JP2003263174A - Information processor, information processing method, data distribution system, recording medium, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To permit a sound reproducing terminal to exercise file operation implementation right or to perform streaming distribution of sound data to the terminal. <P>SOLUTION: When a request for the file operation implementation right is received in a step S31, whether a terminal outputting the request is a sound reproducing terminal (of the same network e.g.) which may be permitted to exercise the file operation implementation right is judged in a step S32. When the right is permitted, the terminal is informed of the permission of the right in a step S33 and file operation implementation processing is performed by sound reproducing terminal equipment in a step S34. When the right is not permitted, denial of permission of the right is informed of in a step S35. When the right is not permitted or the right is not requested, streaming distribution processing of compressed sound data is carried out in a step S36. This invention can be applied to a server for distributing data and a sound reproducing terminal for reproducing distributed data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and an information processing method, a data distribution system, a recording medium, and a program, and particularly when distributing data to the same network and to other networks. The present invention relates to an information processing device and an information processing method, a data distribution system, a recording medium, and a program that are suitable for use in.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a server for storing compressed audio data and a reproducing apparatus for reproducing compressed audio data are connected via a wide area network such as the Internet, and a user operates the reproducing apparatus to operate a server. There is a technique for receiving compressed audio data from a network via a network. The playback device decodes the received compressed audio data and converts it into linear data, and then D / A (Digital to A
nalog) conversion to reproduce desired music data.

For example, when data is distributed via a wide area network such as the Internet using a protocol that cannot define a transmission path on the network, a portion with the slowest communication speed on the data transmission path, a so-called bottle. Since the transmission speed is determined by the neck, it takes a very long time to send and receive a large amount of data. Therefore, there are many data compression techniques for reducing the propagation error and compressing the data into small pieces. As a compression technique for audio data, for example,
MP3 (MPEG-1 Audio Layer-3), ATRAC (Advanc
ed TRansform Acoustic Coding) or WAV. By transmitting and receiving the compressed audio data, it is possible to exchange data comfortably even when the amount of data transmitted and received per unit time is small.

In addition to delivering compressed audio data via a wide area network such as the Internet, for example, a network is constructed at home to receive compressed audio data with a server recording compressed audio data. By using a terminal capable of reproducing audio data, the user does not record audio data in an internal recording device or uses a small reproducing device in which a recording medium recording audio data is not mounted. It was possible to play and enjoy music anywhere in the network environment.

A streaming distribution method is widely used as a method for distributing compressed audio data from a server to a terminal device capable of reproducing the audio data. Streaming distribution is a method in which compressed audio data transmitted by a server can be decoded and reproduced in real time by a terminal device.

[0006]

Conventionally, in the case of stream distribution of data, when data distribution is performed via a wide area network such as the Internet using a protocol that cannot define a transmission path on the network, Compressed data has been transmitted and received so that data can be communicated without problems even if it passes through a portion (node or communication path) having a low communication speed.

With the recent development of communication technology, it has become possible to send and receive data having a larger capacity than before, whether by wire communication or wireless communication.
In particular, so-called LA, which is built in the home or company
In data communication inside N (Local Area Network),
The amount of data that can be transmitted per unit time has become extremely large. However, when data communication is performed not only within the LAN but also outside the LAN (for example, a wide area network such as the Internet), it is sufficient to prevent an error from occurring when data is transmitted and received through the network. When transmitting and receiving data inside the LAN that can secure the transfer rate,
As in the past, compressed data was transmitted and received.

However, the quality of compressed data is worse than that of uncompressed data. Further, when the terminal device receives the compressed data and performs the decoding process, the power consumption amount increases due to the decoding process. The terminal device is miniaturized so that the user can carry it and use it at any place, but in this way, in the battery-driven terminal device, the power consumption is minimized. Therefore, downsizing the battery and extending the battery life are important issues.

The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and makes it possible to transfer data in accordance with the mutual connection state of devices that transmit and receive data.

[0010]

A first information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a transmitting / receiving means for transmitting / receiving information to / from another information processing apparatus, a recording means for recording data, and another information processing apparatus for recording. Means for determining whether or not to permit the operation execution right for operating the data recorded by the means, and the first determination means for giving the operation execution right for operating the data to another information processing apparatus. When it is determined that the permission is permitted and the transmission / reception unit receives an operation command for data from another information processing apparatus, the first control unit and the first determination unit control execution of processing corresponding to the operation command. ,
It is determined that the operation execution right to operate the data is not permitted to the other information processing device, and the transmitting / receiving unit requests the other information processing device to transmit predetermined data out of the data recorded by the recording unit. If a signal is received,
Second control means for controlling transmission of predetermined data by the transmission / reception means to another information processing apparatus is provided.

When the operation command is a reproduction command of the predetermined data recorded by the recording means, the first control means controls the transmission / reception means to transmit the predetermined data to another information processing apparatus. You can

The predetermined data whose transmission by the transmitting / receiving means is controlled by the first control means may be uncompressed data.

The predetermined data whose transmission by the transmission / reception means is controlled by the second control means can be data compressed in a predetermined format.

It is possible to further include transmitting means for transmitting the result of the determination made by the first determining means to another information processing apparatus.

A second judging means for judging whether or not another information processing apparatus is connected to the same network can be further provided, and the first judging means can make a second judgment. When it is determined by the means that the other information processing device is connected to the same network, the other information processing device is determined to allow the operation execution right to operate the data recorded by the recording means. Can be

The second determination means compares the addresses assigned to each of the information processing device itself and the other information processing device with a predetermined communication protocol to determine whether the other information processing device is connected to the same network. It can be made to judge whether.

When the other information processing apparatus has the same network address as itself, the second determining means causes the other information processing apparatus to determine that the other information processing apparatus is connected to the same network. Can be

When the other information processing device has the same private address as itself, the second determining means causes the other information processing device to determine that the other information processing device is connected to the same network. Can be

When the other information processing apparatus has the same link local address as itself, the second judging means judges that the other information processing apparatus is connected to the same network. You can

When the other information processing device has the same site local address as itself, the second determining means determines that the other information processing device is connected to the same network. You can

When it is detected that the other information processing apparatus is managed by the same router as itself, the second determining means connects the other information processing apparatus to the same network. Can be made to judge.

It is possible to further include a detecting means for detecting a data transfer rate with another information processing apparatus, and the first judging means is based on the detection result of the transfer rate by the detecting means. It is possible to cause another information processing apparatus to determine whether or not to grant the operation execution right for operating the data recorded by the recording means.

The transmission of the predetermined data by the transmitting / receiving means to the other information processing apparatus, which is controlled by the second control means, can be stream distribution.

The transmission of the predetermined data by the transmission / reception means to the other information processing apparatus controlled by the second control means may be a download distribution.

A first information processing method according to the present invention comprises: a transmission / reception control step for controlling transmission / reception of information to / from another information processing apparatus; a recording control step for controlling data recording; A determination step of determining whether or not to permit the operation execution right to operate the data whose recording is controlled by the processing of the recording control step, and an operation execution of operating the data to another information processing apparatus by the processing of the determination step When it is determined that the right is permitted and the reception of the operation command for the data from the other information processing device is controlled by the processing of the transmission / reception control step, the first control step for controlling the execution of the processing corresponding to the operation command Then, it is determined by the processing of the determination step that the operation execution right for operating the data to another information processing apparatus is not permitted, and When reception of a signal requesting transmission of predetermined data out of data whose recording is controlled by the processing of the recording control step is controlled from the information processing apparatus, another information processing apparatus by the processing of the transmission / reception control step A second control step for controlling the transmission of the predetermined data to the.

The program recorded on the first recording medium of the present invention includes a transmission / reception control step for controlling transmission / reception of information to / from another information processing apparatus, a recording control step for controlling data recording, and another The information processing apparatus determines whether or not to permit the operation execution right to operate the data whose recording is controlled by the processing of the recording control step, and the processing of the determination step causes the data to be transferred to another information processing apparatus. When it is determined that the operation execution right to operate is permitted, and the reception of the operation command for data from another information processing device is controlled by the processing of the transmission / reception control step,
By the processing of the first control step for controlling the execution of the processing corresponding to the operation command and the processing of the determination step, it is determined that the operation execution right for operating the data to the other information processing apparatus is not permitted, and by the processing of the transmission / reception control step. If the reception of a signal requesting the transmission of predetermined data out of the data whose recording is controlled by the processing of the recording control step from another information processing apparatus is controlled by the processing of the transmission / reception control step, A second control step of controlling transmission of predetermined data to the information processing apparatus.

The first program of the present invention is a transmission / reception control step for controlling transmission / reception of information to / from another information processing apparatus, a recording control step for controlling data recording, and a recording control for another information processing apparatus. The determination step of determining whether or not to permit the operation execution right to operate the data whose recording is controlled by the processing of the step, and the operation execution right to operate the data to another information processing apparatus are performed by the processing of the determination step. When it is determined that the operation is permitted, and the reception of the operation command for the data from the other information processing device is controlled by the process of the transmission / reception control step, a first control step of controlling the execution of the process corresponding to the operation command, By the processing of the determination step, it is determined that the operation execution right for operating the data to another information processing apparatus is not permitted, and by the processing of the transmission / reception control step, another information processing apparatus When the reception of a signal from the information processing device requesting the transmission of predetermined data out of the data whose recording is controlled by the process of the recording control step is controlled, another information processing device by the process of the transmission / reception control step is performed. A second control step for controlling the transmission of the predetermined data to the.

The second information processing apparatus of the present invention determines whether the transmitting / receiving means for transmitting / receiving information to / from another information processing apparatus and the other information processing apparatus are connected to the same network as itself. And the operation execution right to operate the data recorded in the other information processing device when the other information processing device is determined to be connected to the same network as itself by the determination device. If it is determined that the other information processing apparatus is not connected to the same network as itself by the first generation unit that generates a signal requesting permission of It is characterized in that it is provided with a second generation means for generating a signal requesting transmission of data recorded in the device and a reproduction means for reproducing the data received by the transmission / reception means.

The reproducing means may determine whether the data received by the transmitting / receiving means is compressed data or non-compressed data, and if the data is compressed data, the data may be decompressed and reproduced. it can.

The judging means compares the addresses assigned to each of the information processing device itself and the other information processing device by a predetermined communication protocol to judge whether or not the other information processing device is connected to the same network. Can be allowed to.

When the other information processing device has the same network address as itself, the judging means
It is possible to determine that another information processing device is connected to the same network.

When the other information processing device has the same private address as itself, the judging means
It is possible to determine that another information processing device is connected to the same network.

When the other information processing device has the same link local address as itself, the judging means is caused to judge that the other information processing device is connected to the same network. be able to.

When the other information processing device has the same site local address as itself, the determining means is caused to determine that the other information processing device is connected to the same network. be able to.

The data received by the transmission / reception means may be data streamed from another information processing device.

The data received by the transmitting / receiving means may be data distributed by download from another information processing device.

The second information processing method of the present invention is a transmission / reception control step for controlling transmission / reception of information to / from another information processing apparatus, and whether the other information processing apparatus is connected to the same network as itself. By the determination step of determining whether or not and the processing of the determination step, another information processing device
When it is determined that the user is connected to the same network as himself, a first generation step of generating a signal requesting permission of an operation execution right for operating data recorded in another information processing apparatus If it is determined by the processing of the determination step that the other information processing device is not connected to the same network as itself, a signal requesting transmission of data recorded in the other information processing device is transmitted. It is characterized by including a second generation step of generating and a reproduction step of reproducing data whose reception is controlled by the processing of the transmission / reception control step.

The program recorded on the second recording medium of the present invention includes a transmission / reception control step for controlling transmission / reception of information to / from another information processing apparatus, and another information processing apparatus using the same network as itself. By the judgment step for judging whether or not it is connected to the
When it is determined that another information processing device is connected to the same network as itself, a signal requesting permission to operate the data recorded in the other information processing device is issued. A first generating step for generating,
When it is determined by the processing of the determination step that the other information processing apparatus is not connected to the same network as itself, a signal requesting transmission of data recorded in the other information processing apparatus is generated. A second generation step,
And a reproduction step of reproducing data whose reception is controlled by the processing of the transmission / reception control step.

A second program of the present invention is a transmission / reception control step for controlling transmission / reception of information to / from another information processing apparatus, and whether or not the other information processing apparatus is connected to the same network as itself. A determination step for determining
When it is determined by the processing of the determination step that the other information processing apparatus is connected to the same network as itself, the operation execution right for operating the data recorded in the other information processing apparatus is permitted. When it is determined that the other information processing apparatus is not connected to the same network as itself by the processing of the first generation step of generating a signal requesting It is characterized by including a second generation step of generating a signal requesting transmission of the data recorded in (1) and a reproduction step of reproducing data whose reception is controlled by the processing of the transmission / reception control step.

In the data distribution system of the present invention, the first information processing apparatus transmits / receives information to / from the second information processing apparatus, first transmitting / receiving means, recording means for recording data, and second information processing. A first judgment means for judging whether or not the apparatus is permitted to execute an operation to operate the data recorded by the recording means, and the first judgment means operates the data for the second information processing apparatus. When it is determined that the operation execution right is permitted and the first transmission / reception unit receives an operation command for data from the second information processing device, the first control for controlling execution of the process corresponding to the operation command. The means and the first determining means determine that the operation execution right to operate the data is not granted to the second information processing device,
When the signal for requesting transmission of predetermined data out of the data recorded by the recording means is received from the second information processing device by the transmitting / receiving means of the second information processing apparatus, the second information processing by the first transmitting / receiving means. A second control means for controlling transmission of predetermined data to the device, the second information processing device transmitting and receiving information to and from the first information processing device, and the first information The first information processing device is connected to the same network as itself by the second judging means for judging whether the processing device is connected to the same network as itself and the second judging device. If it is determined that the operation is performed, a first generation unit that generates a signal requesting permission of the operation execution right to operate the data recorded in the first information processing apparatus, and a second determination unit. By the first information processing A second generation unit that generates a signal requesting transmission of data recorded in the first information processing apparatus when it is determined that the apparatus is not connected to the same network as itself; And a reproducing means for reproducing the data received by the transmitting / receiving means.

In the first information processing apparatus, the information processing method, and the program of the present invention, information is transmitted / received to / from another information processing apparatus, and data to be transmitted to the other information processing apparatus is recorded. If it is determined whether or not to permit the information processing apparatus to perform the operation execution right to operate the data, and if an operation instruction for the data is received from another information processing apparatus to which the operation execution right is permitted, the operation instruction corresponds to the operation instruction. When the processing is executed and another information processing apparatus that is not permitted to execute the operation requests the transmission of the predetermined data among the recorded data, the predetermined data is transmitted to the other information processing apparatus. To be done.

In the second information processing apparatus, the information processing method, and the program of the present invention, information is transmitted to and received from another information processing apparatus, and the other information processing apparatus is connected to the same network as itself. If the other information processing device is connected to the same network as itself, it is requested that the other information processing device be granted the operation execution right to operate the data. When it is determined that the information processing apparatus is not connected to the same network as itself, another information processing apparatus is requested to transmit the recorded data, and the received data is reproduced.

In the data distribution system of the present invention, information is transmitted and received between the first information processing device and the second information processing device. Then, the first information processing device records the data to be distributed to the second information processing device, and it is determined whether or not to permit the second information processing device the operation execution right to operate the data. When an operation command for data is received from another information processing device to which the operation execution right is permitted, the process corresponding to the operation command is executed, and the information is recorded from another information processing device to which the operation execution right is not permitted. When it is requested to transmit predetermined data of the stored data, the predetermined data is transmitted to another information processing device. Further, the second information processing device determines whether the first information processing device is connected to the same network as itself, and if the first information processing device is connected to the same network as itself, When the information processing apparatus of 1 is requested to grant the operation execution right to operate the data and is not connected to the same network as itself, the first information processing apparatus is not allowed to transmit the recorded data. The requested and received data is played back.

A network is a mechanism in which at least two devices are connected and information can be transmitted from one device to another device. The devices communicating via the network may be independent devices, or may be internal blocks forming one device.

Further, the transmission and reception of data and information are
It is of course possible to perform transmission and reception via a transmission path in which wireless and wired are mixed, that is, data is transmitted and received wirelessly in a certain section, and data is transmitted in a wired section in other sections. It may be such that transmission and reception are performed. Furthermore, the transmission and reception of data and the like from one device to another device may be performed via a wire, and the transmission and reception of data and the like from another device to a certain device may be performed wirelessly.

[0046]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

Using FIG. 1, voice data is recorded in a server, the voice data is distributed to a voice reproducing terminal which is a terminal device capable of reproducing the voice data, and the voice data is reproduced by the voice reproducing terminal. Describe the system.

The server 11 and the voice reproduction terminal 12 are both connected to the same network 1 via the hub 13. The network 1 is, for example, a so-called LAN (Local Area Network) constructed in a certain area such as a home or a company.

Here, the same network may be considered as being connected by a physical network, that is, the same segment, or a set of a plurality of segments having the same network address.

When the network is constructed by IPv4, whether or not they are the same segment is determined by whether or not they have the same private address. Then, it is possible to construct a network by connecting a plurality of segments having the same network address.

Further, when the network is constructed by IPv6, whether or not they are the same network is determined by a link local address (an effective address in the same segment) or a site local address (in a closed site (that is, a plurality of sites). It may be included in the segment) and valid addresses) are the same.

In addition, for example, when a terminal device capable of wireless communication, such as a mobile phone and a base station, can detect the nearest server and can communicate with the terminal device, it is common. In addition, the same private address or link local address is assigned to the devices existing within the range where the home router controlling the connection of the devices can detect the existence (within a predetermined distance where information can be transmitted and received). For example, when the hub 13 functioning as an access point of the wireless LAN has a function of a home router, the server 11 and the voice reproduction terminal 12 are present within a predetermined range in which the presence of the hub 13 can be detected. Then, since the same private address or link local address is assigned to these devices, it can be said that they are connected to the same network.

In FIG. 1, it is assumed that only one hub 13 is connected to the router 2 and the server 11 and the audio reproducing terminal 12 which are the devices connected to the hub 13 are the devices connected to the network 1. , Network 1
Of course, more devices can be connected in various forms.

The server 11 and the voice reproduction terminal 12 and the hub 13 may be connected by wire or wirelessly. The hub 13 is connected to another network 3 such as the Internet via the router 2. In FIG. 1, only one audio reproduction terminal 12 is shown and described, but a plurality of audio reproduction terminals may be connected to the hub 13.

Further, with the recent development of communication technology, it is possible to send and receive data having a larger capacity than before, regardless of wire communication or wireless communication. In particular, in so-called LAN internal data communication built in a home or a company, the data capacity that can be transmitted per unit time has become extremely large.

LAN is an IEEE (Institute of Elect)
rical and Electronics Engineer), IEEE80
It is standardized in 2 series and divided into 16 groups. For example, 10 Mbps, which has been widely used in the past
Ethernet (registered trademark) is standardized by the IEEE802.3 group, and the wireless LAN is IEEE8.
It is standardized by the 02.11 group.

In wired communication, the standard of Ethernet (registered trademark) is, for example, 10 at a transfer rate of 100 Mbps.
0BASE-T and the like, and in recent years, 1000BASE-T and the like having a transfer rate of 1 Gbit are also widely used.

Conventionally, in IEEE 802.11,
Although the wireless LAN communication speed was standardized at 2 Mbps, a new standard called IEEE 802.11b with a communication speed of 11 Mbps was created, and further, IEEE 802.11a with a maximum communication speed of 54 Mbps was established.

The control unit 21 of the server 11 has a CPU (Cent
ral Processing Unit), ROM (Read only memor)
y) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), and controls the processing of the server 11. Communication unit 2
Under the control of the control unit 21, the data transmission / reception 2 transmits / receives information to / from the audio reproduction terminal 12 connected to the hub 13, and further via the router 2 and the network 3.

The audio data recording unit 24 is composed of a recording medium provided inside the server 11 such as a so-called hard disk, or a CD (Comp.
actDisk) drive, a so-called removable disk such as a CD mounted in the drive, and a drive device capable of reading information from the disk. Further, in FIG. 1, the audio data recording unit 24 is described as being provided inside the server 11, but the server 11 is provided with an interface terminal for exchanging information with an external device, The voice data recording unit 24 may be provided outside the server 11.

The audio data recording section 24 is, for example, MP
3, compressed audio data of a predetermined format such as ATRAC or WAV, or, for example, a linear PC
Uncompressed audio data such as M (Pulse Code Modulation) data is recorded in association with data corresponding to those file names such as song names and content names. The same data may be recorded in the audio data recording unit 24 in different formats such as MP3 and linear PCM.

The linear PCM data is data (voice data after A / D conversion) obtained by sampling voice data which is an analog signal at a constant cycle, quantizing it, and converting it into a binary number. The quality of reproduced voice is determined by the sampling frequency and the number of quantization bits.

Under the control of the control unit 21, the data processing unit 23 decodes (decompresses) or encodes (compresses) the audio data read from the audio data recording unit 24 as necessary, or , And outputs them to the communication unit 22 as they are without performing these processes.

The control unit 31 of the voice reproduction terminal 12 uses the CP
A voice reproduction terminal 1 including U, ROM, and RAM
It controls the processing of 2. The display unit 33 includes, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and displays text or images under the control of the control unit 31. The operation input unit 32 is composed of, for example, a button, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch pad, or the like, receives an operation input of the user, and outputs it to the control unit 31.

The communication unit 34 exchanges information with the server 11 connected to the hub 13 under the control of the control unit 31. The data processing unit 35 receives the audio data transmitted from the server 11 via the communication unit 34, and performs buffering, decoding, A / D conversion, or the like depending on whether the data is compressed or not. Necessary processing is performed and output to the speaker 36 for reproduction.

Further, in the network 3, a voice reproduction terminal 41 having the same structure as the voice reproduction terminal 12 is directly connected.
Alternatively, they are connected via a router or hub (not shown) as needed. That is, the audio reproduction terminal 41
It is a device connected to a network different from the server 11. Here, since the control unit 51 to the speaker 56 of the audio reproduction terminal 41 are the same as the control unit 31 to the speaker 36 of the audio reproduction terminal 12, the description thereof will be omitted.

Here, in FIG. 1, when the network 1 is IPv4 and class C, for example, the network address of the network 1 is 192.168.1.0.
And the local IP address of router 2 is 192.1
68.1.1, global IP address is 231.23
5.10.45, net mask is 255.255.25
5.0 and the IP address of the server 11 is 192.1
68.1.2, the IP address of the audio reproduction terminal 12 is 192.168.1.3, and the IP of the audio reproduction terminal 41 not included in the network 1 (connected via the network 3). The address is 64.45.
It is assumed to be 141.76.

The server 11, the voice reproduction terminal 12, and the voice reproduction terminal 41 can judge whether or not the device as the communication partner is connected to the same network by referring to the respective IP addresses. .

The router 2 is a domain name server (DN
S) function and network address transfer (NAT) function, and exchange of information between a device connected to the network 1 and another device connected to the network 3 (for example, the audio reproduction terminal 41). Is possible. The NAT function is a private IP address that can be used only within the same network (here, network 1) and a global I assigned in a wide area network such as the Internet.
This is a technique for converting P addresses to each other so that a device to which only a local IP address is assigned can be connected to a device other than the connected network (for example, the audio reproduction terminal 41).

The control unit 31 of the voice reproduction terminal 12, and
The control unit 51 of the voice reproduction terminal 41 acquires the IP address of the server 11. The control unit 31 of the voice reproduction terminal 12
Router 2 which is a domain name server of network 1
The IP address of the server 11 can be obtained by inquiring of. Control unit 5 of voice reproduction terminal 41
1 indicates that the server 11
The IP address of

From the acquired IP address of the server 11, the control unit 31 of the audio reproducing terminal 12 can determine that the server 11 exists in the same network. Make a process execution permission request to the system.

When the processing execution permission request to the file system is received, the control unit 21 of the server 11 determines whether the transmission source of the processing execution permission request to the file system is connected to the same network. .

Whether or not the server 11 and the audio reproduction terminal 12 are connected to the same network is determined by the communication protocol (in this case, IP (Internet Protocol)
It is possible to make a judgment by referring to the address defined in (1).

When the network is constructed with IPv4, whether or not the segments are the same segment is determined by whether or not they have the same private address.
Then, it is possible to construct one network with only one segment, or to construct a network by connecting a plurality of segments having the same network address.

When the network is constructed by IPv6, it is determined whether the networks are the same network by link local address (effective address in the same segment) or site local address (in closed site (that is, in plural sites). It may be included in the segment) and valid addresses) are the same.

Here, the same network may be connected by a physical network, that is, the same segment, or may have the same network address in IPv4 and the same site local address in IPv6. It may be a case where it is a set of a plurality of segments (managed by the same router).

If it is determined that the transmission source of the process execution permission request to the file system is connected to the same network, and if a sufficient data transfer rate is compensated for in the same network, the server 11 Control unit 21
Permits the transmission source (here, the audio reproduction terminal 12) of the processing execution permission request to the file system to execute the processing to the file system. On the other hand, even in the same network, if the sufficient data transfer rate is not compensated, the control unit 21 of the server 11 measures the data transfer rate, for example, and transfers the sufficient data. It is possible to allow a file system to perform processing when it has a rate.

The process when the process execution right to the file system is permitted is performed by, for example, an OS (Operating System).
Is UNIX (registered trademark), NFS (Networ
K File System) remote mount.

UNIX (registered trademark) (or UNI
The file system of the OS based on X (registered trademark) is one physical disk into a plurality of parts (slices).
However, the user does not have to be aware of which part of a file is physically stored in a hierarchical structure starting from "/ root" (directory tree). ) Can be understood as.
This hierarchical structure is constructed by overlapping a plurality of file systems with another directory by an operation called "mount" so that a plurality of file systems have a single hierarchical structure.

The object of this "mount" is adapted to the file system distributed on the network.
It is a remote mount. When a file system adapted to NFS is used, a client remotely mounts a file or a hierarchical directory on a remote host so that they are on the client's disk (local). It is possible to access files and perform file operations.

Further, the process when the process execution right to the file system is permitted is, for example, when the OS is Windows (registered trademark), by setting a shared folder, another process connected to the network can be performed. This corresponds to enabling the user to access the files included in the shared folder and operate them remotely.

For example, when a predetermined folder recorded on the disc of the first personal computer connected to the network is used as the shared folder, the user of the second personal computer connected to the network is It is possible to access the shared folder and perform file operations on the files in the shared folder as if the shared folder of the personal computer were on the disk (local) of the second personal computer.

That is, when the process execution right to the file system is permitted, the control unit 31 of the audio reproduction terminal 12
Receives a command for reproducing a predetermined music from the operation input unit 32, opens a file of the corresponding music data recorded in the audio data recording unit 24 on the server 11, and the data processing unit 23 decodes the file, for example. Necessary processing such as processing is executed, and the communication unit 22 is instructed to sequentially transmit via the hub 13. Control unit 21 of server 11
Controls the communication unit 22 and the data processing unit 23 based on the instruction of the audio reproduction terminal 12 to transmit the linear PCM data of the corresponding music piece to the audio reproduction terminal 12 in the background. The control unit 31 of the voice reproduction terminal 12
The linear PCM data received by the communication unit 34 is sequentially D / A converted by the data processing unit 35 and reproduced by the speaker 36.

When it is determined that the transmission source of the process execution right permission request to the file system is not connected to the same network, the control unit 21 of the server 11
Notify the sender of the request to grant the process execution right to the file system that the execution right to the file system is not allowed. In this case, the distribution of the audio data is the streaming distribution of the compressed audio data.

On the other hand, the control unit 51 of the audio reproduction terminal 41 is
From the acquired IP address of the server 11, the server 11
Can determine that they do not exist in the same network, and therefore request the server 11 to perform streaming distribution processing of desired data as in the conventional case.

When the control unit 21 of the server 11 receives a request for streaming distribution processing from the audio reproduction terminal 41,
Search the corresponding data from the voice data recording unit 24,
By controlling the data processing unit 23, when the retrieved data is compressed, the compressed data is encoded into compressed data of a predetermined format when the retrieved data is not compressed, Generate compressed audio data. The control unit 21 then controls the audio reproduction terminal 41, which is the audio reproduction terminal that has requested the streaming distribution.
Then, the compressed voice data is transmitted via the communication unit 22, the hub 13, the router 2, and the network 3.

The control unit 51 of the audio reproducing terminal 41 sequentially decodes the compressed audio data distributed by streaming received by the communication unit 54 in the data processing unit 55, buffers it, performs A / D conversion, It is output to the speaker 56 and reproduced.

Further, the control unit 21 of the server 11 has a data transfer rate of a prescribed value even if the transmission source of the permission request of the processing execution right to the file system is the audio reproducing terminal 12 connected to the same network. If the processing execution permission is not given to the file system as lower, the streaming distribution process of desired data is performed to the audio reproduction terminal 12 as in the conventional case.

Similarly, the control unit 31 of the audio reproducing terminal 12 to which the processing execution permission is not given to the file system is processed by the data processing unit 35 in the same manner as the compressed audio data distributed by streaming received by the communication unit 34. The data is decoded, buffered, A / D converted, and output to the speaker 36 for reproduction.

When the compressed audio data is exchanged between the server 11 and the audio reproduction terminal 12 or between the server 11 and the audio reproduction terminal 41 by streaming distribution,
As a higher-level protocol of IP (Internet Protocol),
UDP (User Datagram Protocol) is used, and RTP (Realtime Transport Pro) is used as its upper protocol.
tocol) and RTCP (RTP Control Protocol) are used.
(Real Time Streaming Protocol) is used.

UDP is a protocol that allows the IP packets in the lower layer to be used almost as it is from an application. It is a reception confirmation response, the retransmission of undelivered data, or the division or re-combination (fragmentation) of large data. Since no processing is performed, the processing is simple and high-speed communication is possible.

RTP is a transmission protocol for streaming reproduction of audio and video, and is a UDP type protocol for which measures against packet loss and transmission time guarantee are not performed, and is usually used in combination with a communication status report by RTCP. To be The RTP divides audio data and video data and transmits / receives them. An RTP header including a sequence number, a time stamp, various identifiers, etc. is added to the payload, which is the main body of the divided data, and is transmitted / received as RTC packets. To be done. RTCP is
The reception status of the data by the RTP, that is, the effective bandwidth, the delay time, and the like are sent to the server, and the server adjusts the quality of the data to be sent by the RTP according to the reported communication status and sends the data. RTSP is a protocol for transmitting control such as content reproduction and stillness.

Next, referring to the flow charts of FIGS. 2 and 3, the voice reproduction terminal 12 or the voice reproduction terminal 4
The process 1 will be described.

In step S1, the voice reproduction terminal 12
Control unit 31 or the control unit 5 of the audio reproduction terminal 41
1 determines whether or not itself is connected to a LAN (Local Area network). As shown in FIG. 1, the audio reproducing terminal 12 is a network 1 that is a LAN.
It is connected to the. In FIG. 1, the voice reproduction terminal 41 may be connected to the LAN or may not be connected.

If it is determined in step S1 that the LAN is not connected, the process proceeds to step S10.

When it is determined in step S1 that the audio reproduction terminal 12 is connected to the LAN, in step S2, the control unit 31 of the audio reproduction terminal 12 or the audio reproduction terminal 4 is connected.
The control unit 51 of No. 1 determines whether the server 11 is connected in the same network.

In step S2, the voice reproduction terminal 41
Since the control unit 51 determines that the server 11 is not connected to the same network, the process proceeds to step S10.
Proceed to.

In step S2, the voice reproduction terminal 12
Since the control unit 31 determines that the server 11 is connected to the same network, in step S3,
The control unit 31 generates a signal for requesting the file operation execution right for the music data file to the server 11, and transmits the signal to the server 11 via the communication unit 34 and the hub 13.

In step S4, the control unit 31 inputs the server 1 via the hub 13 and the communication unit 34.
Based on the response signal from 1, it is determined whether the file operation execution right is permitted. When it is determined in step S4 that the file operation execution right is not permitted by the server 11, the process proceeds to step S10.

When it is determined in step S4 that the file operation execution right is permitted by the server 11, the control unit 31 causes the display unit 33 to display the music title reproducible by the user, that is, the operation of the file, in step S5. Is displayed, and it is determined based on a signal input from the operation input unit 32 whether or not the user has instructed the music to be reproduced. If it is determined in step S5 that the user has not received the instruction of the music to be played, until it is determined that the user has received the instruction of the music to be played,
The process of step S5 is repeated.

When it is determined in step S5 that the user has instructed the music to be reproduced, step S5
At 6, the control unit 31 accesses the audio data recording unit 24 of the server 11 and reads the music data file whose reproduction is instructed by the user. That is, the control unit 31
Causes the server 11 to transmit the corresponding audio data via the hub 13, causes the communication unit 34 to receive the audio data, causes the data processing unit 35 to execute a predetermined process, and outputs the audio data to the speaker 36. Play sequentially.

If the file operated by the control unit 31 and instructed to be reproduced by the user of the audio data recording unit 24 is not the compressed audio data but the linear PCM data, the server 11 keeps the linear PCM data as it is. When the file transmitted and instructed to be reproduced by the user is compressed audio data, the server 11 converts the compressed audio data into linear PCM data, and then transmits the linear PCM data to the audio reproduction terminal 12. Further, when the linear PCM data corresponding to the same song and the compressed audio data of a predetermined format are recorded in the audio data recording unit 24, the server 11
The linear PCM data is selected and transmitted to the audio reproduction terminal 12.

In step S7, the control unit 31 determines, based on the signal input from the operation input unit 32, whether or not the user has received an operation input for ending the reproduction or for temporarily stopping the reproduction.

When it is determined in step S7 that the user has finished the reproduction or has received a temporary stop operation input, in step S8, the control unit 31 stops the reproduction of the accessed data. That is, the control unit 31 generates a signal for requesting the server 11 to stop data transmission, and transmits the signal to the server 11 via the communication unit 34 and the hub 14.

If it is determined in step S7 that the user has not received an operation input for ending the reproduction or for temporarily stopping the operation, or after the processing in step S8 is completed, in step S9, the control section 31 operates the operation. Based on the signal input from the input unit 32, it is determined whether or not the user has given an instruction to end the operation.

When it is determined in step S9 that the user has not instructed the operation end, the process returns to step S5, and the subsequent processes are repeated. If it is determined in step S9 that the user has instructed to end the operation, the process ends.

If it is determined in step S1 that the server 11 is not connected to the LAN, in step S2 it is determined that the server 11 is not connected to the same network, or in step S4, the server 11 sends a file. When it is determined that the operation execution right is not permitted, in step S10, the control unit 31 of the audio reproduction terminal 12 or the control unit 51 of the audio reproduction terminal 41 inputs from the operation input unit 32 or the operation input unit 52. On the basis of the signal, it is determined whether or not the user has instructed the music to be reproduced.

When it is determined in step S10 that the instruction of the music piece to be reproduced is not received, the processing of step S10 is repeated until it is determined that the instruction of the music piece to be reproduced is received.

When it is determined in step S10 that the instruction of the music to be reproduced has been received, the control unit 31 of the audio reproduction terminal 12 or the control unit 51 of the audio reproduction terminal 41 specifies the server 11 in step S11. The control unit 31 of the audio reproduction terminal 12 generates a signal requesting the streaming distribution of the compressed audio data corresponding to the selected music.
Is transmitted to the server 11 via the communication unit 54, the network 3, the router 2, and the hub 13 via the communication unit 34 and the hub 13.

In step S12, the voice reproduction terminal 1
The control unit 31 of No. 2 or the control unit 51 of the audio reproduction terminal 41 receives the compressed audio data stream-distributed from the server 11, sequentially decodes and reproduces.

That is, the communication section 34 of the audio reproduction device 12
Receives compressed audio data from the server 11 via the hub 13 and outputs the compressed audio data to the data processing unit 35. The data processing unit 35 determines that the input data is compressed audio data, decodes (decompresses) this data, and outputs D /
After the A conversion, the music is sequentially output to the speaker 36 (the processed data is sequentially output to the speaker 36 before the conversion processing of all data is completed), and the reproduction of the music is started.

Further, the communication section 54 of the audio reproducing device 41 is
The compressed voice data is received from the server 11 via the hub 13, the router 2, and the network 5, and is output to the data processing unit 55. The data processing unit 55 determines that the input data is compressed audio data, decodes (decompresses) this data, performs D / A conversion, and sequentially outputs the data to the speaker 56 (for all data). Before the conversion process is completed, the processed data is sequentially output to the speaker 56) to start playing the music.

In step S13, the voice reproduction terminal 1
The control unit 31 of No. 2 or the control unit 51 of the audio reproduction terminal 41 operates to stop the reproduction or temporarily stop the reproduction based on the signal input from the operation input unit 32 or the operation input unit 52. It is determined whether or not an input has been received.

When it is determined in step S13 that the reproduction has been terminated or the operation input for the temporary stop has been received, the control unit 31 of the audio reproduction terminal 12 or the control unit 51 of the audio reproduction terminal 41 is determined in step S14. ,
A signal that requests the server 11 to stop data transmission is generated, and the signal is generated via the communication unit 34 and the hub 14 or via the communication unit 54, the network 3, the router 2, and the hub 13.
To the server 11 via.

If it is determined in step S13 that the user has not received an operation input for ending reproduction or a temporary stop, or after the processing in step S14 is completed, in step S15, control of the audio reproduction terminal 12 is performed. Unit 31 or the control unit 51 of the audio reproduction terminal 41
Determines based on a signal input from the operation input unit 32 or the operation input unit 52 whether or not the user has instructed the operation end.

If it is determined in step S15 that the user has not instructed the operation end, the process returns to step S10, and the subsequent processes are repeated.
If it is determined in step S15 that the user has instructed to end the operation, the process ends.

By the processing described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the audio reproduction terminal 12 and the audio reproduction terminal 41 judge the connection status of the network with the server 11 which requests the transmission of the audio data, and based on the result. Whether the file recorded inside the server 11 is virtually recognized as a file that can be operated by itself and operated, or the server 11 is requested to transmit the compressed audio data. It is possible to perform any one of the above processes. Therefore, the audio reproduction terminal 12 and the audio reproduction terminal 41 can receive the audio data stored in the server 11 by an optimum method based on the state of communication with the server 11.

Next, referring to the flow chart of FIG.
The processing of the server 11 that is executed in parallel with the processing of the audio reproduction terminal 12 or the audio reproduction terminal 41 described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 will be described.

In step S31, the control section 21 of the server 11 causes the voice reproduction terminal 12 to operate in step S3 of FIG.
It is determined whether or not a request for file operation execution right regarding the music data file has been received. When it is determined in step S31 that the request for the file operation execution right regarding the music data file is not received,
The process proceeds to step S36.

When it is determined in step S31 that the request for the file operation execution right regarding the music data file is received, the control section 21 determines in step S32.
In step S31, it is determined whether the file operation execution right is requested by an audio reproducing terminal that can permit the file operation execution right.

Here, when it is assumed that the audio reproduction terminal capable of granting the file operation execution right is an audio reproduction terminal existing in the same network, the control unit 21
It is determined whether or not the audio reproduction terminal 12 that has requested the file operation execution right exists in the same network.

Here, the same network may be considered to be connected by a physical network, that is, the same segment as described above, or considered as a set of a plurality of segments having the same network address. Is also good.

That is, when the network is constructed by IPv4, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the voice reproducing terminals requesting the file operation execution right have the same private address, or the same network address. If the network is constructed with IPv6, it is determined whether or not they have the same link local address or site local address.

Therefore, in the case of FIG. 1, the control unit 21 of the server 11 judges that the audio reproduction terminal 12 can be granted the file operation execution right.
Then, when an audio reproduction terminal that is not connected to the same network, such as the audio reproduction terminal 41, requests the file operation execution right, the control unit 21 of the server 11 changes the audio reproduction terminal that is not connected to the same network. , Judge that the file operation execution right cannot be granted.

If it is determined in step S32 that the audio reproduction terminal 12 that has requested the file operation execution right is an audio reproduction terminal capable of permitting the file operation execution right, the control unit 21 determines in step S33. , And generates a signal notifying that the file operation execution right is permitted, and transmits the signal via the communication unit 22 and the hub 13 to the sound reproducing terminal 12 capable of permitting the file operation execution right.

In step S34, a file operation execution process by the audio reproduction terminal device, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 5, is executed, and the process ends.

If it is determined in step S32 that the audio reproduction terminal requesting the file operation execution right is not an audio reproduction terminal capable of permitting the file operation execution right, the control unit 21 determines in step S35. A signal for notifying that the file operation execution right is not permitted is generated, and via the communication unit 22, the hub 13, and the router 2,
For example, it is transmitted to a sound reproducing terminal that is connected to a network other than the network 1 to which it is connected, such as the network 3, and does not permit the file operation execution right.

In step S31, when it is determined that the request for the file operation execution right has not been received from the audio reproducing device, or after the processing in step S35 is completed,
In step S36, a compressed audio data streaming distribution process, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 6, is executed, and the process ends.

Although the audio reproduction terminal capable of granting the file operation execution right has been described as being an audio reproduction terminal existing in the same network, it is possible to grant the file operation execution right. Whether or not it may be determined depending on whether or not the data transfer rate is a certain value or more, for example. In this case, the control unit 21 of the server 11 measures, for example, the data transfer rate with the audio reproduction terminal that has requested the file operation execution right, for example, by transmitting or receiving a predetermined amount of data and measuring the transmission speed. It is also possible to determine whether or not it is possible to grant the file operation execution right by comparing the calculated value with a predetermined threshold value.

Alternatively, the control unit 21 of the server 11 permits the file operation execution right only to the voice reproducing terminal which is connected to the same network and is capable of data transfer at a transfer rate higher than a predetermined transfer rate. May be.

By the processing described with reference to FIG. 4, the server 11 can give the file operation execution right only to the audio reproduction terminal having a good data transmission condition (for example, the audio reproduction terminal 12 in FIG. 1). The user of the audio reproduction terminal 12 who is given the file operation execution right virtually records the audio data file recorded in the audio data recording unit 24 of the server 11 as a data file stored in the audio reproduction terminal 12. As described above, the operation can be performed (file operation execution processing by the audio reproduction terminal of FIG. 5 described later).

On the other hand, the compressed audio data is streamed and distributed to the audio reproducing terminal (for example, the audio reproducing terminal 41 of FIG. 1) to which the file operation execution right is not given (compressed audio data of FIG. This is also applicable to the case where it is necessary to consider the so-called bottleneck data transfer capacity in order to distribute the audio data via the network.

Further, in FIG. 4, when the voice reproduction terminal requests the server 11 for the file operation execution right, it is determined whether or not to give the file operation execution right to the requesting voice reproduction terminal. However, for example, whether or not the server 11 executes the process of measuring the data transfer rate and gives the file operation execution right to each of the audio reproducing devices capable of distributing the audio data at every predetermined time. It may be possible to determine in advance whether to perform streaming distribution of compressed audio data.

Alternatively, the server 11 executes the process of measuring the data transfer rate for each audio reproducing device to which the server 11 can deliver the audio data,
Based on the measurement result of the transfer rate, the sampling frequency of the linear PCM data is down-sampled, the number of quantization steps is reduced, etc. The file operation execution right may be given to the audio reproduction terminal, that is, not the compressed audio data but the uncompressed audio data may be transmitted to the audio reproduction terminal.

Next, referring to the flow chart of FIG.
The file operation execution processing by the audio reproduction terminal executed in step S34 of FIG. 4 will be described.

Here, a case will be described in which the audio reproduction terminal 12 is given the file operation execution right.

In step S51, the control unit 21 of the server 11 determines whether or not an instruction for opening and reading a predetermined file has been received from the audio reproduction terminal 12 via the hub 13 and the communication unit 22.

If it is determined in step S51 that the instruction to open and read the predetermined file has not been received, step S5 is performed until it is determined that the instruction has been received.
The process 1 is repeated.

When it is determined in step S51 that an instruction to open and read a predetermined file has been received, the control unit 21 controls the data processing unit 23 to be recorded in the audio data recording unit 24 in step S52. If the audio data is linear PCM data, the file of the music data corresponding to the music specified by the user is opened as it is. If the audio data is compressed audio data of a predetermined format,
After decoding and converting to linear PCM data, the data is opened, and the data is sequentially transmitted to the audio reproduction terminal 12 via the communication unit 22 and the hub 13.

In step S53, the control section 21
Based on the signal input via the communication unit 22, it is determined whether the voice reproduction terminal 12 has instructed to stop the transmission of the data being transmitted.

If it is determined in step S53 that the transmission stop of the data being transmitted has not been instructed, the control unit 21 determines in step S54 whether the data to be transmitted has ended. In step S54,
If it is determined that the data to be transmitted has not ended, the process returns to step S53, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

If it is determined in step S53 that the transmission stop of the data being transmitted is instructed, step S53
At 55, the control unit 21 stops the transmission of the data being transmitted.

In step S34, when it is judged that the data to be transmitted is completed, or in step S5
After the processing of step 5 is completed, in step S56, the control unit 2
1 determines whether or not an operation end command has been issued from the audio reproduction terminal 12 based on a signal input via the communication unit 22.

If it is determined in step S56 that the operation end command has not been issued, the process proceeds to step S5.
The process returns to 1 and the subsequent processes are repeated. Step S
If it is determined in 56 that the operation end has been instructed, the process ends.

By the processing described with reference to FIG. 5, the user of the audio reproduction terminal 12 virtually saves the audio data file recorded in the audio data recording unit 24 of the server 11 by the audio reproduction terminal 12. It can be operated and played back as if it were a current audio data file.

Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
The compressed audio data streaming distribution process executed in step S36 of FIG. 4 will be described.

Here, a case will be described in which the audio reproduction terminal 41 requests the streaming distribution of the compressed audio data.

In step S71, the control unit 21 of the server 11 determines whether or not the transmission request for the compressed audio data of a predetermined file is received from the audio reproduction terminal 41 based on the signal input via the communication unit 22. To judge. When it is determined in step S71 that the compressed audio data transmission request has not been received, the process of step S71 is repeated until it is determined that the transmission request has been received.

If it is determined in step S71 that a request for transmitting compressed audio data has been received, step S72
In, the control unit 21 controls the data processing unit 23 to read the file of the corresponding music data from the audio data recording unit 24, and when the data file is the compressed audio data of a predetermined format, it is as it is. ,
If the data file is linear PCM data, it is encoded into compressed audio data of a predetermined format, a header corresponding to a protocol for stream distribution is added, and compressed audio data for stream distribution is generated. , The compressed voice data is sequentially transmitted to the voice reproduction terminal 41 via the communication unit 22, the hub 13, the router 2, and the network 3.

Recorded in the voice data recording section 24,
When the corresponding audio data file is compressed audio data of a predetermined format, a header (for example, RTP header) corresponding to the protocol for stream distribution is added to the compressed audio data to be used for stream distribution. Compressed audio data is generated. On the other hand, when the data file is linear PCM data, the data is encoded into compressed audio data of a predetermined format, and a header (for example, RTP header) corresponding to a protocol for stream distribution is added. , Compressed audio data for stream distribution is generated. In stream distribution, as described above, UDP is used as the upper protocol of IP, RTP and RTCP are used as the upper protocol thereof, and RISP is used as the upper protocol thereof.

In step S73, the control section 21
Based on a signal input via the communication unit 22, it is determined whether the voice reproduction terminal 41 has instructed to stop transmission of the data being transmitted.

When it is determined in step S73 that the transmission stop of the data being transmitted has not been instructed, the control unit 21 determines in step S74 whether the data to be transmitted has ended. In step S74,
If it is determined that the data to be transmitted has not ended, the process returns to step S73, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

If it is determined in step S73 that the transmission stop of the data being transmitted has been instructed, step S73
At 75, the control unit 21 stops the transmission of the data being transmitted.

In step S74, when it is judged that the data to be transmitted is completed, or in step S7
After the processing of step 5 is completed, in step S76, the control unit 2
1 determines whether or not an operation end command has been issued from the audio reproduction terminal 41 based on a signal input via the communication unit 22.

If it is determined in step S76 that the operation end has not been instructed, the process proceeds to step S7.
The process returns to 1 and the subsequent processes are repeated. Step S
When it is determined in 76 that the operation end has been instructed, the process ends.

By the processing described with reference to FIG. 6, the compressed voice data is transmitted to the voice reproducing terminal 41 to which the file operation execution right is not given. Therefore, in order to deliver the voice data via the network, so-called It is possible to deal with the case where it is necessary to consider the data transfer capacity of the bottleneck portion.

Further, in FIG. 6, the compressed audio data is stream-delivered, but the compressed audio data may be delivered by a so-called download method instead of stream delivery. When the compressed audio data is distributed by download, the audio reproduction terminal 12 and the audio reproduction terminal 41 do not execute the decoding and reproduction processing of the compressed audio data until transmission / reception of all data is completed.

In the processing described above, the distribution of music data has been described as an example, but the present invention can be applied to the transmission and reception of all data other than music data.

By applying the present invention, for example, it is possible to transmit image data and moving image data,
Furthermore, it is possible to transmit data composed of moving images and voice. For example, when the data transmitted from the server 11 includes moving image data, the receiving device is provided with a function of reproducing and outputting the moving image, or another device capable of reproducing the moving image. The device may be made to supply the received moving image data. This makes it possible to more comfortably execute distribution of moving images and data composed of moving images and voice.

Further, by applying the present invention, the user using the voice reproduction terminal 12 can transfer the data recorded in the server 3 connected to the same network 1 to the voice reproduction terminal. When the user tries to reproduce by using 12, it is possible to operate the uncompressed high quality data as if the audio reproducing terminal 12 is recording.

Further, at this time, since the voice reproducing terminal 12 receives uncompressed data, the voice reproducing terminal 1
No. 2 does not need to perform the decoding process, so that the power consumption amount for the reproduction process can be reduced. This allows
When the voice reproduction terminal 12 is driven by a battery, it is possible to extend the life of the battery and reduce the size of the battery.

On the other hand, when the user of the audio reproduction terminal 41 tries to reproduce the data recorded in the server 3 connected to the network 1 which is a network different from himself, using the audio reproduction terminal 41, Server 11
From which it is possible to receive and reproduce compressed data suitable for transmitting data via the network 3.

Further, according to the present invention, even when the server 11 and the voice reproducing terminal 12 are connected to the same network, the data transfer rate is low even within the same network due to, for example, a wireless LAN. In such a case, by measuring the data transfer rate, whether or not the file operation execution right is given to the audio reproduction terminal 12 as necessary, that is, the linear PC
It is possible to select whether to transmit M data or to stream compressed audio data.

The series of processes described above can be executed by hardware, but can also be executed by software. In this case, for example, the server 11,
The audio reproduction terminal 12 or the audio reproduction terminal 41 is composed of a personal computer 91 as shown in FIG. Further, the processing executed by the audio reproduction terminal 12 or the audio reproduction terminal 41 is, for example, a PDA (Personal Dig
Ital (Data) Assistants), a mobile phone, or a portable voice reproducing device can be used for execution.

In FIG. 7, the CPU 111 uses the ROM 1
Program stored in 12 or storage 118
Various processes are executed according to the programs loaded from the RAM 113 to the RAM 113. The RAM 113 also has a CPU 1
Data and the like necessary for the 11 to execute various processes are also stored as appropriate.

CPU 111, ROM 112, and RA
The M113s are connected to each other via a bus 114. An input / output interface 115 is also connected to the bus 114.

The input / output interface 115 includes an input unit 116 including a keyboard and a mouse, an output unit 117 including a display and a speaker, a storage unit 118 including a hard disk, a communication including a modem and a terminal adapter. The section 119 is connected. The communication unit 119 performs communication processing via a network including the Internet.

The input / output interface 115 also includes
A drive 120 is connected as necessary, a magnetic disk 131, an optical disk 132, a magneto-optical disk 133, a semiconductor memory 134, or the like is appropriately mounted, and a computer program read from them is stored in the storage unit 118 as necessary. Installed.

When a series of processes is executed by software, a program that constitutes the software is installed in a computer in which dedicated hardware is installed, or various programs are installed to perform various functions. Is installed from a network or a recording medium into a general-purpose personal computer or the like capable of executing.

This recording medium, as shown in FIG.
A magnetic disk 131 (including a floppy disk) in which a program is stored, which is distributed in order to supply the program to a user separately from the apparatus body, and an optical disk 13.
2 (CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory),
DVD (including Digital Versatile Disk), magneto-optical disk 133 (including MD (Mini-Disk) (trademark),
Alternatively, in addition to being configured by a package medium including a semiconductor memory 134, a ROM 112 in which a program is stored and a hard disk included in a storage unit 118, which is supplied to a user in a state where the semiconductor memory 134 is installed in advance, is used. Composed.

In the present specification, the steps for describing the program stored in the recording medium are not limited to the processing performed in time series in the order of inclusion, but are not necessarily performed in time series, but may be performed in parallel. Alternatively, it also includes processes that are individually executed.

In this specification, the system means
It represents the entire apparatus composed of a plurality of devices.

[0173]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention,
The data can be transmitted to another information processing device.

Further, according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to judge whether or not the file operation execution right is given to another information processing apparatus. If the file operation execution right is not given, the data can be distributed to other information processing devices.

Whether or not the file operation execution right is given can be determined based on the connection condition with another information processing apparatus.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, data transmitted from another information processing device can be reproduced.

Further, according to the second aspect of the present invention, it is judged whether or not another information processing apparatus is connected to the same network, and if it is connected to the same network,
It is possible to request the operation execution right of a file, and request the transmission of the file when not connected to the same network.

According to the third invention, the data transmitted from the first information processing apparatus can be reproduced by the second information processing apparatus.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the first information processing apparatus can determine whether or not the second information processing apparatus is given the file operation execution right. The information processing apparatus requests the first information processing apparatus for the operation execution right of the file or the transmission of the file based on whether or not the information processing apparatus is connected to the same network.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a server and a voice reproduction terminal to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a process of the audio reproduction terminal of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating processing of the audio reproduction terminal of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating processing of the server in FIG.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a file operation execution process by the audio reproduction terminal executed in step S34 of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a compressed audio data stream distribution process executed in step S36 of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a personal computer.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 network, 2 routers, 11 servers,
12 audio playback terminals, 13 hubs, 21 control units,
22 communication unit, 23 data processing unit 23 audio data recording unit, 31 control unit, 34 communication unit, 35 data processing unit, 51 control unit, 41 audio reproduction terminal,
54 communication unit, 55 data processing unit, 91 personal computer, 111 CPU, 119 communication unit

Claims (31)

[Claims] 1. An information processing apparatus for distributing data to another information processing apparatus, a transmission / reception unit for transmitting / receiving information to / from the other information processing apparatus, a recording unit for recording the data, and the other information processing apparatus. A first determining means for determining whether or not to permit an operation execution right to operate the data recorded by the recording means; It is judged that the operation execution right to operate the data is granted,
When the transmission / reception unit receives an operation command for the data from the other information processing apparatus, the first control unit controls execution of processing corresponding to the operation command, and the first determination unit. It is determined that the operation execution right to operate the data is not permitted to the other information processing apparatus, and the transmission / reception unit causes the other information processing apparatus to determine a predetermined one of the data recorded by the recording unit. And a second control means for controlling the transmission of the predetermined data to the other information processing device by the transmission / reception means when a signal requesting the transmission of the data is received. apparatus. 2. When the operation command is a reproduction command of the predetermined data recorded by the recording means, the first control means is the other information processing of the predetermined data by the transmission / reception means. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein transmission to the apparatus is controlled. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined data whose transmission by the transmission / reception unit is controlled by the first control unit is uncompressed data. 4. The information according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined data whose transmission by the transmission / reception unit is controlled by the second control unit is data compressed in a predetermined format. Processing equipment. 5. The result of the judgment made by the first judgment means,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a transmission unit that transmits to the other information processing apparatus. 6. A second determination means for determining whether or not the other information processing apparatus is connected to the same network, wherein the first determination means is the second determination means. When it is determined that the other information processing apparatus is connected to the same network, it is determined that the other information processing apparatus is given the operation execution right to operate the data recorded by the recording unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 7. The second determination means compares the addresses assigned to itself and the other information processing device by a predetermined communication protocol, and the other information processing device connects to the same network. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein it is determined whether or not the information processing is performed. 8. The second determination means, if the other information processing device has the same network address as itself, the other information processing device is connected to the same network. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the information processing apparatus determines. 9. The second determination means, when the other information processing device has the same private address as itself, the other information processing device is connected to the same network. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the information processing apparatus determines. 10. The second determination means, if the other information processing device has the same link local address as itself, the other information processing device is connected to the same network. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein it is determined that the information processing apparatus is present. 11. The second determining means is configured to connect the other information processing device to the same network when the other information processing device has the same site local address as itself. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein it is determined that the information processing apparatus is present. 12. The second determination means, when it is detected that the other information processing apparatus is managed by the same router as itself, the second information processing apparatus is connected to the same network. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein it is determined that the information processing apparatus is connected. 13. A detection means for detecting a transfer rate of data with the other information processing apparatus is further provided, and the first determination means is based on a detection result of the transfer rate by the detection means. Information processing device,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein whether or not to permit an operation execution right to operate the data recorded by the recording unit is determined. 14. The transmission according to claim 1, wherein the transmission and reception of the predetermined data to the other information processing apparatus controlled by the second control means is stream distribution. Information processing equipment. 15. The transmission according to claim 1, wherein the transmission of the predetermined data to the other information processing apparatus by the transmission / reception unit, which is controlled by the second control unit, is download distribution. Information processing equipment. 16. An information processing method of an information processing apparatus for distributing data to another information processing apparatus, comprising a transmission / reception control step of controlling transmission / reception of information to / from the other information processing apparatus, and controlling recording of the data. A recording control step, a determination step of determining whether or not to permit the other information processing apparatus an operation execution right to operate the data whose recording is controlled by the processing of the recording control step, and the determination step Is determined to allow the other information processing apparatus the operation execution right to operate the data, and the processing of the transmission / reception control step causes the other information processing apparatus to receive an operation command for the data. When controlled, by the first control step of controlling the execution of the process corresponding to the operation command, and the process of the determination step, It is determined that the operation execution right to operate the data is not permitted to the information processing apparatus, and the recording is controlled by the processing of the transmission / reception control step by the processing of the recording control step from the other information processing apparatus. A second control for controlling the transmission of the predetermined data to the other information processing apparatus by the processing of the transmission / reception control step when reception of a signal requesting transmission of predetermined data of the data is controlled An information processing method comprising the steps of: 17. A program for an information processing device that distributes data to another information processing device, comprising a transmission / reception control step of controlling transmission / reception of information to / from the other information processing device, and controlling recording of the data. A recording control step for determining whether or not to permit the other information processing device an operation execution right to operate the data whose recording is controlled by the processing of the recording control step; By the processing of the step, it is determined that the operation execution right to operate the data is permitted to the other information processing apparatus, and by the processing of the transmission / reception control step, an operation command for the data is received from the other information processing apparatus. Is controlled, the first control step for controlling the execution of the processing corresponding to the operation command, and the processing of the determination step, It is determined that the operation execution right to operate the data is not permitted to the information processing apparatus of No. 1, and the recording is controlled by the processing of the recording control step from the other information processing apparatus by the processing of the transmission / reception control step. A second control for controlling the transmission of the predetermined data to the other information processing apparatus by the processing of the transmission / reception control step when reception of a signal requesting transmission of predetermined data of the data is controlled A recording medium having a computer-readable program recorded thereon, comprising: 18. A transmission / reception control step, which is a computer-executable program for controlling an information processing apparatus that distributes data to another information processing apparatus, and which controls transmission / reception of information to / from the other information processing apparatus, A recording control step of controlling recording of the data, and whether or not to permit the other information processing apparatus an operation execution right to operate the data of which recording is controlled by the processing of the recording control step By the determination step and the processing of the determination step, it is determined that the operation execution right for operating the data to the other information processing apparatus is permitted, and by the processing of the transmission / reception control step, A first control step of controlling execution of a process corresponding to the operation command when reception of the operation command for data is controlled; By the processing of the disconnection step, it is determined that the operation execution right for operating the data to the other information processing apparatus is not permitted, and by the processing of the transmission / reception control step, the recording control step of the other information processing apparatus When the reception of the signal requesting the transmission of the predetermined data among the data whose recording is controlled by the process is controlled, the predetermined data of the predetermined data to the other information processing device is processed by the process of the transmission / reception control step. A second control step of controlling transmission, the program. 19. An information processing apparatus for reproducing data distributed from another information processing apparatus, wherein the transmitting / receiving means for transmitting / receiving information to / from the other information processing apparatus and the other information processing apparatus are the same as themselves. Determining means for determining whether the other information processing device is connected to the same network as itself, the determining means for determining whether or not the other information is connected to the other information. The first generating means for generating a signal requesting permission of the operation execution right for operating the data recorded in the processing device, and the determining means make the other information processing device the same as itself. Second generation means for generating a signal requesting transmission of the data recorded in the other information processing device when it is determined that the device is not connected to the other network, The information processing apparatus comprising: a reproduction means for reproducing the data received by the receiving means. 20. The reproducing means determines whether the data received by the transmitting / receiving means is compressed data or non-compressed data, and if the data is compressed data, decompresses and reproduces the data. 20. The method according to claim 19, wherein
The information processing device according to 1. 21. The determination means compares the addresses assigned to itself and the other information processing device by a predetermined communication protocol, and determines whether the other information processing device is connected to the same network. 20. The information processing device according to claim 19, wherein it is determined whether or not it is. 22. When the other information processing device has the same network address as itself, the determining means determines that the other information processing device is connected to the same network. 2. The method according to claim 2, wherein
1. The information processing device according to 1. 23. When the other information processing device has the same private address as itself, the determining means determines that the other information processing device is connected to the same network. 2. The method according to claim 2, wherein
1. The information processing device according to 1. 24. When the other information processing device has the same link local address as itself, the determining means determines that the other information processing device is connected to the same network. The information processing apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the information processing apparatus comprises: 25. The determining means determines that the other information processing device is connected to the same network when the other information processing device has the same site local address as itself. The information processing apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the information processing apparatus comprises: 26. The information processing apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the data received by the transmitting / receiving unit is data streamed from the other information processing apparatus. 27. The information processing apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the data received by the transmitting / receiving unit is data distributed by download from the other information processing apparatus. 28. In an information processing method of an information processing apparatus for reproducing data distributed from another information processing apparatus, a transmission / reception control step of controlling transmission / reception of information to / from the other information processing apparatus, and the other information. A determination step of determining whether or not the processing device is connected to the same network as itself, and the processing of the determination step allows the other information processing device to be connected to the same network as itself. When it is determined that, by the processing of the first generation step, which generates a signal requesting permission of the operation execution right to operate the data recorded in the other information processing device, the processing of the determination step, If it is determined that the other information processing apparatus is not connected to the same network as itself, the other information processing apparatus that is recorded in the other information processing apparatus An information processing method comprising: a second generation step of generating a signal requesting transmission of data; and a reproduction step of reproducing the data of which reception is controlled by the processing of the transmission / reception control step. 29. A program for an information processing device for reproducing data distributed from another information processing device, the transmission / reception control step of controlling transmission / reception of information to / from the other information processing device, A determination step of determining whether or not the information processing device is connected to the same network as itself, and by the processing of the determination step, the other information processing device is connected to the same network as itself. If it is determined that there is a first generation step of generating a signal requesting permission of the operation execution right to operate the data recorded in the other information processing apparatus, the processing of the determination step If it is determined that the other information processing device is not connected to the same network as itself, before being recorded in the other information processing device. A computer-readable program including a second generation step of generating a signal requesting transmission of data, and a reproduction step of reproducing the data whose reception is controlled by the processing of the transmission / reception control step. A recording medium on which is recorded. 30. A computer-executable program for controlling an information processing device for reproducing data distributed from another information processing device, the transmission / reception control controlling transmission / reception of information to / from the other information processing device. And a determination step of determining whether the other information processing apparatus is connected to the same network as itself, and the processing of the determination step makes the other information processing apparatus the same as itself. A first generation step of generating a signal requesting permission of an operation execution right for operating the data recorded in the other information processing device, when it is determined that the signal is connected to the network. If it is determined by the processing of the determination step that the other information processing device is not connected to the same network as itself, the other information processing device A second generation step of generating a signal requesting transmission of the data recorded in the information processing device; and a reproduction step of reproducing the data of which reception is controlled by the processing of the transmission / reception control step. Characteristic program. 31. A data distribution system comprising a first information processing device for distributing data to another information processing device and a second information processing device for reproducing data received from the other information processing device. The first information processing device includes a first transmission / reception unit that transmits and receives information to and from the second information processing device, a recording unit that records the data, a recording unit that stores the data in the second information processing device. A first determining means for determining whether or not to permit an operation execution right to operate the data recorded by the above, and the first determining means operates the data in the second information processing apparatus. When it is determined that the operation execution right is permitted and the first transmission / reception unit receives an operation command for the data from the second information processing device, the process corresponding to the operation command is executed. First to control
The control means and the first determination means determine that the operation execution right to operate the data is not permitted to the second information processing device, and the first transmission / reception means causes the second information processing device to operate. When a signal requesting transmission of predetermined data out of the data recorded by the recording means is received from the device, the predetermined transmission to the second information processing device by the first transmission / reception device is received. A second control means for controlling data transmission, wherein the second information processing apparatus is a second transmission / reception means for transmitting / receiving information to / from the first information processing apparatus; and the first information processing apparatus. Is connected to the same network as itself by the second judging means for judging whether or not it is connected to the same network as itself, and the second judging means. Done When it is determined that the first information processing apparatus is operated, a first generation unit that generates a signal requesting permission of the operation execution right for operating the data recorded in the first information processing apparatus; When the determination means determines that the first information processing device is not connected to the same network as itself, a signal requesting transmission of the data recorded in the first information processing device. Second to generate
And a reproduction means for reproducing the data received by the second transmission / reception means.