JP2003288291A - Content delivery system, content delivery method, and content delivery program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem in a conventional system that when placing the latest content on a Web server, it takes a long time to download the content, or the content placed on the Web server cannot be accessed because a number of users access the same content. <P>SOLUTION: Priority orders are given to a plurality of Web servers for each client A, and when the content to be downloaded by the client A is the first one that is never downloaded to any client, the content is copied and downloaded to a Web server having the first priority order. When the content is a one already downloaded, the download is performed from a Web server having the highest priority order among Web servers used for download, and the next download can be performed from the Web server having the first priority order. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a content distribution system for distributing digital contents such as music, images, game software, manuals, etc. via a network.
And a content distribution method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In order to create and distribute the latest digital content, when this digital content is posted on a Web server, many users can access the same digital content in the same time zone. There is a problem that it takes time to download.

In addition, a plurality of clients use the same Web
Since the digital contents posted on the server are accessed at the same time, there is a problem that the digital contents posted on the web server cannot be accessed due to the access limitation of the web server.

[0004]

As described above,
When the latest digital contents are posted on a Web server, many users may access the same digital contents at the same time, and it takes a long time to download the contents, and a plurality of clients use the same Web contents. Since the digital contents posted on the server are accessed at the same time, there is a problem that the digital contents posted on the Web server cannot be accessed due to the access restriction of the Web server.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and the object of the present invention is always optimized even when many clients download the same content posted on a Web server. (EN) Provided are a content distribution system and a content distribution method that can be downloaded in a state, and can reduce the state where a client cannot access the content posted on the Web server due to user access restriction by the Web server. Especially.

[0006]

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and a content distribution system according to the present invention comprises a plurality of Web servers for distributing digital contents to clients via a communication network. A configured content distribution system, wherein a Web server priority assigning unit for assigning and holding a priority for each client for a plurality of Web servers configuring the content distribution system, and downloading by the client. Content, a means for recording the information of the Web server that downloaded the content in an access database, and the client refers to the access database when downloading the content, and the content is downloaded to any client. Means for copying the content to the first-ranked Web server and downloading the content from the first-ranked Web server when the content has not been downloaded yet And if the content is already downloaded by one of the clients,
If the web server recorded corresponding to the content in the access database has the first priority, the means for downloading the content from the web server having the first priority, and the content Is already downloaded by one of the clients, and if the Web server recorded corresponding to the content in the access database does not have the first priority, the Web with the highest priority is
The content is downloaded from the server, the content is copied to the web server having the first priority, and the web server name having the first priority is recorded in the access database in association with the content. And means for As a result, even when many clients download the same content posted on the Web server,
Since it can always be downloaded in an optimized state, the download time is shortened. Also, due to the user access restriction by the Web server, the W
It is possible to reduce the state in which the contents posted on the eb server cannot be accessed.

Further, the content distribution system of the present invention is characterized in that a response time of access to the Web server is used as a criterion for giving priority to the Web server. As a result, even when a large number of clients download the same content posted on the Web server, it is possible to always download in an optimized state, so that the download time is shortened and user access by the Web server is reduced. Due to the restriction, it is possible to reduce the state in which the client cannot access the content posted on the Web server.

Further, the content distribution method of the present invention is a content distribution method in a content distribution system composed of a plurality of Web servers for distributing digital content to clients via a communication network. Multiple We
For the b server, a Web server priority order assigning procedure for giving and holding a priority order for each client, contents downloaded by the client, and information on the Web server that downloaded the contents are recorded in an access database. Procedure and when the client downloads the content,
Referring to the access database, if the content is the first one that has not been downloaded to any client, the content is copied to the web server having the first priority and the priority is Is a procedure for downloading the content from the 1st Web server, and if the content has already been downloaded by one of the clients, it is recorded corresponding to the content in the access database. Priority is 1 in Web server
If there is a rank, the procedure for downloading the content from the Web server having the first priority, the procedure for downloading the content from any one of the clients, and the content in the access database. If none of the web servers correspondingly recorded has the first priority, the content is downloaded from the web server having the highest priority, and the content is downloaded from the web server having the first priority. And a Web server name having the first priority is recorded in the access database in association with the content. As a result, even when a large number of clients download the same content posted on the Web server, it is possible to always download in an optimized state, so that the download time is shortened and the We
Due to the user access restriction by the b server, it is possible to reduce the state in which the client cannot access the content posted on the Web server.

Further, the content distribution method of the present invention is characterized in that a response time of access to the Web server is used as a criterion for giving priority to the Web server. This allows many clients to
Even when downloading the same content posted on the eb server, the download time can be shortened because it can always be downloaded in an optimized state. Also, due to the user access restriction by the Web server, the client can It is possible to reduce the situation where the contents posted on the server cannot be accessed.

Further, the computer-readable recording medium of the present invention configures the content distribution system in a computer in a content distribution system composed of a plurality of Web servers for distributing digital content to clients via a communication network. Multiple We
For the b server, a Web server priority order assigning procedure for giving and holding a priority order for each client, contents downloaded by the client, and information on the Web server that downloaded the contents are recorded in an access database. Procedure and when the client downloads the content,
Referring to the access database, if the content is the first one that has not been downloaded to any client, the content is copied to the web server having the first priority and the priority is Is a procedure for downloading the content from the 1st Web server, and if the content has already been downloaded by one of the clients, it is recorded corresponding to the content in the access database. Priority is 1 in Web server
If there is a rank, the procedure for downloading the content from the Web server having the first priority, the procedure for downloading the content from any one of the clients, and the content in the access database. If none of the web servers correspondingly recorded has the first priority, the content is downloaded from the web server having the highest priority, and the content is downloaded from the web server having the first priority. Is a computer-readable recording medium in which a program for executing the procedure of copying the name of the Web server having the first priority to the content and recording it in the access database in association with the content is recorded.

Further, the computer program of the present invention causes a computer in a content distribution system composed of a plurality of Web servers that distribute digital contents to clients via a communication network, to a plurality of Webs constituting the content distribution system. In order to record in the access database the Web server priority order assigning procedure for giving priority to each client and holding the server, the content downloaded by the client, and the information of the Web server downloading the content. And when the client downloads content, refer to the access database, and if the content is the first one that has not been downloaded to any client, A procedure for copying the content to the web server having the first priority and downloading the content from the web server having the first priority; and a procedure in which the content has already been downloaded by one of the clients. In some cases,
If the web server recorded corresponding to the content in the access database has the first priority, the procedure for downloading the content from the web server having the first priority, and the content Is already downloaded by one of the clients, and if the Web server recorded corresponding to the content in the access database does not have the first priority, the Web with the highest priority is
The content is downloaded from the server, the content is copied to the web server having the first priority, and the web server name having the first priority is recorded in the access database in association with the content. It is a program for executing the procedure and.

[0012]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[Description of System Configuration Example] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a content distribution system of the present invention.
It shows an example in which the present invention is applied to an intranet. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a group intranet (named Tytnet), and this group intranet (Tytnet) 1 includes a plurality of clients A and four Web server groups (Tytnet_1, Tytnet_).
2, Tytnet_3, Tytnet_4) is a group intranet. Reference numeral 2 indicates a group intranet (name XxxdNet), and this group intranet (XxxdNet) 2 includes a plurality of clients B and four Web server groups (XxxdNet).
Net_1, XxxdNet_2, XxxdNet_
3, XxxdNet_4) is a group intranet. It should be noted that the case where there are four Web servers in each group intranet is shown as an example, but there may actually be any number of Web servers.

The group intranet (Tytn)
et) 1 and group intranet (XxxdNe)
t) 2 are each connected to the basic Web server 10. The basic Web server 10 is the core of the content distribution system of the present invention and is the part that performs control operations. The basic Web server 10 includes an access determination function 11, a content copying function 12, an intranet jump destination URL access function 13, and a priority. A rank maintenance function 14 is included. The operation of each of these functional units will be described in detail later in the section for explaining the operation.

The basic Web server 10 is connected with various databases (also simply referred to as "DB"). The access log 21 is a log in which a user ID and a file name are recorded, as illustrated in FIG. 3, and is a log automatically created when the client accesses the basic Web server 10. The intranet user ID correspondence DB 22 is
It is a database illustrated in FIG. Access DB21
Is a database as illustrated in FIG. 4, and records the file names of the contents that have already been accessed by the client. The file capacity DB 24 is
The database illustrated in FIG. 5 is a database that stores the capacity of contents (files). The intranet jump destination URL correspondence DB 25 is a database illustrated in FIG. 7, and is a database that stores a URL (address of a Web server) for causing a client to download content.

The configuration example in which the content delivery system of the present invention is applied to an intranet system has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to this and is applied to all delivery systems using a plurality of Web servers. It is possible.

[Description of Overall Operation and First Specific Operation Example] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the overall operation and the first specific operation example of the content distribution system of the present invention. The operation of the system shown in FIG. 1 will be described together with a specific operation example. The arrowed line in FIG. 1 is for showing the first specific operation example, in which the client A has the user ID “doi” and the basic W
This is an example of accessing the eb server 10, and the access database (access DB) 23 that manages already accessed files illustrated in FIG.
In this example, the content (file) “Kijyunsyo” to be downloaded by “oi” is not described. As a term used below, the group intranet name is the name of an intranet composed of multiple Web servers, and the intranet name is the name of each We
b refers to the name of the server. For example, the intranet name "Tytnet_3" refers to the Web server of Tytnet_3 (see FIG. 1).

The operation of the system will be described below with reference to FIG. 1. First, the client A accesses the URL of the basic web server 10 (address of the web server), clicks the corresponding content, and tries to download (arrowed line S1). In this operation example. “Doi” accesses as client A.

2. Processing by Access Judgment Function (1) Access Judgment Function 11 of Basic Web Server 10
Uses the user ID accessed by the client A as a key, refers to the access log 21, and acquires the corresponding file name (arrowed line S2). In this operation example, referring to the access log 21 illustrated in FIG. 3, the user ID “do
The file name “kijiyunsyo” is acquired for “i”. The access log 21 is a log automatically created when the client accesses the basic Web server 10.

(2) The access determination function 11 of the basic Web server 10 uses the user I accessed by the client A.
By using the D key as a key, the intranet user ID correspondence DB 22 illustrated in FIG. 6 is referred to, and the corresponding group intranet name is acquired (arrowed line S3). In this operation example, the intranet user ID correspondence DB 22 illustrated in FIG. 6 is referred to, and the group intranet name “Tytnet” is acquired for the user ID “doi”.

(3) The access determination function 11 of the basic Web server 10 uses the "file name" acquired in (1),
"Group Intranet Name" A obtained in (2)
Search the access DB 23 under the ND condition (arrowed line S
4). The access DB 23 is a DB that manages files already accessed by the user (client).
(The access may be other than "doi"). An example is shown in FIG. In this operation example, the file name "K
ijyunsyo ”and the group intranet name“ Ty
The access DB 23 is searched by "tnet". In this operation example, the corresponding intranet name (Web server) does not exist. (A) When the corresponding intranet name does not exist in the access DB 23 In this case, the content copy function 12 is executed (the operation will be described later). This operation example corresponds to this case. (B) When the intranet name exists in the access DB 23, the intranet name is acquired. Next, the intranet jump destination URL access function 13 is executed based on the "group intranet name" and the "intranet name" (the operation will be described later).

3. Processing by Content Copy Function (1) Content Copy Function 12 of Basic Web Server 10
Refers to the intranet user ID correspondence DB 22 illustrated in FIG. 6 by using the user ID when the client A accesses as a key, and acquires the intranet name of priority 1 (arrowed line S5). In this operation example, the user ID
“Tytnet — 3” is acquired for “doi”.

(2) The content copying function 12 of the basic Web server 10 uses the intranet name acquired in (1) as a key, and the intranet jump destination URL illustrated in FIG.
Referring to the correspondence DB 25 (arrowed line S6), 1. The contents of the file name acquired in item (1) are copied (arrowed line S7). In this operation example, the user name "do
For "i", the file name "Kijynsho" is
In the storage location corresponding to the intranet name "Tytnet_3", "directory: / uuiil / lll9 / kki"
8 ”.

(3) The content copying function 12 of the basic Web server 10 is 2. Using the file name acquired in item (1) as a key, the file capacity DB 24 illustrated in FIG. 5 is referenced to acquire the file capacity (arrowed line S8). In this operation example, the file capacity of the file name “Kijyunsyo” is “Kijyunsyo: 17.899KB”.

(4) The content copying function 12 of the basic Web server 10 reads the file size of the copied content copied in (1) (arrowed line S9) and acquires it in (3) (previous section). Compare with file size. If the file capacities are the same, the process proceeds to item (5) (next item), and if they are different, the process returns to item (1).

(5) The content copying function 12 of the basic Web server 10 uses the intranet name (intranet name of priority 1) acquired in item (1) as a key to create the intranet jump destination URL correspondence DB 25 illustrated in FIG. The relevant intranet jump destination URL is referred to, and the client A is made to access this URL. From there, 2. Let the client A download the contents with the file name obtained in (1) (arrowed line S
10). In this operation example, the file name "Kijynsh"
The content of "o" is changed to the intranet name "Tytnet".
The destination URL of "_3""http://ddd.rr"
r. iii ”.

(6) The content copy function 12 of the basic Web server 10 is stored in the access DB 23 illustrated in FIG.
"File name (file name acquired in 2. (1))", "Group intranet name (Group intranet name acquired in 2. (2))", and "Intranet name (in 3. (1)" The acquired intranet name of priority 1) "is described (arrowed line S11). In this operation example, a file name “Kijyunsyo”, a group intranet name “Tynetnet”, and an intranet name “Tynet_3” are described.

4. Processing by Intranet Destination URL Access Function (1) Intranet Destination URL Access Function 13
Is the intranet user ID correspondence D illustrated in FIG. 6 using the user ID accessed by the client A as a key.
With reference to B22, the intranet names of the priority levels 1 to 4 are acquired.

(2) The intranet destination URL access function 13 The intranet name acquired from the access DB 23 in item (3) is compared with the intranet name of priority 1 acquired in item (1) (previous item). (A) When the intranet name acquired from the access DB 23 (the intranet name selected in section 2. (3)) has an intranet name of priority 1, the intranet name acquired from the access DB 23 is used as a key, and illustrated in FIG. Intranet destination URL compatible D
Refer to B25 and refer to the corresponding intranet jump destination URL
Is acquired, and the client is made to access this intranet jump destination URL to download the content of the corresponding file name.

(B) If the intranet name obtained from the access DB 23 does not include the intranet name having the priority 1, the intranet name having the highest priority is selected from the intranet names obtained from the access DB 23. If there is only one intranet name acquired from the access DB 23, that intranet name is selected. Using the intranet name selected in the above section as a key, the intranet jump destination URL correspondence DB 25 is referenced, the corresponding intranet jump destination URL is acquired, and this URL
To access the client A and download the content of the corresponding file name from there. The above 4. Using the intranet name of priority 1 obtained in (1) as a key, the intranet jump destination URL corresponding D
Refer to B25, and in the corresponding storage destination, 3. Copy the contents of the file name obtained in (1). In the access DB 23, the applicable file name, group intranet name, and intranet name acquired in Section 4.1 are described.

5. Processing by Priority Maintenance Function (1) The priority maintenance function 14 uses the user ID accessed by the client A as a key, and stores the "remote login IP" in the intranet user ID correspondence DB 22.
Get "address", "remote login user ID", "remote login password" (arrowed line S1
2). In this operation example, for the user ID “doi”,
The "remote login IP address", "remote login user ID", and "remote login password" are acquired.

(2) The priority order maintenance function 14
Priority 1 in the intranet user ID correspondence DB 22 using the user ID accessed by the client A as a key
The "intranet IP address" of priority 4 is acquired from (arrowed line S12). In this operation example, the user ID
“Intranet IP addresses” of priority 1 to priority 4 for “doi” are acquired.

(3) The priority order maintenance function 14
"Remote login IP address", "remote login user ID", "remote login password" are used for remote login, and the priority is 1 to 4 for the "Intranet IP address" acquired in (1).
The ping command is executed for the P address, and the response time of each is acquired (arrowed line S13).

(4) The priority order maintenance function 14
Based on the execution result of the ping command, “intranet name priority 1 to priority 4” and “intranet IP” are stored in the intranet user ID correspondence DB 22.
Address priority 1 to priority 4 "are rearranged in the order of shorter response time to longer response time (arrowed line S14).

[Description of Second Concrete Operation Example] FIG.
It is a figure for demonstrating the 2nd concrete operation example, and the arrowed line in FIG. 8 is user ID "doi", We.
This is an example of accessing the b server, and further, an access database (access DB) 23a for managing already accessed files is as shown in FIG. 11A, and the file "user""doi" is about to download This is an example of the case where "Kijyunsyo" is described (someone has already accessed).

The basic Web server 10 will be described below with reference to FIG.
The second specific operation of will be described. 1. First, the client A accesses the URL of the basic Web server 10, clicks the corresponding content, and tries to download it (arrowed line S21). In this operation example, “doi” accesses as the client A.

2. Processing by Access Judgment Function (1) Access Judgment Function 11 of Basic Web Server 10
Uses the user ID accessed by the client A as a key and refers to the access log 21a illustrated in FIG. 10 to acquire the corresponding file name (arrowed line S22).
In this operation example, the file name “kijiyunsyo” is acquired for the user ID “doi” by referring to the access log 21a illustrated in FIG. The access log 21a is a log automatically created when the client accesses the basic Web server 10.

(2) The access determination function 11 of the basic Web server 10 uses the user I accessed by the client A.
Using the D key as a key, the intranet user ID correspondence DB 22a illustrated in FIG. 13 is referred to, and the corresponding group intranet name is acquired (arrowed line S23). In this operation example, the intranet user ID correspondence D illustrated in FIG.
With reference to B22a, the group intranet name "Tytnet" is acquired for the user ID "doi".

(3) The access determination condition of the basic Web server 10 is the "file name" acquired in (1),
"Group Intranet Name" A obtained in (2)
The access DB 23a is searched under the ND condition (arrowed line S4
4). The access DB 23a is a DB that manages files that the user has already accessed. In this operation example, the access DB 23a illustrated in FIG. 11A is referred to and a search is performed using the file name “Kijyunsyo” and the group intranet name “Tytnet”. (A) When the corresponding intranet name does not exist in the access DB 23a In this case, the content copy function 12 is executed (the operation will be described later). It exists in this operation example. (B) If the intranet name exists in the access DB 23a, the intranet name is acquired. In this operation example, FIG.
With the access DB 23a illustrated in (a), “Tyt
"net_3" is acquired. Next, the intranet jump destination URL access function 13 is executed based on the "group intranet name" and the "intranet name" (the operation will be described later). In this operation example, the intranet jump destination URL access function 13 is executed with the group intranet name “Tytnet” and the intranet name “Tytnet_3”.

3. Processing by Intranet Destination URL Access Function (1) Intranet Destination URL Access Function 13
Uses the user ID accessed by the client A as a key, refers to the intranet user ID correspondence DB 22a, and acquires the intranet names of priority 1 to priority 4 (arrowed line S45). In this operation example, the user ID
For “doi”, “Tytnet — 3”, “Tyt
"net_2", "Tytnet_1", "Tytnet"
_4 "is acquired.

(2) The intranet jump destination URL access function 13 The intranet name acquired from the access DB 23a in item (3) is compared with the intranet name of priority 1 acquired in item (1) (previous item). In this operation example, the intranet name acquired from the access DB 23a is "Tynetnet_3". (A) When the intranet name acquired from the access DB 23a (the intranet name selected in 2. (3)) has an intranet name of priority 1, the intranet name obtained from the access DB 23a is used as a key to jump to the intranet destination URL. The corresponding DB 25a is referred to (arrowed line S26), the corresponding intranet jump destination URL is acquired, the client A is made to access this intranet jump destination URL, and the content of the corresponding file name is downloaded (arrowed line S27). . In this operation example, the intranet jump destination URL (http: ///
ddd. rrr. Download from iii).

3. Processing by Priority Maintenance Function (1) The priority maintenance function 14 uses the user ID accessed by the client A as a key, and stores "remote login IP address" and "remote login" in the intranet user ID correspondence DB 22a illustrated in FIG. The user ID "and the" remote login password "are acquired (arrowed line S28). In this operation example, the user ID “do
"Remote login IP address" for "i",
“Remote login user ID” and “remote login password” are acquired.

(2) The priority order maintenance function 14
Using the user ID accessed by the client A as a key, the intranet user ID correspondence DB 22 illustrated in FIG.
The "intranet IP address" of priority 1 to priority 4 in a is acquired (arrowed line S28). In this operation example, the "intranet IP address" of the priority order 1 to 4 for the user ID "doi" is acquired.

(3) The priority order maintenance function 14
"Remote login IP address", "remote login user ID", "remote login password" are used for remote login, and the priority is 1 to 4 for the "Intranet IP address" acquired in (1).
The ping command is executed for the P address, and the response time of each is acquired (arrowed line S29).

(4) The priority order maintenance function 14
Based on the execution result of the ping command, for the intranet user ID correspondence DB 22a illustrated in FIG.
"Intranet name priority 1 to priority 4" and "Intranet IP address priority 1 to priority 4" are rearranged from the shortest response time to the longest (arrowed line S30).

[Description of Third Concrete Operation Example] FIG.
It is a figure for demonstrating the 3rd concrete operation example, and the arrowed line in FIG. 9 is user ID "doi", We.
This is an example of accessing the b server, and an access database (access DB) 23b that manages already accessed files is as shown in FIG. 11B, and the content (file) downloaded by the user "doi". This is an example of the case where "Kijyunsyo" is described (already accessed by someone).

The third specific operation example will be described below with reference to FIG. 1. First, the client A accesses the URL of the basic Web server 10, clicks the corresponding content, and tries to download it (arrowed line S41). In this operation example, “doi” has access.

2. Processing by Access Judgment Function (1) Access Judgment Function 11 of Basic Web Server 10
Uses the user ID accessed by the client A as a key and refers to the access log 21a illustrated in FIG. 10 to acquire the corresponding file name (arrowed line S42).
In this operation example, the file name “kijiyunsyo” is acquired for the user ID “doi” by referring to the access log 21a illustrated in FIG. The access log 21a is a log automatically created when the client A accesses the basic Web server 10.

(2) The access determination function 11 of the basic Web server 10 uses the user I accessed by the client A.
Using the D key as a key, the intranet user ID correspondence DB 22a illustrated in FIG. 13 is referred to, and the corresponding group intranet name is acquired (arrowed line S43). In this operation example, the intranet user ID correspondence D illustrated in FIG.
With reference to B22a, the group intranet name "Tytnet" is acquired for the user ID "doi".

(3) The access determination function 11 of the basic Web server 10 uses the "file name" acquired in (1),
"Group Intranet Name" A obtained in (2)
The access DB 23b is searched under the ND condition (arrowed line S4
4). The access DB 23b is a DB that manages files that the user has already accessed. FIG. 11 (b)
An example is shown in. In this operation example, the file name “Kijyun” is referred to by referring to the access DB 23b illustrated in FIG.
"syo" and the group intranet name "Tytnet"
Search with. (A) When the corresponding intranet name does not exist in the access DB 23b In this case, the content copy function 12 is executed. It exists in this operation example. (B) If the intranet name exists in the access DB 23b, the intranet name is acquired. In this operation example, FIG.
The intranet names “Tytnet — 1” and “Tytnet — 2” are created by the access DB 23b illustrated in (b).
Is obtained. Next, the intranet jump destination URL access function 13 is executed based on the "group intranet name" and the "intranet name" (the operation will be described later).

3. Processing by Intranet Destination URL Access Function (1) Intranet Destination URL Access Function 13
Uses the user ID accessed by the client A as a key, refers to the intranet user ID correspondence DB 22a, and acquires the intranet names of priority 1 to priority 4 (arrowed line S45). In this operation example, the user ID
For “doi”, “Tytnet — 3”, “Tyt
"net_2", "Tytnet_1", "Tytnet"
_4 "is acquired.

(2) The intranet jump destination URL access function 13 is 2. The intranet name acquired from the access DB 23b in item (3) is compared with the intranet name of priority 1 acquired in item (1) (previous item). In this operation example, the intranet names acquired from the access DB 23b are “Tytnet_1” and “Tytnet_2”, and the intranet name acquired in (1) is “Tytnet_1”.
"net_3", "Tytnet_2", "Tytnet"
_1 "and" Tytnet_4 ". (A) When the intranet name acquired from the access DB 23b (the intranet name selected in 2. (3)) has an intranet name of priority 1, the intranet jump destination URL is set using the intranet name acquired from the access DB 23b as a key. The corresponding DB 25a is referenced (arrowed line S46), the corresponding intranet jump destination URL is acquired, the client is made to access this intranet jump destination URL, and the content of the corresponding file name is downloaded (arrowed line S47). It does not exist in this operation example.

(B) When the intranet name of priority 1 does not exist in the intranet name acquired from the access DB 23b, the intranet name having the highest priority is selected from the intranet names acquired from the access DB 23b. If there is only one intranet name acquired from the access DB 23b, that intranet name is selected. In this operation example, it is "Tytnet_2". Using the intranet name selected in the above section as a key, the intranet jump destination URL correspondence DB 25a is referred to, and the corresponding intranet jump destination URL is acquired.
L is made to access the client A, and the content of the corresponding file name is downloaded from there (arrowed line S47). In this operation example, the file "Kijyunsyo" is added to "doi" and "Tynet_2".
Download from the jump destination URL corresponding to. The above 3. Using the intranet name of priority 1 obtained in (1) as a key, the intranet jump destination URL corresponding D
B25a is referred to and the corresponding storage destination is set to 3. Copy the contents of the file name obtained in (1) (arrowed line S
48). In this operation example, the content is copied to the storage destination of "Tytnet_3". The corresponding file name, group intranet name, and intranet name acquired in Section 3.1 are described in the access DB 23b (arrowed line S49).

4. Processing by Priority Maintenance Function (1) The priority maintenance function 14 uses the user ID accessed by the client A as a key, and stores "remote login IP address" and "remote login" in the intranet user ID correspondence DB 22a illustrated in FIG. The user ID "and" remote login password "are acquired (arrowed line S50). In this operation example, the user ID “do
"Remote login IP address" for "i",
“Remote login user ID” and “remote login password” are acquired.

(2) The priority order maintenance function 14
Using the user ID accessed by the client A as a key, the intranet user ID correspondence DB 22 illustrated in FIG.
Priority 1 of "Intranet IP address" in a
The "intranet IP address" of priority 4 is acquired from (indicated by arrow S50). In this operation example, the user ID
"Intranet IP address" for "doi"
“Intranet IP address” of priority 1 to priority 4 is acquired.

(3) The priority order maintenance function 14
"Remote login IP address", "remote login user ID", "remote login password" are used for remote login, and the priority is 1 to 4 for the "Intranet IP address" acquired in (1).
The ping command is executed for the P address, and the response time of each is acquired (arrowed line S51).

(4) The priority order maintenance function 14
Based on the execution result of the ping command, for the intranet user ID correspondence DB 22a illustrated in FIG.
"Intranet name priority 1 to priority 4" and "Intranet IP address priority 1 to priority 4" are rearranged from the shortest response time to the longest (arrowed line S52).

The embodiment of the present invention has been described above. The basic Web of the content distribution system shown in FIG.
A program for realizing each functional unit in the server 10 is recorded in a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded in the recording medium is read into a computer system and executed, whereby the basic program shown in FIG. You may perform the process required for each function in the Web server 10. The term "computer system" used here means
It includes an OS and hardware such as peripheral devices.

The "computer-readable recording medium" means a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk,
It refers to a portable medium such as a ROM or a CD-ROM, or a storage device such as a hard disk built in a computer system. Furthermore, "computer-readable recording medium"
Is a communication line that holds a program dynamically for a short period of time, such as a communication line for transmitting the program through a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line.
(Transmission medium or transmission wave), such as a volatile memory inside a computer system that serves as a server or a client in that case, that holds a program for a certain period of time is also included. Further, the above-mentioned program may be a program for realizing a part of the above-mentioned functions, and a program that can realize the above-mentioned functions in combination with a program already recorded in a computer system, that is, a so-called difference file (difference file). Program).

As described above, the content distribution system of the present invention,
Although the embodiments of the content distribution method have been described, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned illustrated examples, and various modifications can of course be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0061]

As described above, in the content distribution system and the content distribution method of the present invention, each client assigns a priority to a plurality of Web servers constituting the content distribution system, and the client allocates the content. When downloading, if the content to be downloaded is the first one that has not been downloaded by any of the clients, the content is copied and downloaded to the Web server having the first priority. If the content has already been downloaded by one of the clients, the content is downloaded from the highest priority web server among the web servers used for the download, and the content has the highest priority. It will be posted on the Web server of, and next, it will be possible to download from the Web server with the first priority. This allows
Even when a large number of clients download the same content posted on the Web server, the download time can be shortened because the download can always be performed in an optimized state, and the user access is restricted by the Web server. It is possible to reduce the state where the client cannot access the content posted on the Web server.

Further, in the content distribution system and the content distribution method of the present invention, the response time of access to the Web server is used as a criterion for giving the priority order of the Web server. As a result, even when a large number of clients download the same content posted on the Web server, it is possible to always download in an optimized state, so that the download time is shortened and user access by the Web server is reduced. Due to the restriction, it is possible to reduce the state in which the client cannot access the content posted on the Web server.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a content distribution system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an overall operation of the content distribution system of the present invention and a first specific operation example.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an access log.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an access DB.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a file capacity DB.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an intranet user ID correspondence DB.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an intranet jump destination URL compatible DB.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a second specific operation example.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a third specific operation example.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an access log.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an access DB.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a file capacity DB.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an intranet user ID correspondence DB.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of an intranet jump destination URL correspondence DB.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 group intranet 2 group intranet 10 Basic Web server 11 Access judgment function 12 Content copy function 13 Intranet destination URL access function 14 Priority maintenance function 21, 21a Access log 22, 22a Intranet user ID compatible DB 23, 23a, 23b Access DB 24, 24a File capacity DB 25, 25a Intranet jump destination URL DB

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A content distribution system comprising a plurality of Web servers for distributing digital content to a client via a communication network, wherein each of the clients has a plurality of Web servers constituting the content distribution system. Web server priority assigning means for assigning and holding a priority order, content downloaded by the client, means for recording information of the web server downloading the content in an access database, and the client content When downloading, the access database is referred to, and if the content is the first one that has not been downloaded to any client, the content is transferred to the web server with the first priority. A means for copying the content and downloading the content from the Web server having the first priority, and, if the content has already been downloaded by any client, the content in the access database. W recorded corresponding to
If the eb server has the first priority, the means for downloading the content from the Web server having the first priority, and the content already downloaded by any of the clients, In addition, when there is no first priority server among the Web servers recorded corresponding to the contents in the access database, the contents are downloaded from the highest priority Web server, and the contents are Priority is 1
Web server with the highest priority
A means for recording a server name in the access database in association with the content, the content distribution system. 2. The content distribution system according to claim 1, wherein a response time of access to the Web server is used as a criterion for assigning the priority order of the Web server. 3. A content distribution method in a content distribution system including a plurality of Web servers for distributing digital content to a client via a communication network, wherein the plurality of Web servers included in the content distribution system include: A Web server priority assigning procedure for assigning and holding a priority for each client; a content downloaded by the client; and a procedure for recording information of the Web server that downloaded the content in an access database, When the client downloads the content, it refers to the access database, and if the content is the first one that has not been downloaded to any client, the content is prioritized. A procedure for copying the content to the first ranked web server and downloading the content from the first ranked web server, and when the content has already been downloaded by any client, , W recorded corresponding to the contents in the access database
If the eb server has the first priority, the procedure for downloading the content from the web server having the first priority, and the content already downloaded by one of the clients, In addition, when there is no first priority server among the Web servers recorded corresponding to the contents in the access database, the contents are downloaded from the highest priority Web server, and the contents are Priority is 1
Web server with the highest priority
A procedure for recording a server name in the access database in association with the content, the content distribution method. 4. The content distribution method according to claim 3, wherein a response time of access to the Web server is used as a criterion for giving priority to the Web server. 5. A computer within a content distribution system, which comprises a plurality of Web servers for distributing digital content to a client via a communication network, wherein a plurality of Web servers constituting the content distribution system are provided for each client. A web server priority assigning procedure for assigning and holding a priority order to the client, a content downloaded by the client, a procedure for recording information of the web server downloading the content in an access database, and the client When downloading the content, the access database is referred to, and if the content is the first one that has not been downloaded to any client, the content is assigned the first priority We. b, a procedure for copying the content to the server and downloading the content from the Web server with the first priority, and in the access database if the content has already been downloaded by one of the clients. W recorded corresponding to the content of
If the eb server has the first priority, the procedure for downloading the content from the web server having the first priority, and the content already downloaded by one of the clients, In addition, when there is no first priority server among the Web servers recorded corresponding to the contents in the access database, the contents are downloaded from the highest priority Web server, and the contents are Priority is 1
Web server with the highest priority
A computer-readable recording medium recording a content distribution program for executing a procedure for recording a server name in the access database in association with the content. 6. A computer in a content distribution system comprising a plurality of Web servers for distributing digital content to a client via a communication network, the plurality of Web servers constituting the content distribution system for each client. A web server priority assigning procedure for assigning and holding a priority order to the client, a content downloaded by the client, a procedure for recording information of the web server downloading the content in an access database, and the client When downloading the content, the access database is referred to, and if the content is the first one that has not been downloaded to any client, the content is assigned the first priority We. b, a procedure for copying the content to the server and downloading the content from the Web server with the first priority, and in the access database if the content has already been downloaded by one of the clients. W recorded corresponding to the content of
If the eb server has the first priority, the procedure for downloading the content from the web server having the first priority, and the content already downloaded by one of the clients, In addition, when there is no first priority server among the Web servers recorded corresponding to the contents in the access database, the contents are downloaded from the highest priority Web server, and the contents are Priority is 1
Web server with the highest priority
A content distribution program for executing a procedure for recording a server name in the access database in association with the content.