system of topology.Fig. 2 A shows the structure of the node that comprises in the network system according to first embodiment, and Fig. 2 B shows the detail of information that is stored in the memory cell 3.Fig. 3 is a flow chart, shows according to the entire process in the node of first embodiment.Fig. 4 A to 4E is flow chart (I), shows according to the processing details in the node of first embodiment, and shows upper layer node connection processing, Data Receiving processing, lower level node connection processing respectively, withdraws from that message response is handled and node withdraws from processing.Fig. 5 A and 5B are flow chart (II), show the processing details in the node among first embodiment, and show data sending processing and data playback processing respectively.Fig. 6 is a flow chart, shows according to the data in the node of first embodiment to show processing.Fig. 7 A, 7B and 7C show according to the figure (I) of the bag issued state in the network system of first embodiment and show the figure (i) of state details, (ii) and (iii) respectively.Fig. 8 A, 8B and 8C be show according to the figure (II) of the bag issued state in the network system of first embodiment and the figure that shows the state details respectively (iv), (v) with (vi).Fig. 9 A, 9B and 9C be show according to the figure (III) of the bag issued state in the network system of first embodiment and show respectively the state details figure (vii), (and viii) with (ix).Figure 10 A and 10B are respectively figure (i) and (ii), show the details of the bag issued state under the situation about withdrawing from according to occurrence node in the network system of first embodiment.Figure 11 A, 11B and 11C are respectively figure (i), (ii) and (iii), show the details of in according to the network system of first embodiment, accomplishing the bag issued state under the situation that node connects after withdrawing from again.Figure 12 A, 12B and 12C are respectively figure (i), (ii) and (iii), show in according to the network system of first embodiment, carry out node withdraw from be connected again after recover the to reset details of the bag issued state under the situation of time-delay.Figure 13 A, 13B and 13C show in according to the network system of first embodiment, carry out node withdraw from be connected again after transmission/receptions of the data in the situation lower node of time-delay of recover resetting, and show state, the node of node before withdrawing from respectively and withdraw from the state afterwards and the state of playback delay recovery.Figure 14 A and 14B are flow chart, show the data demonstration processing in the node in first modification and second of first embodiment is revised respectively.Figure 15 is a block diagram, shows the schematic structure according to the network system of second embodiment.Figure 16 is a block diagram, shows the general structure of the node that in the network system according to second embodiment, comprises.Figure 17 A and 17B show according to the detailed structure of the node of second embodiment and show the details of topology table and the operation of buffering memory respectively.Figure 18 is a flow chart, shows according to the issue of the routine in the network system of second embodiment operation.Figure 19 is a block diagram, shows after the relay function of part of nodes stops the schematic structure according to the network system of second embodiment.Figure 20 A, 20B and 20C are flow chart, show the operation of lower level node when the relay function of part of nodes stops, and show the operation of buffer storage.Figure 21 shows the operation of lower level node when the relay function of part of nodes stops.Figure 22 A and 22B show according to the operation in the network system of the modification of second embodiment.Figure 22 A is the flow chart that operation is shown, and Figure 22 B shows and operate the operation of corresponding buffer storage.Figure 23 is a block diagram, shows the schematic structure according to the network system of the 3rd embodiment.Figure 24 is a block diagram, shows after the relay function of part of nodes stops the schematic structure according to the network system of the 3rd embodiment.Figure 25 is a flow chart, shows the routine issue operation according to the network system of the 3rd embodiment.Figure 26 is a flow chart, shows the operation of lower level node when the relay function of part of nodes stops.

Label declaration

1; 100CPU2 connects authentication ' unit 3 memory cell 4 input units 5 output units 6 message transmission/receiving elements 7 data transmission/receiving elements 8; 11 second upper layer node information stores zone, 109 buses, 10 first upper layer node information stores zone 12 is sent data number information stores zone 14 and is received 15 playback speed information stores zone, data number information stores zone, 16 particular value storage areas, 17 annular buffer zone 102 decoders, 103 table memories, 104 buffer storage, 105 broadband interfaces, 106 timers, 107 loud speakers, 108 CRTNS network system S server N, N ₁, N ₂, N ₃, N ₄, N ₅, N ₆, N ₇, N ₈, N ₉, N ₁₀, N ₁₁, N ₁₂, N ₁₃, N ₁₄, 0-1,1-1,1-2,1-3,2-1,2-2,3-1,3-2,3-3,3-4,4-1,4-2,4-3 node NT network L, L ' circuit LM, LM ' main line LS, the sub-circuit NT of LS ', NT2 network system

Embodiment

(I) First embodimentTell about the first embodiment of the present invention with reference to Figure 1A and 1B to 13A～13C below.First embodiment that will tell about below relates to the situation that the present invention is applied to following network control processing; The release model of the content that is used for the Control Network system is handled in wherein said network control; Content is published and said network system comprises in said network system: as the server of node, said node is the distribution apparatus as the issue source of the content that releases news; And as a plurality of nodes of user terminal, said user terminal is connected to the tree structure that comprises a plurality of levels under the server.

Figure 1A and 1B show the schematic structure according to the network system of first embodiment.Fig. 2 A and 2B are block diagram, show the detailed structure of the node that in network system, comprises.Fig. 3 to Fig. 6 is a flow chart, and each shows the release processing of in node, carrying out according to the present invention.Fig. 7 A to 7C has specifically illustrated release processing to Figure 13 A to 13C.

Under the situation of the network system of first embodiment as the physical connection pattern; Shown in Figure 1A; The NS of building network system; So that server S and interconnect via circuit L, with can be via sending each other such as network N T such as internet wire/reception information as wire circuit or radio-circuit as a plurality of node N of user terminal.Under the situation of topology that as its summit is server S to the network system NS shown in Figure 1A, shown in Figure 1B, two node N are connected to server S via circuit L, and two node N are connected to node N each.Through node N wherein to use the tree-like topology that connect of server S as the summit, from server S with required content release to the node N that needs content.

Tell about the concrete structure of the node N that comprises among the network system S below with reference to Fig. 2 A and 2B.

Shown in Fig. 2 A, comprise according to the node N of first embodiment: CPU 1, as checkout gear, consumption control device, reset apparatus and issue control device; Connect authentication ' unit 2; Memory cell 3 by structures such as hard disk, semiconductor memories; The input unit of forming by mouse, keyboard etc. 4; By the display that is used for display image, be used for the loud speaker of output sound and output unit 5 that the decoder that is used for sound is decoded etc. is formed; Message transmission/receiving element 6 and data transmission/receiving element 7.CPU 1, connection authentication ' unit 2, memory cell 3, input unit 4, output unit 5, message transmission/receiving element 6 are connected via bus 8 with data transmission/receiving element 7 each other, can send each other/reception information.

Tell about in the face of outline operation down.At first, message transmission/receiving element 6 functionally is divided into: be connected to the node N (perhaps server S) that is positioned on the higher levels and from being positioned at the part of the node transmission/reception message on the higher levels via circuit L; And be connected to the node N that is positioned on the lower-level and from being positioned at the part of the node transmission/reception message on the lower-level via circuit L.Message is illustrated in the necessary various control informations of the required content of issue among the network system NS here.Through reception/transmission message, formed the environment of issue actual content.

On the other hand, as message transmission/receiving element 6, data transmission/receiving element 7 functionally is divided into: be connected to node N of being positioned on the higher levels etc. via circuit L and from being positioned at the transmission/reception section data such as node on the higher levels; Be connected to the node N that is positioned on the lower-level and from being positioned at the node transmission/reception section data on the lower-level via circuit L.Data representation includes the data of the packet form of the sound that is formed in the content of issuing among the network system NS itself or image.Under the environment that the transmission/reception by message forms, will be from server S as the data issuing of content to each node.

For the data of packet form, suppose to distribute to from the continuous Bale No. of content headers the packet of constitution content piece (for example, the interior perhaps content of a snatch of music of a film).The data of sending as bag are divided into the parcel of unit less than bag.For parcel, distributed in addition from the continuous little Bale No. of content headers.

For example; Network system NS is the situation that is used for issuing the network system of the content that can charge therein; Connect in the situation that has perhaps newly connected another node N in the situation of authentication ' unit 2 through the network system of node N entering therein NS therein and carry out so-called authentication processing, be used for confirming whether node N is the node that under the control of CPU 1, allows content release to arrive from server S transmission/reception authentication information.

In addition, memory cell 3 temporarily or with non-volatile mode can be stored the pending after a while information of telling about with rewriteeing, and if desired, then information is outputed to CPU 1.

On the other hand, when carrying out the operations such as content that will reset such as appointment through use node N, input unit 4 generates and the performed corresponding operation signals of operation, and operation signal is exported to CPU 1.CPU 1 receives other assembly of operation signal and Control Node N, thereby carries out issue and the processing of the expectation content of resetting.

Under the control of CPU 1, handle through using output unit 5 to carry out playback.

Come specifically to tell about the concrete structure of memory cell 3 with reference to Fig. 2 B.Fig. 2 B shows the memory cell 3 of carrying out subregion according to institute's canned data type.

Shown in Fig. 2 B, memory cell 3 is made up of following: first upper layer node information stores zone 10 is used for storage representation is positioned at the last layer of the node N that includes memory cell 3 on the topology shown in Figure 1B the upper layer node information of node N; Second upper layer node information stores zone 11 is used for storage representation is positioned at the last layer of upper layer node N on topology the upper layer node information of upper layer node N; Lower level node information stores zone 12 is used for storage representation and is connected the lower level node information that is positioned at one or more node N of one deck under the node N that includes memory cell 3 on the topology, and information number equals lower node number; Send data number information stores zone 13, be used for the transmission data number information that storage representation includes the little Bale No. of the data that are sent to lower level node; Receive data number information stores zone 14, be used for the reception data number information that storage representation includes the little Bale No. of the data that self received by the node N that comprises memory cell 3; Playback speed information stores zone 15 is used for the playback speed information of storage representation and the playback speed of the output unit 5 of corresponding image of data that is received and sound etc.; Particular value storage area 16 is used to be stored as the particular value of the default minimum storage data volume in annular buffer zone that will tell about after a while etc.; And annular buffer zone 17, be used for the actual data of issuing as content of temporary transient storage.

The nodal information of in 10, second upper layer node information stores zone 11, first upper layer node information stores zone and lower level node information stores zone 12, being stored specifically comprises IP (Internet Protocol) global address of expression node N.

Annular buffer zone 17 is for being used for the storage area of the temporary transient storage of FIFO mode with the ring buffer memory type of the corresponding data of content of issue.Annular buffer zone 17 is stored the bag (and parcel) as content-data successively and is exported bag according to storage order as rule, handles with the playback that it is offered in the output unit 5.

Next with reference to the flow chart shown in Fig. 3 to 6; To tell about according to first embodiment allow new node N newly to get into network system NS, reception and the processing of corresponding distributing data of content and playback of content and at playback duration because new node withdraws from performed processing in the situation of the function that having stopped of causing be relayed to data other nodes N that links to each other with new node N from network system NS, as the processing among each node N.

Allowing new node N to be arranged under the locational situation of following one deck of any one node N of the NS of existing network system; Getting into node N (below will newly get into network system NS and carry out according to the flow chart of Fig. 3 that Data Receiving is handled and the node N that handles that resets is called " getting into node N ", so that itself and other nodes differences that have been connected to network system NS are come) carries out and will get into the processing (step S1 and S2) that node N is connected to upper layer node N (perhaps being positioned at the server S in the superiors among the network system NS).(being not among the step S2) gets into node N and can not add the NS of existing network system this moment when connection request is refused by upper layer node N, gets into the processing among the node N thereby accomplished.

On the other hand; Confirming at the middle and upper levels that node N (or server S) allows to get into and carry out necessary connection processing (among the step S2 for being) through upper layer node N (or server S) and afterwards, confirm in entering node N, whether to have carried out the operation of from the network system NS that wherein has node N, withdrawing from (step S3) at step S1 by input unit 4.

When getting into node N and from network system NS, withdraw from (among the step S3 for being), in getting into node N, carry out and withdraw from operation (step S4), and the processing among the completion entering node N.

On the other hand; When not carrying out the processing of from network system NS, withdrawing from but when carrying out Data Receiving processing etc. continuously (among the step S3 not); Get into node N and carry out the processing (step S5) that receives necessary data from upper layer node N, and the data that received and through using output unit 5 to export the data (step S9) of playback of resetting.When another node N that connects needs; Get into node N and carry out and be used to break off the message response that withdraws from that is connected to another node N that gets into node N and gets into the connection between the node N and handle (step S8), turn back to step S3 and carry out Data Receiving continuously and handle with resetting.

Handle (step S9) with data playback and walk abreast, get into node N execution another node N is connected to the processing (step S6) of the following one deck that gets into node N and data are sent (relaying) processing (step S7) to the lower level node N that is connected.

Tell about the processing in step S1 and step S4 to S9 among Fig. 3 below successively in detail.

At first, come to tell about in detail the processing of step S1 through the flow chart that uses Fig. 4 A.

Shown in Fig. 4 A; In the processing of step S1; At first get into node N and request message is sent to upper layer node N (step S10) via circuit L; Wait is from the answer (step S11) to asking of upper layer node N, and affirmation answer (step S12), and wherein said request message is used to make entering node N as next the node layer N entering that is positioned at as another node N of last layer node.

When allowing to get into node N in response to answer and get into network system NS (among the step S12 for being); Getting into node N will include in the first upper layer node information stores zone 10 of upper layer node information stores in the memory cell 3 that gets into node N with the corresponding IP of last layer node N address; With include with upper layer node N on the second upper layer node information stores zone 11 of upper layer node information stores in the memory cell 3 that gets into node N of upper layer node of the corresponding IP of another node address in (step S13), and proceed to step S2 as shown in Figure 3.

On the other hand, when in the confirming of step S12, not allowing to get into node N and get into network system NS (among the step S12 for not), get into node N and can not show its function.In addition in this case, (being not among the step S2) accomplished the processing that gets among the node N after switching to step S2 shown in Figure 2.

Next, handle through the Data Receiving of using the flow chart shown in Fig. 4 B to come to tell about in detail among the step S5 shown in Figure 3.

Shown in Fig. 4 B; In the processing of step S5; At first get into node N and will be used to ask the message of expected data to send to the last layer node (step S15) that connected this moment, and confirm whether to exist transmission to allow to answer (step S16) from upper layer node N to this message via circuit L.

When exist to send allow answering (among the step S16 for being), get into node N and receive the bag (step S17) that includes the desired data of entering node N, and proceed to step S6 as shown in Figure 3 or S9 according to answering.On the other hand, when in the confirming of step S16, not obtaining sending when allowing to answer (the step S16 for not), exist in upper layer node N and get into the possibility that breaks down on the circuit between the node N from upper layer node N.As a result, get into node N and carry out above-mentioned processing (with reference to Fig. 4 A) in step S1,, turn back to the processing of step S15 once more, and receive data (step S15 or S17) from the upper layer node N that connects once more to eliminate fault and can receive data.

Next through using the flow chart shown in Fig. 4 C to tell about the lower level node connection processing among the step S6 shown in Figure 3.

Shown in Fig. 4 C, in the processing of step S6, at first determine whether will send to entering node N (step S20) from being connected the connection request message that gets into the node N of one deck under the node N.(being not among the step S20) do not get into node N and switches to the step S7 among Fig. 3 when also sending connection request message.When having sent connection request message (among the step S20 for being); Through for example lower level node N with get into node N in each in the included authentication ' unit 2 that is connected; Come (perhaps via getting into node N between lower level node N and server S) execution authentication processing between lower level node N that sends connection request message and entering node N, be used for confirming whether lower level node N is the node N (step S21 and S22) with the qualification that gets into network system NS.

Under lower level node N can not being allowed to get into the situation of network system NS (among the step S22 for not), should the fact send to lower level node N (step S25), and program proceeds to step S7 shown in Figure 3 as connecting disable message.

On the other hand; When in the confirming of step S22, in authentication processing, allowing lower level node N to enter into network system NS (step S22 is for being); Should the fact allow message to send to lower level node N (step S23) as connecting; With in the lower level node information stores zone 12 of lower level node information stores in the memory cell 3 that gets into node N that includes with corresponding IP address such as next node layer N (step S24), and program proceeds to step S7 as shown in Figure 3.

Next, through using the flow chart shown in Fig. 5 A to tell about the data sending processing among the step S7 shown in Figure 3.

Shown in Fig. 5 A, in the processing of step S7, the request that at first determines whether will to be used for to send the data that will reset at lower level node N is as having carried out sending (step S35) from the message of the node N that is connected the following one deck that gets into node N.When not receiving message through entering node N (being not among the step S35), program proceeds to step S8 shown in Figure 3.

On the other hand; When in step S35, determining when having sent message (among the step S35 for being); Next; In response to this message, judgement will be from getting into the sky bag that bag that node N sends will tell about below whether being in detail (include only heading message and do not comprise the bag of the solid images information of constitution content etc.) (step S36).(being not among the step S36) be not that the bag of empty bag is sent to lower level node N (step S38) as content-data via circuit L, and program do not proceed to step S8 shown in Figure 3 when bag is not empty bag.

On the other hand; When in step S36, determining the bag that will send and be empty bag (among the step S36 for being), compare (just in the sky bag, do not comprised such as solid datas such as view data and voice datas) by getting into little Bale No. that node N receives and the little Bale No. that will send to the solid data of lower level node N before the processing in the step S7 shown in Fig. 5 A begun.Under number discontinuous situation, (that is to say; Received empty bag); Little Bale No. through following closely before the empty bag couples together with the little Bale No. that follows closely after the empty bag; After the little Bale No. before little Bale No. after following closely is disposed in and follows closely (step S37), the data that formation had the content in the parcel of the little Bale No. of being arranged send to lower level node N (step S38), and program proceeds to step S8 shown in Figure 3.

Next through using as the flow chart of Fig. 4 D tells about in detail and withdraws from the message response processing among the step S8 shown in Figure 3.

Shown in Fig. 4 D; In the processing of step S8; At first determine whether to have received the message (step S26) that node N will withdraw from from network system NS from any one (specifically, be connected the upper layer node N of the last layer that gets into node N or be connected the lower level node N of the following one deck that gets into node N) of being connected to other nodes N of getting into node N.Under the situation that does not also receive message (being not among the step S26), program turns back to the step S3 among Fig. 3.On the other hand, under the situation that receives the message that withdraws from of request (among the step S26 for being), confirm that which has sent message (step S27) among last layer node N and next node layer N.

When having sent from last layer node N (" upper layer node " the step S27) when withdrawing from request message; Nodal information according to the last layer node of the upper layer node N that is stored in the second upper layer node information stores zone 11 that is illustrated in the memory cell 3 that gets into node N; To the node N of the last layer that is connected upper layer node N (just; Send out the node N that withdraws from request message) carry out the upper layer node connection processing among the above-mentioned steps S1; Thereby recover topology (step S1), and program turns back to the step S3 among Fig. 3.

On the other hand; When having sent from next node layer N (" lower level node " the step S27) when withdrawing from request message; The nodal information (step S28) of the lower level node N that from lower level node information stores zone 12, is stored in the lower level node information stores zone 12 of deletion in the memory cell 3 that gets into node N, and program turns back to the step S3 among Fig. 3.

Next, the node that tells about in detail among the step S4 shown in Figure 3 with reference to the flow chart of Fig. 4 E withdraws from processing (getting into the processing that node N self withdraws from from network system NS).

Shown in Fig. 4 E, in the processing of step S4, at first the above-mentioned request message (with reference to Fig. 4 D) that withdraws from is sent to the upper layer node N (step S30) that is connected the last layer that gets into node N.Next, similarly the above-mentioned request message that withdraws from is sent to the lower level node N (step S31) that is connected the following one deck that gets into node N.After sending message, get into node N and carry out the processing of from network system NS, withdrawing from.

The data playback that tells about in detail among the step S9 shown in Figure 3 through the flow chart that uses shown in Fig. 5 B is at last handled.

Shown in Fig. 5 B, in the processing of step S9, at first check the playback mark (that is to say whether expression is carrying out the playback mark of the playback processing of using output unit 5) (step S40) that gets among the node N., playback (that is to say when being labeled as " off "; Current execution is reset and is handled in output unit 5) (being OFF among the step S40), then next confirmed in annular buffer zone 17, whether to have stored amount and be equal to or greater than data (step S45) as the particular value " t " of the particular value of presetting memory space.

When in annular buffer zone 17, not storing data volume when being equal to or greater than the data of particular value " t " (among the step S45 for not); If in this state, carried out the data playback processing (in other words; The data in the annular buffer zone 17 have been consumed); Then annular buffer zone 17 gets into so-called underrun (underrun) state, and has interrupted possibilities such as reproduced picture and playback music.As a result, in order further to store data, program turns back to step S3 via step S8 shown in Figure 3.

On the other hand; When in step S45, determining the amount of having stored and be equal to or greater than the data of particular value " t " (among the step S45 for being); Be set to " on " (step S46) for the playback mark of " off ", the processing of carrying out the playback stored data with the mode that is similar to prior art is (for example, under the situation of image information; The processing of displays image information) (step S47), and program proceeds to step S8 shown in Figure 3.

On the other hand; (that is to say when being labeled as " on " when in the confirming of step S40, resetting; When current when in output unit 5, carry out to reset handling) (among the step S40 for not), confirm that to be similar to above-mentioned definite mode among the step S45 current in annular buffer zone 17, whether the storage measure the data (step S41) that are equal to or greater than particular value " t ".When the amount of having stored is equal to or greater than the data of particular value " t " (among the step S41 for being), then, the same with prior art to be similar to the mode of step S47, will be set at normal mode (step S42) such as the replay modes such as display speed of view data.Be provided with carrying out according to this and reset handle (step S44).Afterwards, program proceeds to step S8 shown in Figure 3.

On the contrary; When in step S41, determining the data of the amount that does not also have storage to be equal to or greater than particular value " t " (being not among the step S41); Change data playback pattern (step S43) according to memory space; Be provided with carrying out according to this and reset handle (step S44), and program proceeds to the processing of step S8 shown in Figure 3.

When in step S43, changing being provided with of replay mode; When also not having to store the data of the amount that is equal to or greater than particular value " t "; Set replay mode; With through reduce playback among the step S44 data consumes amount in handling reduce annular buffer zone 17 memory space reduce speed (that is to say, be stored in the consumption of the time per unit of the data in the annular buffer zone 17).Specifically, for example set the amount of time per unit, be about peaked 4/5 of normal amount so that it is reduced to from annular buffer zone 17 reading of data.More particularly, there is the method for the control amount of reading, so that read identical parcel twice with cycle such as per 5 parcels 1 time.In this case, when the relay function among the upper layer node N did not stop, it was enough will being set at zero the cycle, and along with the memory space in the annular buffer zone 17 reduces and the shortening cycle.

The reducing degree and can visually can not perceive this degree that reduces of the amount of time per unit 17 reading of data for the user from annular buffer zone.On this degree, can change 4/5 value.

Next the data of specifically telling about among the step S44 shown in Fig. 5 B through the flow chart that uses Fig. 6 show processing.What data show to be handled the speed that changes 17 reading of data from annular buffer zone in the processing that is based on step S43 is provided with that this is pre-conditioned.

As shown in Figure 6, in the processing of step S44, at first from annular buffer zone 17, read as data of image information (step S50) according to the time per unit amount of reading (reading speed) that in the processing of step S43, sets.In output unit 5, the data that read are decoded (step S51) and on unshowned display etc., show data (step S52) through decoding.Under the situation of acoustic information, come reading of data (step S50) from annular buffer zone 17 in addition with the reading speed that the mode that is similar in the situation of image information sets.The data that read are decoded and from unshowned loud speaker etc., generated the data (step S51 and S52) through decoding.

Next Fig. 7 A to 7C with reference to the flow process that includes the bag that is made up of the data as content to tell about more particularly a series of network controls processing to Figure 13 A to 13C.

In 12A to 12C, suppose on its summit to be in the topology of server S, two node N at Fig. 7 A to 7C ₁And N ₂Be connected on first level of one deck under the server S.Two node N ₃And N ₄Be connected node N ₁Following one deck.Two node N ₅And N ₆Be connected node N ₂Following one deck.Two node N ₇And N ₈, two node N ₉And N ₁₀, two node N ₁₁And N ₁₂And two node N ₁₃And N ₁₄Be connected node N respectively ₃, N ₄, N ₅And N ₆Following one deck.Tell about below in network system NS and will be published to lower level node N with the form of wrapping as the view data that content is stored in the server S in advance with the connection mode shown in topology with this structure ₁To N ₁₄And node N ₁To N ₁₄In node N ₄Performed processing in the situation about from network system NS, withdrawing from.

In addition, suppose server S and node N ₁To N ₆In each all have annular buffer zone 17 and carry out and will wrap the P relaying and will wrap the processing (with reference to step S7 among Fig. 3 and S9) that P is stored as data simultaneously to other lower level nodes (each all has annular buffer zone 17).In Figure 13 A to 13C, a bag P is expressed as a frame (), and the numeral Bale No. in each frame at Fig. 7 A to 7C.

In addition, at Fig. 7 A to 7C in Figure 12 A to 12C, node N ₁To N ₁₄Each in annular buffer zone 17 be expressed as delegation.But, in the bag I/O was handled, the right-hand member of each annular buffer zone 17 was connected with annular with left end.A bag is offered the processing of resetting.When bag being distributed to next node layer N at every turn, using from the new bag of last layer node N issue and replace the oldest bag in the bag that is stored in the annular buffer zone 17.By this way, realized above-mentioned fifo buffer memory.

Sequential when the downward hollow arrow that is used for the annular buffer zone 17 of displayed map 7A to 7C in the server S of Figure 13 A to 13C representes that the bag that shows when the frame table that is pointed to by arrow by its left end is sent out from server S.Represent to have shown this moment the view data that is stored in by in the position pointed of the arrow in each bag for Fig. 8 A to 8C upwards filled arrows that the annular buffer zone among each node N 17 shows in Figure 13 A to 13C.In addition, "-" expression that is shown in the demonstration (frame) of the bag in any one annular buffer zone 17 among server S and the node N does not have data to be stored in and wraps in the corresponding annular buffer zone 17.

Now hypothesis is in each in the example shown in Figure 13 A and the 13B of Fig. 7 A and 7B, and the particular value " t " among each node N (being specially in the annular buffer zone 17 lower limit " t " as insufficient memory space) is corresponding with three bags.

At first, before the issue bag, the bag that be published is stored in the annular buffer zone 17 shown in Fig. 7 A according to distribution order.These bags will be distributed to the node N that is connected in the lower floor according to numeral ₁To N ₄Particularly, shown in Fig. 7 A, wrapping P from server S output ₀Time point on, will wrap P ₀(having Bale No. " 0 ") sends to Connection Service device S and node N ₁And N ₂Circuit L on.Afterwards, the P that is sent out ₀Be stored in the annular buffer zone 17 among each node N, simultaneously in the past the time shown in Fig. 7 B and 7C carry out relaying by the node N that is positioned on the lower-level afterwards.

As bag P ₀Be distributed to the node N on the bottom that is connected network system NS ₇To N ₁₄The time, then next shown in Fig. 8 A, beginning is at bag P ₀The transmission of the bag P that will be published afterwards.

For example, when the image data storage of three bags being connected the node N on the bottom of the network system NS shown in Fig. 8 B through repeating aforesaid operations ₇To N ₁₄The time, then from bag P ₀In view data come start node N ₁To N ₁₄In image replaying handle.

Shown in Fig. 8 C, using node N ₁To N ₁₄Each in bag P ₀Accomplish after the playback processing of a bag, at node N ₁To N ₁₄In bring into use next bag P ₁Playback handle, and issue is from the 4th bag P of server S ₄

Through repeating above-mentioned processing, issue and playback are stored in (or from annular buffer zone 17, wiping) in the annular buffer zone 17 with the FIFO mode with it simultaneously as the bag of view data successively.Suppose the node N in first embodiment ₁To N ₁₄Each in, shown in Fig. 9 A, upgrade just stored bag before a bag before the current bag of being reset successively.

Shown in Fig. 9 B and 9C, after having issued all bags to be published in the server S, node N ₁To N ₁₄In annular buffer zone 17 become emptyly successively, and accomplished all release processings among the network system NS.

Next tell about the node N in network system NS with reference to Figure 10 A and 10B to Figure 13 A to 13C ₄Performed processing in the situation that stops its relay function owing to for example cutting off the power supply and from network system NS itself, withdraw from.

Shown in Figure 10 A, suppose for example to wrap P when having accomplished to reset ₁In included view data processing and send bag P from server S simultaneously ₅To node N ₁To N ₁₄Each in the time, node N ₄Since more than former thereby from network system NS, withdraw from (with reference to Fig. 4 D).After withdrawing from, broken off naturally and will wrap P ₅Be published to lower level node N ₉And N ₁₀In this case, shown in Figure 10 B, carry out current with node N ₁₀Be connected to node N as upper layer node N ₁Processing and with node N ₉Be connected to the N that connects through again ₁₀Processing (with reference to the step S1 among Fig. 4 D), and be distributed on the bag P that issue is not issued before the sequential again ₅As a result, at node N ₉To N ₁₀Each in the included annular buffer zone 17, with other nodes N ₁To N ₈With node N ₁₁To N ₁₄Relatively, rewrite sequential, only postponed a bag.As a result, only there is two bags (bag P ₃And P ₄) also do not carry out the playback processing shown in Figure 10 B, and so-called data delay (being not among the step S41 in Fig. 5 B) has taken place.Afterwards, when the issue of all bags is all accomplished, at node N ₉And N ₁₀The middle node N that continues ₉To N ₁₀In playback from other nodes N ₁To N ₈With node N ₁₁To N ₁₄The state that only postpones a bag.

Therefore, in first embodiment, shown in the hachure arrow among Figure 11 A and the 11B, at node N ₉And N ₁₀In, make that the speed of 17 reading of data will be slower than at other nodes N from annular buffer zone after the time point that data delay takes place ₁To N ₈With node N ₁₁To N ₁₄In speed (among step S41 in Fig. 5 B and the step S50 among Fig. 6 for not).At last, shown in Figure 11 C, the number of the bag of the processing of resetting reverts to as 3 of particular value (wraps P in the situation of Figure 11 C ₄To P ₆).

Node N from Figure 11 C or 12A ₉In the state and the node N of annular buffer zone 17 ₈In comparison between the state of annular buffer zone 17 can find out obviously that the Bale No. of in each annular buffer zone 17, not resetting is resumed into 3.At node N ₈In the bag that will be reset be bag P ₅, but at node N ₉In the bag that will be reset be bag P ₄Because upper layer node N ₄From network system NS, withdraw from, during playback sequential when more a series of bag P on the base, at node N ₄Under node N ₉And N ₁₀In so-called replay delay (just the playback sequential of identical content departs from node N) has taken place.Therefore, for example at node N ₉User and node N ₈The user play under the situation of so-called online game, the normal operating condition that replay delay can be upset node N takes place in these two nodes.

The result; In the network control of first embodiment is handled; The sky bag is published to except from network system NS, withdrawing from all nodes that belong to network system NS the node N that replay delay takes place owing to upper layer node N from server S, thereby makes the content playback sequential phase mutually synchronization among all included among network system NS node N.

In first embodiment, shown in Figure 12 A, in the content in issuing the annular buffer zone 17 that is stored in server S before, with scheduled timing or interval sky is wrapped P according to the expection that replay delay will take place future ₀₀Be inserted in other bags.

Shown in Figure 12 A and 12B, at for example node N ₉And N ₁₀Under the situation of middle generation replay delay, the sky bag is published to except node N ₉And N ₁₀Outside all nodes, node N just ₁To N ₈With node N ₁₁To N ₁₄(with reference to Fig. 5 A).As a result, shown in Figure 12 C, included all node N in network system NS ₁To N ₁₄The sequential of the bag of the middle issue of resetting becomes identical, and at node N ₁To N ₁₄In replay delay be eliminated.

Come specifically to tell about with reference to Figure 13 A to 13C and be connected node N ₉And N ₁₀The variation of the transmission/time of reception of the bag among the node N of last layer and following one deck, and the execution of a series of network control processing.Figure 13 A to 13C shows and is connected node N ₉And N ₁₀Bag transmission/accepting state among the node N of last layer and following one deck.Transverse axis use its left end as the content release time started represent in the bag that the issuing time and the longitudinal axis represent to issue little Bale No. (specifically, the lower end of the longitudinal axis with at bag P ₀Medium and small Bale No. is that the parcel of " 0 " is corresponding).

At the node N that is connected to the last layer node at Fig. 7 A to 7C in Figure 12 A to 12C ₄The situation of the normal operation of relay function under, node N ₉Or N ₁₀Repeat to wrap from last layer node N ₄Be relayed to next node layer simultaneously from node N ₄Receive the operation of bag.Though be not connected to node N at Fig. 7 A to 7C next node layer N in Figure 12 A to 12C ₉Or N ₁₀, but in order to explain the function of each included node N in network system NS comprehensively, suppose that another node N is connected node N in Figure 13 A to 13C ₉Or N ₁₀Following one deck.

Parallel with relay function, node N ₉Or N ₁₀Will be from node N ₄The bag P of issue is stored in (with reference to Fig. 8 A to 8C and Fig. 9 A to 9C) in the annular buffer zone 17 with distribution order.Node N on the time point when having stored three bag P ₉Or N ₁₀The data that execution is stored in bag P through 5 pairs of output units are decoded and (below, handle that the demonstration that comprises when data are view data is handled and the processing of the voice output when data are voice data) handled in demonstration etc.In the example shown in Figure 13 A, when Fig. 7 A to 7C wraps P to first shown in Figure 12 A to 12C ₀Via node N ₄Issue and it is stored in node N from server S ₉Or N ₁₀In annular buffer zone 17 in the time time corresponding with the left end of transverse axis.Time from the left end, issue bag P subsequently similarly ₁And P ₂And it is stored in the annular buffer zone 17.Wrapping P since this time up to beginning ₀In time period during decoding and the demonstration etc. of the data of being stored be the time T shown in Figure 13 A ₀It is corresponding that the memory space (amounts of three bags in first embodiment) of annular in the buffer zone 17 and mark among Figure 13 A and the 13B accord with the amount shown in " M ".

The data of each bag among the P are decoded and after demonstration etc. handles having accomplished, the part that has write down bag P in the annular buffer zone 17 is used in that the subsequent packet P covering of issue writes after this bag.In the example shown in Figure 12 A, to the bag P ₀In data decode and beginning is handled in demonstration etc., until with subsequent packet P ₄In storage (covering writes) in annular buffer zone 17, stored bag P ₀Part in, time T is essential.

Next, as above told about, at node N with reference to what Figure 10 A and 10B carried out ₉And N ₁₀Last layer node N ₄From network system NS, withdraw from and the situation of the function stop that continues under, for since stopping until accomplishing the reconstruct of the topology shown in Figure 10 B and restart to wrap period of the issue of P, any bag P is not published to node N ₉And N ₁₀Therefore, in the non-issue period,, do not issue any bag P from upper layer node N though the time has gone over.At node N ₉And N ₁₀In, shown in Figure 13 B, show from the issued state of the bag P of upper layer node with to the figure of the relay state of the bag P of lower level node and comprise and corresponding flat part of non-issue period.As a result, the memory space in the annular buffer zone 17 reduces.Gradient with afterwards figure before the non-issue period is identical (just wrapping issue speed and the trunk speed of P).

Next, in first embodiment, under the situation that has the non-issue period, reduce the speed of 17 reading of data and prevent to take place the annular buffer zone 17 to overflow down (underflow) (with reference to the step S43 among Fig. 5 B and S44) from annular buffer zone.Therefore, when beginning the non-issue period the time light, reduce data decoded and the speed of demonstration etc., shown in the heavy line among Figure 13 B.Memory space in annular buffer zone 17 becomes three bags or more for a long time, and the speed of decoding and demonstration etc. is re-set as the initial velocity shown in Figure 13 B.With with the similar mode of the situation shown in 13A annular memory space in the buffer zone 17 when beginning to issue be " M ", and because non-issue period of generation and temporarily becoming less than " M ".But, the speed of 17 reading of data becomes slower from annular buffer zone, so as in the past wherein after the slower time T 3 of data reading speed, memory space becomes initial storage amount " M " once more.

In Figure 13 B, in the non-issue period, the covering in the annular buffer zone 17 writes to handle and stops.

Shown in Figure 12 A to 12C, at node N ₄After withdrawing from, be different from other nodes N ₁To N ₈With node N ₁₁To N ₁₄Node N ₉And N ₁₀The middle replay delay that takes place.In first embodiment, shown in Figure 12 A to 12C, bag P ₀₀Be blended in the content in advance and only published to other nodes N ₁To N ₈With node N ₁₁To N ₁₄

Therefore, when from node N ₉And N ₁₀The position time, shown in Figure 13 C, when sky is being wrapped P ₀₀Be published to other nodes N ₁To N ₈With other nodes N ₁₁To N ₁₄The time time point on (in Figure 13 C, being illustrated as " empty data "), described in the step S37 in Fig. 5 A through transmitting empty bag P ₀₀Come content distributed.As a result, watching the situation lower node N of the continuous content that is stored among the initial server S ₉And N ₁₀In the continuity of little Bale No. be interrupted.As a result, transmit and empty bag P ₀₀The little Bale No. of corresponding amount (by the mark among Figure 13 C symbol " PK " expression) is with at the sky bag P shown in Figure 13 C ₀₀The issue time point on increase the issue amount, and be relayed to lower level node N similarly.Therefore, transmit the little Bale No. that provides for processing such as decoding and demonstrations and change similarly with the state of increase.

As stated; In handling according to the network control of first embodiment; When the relay function that in network system NS, is arranged in the node N on the upper layer side stops, the speed before the depletion rate Be Controlled that is stored in the content-data among the lower level node N must be slower than and stop.The result; When the issue of content-data is interrupted, can under the situation of itself increasing burden for network system NS, prevent owing to consume generation Interrupt Process or the serious processing delay in lower level node N that content-data causes with the speed that is similar to before stopping.

Therefore, even in the situation that relay function stops among included any one node N in network system NS, can the processing among the lower level node N not applied the relay function that restarts to be stopped under the situation of considerable influence.Therefore, distributing content data reliably improves the reliability of network system NS self simultaneously.

Because content-data is view data and is lower than in the minimizing speed of relay function before stopping through the minimizing speed that makes the image data storage amount in the annular buffer zone 17 and reduces the content-data depletion rate, therefore can reduce depletion rate with simple structure not carrying out under the situation that complicated speed control handles.

In addition,, reduce the minimizing speed of the memory space in the annular buffer zone 17, so that can come to reduce reliably depletion rate through simple process through repeating repeatedly to export the identical rest image that is used to form dynamic image data.

In addition, when detecting the stopping of relay function, depletion rate controlled to before relay function stops to be in 4/5 of peaked depletion rate, so that can under the situation that processing among the node N is not applied considerable influence, reduce depletion rate.The reduction of depletion rate is not limited to 4/5, finally can be can not be by the reading speed decrease of spectators (user of node N) perception.

Since before relay function stops, resetting except be positioned at its relaying function stop node N under node the relay function of all node N after the empty P of bag of issue ₀₀, therefore postpone gradually on the playback time base in other nodes N.As a result, can eliminate the skew of replay position on the playback time base that takes place between this node and the every other node N that causes owing to the time consuming reduction of unit interval in the node N under the node N that has stopped at relay function.

II. the revision of first embodimentTell about the revision of first embodiment referring now to Figure 14 A and 14B.

In aforementioned first embodiment,, used the method that reduces the speed itself of 17 reading of data from annular buffer zone as the method for the depletion rate that reduces to be stored in the data in the annular buffer zone 17.Except this method, can adopt following two kinds of methods to be used as reducing the method for depletion rate.

As first revision, be not speed itself, but the decoding speed of the output unit 5 of the data that read from annular buffer zone 17 can be reduced from annular buffer zone 17 reading of data.More particularly, in the processing of the step S43 in Fig. 5 B, the data decode speed in the output unit 5 is set to be reduced to and under normal condition, is in about 4/5 of peaked speed.For example; When the relay function in upper layer node N does not stop; It is just enough that frame per second in the time of will decoding to the Still image data that is used to form dynamic image data is set at per second 30 frames; And when the memory space in the annular buffer zone 17 reduced, it is just enough that frame per second is set at per second 29 frames.Memory space in the annular buffer zone 17 reduces manyly more, and the frame per second that sets is just low more.

In the processing of step S43, changing under the situation of frame per second,, shown in Figure 14 A, at first from annular buffer zone 17, read as data of image information (step S53) with normal reading speed as the processing among the step S44 that carries out subsequently.Through using the frame per second in step S43, set in output unit 5, the data that read to be decoded (step S54), and unshowned display etc. is gone up the data (step S52) that show through decoding in the drawings.In addition in the situation of acoustic information; Come reading of data (step S53) from annular buffer zone 17 with the reading speed in the situation that is similar to image information; Frame per second to set is decoded to the data that read, and from the data (step S54 and S52) of generations such as not shown loud speaker through decoding.

As stated, according to first revision, the decoding speed that was slower than before relay function stops through the data decode speed that makes in the processing among the node N reduces the data consumes speed in the annular buffer zone 17.Therefore, can reduce depletion rate reliably through simple process.

Next; As second embodiment; At content-data is under the situation of dynamic image data, be not from the reading speed of annular buffer zone 17 itself and the decoding speed the output unit 5, but the display speed in the output unit 5 of the data of process decoding can be reduced.More specifically; In the processing of step S43 in Fig. 5 B, each the demonstration time of a plurality of fragments that is used to form the Still image data of the dynamic image data of in output unit 5, being decoded is added to about 5/4 of the peaked demonstration time that under normal condition, is in.Particularly; When the relay function in the upper-layer functionality in upper layer node N does not stop; It is just enough to be set at 1/30 second with the demonstration time (the demonstration time of every rest image just) of a corresponding Still image data of rest image; And when the memory space in the annular buffer zone 17 reduces, will show time set be 1/29 second just enough.Along with the memory space in the annular buffer zone 17 reduces, it is enough that the demonstration time is become longer.

In the processing of step S43, change under the situation of aforesaid demonstration time,, shown in Figure 14 B, from annular buffer zone 17, read as data of image information (step S53) with normal reading speed as the processing among the step S44 that carries out subsequently.Come in output unit 5 data that read decode (step S55) through using normal frame rate.Afterwards, show data (step S56) on the unshowned display etc. in the drawings with demonstration time of every rest image of in step S43, setting through decoding.

As stated, according to second revision, the demonstration time that the demonstration time of the corresponding rest image of Still image data through making and be used to form dynamic image data was longer than before relay function stops to reduce the depletion rate in the annular buffer zone 17.Therefore, can reduce depletion rate more reliably through simple process.

Can also be on such as information recording carriers such as floppy disk or hard disks the corresponding degree of flow chart of record and Fig. 3 to 6 and Figure 14; Or via waiting the program of obtaining and with its record in the internet; And read and executive program through all-purpose computer, thereby make computer play CPU 1 according to first embodiment.

(III) second embodiment (A) embodimentAt first tell about according to a second embodiment of the present invention with reference to Figure 15 to Figure 22 A and 22B.

Figure 15 is a block diagram, shows the schematic structure according to the network system of second embodiment.Figure 16 is a block diagram, shows the general structure of node included in network system.Figure 17 A and 17B show the detailed structure of node.Figure 18 is a flow chart, shows the routine issue operation in the network system.Figure 19 is a block diagram, shows the schematic structure of network system after the relay function of part of nodes stops.Figure 20 A, 20B and 20C are flow chart, show the operation in the lower level node when the relaying function stop.Figure 21 shows the operation of lower level node when the relaying function stop.Figure 22 A and 22B show according to the operation in the network system of the revision of second embodiment.

Shown in figure 15, form network system NT through using as the tree structure on summit according to second embodiment as the node 0-1 of distribution apparatus.Network system NT comprises that node, node 3-1,3-2,3-3 and 3-4 that node 1-1,1-2 and 1-3 are used as constituting the node of first level, node 2-1 and 2-2 and are used as constituting second level are used as constituting the node of the 3rd level, and node 4-1,4-2 and 4-3 are used as constituting the node of the 4th level.Node interconnects via the circuit L as wire circuit or radio-circuit, comes transmission/reception information each other can use node 0-1 as the summit.As the object lesson of node, be positioned at top node 0-1 for example with corresponding, and all nodes except node 0-1 for example are the personal computer of family expenses as the server in content release source.Node can be the STB or the router of family expenses.

In network system NT shown in Figure 15, from node 0-1 issue and issued through other included the level that is higher than this node nodes via circuit L by the desired content of node users.Obviously, content is that unit issues with digital state with so-called bag.In addition, issued following bag, this encapsulates the playback that is assigned expression buffer storage 104 (with reference to Figure 16) etc. or the continuous Bale No. of storage order.

Tell about the concrete structure of each node below with reference to Figure 16 and Figure 17 A and 17B.Tell about the detailed structure of the node 3-2 among the network system NT shown in figure 15 below.The detailed structure of each of other nodes is identical with the structure of node 3-2.

Shown in figure 16, node 3-2 has CPU 100, as indexing unit, jockey, issue relay, issue control device and switching device shifter; Decoder 102; Table memory 103; Buffer storage 104; Broadband interface 105; Timer 106; Loud speaker 107; And as the CRT (cathode ray tube) 108 of display unit.CPU 100, decoder 102, table memory 103, buffer storage 104, broadband connect 105 and timer 106 interconnect via bus 109.

Next tell about operation.The broadband connects 105 and is directly connected to circuit L.Shown in figure 15, the broadband among the node 3-2 connects 105 and is connected to broadband interface 105 included among the node 2-1 on the last layer level via circuit L, and is connected to broadband interface 105 included among the node 4-1 to 4-3 on next level via circuit L.It can be in node be transmission/reception that unit carries out the required control information of transmission/reception and the content transmission/reception of content with the bag.

In table memory 103, stored the topology table shown in Figure 17 A as nonvolatile storage.In topology table T; Except the layer information of expression level; Also include IP (Internet Protocol) address among node number and the network system N, wherein node number is used for discerning other nodes of being positioned on higher or the lower-level in the position of network system NT according to the node that includes the table memory 103 that stores topology table T.Because corresponding with node 3-2 at the topology table T shown in Figure 17 A, so it comprises layer information, the node number of node 1-1 and the IP address (for example " 100.100.10.10 ") of node 1-1 of the node 1-1 on the two-layer level of high egress 3-2 shown in figure 15 (layer 2).

Similarly, topology table T comprises: the layer information, the node number of node 2-1 and the IP address (for example " 100.100.10.21 ") of node 2-1 that are positioned at the node 2-1 on the level (layer 1) of the last layer of node 3-2; Be positioned at layer information, the node number of node 4-1 and the IP address (for example " 100.100.10.30 ") of node 4-1 of the node 4-1 on the level (layer-1) of following one deck of node 3-2; Be positioned at layer information, the node number of node 4-2 and the IP address (for example " 100.100.10.31 ") of node 4-2 of the node 4-2 on the level (layer-1) of following one deck of node 3-2; And the layer information, the node number of node 4-3 and the IP address (for example " 100.100.10.32 ") of node 4-3 that are positioned at the node 4-3 on the level (layer-1) of following one deck of node 3-2;

With reference to Figure 16, be the ring buffer memory of so-called FIFO (first in first out) form as the buffer storage 104 of volatile memory.104 corresponding data of content of storing and issuing according to distribution order through preset recording capacity of buffer storage; Under the control of CPU 100, come reading of data, and the data that read are exported to decoder 102 via bus 109 according to the order of being stored.

Tell about the operation of the buffer storage 104 in the situation that network system NT is in normal condition below with reference to Figure 17 B.

As stated, buffer storage 104 is constructed with annular.For example, shown in the first half concept nature of Figure 17 B, content-data is imported via broadband interface 105 clockwise, and shown in the latter half concept nature of Figure 17 B, data is outputed to decoder 102 clockwise.In the example shown in Figure 17 B, the data in the hachure part are the content-data of actual storage.Walk abreast with the decoder 102 that data are outputed to shown in the arrow in the latter half of Figure 17 B, store from broadband interface 105 input new datas and according to the direction shown in the arrow the first half of Figure 17 B.Under normal condition, the data input variable in the time per unit buffer storage 104 is identical with the data output variable, and the memory space in the buffer storage 104 keeps constant (more being in particular the half the memory space of buffer storage 104)

On the other hand, when the topology in network system NT changes in this case when as the time of advent of the bag of data fluctuation taking place, can absorb fluctuation through buffer storage 104.Under the situation that decoder 102 is decoded to predetermined amount of data in a lump or under the situation in disconnection topology for a certain reason; Buffer storage 104 plays the effect of storing predetermined data volume always; So that buffer storage 104 does not become empty, and the processing of the playback in the decoder 102 is not interrupted.

Once more with reference to Figure 16, timer 106 is carried out counting, is used for detecting stopping of relay function in any one node of network system NT, is described below.

Decoder 102 is decoded via the content-datas of 109 pairs of buses output from buffering memory 104, and the image in the data is outputed to the CRT 108 of display image, and via the sound in loud speaker 107 dateouts.

Next, new node is connected to network system NT.Come once all to tell about the operation that institute begins and carries out in the normal condition that has comprised new node and issued content through use Figure 18.Figure 18 is a flow chart, shows node 3-1 newly is connected to the node 2-1 among the network system NT so that obtain network system NT shown in figure 15 and with the example of content release to the situation of node 3-1.In the embodiment that is described below, the total memory capacity of supposing buffer storage 104 is corresponding 64 kilobytes of data volume of wrapping with 16.

When node 3-1 comes newly to get into network system NT through arrived node 2-1 by physical connection; At first the CPU among the node 3-1 100 sets the buffer storage 104 (following in each figure, buffer storage 104 self can suitably be called " annular buffer memory ") among the node 3-1.CPU 100 in the node 3 will represent that the speed parameter (being illustrated as " speed Reg " in the drawings) of the playback speed in the decoder 102 is set at identical with playback speed; And will be set to as the IP addresses of nodes in data supply source among the node 2-1 on the last layer and (when node 3-1 is connected to node 2-1, obtain the IP address of node 2-1 through node 3-1).In order to calculate the address that is used in buffer storage 104 storage data, 100 couples of CPU are used for being initialized as " zero " (step S101) from each of the output counter (16) of the byte number enter counter of counting (16) and the data volume of representing to be reset by decoder 102 of the input data of node 2-1 issue.

The address that is used for storing the data that are imported into buffer storage 104 is " header addresses of buffer storage 104 and the value of enter counter ", and the address that is used for data read is got decoder 102 is " value of the header addresses+output counter of buffer storage 104 ".

After accomplishing necessary initialization process, next the beginning message that will be used to ask to begin the content-data transmission of the topology table T in the 100 reference table memories 103 of the CPU among the node 3-1 sends to node 2-1 (step S102).

Next, the CPU 1 that is used for receiving the node 2-1 (step S115) of beginning message confirms whether the message that is received is beginning message (step S116).Because the current message that receives is beginning message (among the step S116 for Y), thus CPU 1 with the Bale No. of current data of resetting by node 2-1 to start with Bale No. return to node 3-1 (step S117).

When node 3-1 when node 2-1 obtains beginning Bale No., node 3-1 is stored in it in zone of the corresponding Bale No. on the buffer storage 104 (step S103) and will be used to ask the data request information of actual content data to send to node 2-1 (step S104).Data request information comprises the information and the issue speed (parameter among the node 2-1 " speed Reg ") of the Bale No. of the data of indicating to be sent to node 3-1.

The node 2-1 that has received data request information (step S115) confirms once more whether the message that is received is beginning message (step S116).Because the current message that receives is data request information (being N among the step S116), so node 2-1 confirms whether the message that is received is the message (step S118) of request topology table T.

Definite operation among the execution in step S118 (and being the processing of sending topology table T under the situation of " Y " from node 2-1 in step S118); Think when the relay function in any one node among the network system NT stops, being connected its relaying function stop node under another node situation of obtaining the topology of network system NT prepare.This operation is insignificant processing (therefore, not carrying out the processing of sending topology table T (step S119) from node 2-1 naturally) in the processing between present node 3-1 and node 2-1.

Because the current message that receives is data request information but not next therefore topology request message (being N among the step S118) confirm whether the message that is received is data request information (step S120) in the confirming of step S118.Because the current message that receives is data request information (being Y among the step S120), (current is 1X) (via circuit L) sends to node 3-1 (step S121) with the data of a bag with playback speed specified in the data request information.When determining in step S120 that this moment, the message that receives from node 3-1 was not any one beginning message, topology table request message and the data request information (being N among the step S120), preset error message is turned back to node 3-1 (step S122).

Parallel with these operations, set node 3-1, with the output of the data request information counting in the timer 106 among the start node 3-1 synchronously, and when counting becomes " 0 ", generation timer interrupt instruction (step S105).Node 3-1 waits for, up in the counting of timer 106, having pass by (step S106) till the scheduled time.When the data from node 2-1 arrive in the given time, (be not N among the step S106), carry out the timer interrupt instruction, and node 2-1 is carried out connection processing once more.

On the other hand, when the data from node 2-1 arrive in the given time, (be Y among the step S106), whether the data of confirming to be arrived are by correct transmission (step S107).If data are sent (being Y among the step S107) by correct, then forbid the execution (step S108) of timer interrupt instruction, and the amount of a bag of the data that received is stored in the buffer storage 104.Relevant with this operation, the value and the Bale No. that are stored in the enter counter in the buffer storage 104 only upgrade a bag, and in addition only through current acceleration (setting in the initialization process in the step S101) parameter that gathers way (step S109).

Whether the amount of confirming to be stored in the buffer storage 104 and not outputed to the data of decoder 102 has become eight bags (the half the memory space of buffer storage 104 just) (step S110).When equivalent wraps less than eight (being Y among the step S110), node 3-1 turns back to step S104, to receive next bag and to repeat above-mentioned processing.On the other hand; When becoming eight bags, the data volume in being stored in buffer storage 104 (is N among the step S110); Speed parameter and acceleration are reset to initial value (step S111); Begin data are outputed to decoder 102 (step S112), and turn back to the processing among the step S104, to continue receiving data subsequently from node 2-1.

Through the processing among the repeating step S104 to S110; Increase with acceleration (0.2 times initial value) at this moment from the speed of node 2-1 issue; Till will being stored in the buffer storage 104 with eight corresponding data volumes of bag; And,, Data Receiving (is Y among the step S107) till becoming mistake at a high speed buffer storage 104 is charged.On the other hand, when in Data Receiving, making a mistake, (be Y among the step S107), issue speed afterwards only reduces (step S113) with 0.5 times of this acceleration, sends to carry out data reliably, and continues issue then.

In the processing of step S112; When the data volume with eight bags is stored in when outputing to decoder 102 in the buffer storage 104 and with data; Decoder 102 obtains from the address (step S125) of the data of buffering memory 104 outputs according to the value of the output counter in this moment buffer storage 104; Only come data are decoded and reset (step S126), and only increase the value (step S127) of the output counter in the buffer storage 104 with a bag with a bag.Only come reprocessing, handle thereby carry out data playback through the amount of eight bags.

As stated, handle through data issuing and the playback among the node 3-1 of XM 2-1, the data playback among the XM 3-1 is handled, and simultaneously the data volume in the buffer storage 104 is kept constant.

Next specifically tell about performed processing in the situation that the content relay function in node 2-1 stops owing to following reason with reference to Figure 19 to 21, said reason is cut off such as mains switch among the network system NT shown in figure 15

In network system NT according to second embodiment; When the relay function among the node 2-1 stops for above-mentioned reasons; Shown in figure 19; The node 3-1 and the 3-2 that are connected to start node 2-1 automatically perform the topology reconstruction operation, are used for will being connected to the node 1-1 on the last layer level that is positioned at node 2-1 via circuit L ', and continue the issue of content.

At first tell about situation lower node 3-1 that relay function in node 2-1 shown in figure 19 stopped and the general operation among the 3-2.

When the relay function among the node 2-1 shown in figure 19 stops; Even in the processing of step S106 shown in figure 18, pass by after the scheduled time; CPU 100 in node 3-1 on next level and each of 3-2 (owing to continue the issue in the normal condition, therefore repeating with reference to the described processing of Figure 18) can not receive data from node 2-1.When in addition in the past can not receive data after the scheduled time time (being N among the step S106), the relay function that the CPU 100 in each of node 3-1 and 3-2 identifies the node 2-1 that is arranged on the last layer level stops and topology is disconnected.

Afterwards, when identifying the topology disconnection,, construct topology again, so that node 3-1 and 3-2 are connected to the node 1-1 on the level that exceeds two levels via the circuit L ' of new formation with reference to the topology table T that is stored in the table memory 103.Delete node 2-1 among the topology table T in the table memory 103 from each of node 3-1 and 3-2, and be " 1 " with the layer information updating of node 1-1 simultaneously.Afterwards, each of node 3-1 and 3-2 sends to node 1-1 (with reference to step S118 among Figure 18 and S119) with topology request message, and from node 1-1, obtains new topology table T.According to resulting topology table T; The node that identifies on the last layer level that is positioned at node 1-1 is node 0-1; And add among the topology table T its layer information to (in each of node 3-1 and 3-2) for the IP address of the node 0-1 of " 2 " and node number simultaneously, thereby the topological reconstruct of completion.

Afterwards, each requesting node 1-1 of node 3-1 and 3-2 sends the bag bag (with reference to the step S104 among Figure 18) afterwards that Bale No. just obtains at that time, and node 1-1 receives request and subsequent data is sent to node 3-1 and 3-2 as new destination.

Tell about during the reconstruct of topology the variation in the buffer storage 104 in each of node 1-1 and node 3-1 and 3-2 with reference to Figure 20 A to 20C below.

As stated, when the relay function of node 2-1 stopped, the node 3-1 and the 3-2 that being positioned on the level of following one deck of node 2-1 can not receive data from node 2-1, so the data volume in the buffer storage 104 in each of node 3-1 and 3-2 reduces.Simultaneously, the decoder among node 3-1 and the 3-2 102 continues from buffering memory 104, to read and is used to the data of resetting and handling.Therefore, shown in Figure 20 A, the data in each buffer storage 104 continue to reduce.

On the other hand, the node 1-1 that is positioned on the last layer of node 2-1 can not be with transfer of data to the node that is positioned on the lower-level, thereby the data volume in the buffer storage 104 among the node 1-1 continues to increase, shown in Figure 20 B.

After topology is carried out reconstruct, newly be connected node 3-1 and 3-2 on the level under the node 1-1 and must be as early as possible their buffer storage 104 be returned to normal condition (just data are stored half the state).If can not continue to continue reading of data from buffering memory 104 from the decoder 102 that upper layer node receives data and node 3-1 and the 3-2, then the playback processing that becomes among empty and node 3-1 and the 3-2 of final buffer memory 104 is interrupted.

As a result, in a second embodiment, attempt to realize that the node 3-1 that recovers as early as possible of the memory space in their buffer storage 104 sends to the new node 1-1 that is connected with the control signal (order) that 3-2 will be used to increase issue speed.For example, the node 1-1 that is used for receiving instruction with the issue speed of the twice of the normal playback processing speed of node 3-1 and 3-2 with the buffer storage 104 of data issuing in node 3-1 and the 3-2, shown in Figure 20 C.Through this operation, the memory space in the buffer storage 104 almost returns to normal condition with the time that requires the reconstruct topology simultaneously.

As the pattern that increases issue speed, more specifically, confirm the maximum of issue speed through the transmission process ability of the CPU 100 in each node relevant with the so-called bandwidth (frequency band) of circuit L and L '.Consider general redundancy, the twice that speed is about above-mentioned normal playback processing speed is suitable.

As another pattern that changes issue speed; For example not to make issue speed double immediately; And can make node 1-1 increase continuously issue speed with set rate; Till having sent following control signal from node 3-1 and 3-2, this control signal is used for notifying the memory space in each the buffer storage 104 of node 3-1 and 3-2 to arrive this fact of scheduled volume.Because the limit that issue speed increases depends on the fan-out capability and the bandwidth that is used for the circuit L ' of connected node 3-1 and 3-2 of node 1-1, therefore grasps from the bag that is positioned at the node on the higher levels whether arrived the node that is positioned on the lower-level through the message that exchange is necessary between node and another controller.Issue speed is increased to admissible maximum speed, and comes transmission package with the speed that increases gradually.Like this, the memory space in each buffer storage 104 can be recovered in the shortest time.Node 3-2 is to send to lower level node 4-1 and 4-2 with the identical speed of speed that receives bag from node 1-1 with bag.

Next, thus use flow process Figure 21 to come once all to tell about operation performed when the relay function according to the node 2-1 among the network system NT of second embodiment stops and will being positioned at node 3-1 and 3-2 on the lower-level and being connected to node 1-1 reconstruct network system NT shown in figure 19 topological once more.Tell about two node 3-1 being connected to node 2-1 and the attended operation again among the node 3-1 among the 3-2 below.In addition, the attended operation again among the XM 3-2 similarly.

Relay function up to node 2-1 stops, and in node 3-1, repeats processing shown in figure 18.When in addition in the processing of step S106 shown in figure 18, pass by after the scheduled time data from node 2-1 when also not arriving; The relay function that node 3-1 confirms to be arranged in the node 2-1 on the higher levels stops, and the connection again of beginning tree structure.

Particularly; Shown in figure 21; Can not receive in the given time under the data conditions from node 2-1, in node 3-1, generate timer interrupt instruction (with reference to the step S105 among Figure 18), obtain the node 1-1 on the level that is positioned at node 2-1 last layer among the topology table T from table memory 103; Just its layer information is seen as the IP address (step S130) of the node 1-1 of " 2 " from node 3-1, and deletes the information among the topology table T relevant with node 2-1.Afterwards, the node 3-1 topology table request message that will be used for obtaining the topology table T of node 1-1 sends to the node 1-1 (step S131) that is represented by the IP address.

During topology reconstruction is handled,, carry out and operation (the step S115 to S122 among Figure 18) identical operations (the step S135 to S142 among Figure 21) performed in node 2-1 as shown in Figure 4 at the node 1-1 that is arranged on the higher levels.The type (step S136, S137 and S140) of the message of confirming to send from node 3-1 and carry out processing (S139, S138, S141 and S142) according to determined type of message.

In the node of having carried out this processing 101; When receiving topology table request message (step S135) from node 3-1 and determine message when being topology table request message (being Y the step S137), the topology table T that node 1-1 will be stored in table memory 103 sends to node 3-1 (step S138).

The node 3-1 that is used to receive topology table T (step S132) upgrades existing topology table T (step S133) through the topology table T that obtains from node 1-1.More specifically, IP address and the node number of node 3-1 recognition node 0-1 and interpolation node 0-1.

Afterwards, for the memory space in the buffer storage 104 among the high speed recovery nodes 3-1, speed parameter is set to " 1 ", and acceleration is set to 0.2, and data request information is sent to node 1-1 (step S134) from node 3-1.Afterwards, node 3-1 turns back to step S1105 shown in figure 18 and repeats as the operation among the step S105 to S112 of normal condition.

Till the amount that receives from node 1-1 with a bag of the corresponding data of data request information, the data in the buffer storage 104 are by continuous decoding and constantly reduce (with reference to Figure 20 A).When data begin when node 1-1 issues (step S140 and S141), distributing data increases issue speed simultaneously gradually, up to being stored in (the step S109 among Figure 18) in the buffer storage 104 with eight corresponding data volumes of bag.Stored with eight corresponding data volumes of bag after, the function (with reference to Figure 17 B) in buffer storage among the node 3-1 104 beginning normal conditions.

As stated, in the processing of control according to the connection mode among the network system NT of second embodiment, when the relay function in any one node stops, another node that retrieval can relay content.When continuing content release, make issue speed be higher than the speed before relay function stops via another node that retrieves.Therefore, can belong to be arranged in its relaying function stop the node of next level of node continue the processing of content.

To be increased to the peaked upper limit speed as issue speed gradually via the speed of the content release of another node of new connection simultaneously owing to continue issue, the node that therefore belongs to lower-level can more promptly obtain essential content.Can also detect at relay function and stop and topology is stored in the data volume of not reset in the buffer of node after by reconstruct, and control the time of issue speed arrival maximum speed according to the data volume of not reset that is detected.

(B) revision of second embodimentTell about the modification of second embodiment below with reference to Figure 22.Figure 22 is a flow chart, shows the operation of this revision.

In above-mentioned second embodiment, when the relay function of node 2-1 stops, retrieving another node (node 1-1) of being positioned on the higher levels and continue the issue of content from this node again.In following revision, retrieve a plurality of new nodes and continue the issue of contents simultaneously from a plurality of nodes.

Can not shown in Figure 22 A, receiving the data conditions from node 2-1 in the given time, carry out step S130 to S133 shown in figure 21, with the topology table T among the new node 3-1 more according to the node 3-1 of this revision.

Receiving in the data of node 2-1 issue; Whether the difference between the required storage (eight bags) under memory space (number of bag) in definite buffer storage 104 at this moment and the normal condition in the buffer storage 104 is greater than two bags (that is to say further whether storage is necessary) (step S145).(it is necessary just working as further storage when difference is wrapped greater than two; Among the step S145 Y); New data request information is sent to node 1-1; Received Bale No. is treated in renewal, and data request information is sent to the node 0-1 (step S146) on the last layer level that is positioned at node 1-1.Confirm each all from the data of the bag of node 1-1 and 0-1, just whether the data of two bags are received (step S147) altogether.When also receiving the data of two bags, (be not N among the step S147), node 3-1 waits for, till the data that received two bags.On the other hand; When the data of two bags have been received (among the step S147 for Y), in buffer storage 104, enter counter only upgrades two bags with the storage of two bags; The Bale No. that renewal will receive (step S148), and node 3-1 turns back to step S145.

On the other hand; (just further storage was unnecessary when difference was not more than two bags when in step S145, determining; Be N among the step S145), confirm that whether urgently whether difference is greater than a bag (that is to say, supplementary data) (step S149).(that is to say that the memory space in the current buffer storage 104 is to be in normal condition) (being N among the step S149) when difference is not more than a bag, node 3-1 turns back to the step S111 among Fig. 4, and continues normal the reception and handle.

On the other hand;, difference (that is to say when wrapping greater than one; Memory space in the current buffer storage 104 is near normal condition and unnecessary urgent supplementary data) (being Y among the step S149), node 3-1 sends to node 1-1 (step S150) with the new data request message and waits for and in the counting of the timer in node 3-1 6, to have pass by (step S151) till the scheduled time.If the data from node 2-1 do not arrive (being N among the step S151) in the given time, then carry out the timer interrupt instruction, and node 1-1 is carried out the data connection processing once more.

On the other hand;, the data from node 1-1 (are Y among the step S151) when arriving in the given time; Then the data volume with a bag that is received is stored in the buffer storage 104; The value of enter counter is upgraded the only amount of a bag (step S152) with the number that is stored in the bag in the buffer storage 104, and node 3-1 turns back to step S145.

When in step S147, determining the data that can not receive from node 0-1, (be Y among the step S147); Can also inquire another node (in the situation of Figure 15, being node 1-2 or 1-3) that is connected to node 0-1; Data request information is sent to another node, and whether inspection can distributing data.

Through above-mentioned processing, shown in Figure 22 B, data are input to the buffer storage 104 the node 3-1 from a plurality of routers, and can recover necessary memory space rapidly.

To be similar to the mode of node 3-1, node 3-2 receives data from a plurality of routers, and returns to necessary memory space.Be positioned at wherein continue function stop the node 3-2 of following one deck of node 2-1 under node 4-1 and 4-2 also receive data from a plurality of routers, and recover necessary memory space rapidly.Be positioned at wherein continue function stop the node 3-2 of following one deck of node 2-1 under node 4-1 and 4-2 can not receive data from a plurality of routers, and node 3-2 can be with the speed that is higher than the speed under the normal condition among second embodiment with data issuing to lower level node 4-1 and 4-2.

In above telling about, be connected to the node that is used for distributing data through the node that will be positioned on the different levels, formed the mulitpath of node.As a result, even, also can guarantee sufficient redundancy reliably possibility such as faults such as relay function stop taking place under situation about changing in the middle of the different levels.

(IV) the 3rd embodimentTell about conduct the 3rd embodiment according to another embodiment of the present invention referring now to Figure 23 to 26.

Figure 23 and 24 is a block diagram, and each all shows the schematic structure according to the network system of the 3rd embodiment, and Figure 25 and 26 is flow chart, shows the operation of network system.

In above-mentioned second embodiment, told about the situation that the relay function in the reception period node of the content of only issuing via a circuit L stops.In following the 3rd embodiment that tells about, be that a node provides two road warps in advance; Main path and subpath, and receive the content of issuing.

Shown in figure 23, being similar to the mode of second embodiment, form network system NT2 for tree structure according to the 3rd embodiment as the node 0-1 of distribution apparatus through its summit.Network system NT2 comprises that node, node 3-1,3-2,3-3 and 3-4 that node 1-1,1-2 and 1-3 are used as constituting the node of first level, node 2-1 and 2-2 and are used as constituting second level are used as constituting the node of the 3rd level, and node 4-1 and 4-2 are used as constituting the node of the 4th level.Node interconnects via the main line LM as wire circuit or radio-circuit, comes transmission/reception information each other can use node 0-1 as the summit.Similar among the object lesson of each node and second embodiment.

In addition, in network system NT2 according to the 3rd embodiment, through use sub-circuit LS will belong to second or each node of following level be connected to the node of the last layer of the upper layer node that main line LM is connected to.Under normal issued state, the playback that only will offer in each node via the content of main line LM issue is handled.Content via sub-circuit LS issue is received by temporary transient, handles and be not used in to reset, and publishes to another node that is positioned on next level afterwards.And, receive from the content of sub-circuit LS issue and will be enough to lower level node from the content release of main line.

Be to provide two table memories 103, two buffer storage 104 and two timers 106 according to the detailed structure of the node of the 3rd embodiment and difference according to the node of second embodiment (referring to Fig. 2), they each all be one and be used for main line LM and another is used for sub-circuit LS.To be similar to the mode of second embodiment, a CPU 100, decoder 102, broadband interface 105, a loud speaker 107 and a CRT 108 are provided.In addition, different with second embodiment in being stored in each table topology table T in memory of a node, increased identifier, be used to represent that topology table is used for the topology table T of main line LM or is used for the topology table T of sub-circuit LS.

For example; When the relay function among the node 2-1 that belongs to the network system NT2 that is in the state shown in figure 23 stops; The node 3-1 and each of 3-2 that are positioned on the level of one deck under the node 2-1 connect into main line LM ' and sub-circuit LS ' with main line LM and sub-circuit LS respectively automatically once more; Shown in figure 24, and continue to receive the content of issuing.In this case, in Figure 23, node 3-1 is connected to node 2-1, and is connected to node 0-1 via sub-circuit LS via main line LM.After relay function in node 2-1 stopped, node 3-1 was connected to node 1-1 with main line LM ', and sub-circuit LS remains unchanged to the connection of node 0-1.On the other hand, in Figure 23, node 3-2 is connected to node 2-1, and is connected to node 1-1 via sub-circuit LS via main line LM.After relay function in node 2-1 stopped, node 3-2 was connected to the node 3-1 that is positioned on the same level with main line LM ', and sub-circuit LS remains unchanged to the connection of node 1-1.Like this, strictly adhere to a rule, so that main line LM is connected to nearest node, and sub-circuit LS is connected to the node on the level of the last layer that is positioned at the node that main line LM is connected to.

For the node 4-1 and the 4-2 that belong to the 4th level; The node that is connected at Figure 23 neutron circuit LS loses relay function; So main line LM remains unchanged and only sub-circuit LS ' is connected to new node (under the situation of Figure 24, the node that sub-circuit LS ' is connected to is node 3-1).

Next tell about in the actual situation about stopping of relay function in node 2-1 topology reconstruction operation performed in node 3-1,3-2,4-1 and 4-2.

When the relay function among the node 2-1 shown in figure 24 stopped, in the gate time of described at first in a second embodiment timer 106, the node 3-1 and the 3-2 of following one deck of node 2-1 began to be connected to the node on the higher levels that is positioned at node 2-1.During the counting of timer 106; In the router that is connected; Node 3-1 will be from the storage of node 0-1 issue buffer storage 4, and node 3-2 will be from the storage of node 1-1 issue buffer storage 4, and with data issuing to lower level node 4-1 and 4-2.After topology is carried out reconstruct, will be buffer storage 4 from the storage of main line LM issue, and will be from the data issuing of sub-circuit LS issue to lower level node.

Node 3-1 or 3-2 (in the situation of Figure 24, being node 3-1) with fair speed are connected to node 1-1.Node 3-1 is connected to node 1-1 with new main line LM ', in addition, keeps via the connection of original sub circuit LS to node 0-1, and receives the content (backup issue) from node 0-1 issue.

On the other hand, the node 3-2 that can not be connected to node 1-1 is connected to the current node 3-1 that belongs to the lower floor of node 1-1 via main line LM ', keeps the original sub circuit LS with node 1-1 simultaneously.In this case, node 3-2 can directly be connected to node 0-1.But, current many nodes are connected to node 0-1, so reality is connected to node 3-1 with main line LM '.

For the node 4-1 and the 4-2 that are positioned on the low-level more, break off original sub circuit LS.As a result, node 4-1 and 4-2 inquiry belongs to the node 3-2 of the last layer of the node that sub-circuit LS ' will newly be connected to.As a result, can be identified in and form new main line LM ' between node 3-2 and the 3-1, the new sub-circuit LS ' that at first is formed into node 3-1 from node 4-1 or the 4-2 of inquiry node 3-2.

Next come once all to tell about when new node being connected to according to the network system NT2 of the 3rd embodiment and including with reference to Figure 25 and begin under the normal condition of new node and performed operation when carrying out the issue of content.Figure 25 is a flow chart, obtains network system NT2 shown in figure 23 thereby show the node 2-1 that node 3-1 newly is connected among the network system NT2, and node 3-1 is carried out the example of situation of the issue of content.

In according to the following at least node in the middle of the node among the network system NT2 of the 3rd embodiment; Always carry out the processing in the flow chart shown in upper right portion, above-mentioned node is the node that another node is connected on lower-level via main line LM or sub-circuit LS.

Particularly, send message (step S170) from the node that is positioned on the lower-level whenever, confirm the type (step S171, S173, S175, S177 or S179) of message successively.

When the message that is received (is Y) for beginning during message among the step S171, the Bale No. of current data of being reset by node Bale No. to start with is sent out (step S117).

, the message that is received (is Y among the step S173) when being topological data table request message; For among the topology table T that node provided, be sent out (step S174) current according to the topology table T of the type (main line or sub-circuit) of the circuit that node was connected to that is used to send it back topological data table request message.

, the message that is received (is Y among the step S175) when being data request information, the data (step S176) of sending a bag with playback speed specified in data request information.

When the message that is received newly uses sub-circuit LS to come the new node of the possibility of distributing data to support solicited message for inquiry (being Y among the step S177), according to just determining whether to use sub-circuit L to issue at the related of another node of distributing data with this moment.If possible, then reply " permission " message.On the other hand, if impossible, then reply " forbidding " message (step S178).

When the message that is received is (step S179 is Y) when being used for representing using new sub-circuit LS to carry out the pressure connection request message of pressure issue of data; With the mode of the situation that is similar to step S177, according to just determining whether to use sub-circuit LS to issue at the related of another node of distributing data with this moment.If possible, then reply " permission " message.On the other hand, if impossible, then stop data issuing.Issue is to following node (step S180), and said node is that the layer information among the topology table T of the type of having sent the circuit that node was connected to of forcing connectivity request message of the basis in the middle of the current topology table that offers node is the node of " 1 ".

When the message that is received is not any one in the above-mentioned message, (be not N among the step S179), predefined error message sent it back the node (step S181) that has sent message.

Carrying out continuously in each node of above-mentioned processing, through 102 pairs of decoders from its layer information with the corresponding topology table T of main line LM in decode and export data for the data of the node of " 1 " through decoding.On the other hand, from its layer information with the corresponding topology table T of sub-circuit LS under not decoded situation, be distributed to another node that is positioned on the lower-level for the data of the node of " 1 ".

Carry out in this state among the NT2 of network operating system; When node 3-1 comes newly to get into network system NT2 to node 2-1 through physical connection; At first the CPU100 among the new node 3-1 sets two buffer storage 104 (being used for main line LM and sub-circuit LS) among the node 3-1; Set the IP addresses of nodes in expression data supply source; And the node 0-1 that will be positioned on the last layer level is set in sub-circuit LS upward (when node 3-1 was connected to node 2-1, node 3-1 obtained two IP addresses of nodes from node 2-1).For calculated data institute's address stored in each buffer storage 104, enter counter 1 (16), enter counter 2 (16) and output counter 1 (16) are initialized as " 0 ".1 pair of enter counter is counted from the byte number of the reception data of node 0-1 issue via main line LM.2 pairs of enter counters are counted from the byte number of the reception data of node 0-1 issue via sub-circuit LS.Output counter shows the data volume of being reset by decoder 102.In addition, this moment with the corresponding buffer storage 104 of main line LM in set the buffer address (in Figure 25 and 26, suitably being expressed as " circular buffer ADR ") (step S160) of expression " circular buffer 1 ".

After accomplishing necessary initialization process, the topology table T in CPU 100 reference table memory 3 among the node 3-1, and send the beginning message that is used for requesting node 2-1 and 0-1, with the transmission (step S161) of beginning content-data.

Next, node 2-1 and the CPU 100 among the 0-1 that has received beginning message with the Bale No. of current data of resetting by node 2-1 and 0-1 to start with Bale No. send to node 3-1 (step S172).

Node 3-1 obtains the beginning Bale No. from node 2-1 and 0-1; With its be stored in the corresponding buffer storage 104 of circuit on corresponding Bale No. zone in (step S162), and will be used to ask the data request information of actual content data to send to node 2-1 and 0-1 (step S 163).Request of data information comprises will be from the Bale No. information of node 3-1 and 2-1 (reset and handle) and the data of node 0-1 (being used for data instant is published to lower-level) transmission.

Node 2-1 and the 0-1 that has received data request information (being " Y " in step S170 and in S175) sends to node 3-1 (step S176) with playback speed specified in data request information (via main line LM and sub-circuit LS) with the data volume of a bag.

Parallel mutually with this operation, set node 3-1 with the dateout request message, begin counting through the timer among the node 3-1 simultaneously, and when counting becomes " 0 ", generate timer interrupt instruction (step S164) independently.Node 3-1 waits for, up in the counting of each timer 106, having pass by (step S165) till the scheduled time.When the data from node 2-1 and 0-1 arrive in the given time, (be not N among the step S165), node 3-1 carries out the timer interrupt instruction, and node 2-1 and 0-1 are carried out connection processing once more.

On the other hand;, the data from node 2-1 and 0-1 (are Y among the step S165) when arriving in the given time; Node 3-1 forbids carrying out timer interrupt instruction (step S166), and will be stored in the buffer storage 104 with a corresponding amount of bag of the data that received.Be accompanied by this processing, enter counter 1 and 2 value and be stored in the amount that Bale No. in the buffer storage 104 only upgrades a bag.

Node 3-1 confirms to be stored in each buffer storage 104 and whether the data volume that do not outputed to decoder 102 becomes four bags (1/4 memory space of buffer storage 104 just) (step S168).When this amount is wrapped less than four (being Y among the step S168), node 3-1 turns back to step S163, with the bag from node 2-1 and 0-1 reception back, and repeats above-mentioned processing.On the other hand; When becoming four bags, the data volume in being stored in each buffer storage 104 (is N among the step S168); Only will output to decoder 102 (step S169) via the data that main line LM obtains; And turn back to the processing among the step S163, to receive data at the back from node 2-1 and 0-1.

In the processing of step S169; When the data volume with four bags be stored in the corresponding buffer storage 104 of main line LM in and when it is outputed to decoder 102; 102 amounts through four bags of decoder operate below the repetition, handle thereby carry out data playback.In these operations; Decoder 102 obtains the buffer address of expression buffer storage 104 this moment according to the value of the output counter in the buffer storage of being represented by buffer address 104 and from the address (step S182) of the data of buffering memory 104 outputs; Only data are decoded and reset (step S183), and the value of the output counter in the buffer storage 104 only increases a bag (step S184) with a bag.

The issue of sub-circuit LS from node 0-1 handled and used in playback through carrying out aforesaid data issuing from node 2-1, the node 3-1, and the data playback among the XM 3-1 is handled, and keeps the data volume in each buffer storage 104 constant simultaneously.

Next come specifically to tell about content relay function in node 2-1 owing to having stopped performed processing with reference to Figure 26 such as reasons such as mains switch is cut off in network system NT2 shown in figure 23.

In network system NT2 according to the 3rd embodiment; When the relay function among the node 2-1 stops for above-mentioned reasons; Shown in figure 24; Node 3-1 and 3-2 and the node 4-1 and the 4-2 that are connected to ancestor node 2-1 automatically perform the topology reconstruction operation, and continue the issue of content through the topology in the pattern shown in figure 24.

When the relay function among the node 2-1 shown in figure 25 stops; Even in the processing of step S165 shown in figure 25, pass by after the scheduled time; Each the CPU 100 (owing to continue the issue of normal condition shown in figure 25, therefore repeating the processing of telling about with reference to Figure 25) that is arranged in node 3-1 and 3-2 on next level can not receive data from node 2-1.When in addition when having pass by can not receive data after the scheduled time (being N among the step S165), the CPU 100 in each of node 3-1 and 3-2 identifies at the relay function that is arranged in the node 2-1 on the last layer level and stops and topology is disconnected.

Afterwards, when identifying topology and break off, carry out interrupt instruction shown in figure 26, and shown in figure 24ly come the reconstruct topology with reference to the topology table T that is stored in the table memory 103.

Particularly, shown in figure 26, when carrying out interrupt instruction, confirmed to pass by the timer 106 of the scheduled time and whether be and the corresponding timer 106 of main line LM (in Figure 26, being represented as " timer 1 ") (step S190).When being (being Y among the step S190) during with the corresponding timer 106 of main line LM; The value of buffer address is become the value that is used to represent with the corresponding buffer storage 104 of sub-circuit LS, being set at the buffer storage 104 (step S191) that data is outputed to decoder 102 with the corresponding buffer storage 104 of sub-circuit LS.Next; In main line LM, will send to the node (in the situation of Figure 24 be node 1-1) (step S192 and S 194) of the value of its layer information, and the topology table T from node obtains and the corresponding topology table T of main line LM (step S195) with the corresponding topology table request message of main line LM for " 2 ".

Through using resulting topology table T, the topology table T (step S196) among renewal and the corresponding node 3-1 of main line LM and the 3-2.

Next, new node supports whether request message can be connected at the node (in situation at Figure 24 be node 0-1) (step S197) of the topology table T middle layer information of being upgraded for " 2 " to the sub-circuit LS of querying node.

The inspection new node supports whether the answer of request message is " permission " (step S198).If be " permission " (being Y among the step S198); Then will before relay function stops, the IP addresses of nodes that being connected to of sub-circuit LS be rewritten as the current IP addresses of nodes that is connected to of main line LM, and the IP address of the node (in the situation of Figure 24, being node 0-1) that newly is connected to of sub-circuit LS as with the corresponding topology table T middle layer information of current (newly) sub-circuit LS be that the IP addresses of nodes of " 2 " is written to (step S199) among the topology table T.

On the other hand;, the answer of in step S198, determining new node support request message (is N among the step S198) when being " forbidding ", with forcing connection request message to send to the node 1-1 (step S200) on next level that is positioned at the initial node 0-1 that is connected to of sub-circuit LS.

When node 1-1 reception forced connection message and sub-circuit LS can be connected among the node 1-1, this was connected among the node 1-1 and is allowed to, and the topology table T in node 3-1 is updated (step S201).When impossible, the issue of data from node 0-1 to node 1-1 stops.Be stopped to its node 1-1 that transmits data and carry out above-mentioned processing, thereby construct topological structure again.

On the other hand, when in step S190, confirming in the timer 106 corresponding to sub-circuit LS, to carry out interrupt instruction (N among the step S190), the relay function that is in the node 2-1 of last layer level is operated main line LM.Therefore, the topology table request message corresponding to main line LM is sent to node 2-1 (step S193 and S194), the topology table T (step S195) among the acquisition node 2-1, and the processing of execution in step S196 and subsequent step.

As stated, in the network system NT2 of the 3rd embodiment, form main line LM and sub-circuit LS, a plurality of nodes are connected to a node.Be used for handling and be published to other nodes that belong to lower-level via the data of main line LM issue in the playback of this node etc.On the other hand, the data via sub-circuit LS issue are used to be published to other nodes that belong to lower-level.Through many circuits are connected to each node, when preparing to stop the relay function in any node, can increase redundancy, and can prevent to belong to playback processing in the node of lower-level etc. and stop.

When the relay function in the node that belongs to higher levels when to the main line LM of a node, stopping, switching to handle to be used for resetting and wait type, so that the classes such as playback processing in this node are not interrupted via the data of sub-circuit LS issue.

In addition, when being switched to be used for the time-likes such as processing of resetting via the data of sub-circuit LS issue, the arbitrary node that belongs to higher levels is retrieved, and forms new sub-circuit LS through being connected to this node that is retrieved.Even when using sub-circuit LS to be used as main line LM, formed new sub-circuit LS, and can guarantee and keep redundancy therefore.

In addition, when the relay function in the node that is belonging to higher levels when to the sub-circuit LS of a node, stopping, the arbitrary node that belongs to higher levels is retrieved, and forms new sub-circuit LS through being connected to this node that is retrieved.Even the relay function in the node on the group circuit LS has formed new sub-circuit LS, and can guarantee and keep redundancy when stopping therefore.

Because the node of retrieval higher levels is so that another node on the level under this node is included among the new main line LM, so can retrieve the supply that releases news via the node that is positioned at same level.

In aforementioned each embodiment, as the method that the relay function that detects in any one node stops, except said method, node can periodically detect the response that whether has the node of higher or lower-level.For example, when the relay function of the node 2-1 in each embodiment self stopped, this stopped to be informed to the node 101 that is positioned at higher levels, perhaps was positioned at the node 3-1 and the 3-2 of lower-level.

Above-mentioned a series of connection mode control and treatment can also be carried out under the control that is positioned at another outside server apparatus of network system NT or NT2.In this case, server apparatus has the connection mode information of the node among network system NT or the NT2.Node 1-1 through on the last level that from node 3-1 and 3-2 inquiry is sent to this server apparatus, be positioned at the node 2-1 that has stopped relay function is identified.

In addition, the decoders 102, CRT 108 etc. that are used for playback of content can also be configured to connect via another network the reproducing device etc. of other position except node.

In addition; Can also the program corresponding to Figure 18,21,22,25 and 26 flow chart be recorded in such as on the information recording carriers such as floppy disk or hard disk; Perhaps carry out record via acquisition programs such as internets and to it; And through common computer program is read and carries out, thereby make computer play effect according to the CPU 100 of these embodiment.

Industrial usability

As stated, the application can be applied to have through use the next content distributed field of network system of tree.Particularly, when the present invention be applied to such as real-time play such as film, music be not easy to issue the field of content distribution of interruption the time, can obtain obvious effects.

Claims (11)

1. connection mode control appliance; Be used for being controlled at network system and be connected to the connection mode between said distributor and a plurality of repeaters that form a plurality of levels as the distributor of the issue source that releases news with tree structure; Wherein said releasing news issued in said network system, and this equipment comprises:

Indexing unit when the relay function in any one said repeater stops, being used to retrieve any one the said repeater except the said repeater that relay function has stopped and can relaying is said releasing news;

Jockey is used for being connected to said another repeater that retrieves with receiving the said said repeater that releases news; And

Issue continues device, is used for through making the said issue speed that releases news via said another repeater continue the said issue that releases news via another repeater of said connection faster than the issue speed before stopping at said relay function.

2. connection mode control appliance as claimed in claim 1; Wherein said issue continues device and proceeds issue; To bring up to simultaneously the maximum of the said issue speed of in the said network that connects said distributor and each repeater, stipulating gradually via the said issue speed that releases news of another repeater of said connection, as the upper limit.

3. according to claim 1 or claim 2 connection mode control appliance; Wherein said issue continues device and proceeds issue through making issue speed faster than the issue speed before stopping at said relay function, up to becoming scheduled volume as the said memory space that releases news that is published in the said repeater of issue destination.

4. connection mode control appliance; Be used for being controlled at network system and be connected to the connection mode between said distributor and a plurality of repeaters that form a plurality of levels as the distributor of the issue source that releases news with tree structure; Wherein said releasing news issued in said network system, and this equipment comprises:

Jockey, some that are used for said a plurality of repeaters are connected to a repeater in the said repeater, thereby form said releasing news are published to the mulitpath of the said repeater in the said repeater; And

The issue control device; Said the releasing news that is used for being distributed to via the main path as one of path a said repeater of said repeater is published to said the releasing news of resetting in another repeater of the level under the said repeater that belongs in the said repeater, the said repeater in said repeater, and will be via being published to another repeater of the level under the said repeater that belongs in the said repeater as the said main path in one of path or as said the releasing news that the subpath of another paths is distributed to the said repeater in the said repeater.

5. connection mode control appliance as claimed in claim 4; Further comprise switching device shifter; When the said relay function of the said repeater of the level on the said repeater in the said repeater on belonging to said main path stops; Be used for switching to the said of a said repeater that is distributed to said repeater via subpath and release news, reset thereby it is offered in the said repeater in the said repeater.

6. connection mode control appliance as claimed in claim 5; Further comprise indexing unit; Offer playback time in this repeater when switching to through said switching device shifter that be distributed to this repeater via said subpath said releases news so that with it; Be used to retrieve the new repeater that said distributor perhaps belongs to the said level on this repeater

Wherein said jockey is connected to this repeater with the said new repeater that said distributor is perhaps retrieved by said indexing unit, thereby forms new path.

7. connection mode control appliance as claimed in claim 4; Further comprise indexing unit; When the said relay function of the said repeater of the said level on the said repeater in the said repeater on belonging to subpath stops; The new repeater of the said level on the said repeater that is used for retrieving said distributor or belonging to said repeater

Wherein said jockey is connected to the said repeater in the said repeater with said distributor or by the said new repeater that said indexing unit retrieves, thereby forms new subpath.

8. like claim 6 or 7 described connection mode control appliances, wherein said indexing unit is retrieved said distributor or said new repeater, so that another repeater on the said level under this repeater is included in the new main path.

9. connection mode control appliance as claimed in claim 4, wherein said jockey is connected to this repeater with each repeater on the different levels, thereby forms mulitpath.

10. connection mode control method; Be used for being controlled at network system and be connected to the connection mode between said distributor and a plurality of repeaters that form a plurality of levels as the distributor of the issue source that releases news with tree structure; Wherein said releasing news issued in said network system, and this method comprises:

Searching step, when the relay function in any one said repeater stops, retrieval except the said repeater that relay function has stopped any one said repeater and can relaying is said release news;

Connection Step will be used to receive the said said repeater that releases news and be connected to said another repeater that retrieves; And

Issue continues step; Continue the said issue Connection Step that releases news of issue as another repeater, be used for through making the said issue speed that releases news continue issue faster than the issue speed before stopping at said relay function via said another repeater via said connection.

11. connection mode control method; Be used for being controlled at network system and be connected to the connection mode between said distributor and a plurality of repeaters that form a plurality of levels as the distributor of the issue source that releases news with tree structure; Wherein said releasing news issued in said network system, and this method comprises:

Connection Step, some that are used for said a plurality of repeaters are connected to a repeater in the said repeater, thereby form said releasing news are published to the mulitpath of the said repeater in the said repeater; And

The issue controlled step; Said the releasing news that is used for being distributed to via the main path as one of path a said repeater of said repeater is published to said the releasing news of resetting in another repeater of the level under the said repeater that belongs in the said repeater, the said repeater in said repeater, and will be via being published to another repeater of the level under the said repeater that belongs in the said repeater as the said main path in one of path or as said the releasing news that the subpath of another paths is distributed to the said repeater in the said repeater.

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