JP2005045749A - Moving image data distribution system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To facilitate the operations by a person requesting the distribution, and to simplify the procedures for processing a control program of a video distribution server, when distributing streaming data of moving images through the Internet. <P>SOLUTION: The moving image data distribution system comprises a means for setting a distribution channel number for each of moving image data to be distributed and for sending an identification number including the distribution channel number to the video distribution server when a user uses a reception terminal device to request the distribution and in the moving image data distribution system, the video distribution server comprises a means for extracting the moving image data which are stored in the video distribution server as the streaming data, from the distribution channel number included in the identification number sent from the reception terminal device, and for sending these extracted moving image data to the reception terminal device. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a moving image data distribution system that distributes moving images as streaming data using the Internet.

  With the development of communication technology using the Internet in recent years, a video distribution server storing moving image data (sometimes including audio) is connected to the Internet and a user receiving terminal device composed of a personal computer. A moving image data distribution system capable of requesting distribution of moving image data from a receiving terminal device of a user to a video distribution server has been put into practical use in each field.

  As a method of distributing a file storing text and image data using the Internet, conventionally, this file is attached to an e-mail using e-mail software such as Outlook Express (Microsoft). Are widely used. In such a method of attaching and distributing a file to an e-mail, if the data capacity of the attached file becomes large, the data distribution time becomes long, so that the user has to wait for a long time to receive and reproduce the data. There is a bug. In particular, when moving image data including audio is distributed, the data capacity may be several hundred megabytes (Megabytes), and the above-described problem becomes large. Therefore, various systems have been proposed in order to improve such problems. For example, systems as shown in Patent Documents 1 to 4 below have been proposed.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-173316 (Specifications, pages 2 to 6, FIGS. 1 and 5)   Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-230436 (Specifications, pages 2 to 5, FIGS. 1 and 2)   JP-A-2002-139986 (Specifications, pages 1 to 5, FIG. 1)   Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-354451 (Specifications, pages 1 to 8, FIGS. 1, 2, and 3)

  In Patent Document 1, a user's information processing terminal is described in a moving image mail when the moving image mail is opened for the purpose of providing a moving image mail system that sends a moving image by mail from the center server to the user's information processing terminal. A moving image mail system is described in which a moving image file distribution request is output to a center server in accordance with a received command to distribute a moving image by e-mail without adopting an attached file format.

  In Patent Document 2, a video distribution server is operated by operating a receiving terminal device to access a web page of a mail order system and clicking a distribution request button (or image) of moving image data displayed on the web page with a mouse. Describes an Internet mail order system in which moving image data requested for distribution is transmitted to a receiving terminal device, and the receiving terminal device reproduces the received moving image data. Furthermore, in this patent document, the video distribution server is equipped with Real System that is software for transmitting streaming data, and the receiving terminal device is equipped with Real Player that is software for receiving and playing streaming data. Thus, it is disclosed that streaming data is distributed and reproduced.

  Patent Document 3 describes a school using the Internet that can construct video data for lesson data and use a student terminal and a server of an Internet service provider to build a system in a short period of time with little investment. An educational supplementary institution virtual learning environment providing system is described. Further, the patent document describes that an Internet service provider performs authentication based on a dedicated account transmitted from a student terminal and permits connection to the Internet. The patent document also describes that streaming distribution is performed.

  Patent Document 4 includes a video distribution server that distributes streaming data through a plurality of channels, displays a program guide, channels, and the like on a user's receiving terminal, and automatically connects to the Internet and video by selecting a channel. A streaming broadcasting system that can be connected to a distribution server is described.

  In the video mail system described in Patent Document 1, when the e-mail received by the user of the system is opened and a video file distribution request is made to the center server using the display screen, the center server is the user. This is a system that distributes moving image files to information processing terminals. Therefore, as with conventional electronic mail, there is no change in delivering a moving image file to the user's information processing terminal, and there is a problem that the user's information processing terminal takes time to receive the moving image file.

  In the Internet mail order system described in Patent Document 2, the temporary store server publishes a web page on the Internet and holds and manages video streaming data of each product. However, the video streaming data stored in the server may frequently be added or deleted (file update operation) due to the addition of new products. During the file update operation, it is necessary to change the display content of the web page, so it becomes necessary to temporarily publish the web page, and the trust of the user (customer) is lowered. Therefore, in order to eliminate such a problem, a server for publishing a web page and a video distribution server for storing video (moving image) data and distributing video are connected to the Internet with separate configurations. It is desirable. Patent Document 2 does not describe adopting such a server configuration.

  In the school education supplementary institution virtual learning environment providing system using the Internet described in Patent Document 3, the Internet service provider performs authentication based on the dedicated account transmitted from the student terminal and connects to the Internet. It is described to allow. In an Internet service provider, new registration and deletion work of still images and moving image data for distribution frequently occur with respect to the server. However, this patent document does not describe means for performing new registration and deletion work efficiency such as moving image data.

  In the streaming broadcasting system described in Patent Document 4, a user can automatically connect to the Internet by selecting a channel from the receiving terminal and receive video data associated with the channel number as streaming data. In this way, when the user selects a channel number, the streaming data to be distributed is effective if the genre can be clearly classified, such as news, music, sports, etc. When distributing video data for various lectures, video data for educational purposes such as learning cram schools and correspondence courses to specific users who have been given an authentication number in advance, the user needs to select a channel number If the user authentication number is sent to the video distribution server, the system that distributes the requested moving image data to this user is easier for the user to use and the software of the video distribution server The structure of the wear is also simplified.

  It is an object of the present invention to operate in a system that distributes moving image streaming data using the Internet with a simple feeling such as sending an e-mail when a user makes a distribution request using the receiving terminal device. Another object of the present invention is to provide a moving image data distribution system capable of simplifying and simplifying the configuration of a control program for a video distribution server.

The present invention relates to a video distribution server that sets a distribution channel number for each moving image data to be distributed in advance to the Internet and stores the moving image data to be distributed in association with the distribution channel number, and the video distribution server. A moving image data distribution system in which a moving image data distribution request and a receiving terminal device of a user who receives the moving image data are connected,
The receiving terminal device comprises means for sending an authentication number including the distribution channel number assigned to each user to the video distribution server when making a distribution request for moving image data,
The video distribution server extracts moving image data requested for distribution from the moving image data stored in the video distribution server from the distribution channel number included in the identification number sent from the receiving terminal device. And a moving image data distribution system comprising means for distributing the extracted moving image data as streaming data to the receiving terminal device.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a web server that publishes a web page on the Internet and applies for a distribution request for moving image data, sets a distribution channel number for each moving image data to be distributed in advance, and sets the distribution channel number. A video distribution server that stores the video data to be distributed in association with the video distribution server, and a video receiving server connected to a user's receiving terminal device that receives and receives the video data distribution request from the video distribution server. A distribution system,
The receiving terminal device of the user comprises means for sending an authentication number including the distribution channel number assigned to each user to the video distribution server when making a distribution request for moving image data.
The video distribution server extracts moving image data requested for distribution from the moving image data stored in the video distribution server from the distribution channel number included in the identification number sent from the receiving terminal device. And a moving image data distribution system comprising means for distributing the extracted moving image data as streaming data to the receiving terminal device.

  Further, in the present invention, the means for the receiving terminal device to send the authentication number to the video distribution server inputs the authentication number into an authentication number input form for inputting the authentication number, and then converts the authentication number to HTML. This is a moving image data distribution system as means for sending by e-mail.

  Furthermore, the present invention is the moving image data distribution system, wherein the web server or the video distribution server includes means for sending the authentication number input form to the receiving terminal device using HTML mail.

  Further, according to the present invention, an operator of the web server or an operator of the video distribution server provides a computer-readable recording medium storing the authentication number input form to a user of the receiving terminal device. This is a moving image data distribution system. As this storage medium, a CD-ROM, floppy disk, or the like can be used.

  Further, in the present invention, the distribution channel number is a system in which one or a plurality of numbers are set for each provider of moving image source data to be distributed or an operator of a web server, and the operation of the video distribution server Is a moving image data distribution system that sells or lends this distribution channel number to the operator of the web server or the provider of the moving image original data to be distributed.

  In the present invention, the moving image data refers to both moving images including sound and moving images not including sound, and these moving image data are converted so that they can be distributed as streaming data via the Internet. A file name is assigned and stored in the external storage device of the video distribution server. In the present invention, the term “user” refers to a person who works for a company or various organizations, or a general individual who is at home or abroad. Also, a provider of moving image source data to be distributed (hereinafter referred to as a video provider) is an individual or company that provides video source server operators with video source data captured by a digital video camera or the like and requests distribution. Indicates. Furthermore, the web server includes a server that a general individual publishes on the Internet, in addition to a server that publishes a web page on the Internet by a company or various organizations.

In the system of the present invention, the following two management methods can be adopted with the same system configuration.
(First distribution management method)
In this method, the web server operator provides the video distribution server operator with moving image source data that is captured or owned by the web server operator, and the web server operator uses the web page to Apply for distribution of moving image data to the user. The operator of the video distribution server distributes the moving image as streaming data to the authorized user.
(Second delivery management method)
This method provides the video distribution server operator with moving image source data that is captured or owned by a general individual (or including a company, etc.), and the moving image data on the web page as described above. In this method, a moving image is distributed as streaming data to a user contracted by an operator of the video distribution server without applying for distribution.
This first distribution management method is, for example, a case where distribution is made to a specific user who has contracted in advance, such as a lecture given by a company or various organizations, a research presentation, or a supplementary lesson of a learning cram school. The second distribution management method is, for example, a case where a family distributes a moving image of the family to a child, a parent, or the like located far away (including a foreign country).

The moving image data distribution system of the present invention has the following effects.
1) An authentication number given to a user (receiving terminal device) using the present invention includes a distribution channel number. As a result, the video distribution server performs simple software processing on the moving image data requested for distribution based on the distribution channel number from among the authentication numbers received when the distribution request is made from the receiving terminal device of the user. Can be extracted and distributed to the user as streaming data.

  2) The user of the present invention can request streaming distribution of moving image data with the same feeling as the operation of e-mail that has been put into practical use. In addition, the video distribution server distributes moving image data as streaming data to a receiving terminal device of a specific user to which an authentication number is assigned in advance. As a result, it becomes impossible to store the data received by the user as a file in the receiving terminal device, and the security of the moving image data to be distributed can be ensured.

  3) The system of the present invention can be added to an e-mail system that has been systematized by companies, various organizations, and the like. As a result, even moving image data having a very large data capacity can be browsed using electronic mail, and its use value is extremely great, and the system can be used both in Japan and overseas.

  4) The operator of the video distribution server sells or leases the distribution channel number to each company, various organizations, etc. who publish the web page, or individuals who want to distribute moving image data. You can make a profit.

  Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a first example of a system configuration for carrying out the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numerals 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e,... Are user receiving terminal devices that use the system of the present invention to make moving image data distribution requests and reproduce (view) them. The receiving terminal device 1a,... Is composed of a personal computer, and in addition to an OS such as Windows (Microsoft), Internet Explorer (Microsoft), which is software (Web browser) for browsing web pages, etc. RealPlayer (RealNetworks), which is software for receiving and playing streaming data distributed from a video distribution server, such as Outlook Express (Microsoft), e-mail software, is installed in advance .

  Web servers 2a and 2b are constituted by personal computers or workstations. This web server 2a, etc. becomes a server for carrying out the first distribution management method described above, and each company or various organizations (including individuals) that publish web pages (homepages) on the Internet, etc. Is a server operated by. The above-described software OS, Web browser, electronic mail software, and the like are also installed in the web server 2a,. FIG. 1 shows two web servers 2a and 2b. However, as will be described later, three or more web servers are contracted with an operator of the video distribution server 3 (hereinafter referred to as a video distributor). Servers can participate in the system of the present invention.

  Reference numeral 3 denotes a video distribution server including a personal computer or a workstation. The video distribution server 3 has a function of distributing moving image data requested to be distributed from the receiving terminal device 1a,... To the receiving terminal device 1a,. Furthermore, the video distribution server 3 includes a distribution moving image file unit for storing and storing a moving image data to be distributed with a file name attached to an external storage device such as a hard disk device. Further, the video distribution server 3 converts the above-mentioned Web browser, e-mail software, and the distribution original image captured by the video camera or the like into streaming data and distributes it to the receiving terminal device 1a,. Software system such as Real System (RealNetworks), a software program comprising control programs for controlling the overall operation of the video distribution server 3, etc., and various types of software that these software refers to when performing processing A reference data table unit composed of the reference data.

  The above-described receiving terminal devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e,..., The web server 2a,..., The video distribution server 3 are connected to Internet service providers (hereinafter referred to as ISP) 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d. Via the Internet 5 which is a communication network.

  In the present invention, the first distribution management method described above is that the operator of the web server 2a,... (Hereinafter referred to as the web server operator) entrusts the distribution of moving image data to the video distributor. is there. The moving image data is, for example, a moving image captured by the web server operator or a moving image that the web server operator has ownership. Therefore, in order to construct and operate this first distribution management system, it is necessary to perform the following processing in advance. This will be described below.

  1) First, the web server operator signs a contract with the video distributor for the distribution of moving image data. Then, the video distributor may make a system that receives the price from the web server operator. In exchange for this, the video distributor gives a right number (hereinafter referred to as a video channel number) representing the right to entrust distribution of moving image data to the web server operator (or web server). In this way, when the web server operator is separated from the video distributor, the video distributor assigns one or more video channel numbers to the web server operator by contract with the web server operator. Can be sold (including lease contracts) or lent. Then, the video distributor distributes the moving image data assigned to the video channel number as streaming data in a predetermined time zone within a predetermined distribution period.

  2) The web server operator captures a moving image to be distributed via the Internet 5 with a digital video camera or the like. Then, the moving image data such as the cassette tape is provided to the video distributor. The content of the video data includes video for various lectures and research presentations, educational video provided as a supplementary lesson by the cram school, and new technologies and new products from companies and organizations. A variety of moving images such as moving images can be used.

  3) When the video distributor receives a cassette tape or the like on which a moving image is recorded from the web server operator, the video data is digitized if necessary and converted into data that can be distributed as streaming data. A file name is assigned to the external storage device of the distribution server 3 and stored. The video distribution server 3 incorporates software that can extract and distribute file names storing various types of moving image data requested for distribution based on the distribution channel numbers. Leave it in. The retrieval of the file name of the moving image from the distribution channel number can be performed by processing software that stores the distribution management table 3b1 as shown in FIG. 8 in the video distribution server 3 and refers to the table 3b1. .

  4) The web server operator publishes a web page on the Internet 5 by using the web server 2a,. On this web page, as shown in FIG. 2, a distribution menu 6 of moving image data to be distributed can be browsed. Then, the user who browses the web page can apply for a moving image data distribution request using the receiving terminal device 1a,. As shown in FIG. 2, the display contents of the distribution menu 6 include the video number h1 of the moving image to be distributed, the video name h2, the period for distributing the moving image (distribution period) h3, and the day during which the moving image is distributed. The time zone (delivery time zone) h4, etc. is displayed.

  5) When a user who browses this web page using the receiving terminal device 1a,... Wants to apply for a moving image distribution request, as shown in FIG. Necessary items are entered in the displayed application form 7 and transmitted to the web server 2a,. As shown in FIG. 3, items to be entered in the application form 7 include the address h5 (referred to as an E-Mail address) of the receiving terminal device 1 a,. The video number h6 or the like desired to be distributed from the video number column. As described above, the web server 2a,... Publishes a web page on the Internet 5, receives a request for a delivery request from the user via the web page, and further creates a list of applicants. HTML, CGI (Common Gateway Interface) language, which is a language for describing web pages, can be used.

  6) When the application for the distribution request for moving image data is transferred from the user via the Internet 5, the web server operator, if the distribution of the moving image data is to be charged, You may charge for the distribution fee. The distribution fee can be requested by bank transfer of the distribution fee using the above-described web page, such as by mail, e-mail, or a known Internet mail order system.

  7) When the web server operator confirms the payment of the distribution fee from the user, the web server operator notifies the video distributor of the user's e-mail address and the video number (h1 shown in FIG. 2) for which the distribution application has been made. This communication can be sent to the video distributor's E-Mail address using electronic mail.

  8) When the video distributor receives notification from the web server operator such as the user's e-mail address and the video number for which the distribution application has been made, the video distributor creates an authentication number 8 having a data structure as shown in FIG. Report the authentication number 8 to the web server operator. This notification may be sent by e-mail to the E-Mail address of the web server operator. The authentication number 8 shown in FIG. 4 includes a 4-digit first number portion 8a, a 4-digit second number portion 8b, and a 3-digit third number portion 8c, for a total of 11 digits. . The first number part 8a and the second number part 8b are a member number assigned by the web server operator, or a number (ID number) for identifying individual users assigned by the web server operator or video distributor. ). The three-digit third number portion 8c indicates the video channel number described above. The number of digits of the first number portion 8a, the second number portion 8b, and the number portion 8c indicating the video channel number constituting the authentication number 8 can be arbitrarily set according to the scale of the system. The contents of each digit may be composed of alphanumeric characters including English letters in addition to numerals. In the present invention, as described above, the authentication number used when a user requests distribution of moving image data is composed of a unique number for identifying each user and data including a video channel number. There is a feature. That is, the authentication number in the system of the present invention is composed of a unique number for identifying each user and a channel number, but the user has the meaning of the channel number included in his / her authentication number. There is no need to be conscious, and all digits of the assigned authentication number may be stored as an authentication number when a moving image data distribution request is made. The arrangement order of the number parts 8a, 8b, 8c may be determined in advance so as to be an appropriate order.

  9) When the web server operator receives the authentication number 8 from the video distributor, the web server operator notifies the user who applied for the moving image data distribution request with the authentication number 8. This contact is made by mail or e-mail. It should be noted that when the user makes a distribution request for moving image data by operating the receiving terminal device 1a, etc., it is desirable to make the operation as simple as possible. As a means for solving this, the web server operator (or video distributor) uses an authentication number input form 9 as shown in FIG. 5 by using the HTML mail and the web server 2a,. ) To the E-Mail addresses of the user's receiving terminals 1a, 1b,. The authentication number input form 9 displays the input positions 9a, 9b, and 9c of the first number portion 8a, the second number portion 8b, and the third number portion 8c (video channel number) of the authentication number 8. To do. Such an authentication number input form 9 can be created in the HTML language and sent using HTML mail. In addition, the homepage address (URL) of the video distribution server 3 is embedded in the HTML language in which the authentication number input form 9 is created. When the user makes a moving image distribution request, the authentication number input form 9 is displayed on the receiving terminal device 1a,..., And the user enters his / her authentication number 8 in the predetermined areas 9a, 9b, 9c. When the transmission button 9d is clicked with the mouse, it is linked to the URL of the video distribution server 3, and this authentication number 8 is transmitted to the URL of the video distribution server 3.

Performing in advance to construct and operate the above-described second distribution management method system is almost the same as the matters to be performed in advance to operate the first distribution management method system. However, the differences are as follows.
1) The video distributor concludes a video distribution contract with the video provider, and sets (assigns) a distribution channel number for each video provider. In addition, an E-Mail address of a user who views this moving image is provided, an authentication number is set and the user is contacted, and the above-described authentication number input form 9 is displayed using HTML mail. Send to users.
2) The video distributor may use the video distribution server 3 to publish the web page on the Internet 5 and apply for a moving image data distribution request from an individual.

Next, in the system of the present invention, operations and processing procedures when a user makes a distribution request and reproduction of moving image data using the receiving terminal devices 1a, 1b,.
An example of the procedure for the user to operate the receiving terminal devices 1a, 1b,... Is as shown in FIG. In FIG. 6, first, the receiving terminal devices 1a, 1b,... Are started (step S1), and then the e-mail software is started (step S2). Then, an e-mail sent with the authentication number input form 9 sent from either the web server 2a,... Or the video distribution server 3 is selected, and the authentication number input form 9 is displayed on the screen. The authentication number 8 assigned to this user is entered in the predetermined frames 9a, 9b, 9c of the authentication number input form 9 (step S3). Subsequently, the transmission button 9d displayed on the authentication number input form 9 is clicked with the mouse (step S4). Then, the input authentication number 8 is sent to the URL of the video distribution server 3. When receiving the moving image data distribution request, the video distribution server 3 executes the distribution process according to the process of the control program. The control program first confirms the communication speed of the receiving terminal device 1a,..., Etc. with respect to the receiving terminal device that has made the distribution request, and then receives the moving image data that has made the distribution request as streaming data Send to device.

  When receiving the streaming data, the receiving terminal device 1a,..., Etc. operates RealPlayer (RealNetworks), which is software for reproducing while receiving the streaming data, and receiving the streaming data. The received data is reproduced as a moving image on the display device (step S6).

  The confirmation of the communication speed refers to, for example, sending an input form for selecting a communication speed to the receiving terminal device that the video distribution server 3 has requested distribution using HTML mail. The user of the receiving terminal device selects a communication speed, for example, 32 Kbps (low speed) or 256 Kbps (high speed) from the input form screen for selecting this communication speed (step S5), and the video distribution server 3 Is to send to.

  The reason for confirming the communication speed is as follows. Users' receiving terminal devices are installed in various places. For this reason, the communication line connecting each receiving terminal apparatus 1a,... And the ISP is a low-speed communication line using a general public telephone line, or a high-speed communication line using ADSL or an optical cable. There may be. Therefore, if the moving image data with the compression rate changed according to the speed of the communication line is not distributed, the receiving terminal device may not be able to reproduce and view a normal moving image. The communication speed is confirmed by, for example, sending an input form for selecting two types of low speed and high speed to the receiving terminal device using HTML mail, and the user of the receiving terminal device displays the input form. A program that performs processing such as selecting a communication speed on the screen with a mouse and immediately returning it to the video distribution server may be used.

  As described above, the operation of the receiving terminal device when the user makes a distribution request can be made almost the same as the procedure for operating a conventional electronic mail. Therefore, the user who is familiar with the e-mail operation can perform the distribution request operation very easily.

  When the user makes a distribution request for moving image data, his / her authentication number is entered using the authentication number input form 9 of the e-mail sent in advance from the web server 2a,. When inputting and sending it to the video distribution server, there is a risk that the user accidentally deletes this e-mail received in the past. In order to eliminate the occurrence of such a problem, in the system of the present invention, the web operator or the video operator can use a CD-ROM, a computer-readable recording medium on which the authentication number input form 9 is recorded, It may be distributed to contracted users. Then, after starting up the receiving terminal device in step S1 shown in FIG. 6, the user reads this CD-ROM or the like, displays the authentication number input form 9 on the screen, and enters his / her authentication number in this form 9 It is also possible to adopt a means for sending to the video distribution server 3 using HTML mail or the like.

  Next, the processing procedure of the video distribution server 3 will be described. As described above, the video distribution server 3 is composed of a personal computer or a workstation. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the software section 3a composed of various kinds of software, and when these software are executed. A reference data table unit 3b that stores reference data to be referred to and a distribution moving image file unit 3c that stores moving image data distributed as streaming data via the Internet 5 as a file are provided.

  Most of the various software constituting the software unit 3a is stored in an external storage device such as a hard disk device of the video distribution server 3, and is read into the main storage device when the program is executed. Each data table constituting the reference data table unit 3b is also given a file name and stored in the external storage device, and is read into the main storage device when the program is executed. The distribution moving image file unit 3c has a storage area secured in an external storage device, and a plurality of types of moving image data converted into streaming data are stored with file names. As described above, since the receiving terminal device 1a,... Has low communication speed, high speed, etc., the moving image data to be distributed is converted by changing the compression ratio for low speed and high speed. It is preferable to assign a file name to each piece of data and store it in the moving image file section 3c for distribution.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the software unit 3a includes an OS 3a1, which is basic software for operating the video distribution server 3, a Web browser 3a2 for publishing a web page on the Internet, software 3a3 for e-mail, It is composed of streaming data distribution software 3a4, a control program 3a5 for controlling processing of the video distribution server 3, and the like.

  The reference data table unit 3b is a data table (database) that stores reference data to be referred to when each program of the software unit 3a executes its processing, such as a distribution management table 3b1, an authentication number table 3b2,. It has. The distribution management table 3b1 manages the moving image data files 3c1,... Constituting the distribution moving image file unit 3c, and data referred to when searching and distributing moving image data requested to be distributed by the user. Is a table for storing An example of the data configuration of the distribution management table 3b1 is shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the data items constituting the distribution management table 3b1 include a distribution channel number h7, a file name h8 of a moving image to be distributed, a distribution period h9, a distribution time zone h10, a distribution request customer name h11, and the like. ing. As described above, the data in the distribution channel number column h7 indicates the distribution channel number (right number) assigned to the web server operator or video provider by the video distributor, and the data in the distribution video file name column h8 is The file name of the moving image data stored in the distribution moving image file portion 3c is shown. Although this file name is not shown in FIG. 8, a file name corresponding to the communication speed of the receiving terminal device (low speed or high speed) is given. As described above, the file name of one moving image data to be distributed is set (assigned) for each distribution channel number assigned to the web server operator or the video provider by the distribution management table 3b1.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the data structure of the authentication number table 3b2 includes an authentication number field h12 for storing the authentication number 8 assigned to each user who uses the system of the present invention, and the receiving terminal device 1a of this user. The e-mail address field h13 stores addresses (e-mail addresses, etc.) assigned by ISPs or companies to.

  Next, a processing procedure when the video distribution server 3 receives a moving image distribution request from the receiving terminal device 1a,... Will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an outline of this processing procedure. Hereinafter, description will be given based on this flowchart. In addition, execution of each process step demonstrated below is mainly performed according to control of the control program 3a5. The control program 3a5 can be created using HTML, Perl, which is a CGI script language for supplementing the HTML, Visual Basic, C language, or the like.

(Step S11)
When the video distribution server 3 receives the recognition number 8 sent using the HTML mail from the receiving terminal device that makes the moving image distribution request, whether the received recognition number 8 is a pre-registered authentication number or not. Perform the check. This check can be performed by the following procedure.

  First, the authentication number table 3b2 shown in FIG. 9 is read into the internal storage device. Subsequently, the received 11-digit recognition number 8 (shown in FIG. 4) is temporarily stored in the internal storage device, and then the recognition number 8 stored in the internal storage device is stored in advance as data in the authentication number column h12 of the authentication number table 3b2. Check if it is registered. If the recognition number 8 received from the receiving terminal device 1a,... Is not registered in the authentication number table 3b2 as a result of this check processing, the receiving terminal device 1a,. Send an e-mail to inform you of "input error". This e-mail can be sent with reference to the address of the HTML mail received from the receiving terminal device. If the received identification number 8 is registered in the authentication number table 3b2, the process proceeds to the next step S12.

(Step S12)
Processing is performed to confirm the communication speed of the receiving terminal device that has requested distribution. This process is the process described in step S5 of FIG.

(Step S13)
For the moving image requested to be distributed, a process of extracting a corresponding file from the distribution moving image file unit 3c storing the moving image data is performed. This process can be performed by the following procedure.
(Procedure 1)
The distribution management table 3b1 is read into the main storage device. Subsequently, from the received 11-digit authentication number 8, as shown in FIG. 4, a 3-digit number portion 8c indicating a distribution channel number is extracted and stored in the main storage device.

(Procedure 2)
For the distribution channel number stored in the main storage device, the data in the distribution channel number column h7 of the distribution management table 3b1 read into the main storage device is searched to perform a process for searching for the presence or absence of the same data value. In this search process, when data having the same value as the distribution channel number included in the received authentication number is found (extracted) from the distribution channel number column h7 of the distribution management table 3b1, the attribute of the distribution channel number is extracted. The distribution moving image file name stored in the distribution management table 3b1 as an item corresponds to the file name of the moving image requested to be distributed. The file name of the moving image is linked to the streaming data distribution software 3a4. In this process, a process for extracting the file name of the moving image corresponding to the communication speed of the receiving terminal device that has requested the distribution is performed.
In this way, in the present invention, since the distribution channel is included in the authentication number sent from the receiving terminal device 1a,... That requested distribution, moving image data to be distributed with reference to the distribution management table 3b1. Can be easily searched, and the configuration of the control program and the like of the video distribution server 3 can be greatly simplified.

(Step S14)
The mail address of the receiving terminal device 1a,... That requested distribution is retrieved from the sent authentication number 8 by referring to the authentication number table 3b2 by the processing of the control program 3a5, as in the processing of step S13. Can be obtained. In this way, when the streaming data distribution software 3a4 is linked with the file name of the moving image data to be distributed and the E-Mail address of the receiving terminal device to be distributed, the streaming data distribution software 3a4 requested the distribution. Processing for automatically delivering streaming data to the receiving terminal device is performed. Then, when all the data of the requested moving image data file is distributed, the process of step S14 is ended.

  In the system of the present invention, when the distribution period and distribution time period of moving image data to be distributed are set by a contract with the web server operator or video provider, the control program 3a5 distributes the distribution management table 3b1. The distribution process can be automatically controlled with reference to the data stored in the distribution period column h9 and the distribution time zone column h10. In addition, when newly registering and deleting moving image data for distribution, the distribution management table 3b1 is displayed on the screen of the video distribution server 3, and the update operation of data stored in the distribution management table 3b1 is performed by a short interactive method. It can be performed.

  As described above, in the description of the first system configuration example of the present invention described in the present invention, the video distribution server 3 has been described as an example composed of one personal computer. However, the video distribution server is configured as shown in FIG. It can also be. That is, as shown in FIG. 11, the video distribution server accepts a distribution request from a user and instructs the storage server to distribute the video to the storage server. The video management server 11 stores video data to be distributed. It is also possible to provide a system configuration in which the storage servers 11 and 12 are provided separately and each server is connected to the Internet 5. By adopting such a system configuration, it is possible to distribute the addition of the video distribution server when there are many requests for moving image data distribution.

  It is a figure showing the example of the 1st system composition for carrying out the present invention.   It is a figure for demonstrating the example of a format of the delivery menu of the moving image data currently published on the web page by the web server.   Similarly, it is a figure for demonstrating an example of the delivery application form of the moving image data currently published on the web page by the web server.   It is a figure for demonstrating the data structure of an authentication number.   It is a figure for demonstrating the example of a form of the screen which the user of this invention inputs an authentication number when performing the delivery request | requirement of moving image data.   It is a flowchart explaining the operation procedure when the user of this invention makes a delivery request | requirement of moving image data using a receiving terminal device.   It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of the software part of a video delivery server, a reference | standard data tail part, and the moving image file part for a delivery.   In FIG. 7, it is a figure for demonstrating the example of a data structure of the delivery management table which comprises a reference | standard data tail part.   Similarly, in FIG. 7, it is a figure for demonstrating the data structural example of the authentication number table which comprises a reference | standard data tail part.   It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process sequence when a video delivery server delivers moving image data.   It is a figure which shows the 2nd system configuration example for implementing this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e: receiving terminal device 2a, 2b: web server 3: video distribution server 3a: software unit 3a1: OS
3a2: Web browser 3a3: E-mail software 3a4: Streaming data distribution software 3a5: Control program 3b: Reference data table section 3b1: Distribution management table 3b2: Authentication number table 3c: Distribution video file 3c1: Video Data file 5: Internet 6: Distribution menu 7: Distribution application form 8: Authentication number 8a: First number part 8b: Second number part 8c: Third number part (distribution channel number)
9: Authentication number input form

Claims (7)

A video distribution server that sets a distribution channel number for each moving image data to be distributed to the Internet in advance and stores the moving image data to be distributed in association with the distribution channel number, and the moving image to the video distribution server A moving image data distribution system in which a data distribution request and a receiving terminal device of a user who performs reception are connected,
The receiving terminal device comprises means for sending an authentication number including the distribution channel number assigned to each user to the video distribution server when making a distribution request for moving image data,
The video distribution server extracts moving image data requested for distribution from the moving image data stored in the video distribution server from the distribution channel number included in the identification number sent from the receiving terminal device. The moving image data distribution system further comprises means for distributing the extracted moving image data as streaming data to the receiving terminal device. A web server that publishes a web page on the Internet and applies for a distribution request for moving image data, and sets a distribution channel number for each moving image data to be distributed in advance and distributes the image in association with the distribution channel number. A video distribution server for storing video data, and a video data distribution system in which a video distribution server is connected to the video distribution server and a receiving terminal device of a user who receives and receives the video data.
The receiving terminal device of the user comprises means for sending an authentication number including the distribution channel number assigned to each user to the video distribution server when making a distribution request for moving image data.
The video distribution server extracts moving image data requested for distribution from the moving image data stored in the video distribution server from the distribution channel number included in the identification number sent from the receiving terminal device. The moving image data distribution system further comprises means for distributing the extracted moving image data as streaming data to the receiving terminal device.   The means for sending the authentication number to the video distribution server by the receiving terminal device is means for sending the authentication number by HTML mail after inputting the authentication number in an authentication number input form. The moving image data distribution system according to claim 1 or 2.   4. The moving image data distribution system according to claim 3, wherein the web server or the video distribution server includes means for sending the authentication number input form to the receiving terminal device using HTML mail. .   4. The moving image according to claim 3, wherein an operator of the web server or an operator of the video distribution server provides the user with a computer-readable recording medium storing the authentication number input form. Data distribution system.   3. The distribution channel number according to claim 1, wherein one or a plurality of channel numbers are set for each provider of moving image source data to be distributed or an operator of the web page. Video data distribution system.   The operator of the video distribution server sells or lends the distribution channel number to a provider of moving image source data to be distributed or an operator of the web server. Item 7. The moving image data distribution system according to any one of Items 6 to 6.

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