JP2004120376A - Stream distributing system, instrument used for it, and its stream distribution method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a stream distribution system whereby the time taken in starting the reproduction of contents used for advertizing such as direct mails and flyer can be shortened so as to be watched by more watchers. <P>SOLUTION: A stream distribution server 10 previously distributes a fragmental stream signal of the head of a stream signal together with the requester's address information of the subsequent stream signal as an e-mail by means of a mail transmission part 105 to a stream reproducer 20. The stream reproducer 20 starts the reproduction of the fragmental stream signal in the electronic mail received by a mail receiving part 203 by a stream signal reproduction function section 205, performs the request of distribution of the subsequent stream signal to a stream signal transmission section 103 corresponding to the requester's address by a stream signal receiving section 201, and subsequently reproduces the received subsequent stream signal. The reproduced contents are displayed on a display unit 206. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a stream distribution system, an apparatus used for the same, and a stream distribution method thereof. In particular, when content, which is various information, is provided as stream data by stream distribution over a network, a leading fragment of the content is delivered to a distribution destination in advance. The present invention relates to a stream distribution system to be stored, a stream distribution server and a stream data reproducing device used for the system, and a stream distribution method thereof.
[0002]
[Prior art]
When using e-mail as a direct mail (DM) to advertise products and services to the general public, and want to appeal the product with a moving image, the moving image (content data, stream data ) Link information (URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of a Web site) for accessing a stream distribution server as a distribution source from an e-mail receiver terminal (viewer terminal, stream data reproducing device) via a network. (E.g., source address information) is described in the body of the e-mail. Also, in the stream distribution used at this time, the content is displayed little by little while receiving the data sequentially from the beginning of the content without waiting until the download of the entire content data is completed. It is possible to start.
[0003]
However, in this case, the time (for example, several tens of seconds) is required until the reproduction is started (displayed from the reproduction execution instruction) depending on the network distance between the stream distribution server and the viewer terminal (stream data reproducer), the state of communication, etc. Second), and the viewer often closes the playback player (leaves the site without watching the content) without waiting for the moving image to be watched. That is, it is said that a three-second rule or the like is used for a Web page, and it is considered that the time required for display greatly affects the audience rating of the page. The same can be said for the reproduction of stream data. Further, when videos via the Internet are to be viewed on TV screens in the future, stream distribution at a distribution rate of 3 Mbps or more will be the mainstream, and the above problem will be remarkable.
[0004]
On the other hand, recently, a technique has been proposed in which stream data that takes a long time to be distributed is divided into a plurality of parts, and the leading part is distributed in advance, thereby shortening the time required for starting reproduction. And Patent Document 1).
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-2002-91863 (pages 2 to 5, FIG. 1-3)
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
An object of the present invention relates to a system using a technique of distributing a part of stream data in advance, and a moving image (stream data, content) used for an advertisement or a flyer, such as a DM, can be transmitted to more viewers. It is an object of the present invention to provide a stream distribution system which is particularly effective when the user wants to see it, an apparatus used therefor, and a stream distribution method thereof.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The stream distribution server according to claim 1 of the present invention; a stream distribution system for transmitting a leading fragment of the content to a distribution destination in advance when content, which is various information, is provided as stream data through a network. A fragment stream data creating unit that cuts out a part of the stream data from the beginning to be fragment stream data; fragment stream data created by the fragment stream data creating unit; Mail sending means for sending request address information of the subsequent stream data, which is the remaining stream data obtained by cutting out the data, to an email address corresponding to the delivery destination designated in advance as an e-mail; corresponding to the request destination address With It is, and a stream data transmission means for the stream subsequent receiving a stream data request and the relevant subsequent stream data to the appropriate requestor.
[0008]
A stream distribution server according to claim 2 of the present invention; a stream distribution system for transmitting a leading fragment of the content to a distribution destination in advance when providing various types of information as stream data through stream distribution over a network. A fragment stream data creating unit that cuts out a part of the stream data from the beginning to be fragment stream data; fragment stream data created by the fragment stream data creating unit; Medium writing means for writing the requested address information of the subsequent stream data, which is the remaining stream data from which data has been cut out, into a detachable and transportable data storage medium; Receive a request for data That the and a stream data transmission means for streaming the corresponding subsequent stream data to the appropriate requestor.
[0009]
A stream data reproducing apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention; stream distribution in which a leading fragment of the content is transmitted to a distribution destination in advance when content, which is various information, is provided as stream data through a network. What is claimed is: 1. A stream data reproducing apparatus used in a system, comprising: fragment stream data cut out as a part from the beginning of the stream data; and request destination address information of subsequent stream data which is the remaining stream data cut out from the fragment stream data. And a mail receiving means for receiving the following stream data request to the request destination address received by the mail receiving means, and receiving a corresponding subsequent stream from the corresponding address. data And the stream data receiving means for receiving; Following the fragments stream data received by the mail receiving means, and a stream data reproducing means for reproducing the following stream data received by the stream data receiving means as a content.
[0010]
A stream data reproducing apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention; stream distribution in which a leading fragment of the content is transmitted in advance to a distribution destination when content, which is various information, is provided as stream data through a stream distribution over a network. A stream data reproducing apparatus used in a system, comprising: fragment stream data cut out as a part from the beginning of the stream data written on a removable and transportable data storage medium; and the fragment stream data cut out. Medium reading means for reading request address information of the subsequent stream data, which is the remaining stream data; and transmitting a request for the subsequent stream data to the request destination address read by the medium reading means. The stream that receives the subsequent stream data And Mudeta receiving means; Following the fragments stream data read by the medium reading unit, and a stream data reproducing means for reproducing the following stream data received by the stream data receiving means as a content.
[0011]
A stream distribution system according to claim 5 of the present invention: a stream distribution system for transmitting a leading fragment of a content to a distribution destination in advance when content, which is various types of information, is provided as stream data through a network. Dividing the stream data into a partial stream data from the beginning and the remaining subsequent stream data, delivering the fragment stream data first as an e-mail, and transmitting the subsequent stream data in response to a request from the delivery destination. The stream distribution server according to claim 1, which distributes the stream data later, and the stream data player according to claim 3, wherein the fragment stream data is received first as an electronic mail, and the subsequent stream data is received later according to a request. The stream distribution server and the stream; Connects between Mudeta reproducer, the network and transmitting the e-mail and the following stream data; accommodated in the network, and a mail server for temporarily storing the e-mail.
[0012]
A stream distribution system according to claim 6 of the present invention: a stream distribution system for transmitting a leading fragment of a content to a distribution destination in advance when content, which is various types of information, is provided as stream data through a network. , A data storage medium that is detachable from the medium writing means and the medium reading means and can be transported; and divides the stream data into a partial stream data part from the beginning and the remaining subsequent stream data; 3. The stream distribution server according to claim 2, wherein the fragment stream data is written to the data storage medium and distributed first without passing through a network, and the subsequent stream data is distributed later in response to a request from a distribution destination; Read from the data storage medium and receive first, And stream data reproducing apparatus according to claim 4 for receiving later if the stream data to the requesting; between the streaming server and the stream data reproducing apparatus connected, and a network for transmitting the said subsequent stream data.
[0013]
A stream distribution method according to claim 7 of the present invention: a stream distribution system for transmitting a leading fragment of a content to a distribution destination in advance when content, which is various types of information, is provided as stream data through a network. The stream data distribution side divides the stream data into a partial fragment stream data from the beginning and the remaining subsequent stream data, and divides the fragment stream data together with the request destination address information of the subsequent stream data. The stream data reproducing side that has received the e-mail transmits a request for the subsequent stream data to the request destination address; the stream data distribution side transmits the request destination to the stream data reproducing side; To address When the request for the subsequent stream data is received, the subsequent stream data is distributed to the requesting stream data reproducing side; and the stream data reproducing side reproduces the subsequent stream data as content following the fragment stream data. The step of performing
[0014]
A stream distribution method according to claim 8 of the present invention; a stream distribution system for transmitting a leading fragment of a content to a distribution destination in advance when content, which is various information, is provided as stream data through a network. The stream data distribution side divides the stream data into a partial fragment stream data from the beginning and the remaining subsequent stream data, and attaches and detaches the fragment stream data together with the request destination address information of the subsequent stream data. And delivering the stream data to the portable data storage medium without passing through the write network to the stream data playback side; and reading the data storage medium, the stream data playback side sends a request for the subsequent stream data to the request destination address. Send; When the stream data distribution side receives the request for the subsequent stream data addressed to the request destination address, the subsequent stream data is distributed to the requesting stream data reproduction side; And reproducing the subsequent stream data as content.
[0015]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
First, the outline of the present invention will be described. According to the present invention, when various kinds of information (contents) are provided by stream distribution on a network, e-mail / CD-ROM (compact disk-read only memory) / DVD-ROM (digital versatile disk-read only) -The viewer opens the content by passing fragments (head part: several to several tens% of the whole) of the content data (stream data) in advance to the distribution destination (viewer) via an electronic file or the like. From the start to the start of playback can be greatly reduced, and the number of viewers who stop viewing due to the time required for playback can be reduced, and the audience rating for moving image advertisements etc. can be improved. . The subsequent data is received, reproduced, and displayed in the same manner as in normal stream distribution.
[0016]
In addition, the present invention is applicable not only to moving images but also to all large-capacity contents that are targeted for streams such as games and music files.
[0017]
Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0018]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, a stream distribution system according to the present embodiment is adapted to a content such as a moving image, which is mutually connected via a network 30 such as a LAN (local area network), a WAN (wide area network), and the Internet. A stream distribution server 10 that distributes corresponding stream data and e-mail (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as e-mail), and a stream data player that receives the stream data and e-mail and displays it to a user (viewer) 20 and a mail server 40 for storing, transmitting and receiving electronic mail.
[0019]
The stream distribution server 10 writes the stream data stored in the stream data storage unit 101 and the stream data in the stream data storage unit 101, each of which is controlled by a control unit (not shown). A RAM (random access memory) 102 capable of (expanded) and high-speed reading, a fragment stream data storage unit 104 for storing fragment stream data obtained by cutting out a part of the stream data in the RAM 102 from the beginning, The fragment stream data stored in the fragment stream data storage unit 104 is stored in a pre-designated mail together with the request destination address information of the subsequent stream data (the stream data transmitting unit 103 of the own server, that is, the address associated with the stream data in the RAM 102). An e-mail transmission unit 105 that transmits an e-mail as an e-mail to an address (a delivery destination address under the control of the e-mail server 40) through the network 30 and the e-mail server 40; And a stream data transmission unit 103 that distributes a stream to a request source that has accessed a request destination address through the. The stream distribution server 10 also has a unit (not shown) for receiving a signal or a message from the other party through the network 30.
[0020]
The stream data reproducing device 20 transmits the fragment stream data and the request destination address information of the subsequent stream data, which are controlled by a control unit (not shown), to a pre-designated mail address (own user under the control of the mail server 40). A mail receiving unit 203 that receives an e-mail addressed to (address of (viewer)) through the network 30 and the mail server 40; a fragment stream data storage unit 204 that stores fragment stream data received by the mail receiving unit 203; To access the request destination address (the address on the stream distribution server 10 side) received by the mail receiving unit 203 through the network 30 to transmit a request for subsequent stream data, and to receive stream data of the subsequent stream data. A receiving unit 201, a RAM 202 that writes (expands) the fragment stream data from the fragment stream data storage unit 204 and the subsequent stream data from the stream data receiving unit 201 so as to be combined, and enables high-speed reading; A stream data playback function unit 205 for reading stream data from the server and playing back the content as content such as a moving image, and a display unit 206 for visually displaying image information played back by the stream data playback function unit 205 to a user (viewer). Have. The stream data reproducer 20 further includes (not shown) a means for inputting / outputting information such as characters, numbers, and graphics to a user (viewer), and an audio output for outputting voice, sound, and the like. Means.
[0021]
The stream distribution server 10 and the stream data reproducing device 20 can be realized by a computer system including a control unit for software (program) control, an information storage unit, an information input / output unit, and a network connection unit.
[0022]
The mail server 40 has an e-mail storage unit for each destination, receives and stores mail addressed to the user (viewer) of the stream data reproducing device 20 from the stream distribution server 10 via the network 30, and stores the received mail. Sends the saved mail in response to the mail receiving request from the user.
[0023]
The network 30 may be different from the network for mail communication and the network for stream data communication.
[0024]
Next, the operation will be described with reference to FIG.
[0025]
The administrator of the stream distribution side obtains, in advance, the mail address information of each of a plurality of target persons (viewers) who wish to receive (view) the stream data (content) by the request and permission of the persons concerned, and distributes the stream. It is registered in the mail transmission unit 105 of the server 10. The corresponding stream data is registered in the stream data storage unit 101. The registration of such information and data may be performed by directly connecting necessary devices to the stream distribution server 10 or may be performed from another terminal through the network 30.
[0026]
Upon receiving a stream data distribution instruction from the administrator, the stream distribution server 10 reads the stream data stored in the stream data storage unit 101 and expands the stream data in the RAM 102 (step S11 in FIG. 3).
[0027]
From the stream data developed in the RAM 102, the head part (several to several tens%) of the stream data is created as fragment stream data Da and stored in the fragment stream data storage unit 104 (step S12).
[0028]
On the other hand, the stream data transmission unit 103 prepares for distribution of the subsequent stream data Db excluding the fragment stream data Da from the stream data expanded in the RAM 102.
[0029]
The mail transmission unit 105 converts the fragment stream data Da stored in the fragment stream data storage unit 104 into access guidance information (request destination address) for the subsequent stream data Db in accordance with a pre-registered viewer mail address (a plurality of addresses). Information: Includes link information (URL) to the content) and an electronic mail for advertisement such as DM (direct mail) for inviting the reproduction of the content and introducing a reproduction method, and transmits the relevant mail through the network 30. The address is transmitted to the responsible mail server 40 (step S13).
[0030]
In the stream data reproducing device 20 on the stream receiving side, the e-mail addressed to the user (viewer) of the own device, which has arrived at the mail server 40 by the mail receiving unit 203, is received through the network 30 and fragment stream data Da is extracted. Then, it is stored in the fragment stream data storage unit 204 (step S21). An e-mail text inviting the reproduction of the content and introducing the reproduction method is displayed on the display unit 206.
[0031]
When the viewer who has read the e-mail inputs information requesting the reproduction of the content (for example, when a link to the content described in the e-mail is selected), the stream data reproduction function unit 205 The fragment stream data Da of the fragment stream data storage unit 204 is expanded in the RAM 202 and displayed on the screen of the display unit 206 as a moving image. If audio data / audio data is included, it is output as audio / audio from an audio output unit (not shown) (step S22). In addition, information for guiding access to the subsequent stream data Db (link information to the content) is notified to the stream data receiving unit 201.
[0032]
If the subsequent stream data Db can be obtained (downloaded) during the reproduction of the fragment stream data Da, it can be reproduced seamlessly as a series of stream data (seamless reproduction). The stream data receiving unit 201 accesses the stream distribution server 10 (stream data transmitting unit 103) through the network 30 based on the access guidance information, and requests transmission of the subsequent stream data Db (step S24).
[0033]
Upon receiving the request (step S14), the stream data transmitting unit 103 sequentially reads out the subsequent stream data Db from the RAM 102 and transmits it to the stream data receiving unit 201 of the stream data reproducing device 20 via the network 30 (step S15).
[0034]
At this time, whether to request the transmission of the subsequent stream data Db from the stream data receiving unit 201 to the stream data transmitting unit 103 can be determined by the judgment of the viewer who has watched the fragment stream data Da. .
[0035]
That is, it is set so that the reproduction start request of the fragment stream data Da and the download start request of the subsequent stream data Db are performed by separate operations, and the following stream data Db is watched while the fragment stream data Da is being viewed. Only the viewer who wants to transmit the request for the subsequent stream data Db (step S23). If the user does not want to see the subsequent stream data Db, the process ends after the reproduction of the fragment stream data Da is completed or during the reproduction.
[0036]
When the stream data reproducing device 20 requests transmission of the subsequent stream data Db, the stream data receiving unit 201 receives the subsequent stream data Db sequentially transmitted from the stream distribution server 10 and expands the stream data in the RAM 202.
[0037]
At the end of the reproduction of the fragment stream data Da previously expanded in the RAM 202, the subsequent stream data Db expanded in the RAM 202 is reproduced by the stream data reproduction function unit 205 and displayed on the screen of the display unit 206. . Of course, as described above, when audio data and audio data are included, the audio data is output from the audio output unit as audio and audio (step S25).
[0038]
Next, another embodiment (second embodiment) of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The difference between the second embodiment shown in FIG. 2 and the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 lies in the means and method for delivering fragment stream data from the stream distribution side to the stream reproduction side. That is, a data storage medium, such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM, which can be attached to and detached from the medium writing means and the medium reading means, is used instead of an e-mail. Here, description will be made assuming that a CD-ROM (CD-R) is used.
[0039]
In FIG. 2, the stream distribution system according to the present embodiment is based on the distribution of stream data corresponding to contents such as moving images by a CD-ROM 50, which is mutually connected via a network 30 such as a LAN, a WAN, and the Internet. The system includes a stream distribution server 11 that performs distribution, and a stream data reproducing device 21 that receives stream data by a CD-ROM 50 and receives by a network 30 and displays the received data to a user (viewer).
[0040]
The stream distribution server 11 writes the stream data stored in the stream data storage unit 101 and the stream data in the stream data storage unit 101, each of which is controlled by a control unit (not shown). (Expanded) the RAM 102 capable of high-speed reading, a fragment stream data storage unit 104 for storing fragment stream data obtained by cutting out a part of the stream data in the RAM 102 from the beginning, The fragment stream data is written to the CD-R together with the request destination address information of the subsequent stream data (the stream data transmitting unit 103 of the own server, that is, the address associated with the stream data in the RAM 102), and is exported to the outside as the CD-ROM 50. Yes And a stream data transmitting unit 103 that distributes the remaining subsequent stream data obtained by cutting out the fragment stream data in the RAM 102 to the request source that has accessed the request destination address via the network 30. are doing. In addition, the stream distribution server 11 has a unit (not shown) for receiving a signal and a message from the other party through the network 30.
[0041]
When a large number of CD-ROMs 50 need to be copied, such as when used as an appendix to a magazine, the CD-ROM writing unit 115 of the stream distribution server 11 does not write the data directly to the CD-R. This can be realized by using a CD-ROM manufacturing system. In this case, a CD-ROM written by the CD-ROM writing unit 115 may be used as a master data source, or a fragment stream data transmission unit capable of transmitting information to the outside is provided instead of the CD-ROM writing unit 115. Then, the request destination address information of the fragment stream data and the subsequent stream data may be transmitted to the CD-ROM manufacturing system.
[0042]
The stream data reproducer 21 is controlled by a control unit (not shown), and reads CDs from a CD-ROM 50 in which fragment stream data carried in from outside and requested address information of subsequent stream data are written. A ROM reading unit 213, a fragment stream data storage unit 204 for storing fragment stream data read by the CD-ROM reading unit 213, and a request destination address read by the CD-ROM reading unit 213 (an address on the stream distribution server 10 side). ), A stream data receiving unit 201 that transmits a request for subsequent stream data by accessing the same via the network 30 and receives a stream of the subsequent stream data, and fragment stream data and stream data receiving unit 201 from the fragment stream data storage unit 204. From A RAM 202 capable of writing (developing) the subsequent stream data so as to be combined and reading at a high speed, a stream data reproduction function unit 205 for reading the stream data from the RAM 202 and reproducing it as content such as a moving image; A display unit 206 for visually displaying the image information reproduced by the function unit 205 to a user (viewer). The stream data reproducer 21 further includes a means (not shown) for inputting / outputting information such as characters, numbers, and graphics to a user (viewer), and an audio output for outputting voice, sound, and the like. Means.
[0043]
Similarly, the stream distribution server 11 and the stream data reproducer 21 can also be realized by a computer system including control means for software (program) control, information storage means, information input / output means, and network connection means.
[0044]
Next, the operation will be described with reference to FIG. 3 showing an operation flow together with FIG.
[0045]
The administrator on the stream distribution side registers the stream data (content) in the stream data storage unit 101 of the stream distribution server 11 in advance. This registration may be performed by connecting necessary devices directly to the stream distribution server 11, or may be performed from another terminal through the network 30.
[0046]
Upon receiving the stream data distribution instruction from the administrator, the stream distribution server 11 reads the stream data stored in the stream data storage unit 101 and expands the stream data in the RAM 102 (step S11 in FIG. 3).
[0047]
From the stream data developed in the RAM 102, the head part (several to several tens%) of the stream data is created as fragment stream data Da and stored in the fragment stream data storage unit 104 (step S12).
[0048]
On the other hand, the stream data transmission unit 103 prepares for distribution of the subsequent stream data Db excluding the fragment stream data Da from the stream data expanded in the RAM 102.
[0049]
The CD-ROM writing unit 115 converts the fragment stream data Da stored in the fragment stream data storage unit 104 into access guidance information (request destination address information: content link information (URL) to the subsequent stream data Db). Along with a CD-ROM 50 for advertising such as DM (direct mail) for inviting reproduction of the content and introducing a reproduction method.
[0050]
The CD-ROM 50 created by the stream distribution server 11 (CD-ROM writing unit 115) or an external CD-ROM manufacturing system can be used by a user of the stream data reproducing device 21 by using a magazine appendix, DM, or another method. (A viewer) (step S13).
[0051]
In the stream data reproducing device 21 on the stream receiving side, the CD-ROM reading unit 213 reads the CD-ROM 50, extracts the fragment stream data Da, and stores it in the fragment stream data storage unit 204 (step S21). A guidance message inviting the reproduction of the content and introducing the reproduction method is displayed on the display unit 206.
[0052]
When information for requesting reproduction of content is input by a viewer who has read the guide text on the CD-ROM 50 (for example, when a link to the content is selected), the stream data reproduction function unit 205 causes the stream data reproduction function unit 205 to transmit fragment stream data. The fragment stream data Da in the storage unit 204 is developed in the RAM 202 and displayed on the screen of the display unit 206 as a moving image. If audio data / audio data is included, it is output as audio / audio from an audio output unit (not shown) (step S22). In addition, information for guiding access to the subsequent stream data Db (link information to the content) is notified to the stream data receiving unit 201. The subsequent operation is the same as that of the first embodiment (FIG. 1), but the description will be continued for easy understanding.
[0053]
If the subsequent stream data Db can be obtained (downloaded) during the reproduction of the fragment stream data Da, it can be reproduced seamlessly as one stream data. The stream data receiving unit 201 accesses the stream distribution server 11 (stream data transmitting unit 103) through the network 30 based on the access guidance information, and requests transmission of the subsequent stream data Db (step S24).
[0054]
Upon receiving the request (step S14), the stream data transmitting unit 103 sequentially reads out the subsequent stream data Db from the RAM 102, and transmits it to the stream data receiving unit 201 of the stream data reproducing device 21 via the network 30 (step S15).
[0055]
At this time, whether to request the transmission of the subsequent stream data Db from the stream data receiving unit 201 to the stream data transmitting unit 103 can be determined by the judgment of the viewer who has watched the fragment stream data Da. .
[0056]
That is, it is set so that the reproduction start request of the fragment stream data Da and the download start request of the subsequent stream data Db are performed by separate operations, and the following stream data Db is watched while the fragment stream data Da is being viewed. Only the viewer who wants to send a request for the subsequent stream data Db (step S23). If the user does not want to see the subsequent stream data Db, the process ends after the reproduction of the fragment stream data Da is completed or during the reproduction.
[0057]
When the stream data reproducer 21 requests transmission of the subsequent stream data Db, the stream data receiving unit 201 receives the subsequent stream data Db sequentially transmitted from the stream distribution server 10 and expands the stream data in the RAM 202.
[0058]
At the end of the reproduction of the fragment stream data Da previously expanded in the RAM 202, the subsequent stream data Db expanded in the RAM 202 is subsequently reproduced by the stream data reproduction function unit 205 and displayed on the screen of the display unit 206. . Of course, as described above, when audio data and audio data are included, the audio data is output from the audio output unit as audio and audio (step S25).
[0059]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, the fragment stream data at the beginning of the stream data embedded in an e-mail or a CD-ROM and distributed to the viewer in advance, and the subsequent stream data stream-distributed at the time of actual playback are seamlessly combined. In the playback of the first part of the content of the stream distribution service, the time from the playback of the content by the viewer to the start of the display can be shortened, and the stream distribution service of the large-capacity content such as a high-resolution moving image can be performed. A large number of viewers can be attracted. Also, at this time, since the head portion of the content is in the playback device in advance, the subsequent stream data is received and buffered earlier during the playback of the head portion, which is more stable than the conventional stream distribution method alone. Service is possible. Further, it is possible to reduce investment in maintenance cost of a network infrastructure environment such as a cache required for stream data distribution.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram showing another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
10,11 Stream distribution server
20,21 stream data player
30 Network
40 mail server
50 CD-ROM
101 stream data storage unit
102 RAM
103 Stream Data Transmission Unit
104 fragment stream data storage unit
105 Mail transmission unit
115 CD-ROM writing unit
201 stream data receiving unit
202 RAM
203 Mail receiver
204 fragment stream data storage unit
205 Stream data playback function unit
206 Display
213 CD-ROM reading unit

Claims (8)

A stream distribution server used for a stream distribution system for transmitting a leading fragment of a content to a distribution destination in advance when providing content, which is various types of information, as stream data through a network,
Fragment stream data creating means for cutting out a part from the beginning of the stream data to be fragment stream data;
The fragment stream data created by the fragment stream data creating means and the request destination address information of the subsequent stream data, which is the remaining stream data obtained by cutting out the fragment stream data, are sent to the distribution destination correspondence designated in advance as an e-mail. An email sending means for sending to the email address of
A stream data transmission unit associated with the request destination address and, when receiving a request for the subsequent stream data, stream data transmission means for streaming the subsequent stream data to the request source; A stream distribution server used for a stream distribution system for transmitting a leading fragment of a content to a distribution destination in advance when providing content, which is various types of information, as stream data through a network,
Fragment stream data creating means for cutting out a part from the beginning of the stream data to be fragment stream data;
The fragment stream data created by the fragment stream data creating means and the destination address information of the subsequent stream data, which is the remaining stream data obtained by cutting out the fragment stream data, are written to a detachable and transportable data storage medium. Medium writing means;
A stream data transmission unit associated with the request destination address and, when receiving a request for the subsequent stream data, stream data transmission means for streaming the subsequent stream data to the request source; A stream data reproducing device used in a stream distribution system for transmitting a leading fragment of the content in advance to a distribution destination when providing various types of information as stream data through stream distribution over a network,
The fragment stream data cut out as a part from the head of the stream data, and the request destination address information of the subsequent stream data that is the remaining stream data cut out from the fragment stream data, are sent to an e-mail addressed to a pre-specified mail address. Mail receiving means for receiving as
A stream data receiving unit that transmits a request for the subsequent stream data to the request destination address received by the mail receiving unit, and receives a corresponding subsequent stream data from the address;
A stream data reproducing device comprising: stream data reproducing means for reproducing, as content, the subsequent stream data received by the stream data receiving means following the fragment stream data received by the mail receiving means. A stream data reproducing device used in a stream distribution system for transmitting a leading fragment of the content in advance to a distribution destination when providing various types of information as stream data through stream distribution over a network,
Fragment stream data written as a part from the beginning of the stream data, written on a detachable and transportable data storage medium, and a request destination of subsequent stream data which is the remaining stream data obtained by cutting the fragment stream data Medium reading means for reading address information;
A stream data receiving unit that transmits a request for the subsequent stream data to the request destination address read by the medium reading unit, and receives a corresponding subsequent stream data from the address;
A stream data reproducing device comprising: stream data reproducing means for reproducing, as content, the subsequent stream data received by the stream data receiving means, following the fragment stream data read by the medium reading means. When providing various information contents as stream data by stream distribution through a network, in a stream distribution system in which a leading fragment of the content is transmitted in advance to a distribution destination,
The stream data is divided into a part of the fragment stream data from the beginning and the remaining subsequent stream data, the fragment stream data is delivered first as an e-mail, and the subsequent stream data is later transmitted in response to a request from the distribution destination. A stream distribution server according to claim 1, which distributes;
The stream data player according to claim 3, wherein the fragment stream data is received first as an e-mail, and the subsequent stream data is received later on request.
A network that connects the stream distribution server and the stream data player, and transmits the email and the subsequent stream data;
And a mail server accommodated in the network and temporarily storing the electronic mail. When providing various information contents as stream data by stream distribution through a network, in a stream distribution system in which a leading fragment of the content is transmitted in advance to a distribution destination,
A data storage medium that is detachable from the medium writing means and the medium reading means and is transportable;
The stream data is divided into a part of the fragment stream data from the beginning and the remaining subsequent stream data, and the fragment stream data is written to the data storage medium and distributed first without passing through a network. 3. The stream distribution server according to claim 2, wherein the stream is distributed later in response to a request from the distribution destination;
The stream data player according to claim 4, wherein the fragment stream data is read from the data storage medium and received first, and the subsequent stream data is received later in response to a request.
A stream distribution system, comprising: a network that connects the stream distribution server and the stream data reproducer and transmits the subsequent stream data. When providing various types of information as stream data by stream distribution over a network, a stream distribution method in a stream distribution system in which a leading fragment of the content is transmitted in advance to a distribution destination,
On the stream data distribution side, the stream data is divided into a fragment stream data of a part from the head and the remaining subsequent stream data, and the fragment stream data is sent as an e-mail together with the requested address information of the subsequent stream data to the stream data reproduction side. Delivered first,
On the stream data reproducing side that has received the e-mail, transmits a request for the subsequent stream data to the request destination address,
On the stream data distribution side, upon receiving the request for the subsequent stream data addressed to the request destination address, distributes the subsequent stream data to the request source stream data reproduction side,
A stream distribution method, wherein the stream data reproducing side reproduces the subsequent stream data as content following the fragment stream data. When providing various types of information as stream data by stream distribution over a network, a stream distribution method in a stream distribution system in which a leading fragment of the content is transmitted in advance to a distribution destination,
On the stream data distribution side, the stream data is divided into a part of the fragment stream data from the beginning and the rest of the subsequent stream data, and the fragment stream data is detachable and transportable data storage together with the request destination address information of the subsequent stream data Delivery to the stream data playback side first without passing through the writing network to the medium,
On the stream data reproducing side that has read the data storage medium, transmits a request for the subsequent stream data to the request destination address,
On the stream data distribution side, upon receiving the request for the subsequent stream data addressed to the request destination address, distributes the subsequent stream data to the request source stream data reproduction side,
A stream distribution method, wherein the stream data reproducing side reproduces the subsequent stream data as content following the fragment stream data.

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