JP2005210662A - Streaming image distribution system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a streaming image distribution system which can distribute streaming images to many and unspecified viewers as well as specified viewers. <P>SOLUTION: The streaming image distribution system includes a distribution management server having distribution management data containing, through registration, channel numbers set for respective requesters requesting distribution of the streaming images, file names related to the streaming images to be distributed to respective channel numbers, identification codes, image distribution periods, and the addresses of the image distribution servers storing the streaming images provided with the respective filenames. Each of reception terminal apparatuses for users to enjoy streaming images is provided with a means for transmitting, when requesting the distribution of streaming images, the channel numbers or image identification codes to the distribution management server. With regard to a streaming image requested from a specified viewer to be distributed by means of the image identification code, the streaming image of which the image identification code is registered in a distribution management data table in advance is distributed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

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

  Along with the development of communication technology using the Internet in recent years, a receiving terminal device composed of a personal computer connected to the Internet is operated to link to a video distribution server storing moving image data (including audio), A moving image data distribution system that receives and reproduces linked moving image data 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). And a method of downloading image data or the like using a homepage published on the Internet. Such a method of downloading image data in units of files increases the data distribution time when the data capacity of the file increases, and thus causes a problem that the user has to wait for a long time to receive and reproduce the data. 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 5 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)   JP 2003-230125 A (pages 2-6 of the specification, FIG. 2)

  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 Patent Document 5, when a stream video distribution service is performed between a stream distribution server and an end host via the Internet, quality evaluation is performed on the stream video being received by the end host, When it is determined, a stream distribution automatic switching control method is described in which connection is automatically switched to a stream distribution server that provides an optimal stream video.

  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, the patent document 3 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 of various lectures, video data for educational purposes such as learning cram schools and correspondence courses, etc. to a specific user (member) who has been given an authentication number in advance, select the channel number for the user There is no need to make it happen. When the user authentication number is sent to the video distribution server, it is easier for the user to perform the distribution request operation if the system is such that moving image data corresponding to this authentication number is distributed to the user. In addition, the software configuration of the video distribution server is simplified.

  In the stream delivery automatic switching control method described in Patent Document 5, an end post is received from an at least one network such as a reception band, a packet loss, a display rate, etc. at an application level with respect to a stream video being received. It is necessary to install software for quality evaluation. For general users, it is not always necessary to install such software for evaluating the quality of stream video reception in a personal computer as a receiving apparatus.

In recent years, with the advancement of Internet technology, in particular, the increase in communication speed, there is an increasing need to distribute moving images including sound to viewers as streaming. The reason for this is as follows.
(1) Even if the moving image data distributed by the streaming method is received by the receiving terminal device on the viewer side, it is impossible to store the received data as a file, so that illegal copying can be prevented. .
(2) Lectures held by various academic societies, videos of research presentations, PR videos of companies and various organizations, and images of family members in the country against family members (children) who are far away (including foreign countries) There is a growing need for video distribution.

  Distribution of moving images as streaming can be constructed using a personal computer connected to the Internet by an individual, but it is conceivable to construct a moving image distribution system as one business. For example, a distribution requester (for example, a company, various schools, organizations, individuals, etc.) who wants to distribute a moving image to a viewer distributes the moving image to a video distribution company that manages and operates a video distribution server. A video distribution company is a business that receives a fee for distribution of moving images from a distribution requester.

  If an attempt is made to construct a system for distributing streaming video as described above, the viewers who view the streaming video are targeted to the unspecified majority, or specific viewers such as members of various academic societies and families, for example. It is necessary to have a system that considers whether or not Furthermore, the distribution request method when the viewer requests distribution of streaming video is also appropriate depending on whether the viewer is an unspecified number of viewers or a specific viewer. There is a need to be able to make a system. The reason for this is that when distributing to an unspecified number of viewers, the distribution requester, for example, publishes a homepage (hereinafter referred to as a Web page) in which the address and video file name of the video distribution server are embedded, This is because the viewer should be able to make a streaming video distribution request using this Web page.

  However, if the viewer is a specific member such as a member of the various academic societies or family, the address of the video distribution server storing the streaming video to be distributed and its file name cannot be deciphered by a third party. It is necessary to construct a streaming video distribution system with a special mechanism.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a specific viewing even in a system for distributing streaming video using the Internet, even when a moving image requested for distribution by a distribution requester targets an unspecified number of viewers. The present invention is to provide a streaming video distribution system that can be distributed appropriately even when targeted at a person, and that an operator operating a distribution management server can increase profits.

The present invention relates to a channel number set for each client who requests distribution of streaming video, a name of the streaming video to be distributed corresponding to the channel number, a distribution period thereof, and a streaming video to which the name is assigned. A distribution management server having distribution management data in which the address of the stored video distribution server is registered; the video distribution server that stores the streaming video requested to be distributed; and a viewing that performs distribution request and viewing of the streaming video A streaming video distribution system in which the receiving terminal device of the user is connected to the Internet,
The distribution management data further includes a video identification code transmitted from the receiving terminal device to the distribution management server so that only a specific viewer can make a distribution request for the streaming video in which the channel number is set. Registered,
The receiving terminal device includes distribution request transmission means for transmitting the channel number or the video identification code to the distribution management server when making a distribution request for the streaming video, the distribution management server comprising:
When the channel number is received from the distribution request transmission means of the receiving terminal device, the date when the distribution request is received with reference to the data of the distribution period registered in the distribution management data for the received channel number Obtains the name of the streaming video and the address of the video distribution server included in the distribution period, and performs control for distributing the streaming video to which the name is assigned to the video distribution server to the receiving terminal device. 1 streaming video distribution means;
When the video identification code is received from the receiving terminal device, the date of reception of the video identification code is determined by referring to the data of the distribution period registered in the distribution management data for the received video identification code. A second control unit that obtains a name of the streaming video included in a period and an address of the video distribution server, and performs control for distributing the streaming video to which the name is assigned to the video distribution server to the receiving terminal device; Streaming video distribution means;
Is a streaming video distribution system.

  Further, according to the present invention, the distribution request transmitting means transmits the channel number or the video identification code to the distribution management server via a homepage published by the distribution requester or the distribution management server operator. This is a streaming video distribution system.

  Furthermore, the present invention is the streaming video distribution system in which the distribution request transmission means is means for transmitting the channel number or the video identification code to the distribution management server by HTML mail.

  Furthermore, the streaming video distribution system is connected to the Internet, to which the terminal device of the distribution requester includes means for uploading the streaming video requested by the distribution requester to the distribution management server.

  Furthermore, the present invention is a streaming video distribution system in which an operator of the distribution management server rents the channel number set for the distribution requester to the distribution requester.

The streaming video distribution system of the present invention has the following effects.
(1) Streaming video to be distributed is a system that can respond to both requests for distribution to an unspecified number of viewers at the request of the distribution requester or for specific viewers. Yes. In particular, streaming video distributed to specific viewers such as members of various academic societies and families is a system that can prevent an unspecified number of viewers from viewing. As a result, it is possible to provide a system that can ensure security even for an individual distribution request for distributing a streaming video to a distant family.

(2) Since the program processing of the distribution management server that performs the processing of (1) is executed with reference to the distribution management data table registered in advance in the distribution management server, the program configuration of the distribution management server However, an extremely simple configuration can be achieved.

(3) The operator of the distribution management server can increase the profit by renting the channel number set for the distribution requester to the distribution requester. Furthermore, the distribution requester can conclude a streaming video distribution contract with a specific viewer, thereby constructing a streaming video distribution system in which the distribution requester can also earn revenue.

  Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration for carrying out the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numerals 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e,... Are viewer receiving terminal devices that perform streaming video distribution requests and playback (viewing) using the system of the present invention. 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, Outlook Express (Microsoft), which is software for e-mail, Windows Media Player (Microsoft), which is software for receiving and playing streaming video data distributed from a video distribution server, or Real Player ( RealNetworks) is installed in advance.

  Reference numerals 2a, 2b,... Are Web servers composed of personal computers or workstations. The web server 2a, etc. is a server operated by a company, various organizations, or individuals who publish web pages on the Internet. In the present invention, the operator or individual of the Web servers 2a, 2b,... Is a distribution requester who requests distribution of streaming video to a distribution management server operator (hereinafter referred to as a distribution operator). The above-described software OS, Web browser, electronic mail software, and the like are also installed in the Web server 2a, etc. FIG. 1 shows two web servers 2a and 2b. However, as will be described later, a large number of delivery requester Web servers can participate in the system of the present invention by contract.

  Reference numeral 3 denotes a distribution management server composed of a personal computer or a workstation, which is a server managed and operated by the above distribution operator. The distribution management server 3 receives a streaming video distribution request from the receiving terminal device 1a of the viewer, etc., and performs processing for distributing the requested streaming video data to the receiving terminal device 1a,. It is a server for managing the jump.

  The distribution management server 3 uploads the converted streaming video data to the video distribution server, the Web browser, the software for e-mail, the software for converting the video data captured by the video camera or the like into the streaming data. And a software unit including a distribution management program for controlling distribution request reception and distribution processing. Further, the distribution management server 3 generates a reference data table (database) unit composed of various types of reference data to be referred to when these software perform distribution processing and all streaming video data to be distributed in the event of a failure. In preparation for this, a streaming video backup unit stored for backup is provided. This streaming video backup unit is composed of streaming video data stored (accumulated) in an external storage device such as a hard disk device and given a file name.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the distribution management server 3 operated by the distribution operator, the distribution management server 3 performs distribution request reception and distribution processing, and the streaming video backup unit described above is used as the video distribution server 3a,. -You may make it provide in.

  4a, 4b,... Are video distribution servers composed of personal computers or workstations, etc., and are servers operated by the distribution operators or third parties described above. Examples of servers 4a,... Operated by a third party are servers owned by general companies, Internet service providers, various organizations, or individuals. That is, the distribution operator lends (rents) a part of the external storage device (hard disk device) constituting the server when the capacity of these Web servers 4a, 4b,. It is used as a so-called rental server in which streaming video data to be distributed to a storage device is stored and used as a video distribution server. By adopting such a system configuration, the distribution operator does not make expensive capital investment in the video distribution servers 4a, 4b,... 3a,... Can be distributed and stored in servers 4a, 4b,. Thereby, for example, when any failure occurs in one of the video distribution servers 4a, 4b,..., By uploading the backed-up streaming video data to the video distribution server that is operating normally promptly, It becomes possible to recover from a failure in a short time.

  The viewer's receiving terminal devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e,..., The distribution requester's Web servers 2a, 2b,..., The distribution management server's distribution management server 3 and backup server 3a, distribution management The video distribution servers 4a, 4b,... Of the traders or third parties are connected to the Internet 6 which is a communication network via Internet service providers 5 in various places.

  In the streaming video distribution system of the present invention, basically, a distribution requester who operates the Web server 2a,..., A company or an individual who does not have a server entrusts distribution video distribution to a distribution operator. There is. This streaming video is, for example, a moving image (including sound) captured by these distribution requesters or a moving image for which the distribution requester has ownership. Specific examples include PR videos of companies and various organizations, moving images of research conferences and lectures of various academic societies, and examples of answers to practice questions in schools and cram schools A moving image, a moving image for distributing the current status to other family members or friends who are far away (including foreign countries), and the like. The streaming video distribution system according to the present invention can specify a viewer who views a streaming video at the request of a distribution requester, such as a member of various academic societies or a family, even when targeting an unspecified number of viewers. Even when the viewer is a target audience, the streaming video requested to be distributed can be appropriately distributed. In order to construct and operate the system of the present invention, it is necessary to perform the following matters in advance. This will be described below.

(1) First, the distribution requester concludes a contract for distribution of streaming video with a distribution operator that distributes streaming video. The contents of the contract include a distribution method, a distribution method such as whether the distribution target person is an unspecified viewer (public) or a specific viewer (non-public), a distribution commission fee, and the like. This distribution period is related to the date and time of when the requested video is distributed from what time to what time. Then, as a price for receiving a distribution commission fee (rental charge) from the distribution requester, the distribution operator pays the distribution requester a right number indicating the right of the streaming video distribution commission, that is, a channel number constituting the present invention. Is set for each delivery requester. The channel number is a number set for each streaming video name (file name or video number) requested by the distribution requester, and is composed of numbers or alphanumeric characters having a predetermined number of digits. "Or" 002 "is a number set by the additional number. This channel number is associated with the name (for example, file name) of the streaming video requested for distribution as a management number effective during the contract period of the streaming video requested by the distribution requester. It is registered in advance in the distribution management data table T1 (shown in FIG. 2). In addition, the distribution operator may specify that the channel number is given to the distribution requester in the distribution contract with the distribution requester. Further, the distribution operator can set a plurality of channel numbers for one distribution requester. When two or more channel numbers are set for one distribution requester, two or more types of streaming video requested by the distribution requester can be distributed simultaneously. In this way, the streaming video distribution system of the present invention is a system in which the distribution requester requests the distribution operator to distribute the streaming video, so the distribution operator requests the distribution by contract with the distribution requester. The channel number set for the user can be rented to the distribution requester for the distribution period, and the business can obtain the rental income.

(2) The distribution requester uses a digital video camera or the like to capture the moving image to be distributed, or requests the distribution operator or a third party to capture the moving image. Then, the distribution requester provides the distribution operator with a cassette tape or the like that captures the moving image. As mentioned above, the video images can be taken from lectures at various academic societies, educational videos provided by the cram school, videos of how to solve practice questions, new businesses and various organizations, etc. It is a moving image that includes audio for all fields, such as videos for introducing technologies and new products, and the current state of families.

(3) When the distribution operator receives a cassette tape or the like obtained by capturing a moving image from the distribution requester, the moving image data is digitized if necessary and converted into data that can be distributed as streaming video data. The converted video data is stored in an external storage device such as the distribution management server 3. As software for converting to the streaming video data, for example, Windows Media Encoder (Microsoft Corporation) can be used.

(4) When the processing of (3) is completed, the distribution operator creates and registers distribution management data (data table) T1 as shown in FIG. For each channel number given (set) to the distribution requester, the distribution management data table T1 displays the title and file name of the streaming video requested by the distribution requester and the streaming video corresponding to this file name. This is a database in which the addresses (URLs) of the video distribution servers 4a, 4b,... Stored (accumulated) for distribution, URLs, distribution periods, video identification codes, etc. are registered. This distribution management data table T1 is the viewer's receiving terminal device 1a. When a streaming video distribution request is transmitted to the video management server 3, the distribution management program of the video management server 3 executes distribution process control on the video distribution servers 4a, 4b,. It becomes a database to be referred when you do.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the distribution management data table T1 includes a channel number h1, a video title name h2, a video identification code h3, a distribution period h4, and a video distribution server 4a storing (accumulating) streaming video data to be distributed. 4b,..., The address (URL) h5 of the streaming video, the video name (file name) h6 of the streaming video, the data requester name h7, and the like are stored. Among these, the title name assigned by the distribution requester or distribution operator is registered as the video title name h2, and the date and time of the start and end of distribution are registered in the distribution period h4.

  The video identification code h3 registered in the distribution management data table T1 is set and registered in advance when the streaming video requested by the distribution requester is distributed to a specific viewer at the request of the distribution requester. Code number. This video identification code h3 is composed of a predetermined number of digits, for example, 10 to 16 digits or alphanumeric characters, and a predetermined digit (for example, 4 to 6 digits) from the beginning of the video identification code h3 is distributed. It is preferable that the requester attribute part in which the country, region, organization, company name, etc. of the requester are coded, and the remaining digits are constituted by a serial number or a number part composed of a random unique number. When a random number is set for this number part, the distribution management server 3 is provided with a program for generating a random number, and a random number part having a predetermined number of digits is automatically set using this random number generation program. Also good. When the distribution operator sets the video identification code h3, the distribution requester who has requested distribution of the streaming video set with the video identification code h3 sends the set channel number h1, the video identification code h3, etc. to a normal mail, Alternatively, contact is made using HTML mail. When the video identification code h3 or the like is communicated using HTML mail, the data of the video identification code h3 set together with the video identification code input form T2 as shown in FIG. 3 may be transmitted to the distribution requester. Good. As described above, the video identification code h3 is a unique code number set for each streaming video distributed to a specific viewer.

(5) The operator of the distribution management server 3 stores the video distribution servers 4a, 4b,... Stored in the distribution management data table T1 in the video data converted into data that can be distributed as streaming video data in (3). Upload to the address h5. As described above, the video distribution server that uploads the streaming video data is distributed using other rental servers connected to the Internet in addition to the server 3a owned by the operator of the distribution management server 3. And memorize it.

(6) When the distribution requester wants to distribute the streaming video to an unspecified number of viewers under a contract with the distribution operator, the distribution requester uses the web servers 2a, 2b,. A web page T3 as shown in FIG. The web page T3 shown in FIG. 4 is created in the HTML language, and includes a window frame T3a for a viewer to make a streaming video distribution request. When the viewer clicks one of the transmission buttons T3b, T3c, and T3d set for each video title name displayed in the window frame T3a with the mouse, the viewer corresponds to the transmission buttons T3b, T3c, and T3d. Streaming video is distributed to the receiving terminal devices 1a, 1b,. The streaming video distribution request method shown in FIG. 4 constitutes a distribution request transmission means by channel number according to the present invention. In the present invention, the Web page T3 as shown in FIG. 4 includes a case where a third party entrusted by the requester releases it on the Internet 6 in addition to the distribution requester.

(7) On the other hand, when the distribution requester distributes the streaming video to a specific viewer by contract with the distribution operator, the distribution requester receives the video identification code h3 received from the distribution operator by e-mail, The receiving terminal devices 1a, 1b,... Of the viewer who wants to distribute this streaming video are contacted using mail or the like. Note that the video identification code h3 may be communicated in addition to e-mail, for example, when the distribution requester is an organization such as various academic societies, etc., the members of the academic societies may be communicated via documents. In addition, the distribution requester may be able to make a streaming video distribution request to a specific viewer using a Web page published on the Internet 6 by the distribution requester. In this case, for example, a web page T4 as shown in FIG. 5 is released, and a video identification code composed of a predetermined number of digits is sequentially input into the input frames T4a, T4b, T4c, and the transmission button T4d is pressed. The video identification code input by clicking with the mouse is transmitted to the distribution management server 3.

(8) Furthermore, when the distribution requester wants to distribute the streaming video to a specific viewer under a contract with the distribution operator, the HTML from the distribution requester (or distribution operator) to the specific viewer Using the video identification code input form T2 shown in FIG. 3 sent by e-mail, after inputting the video identification code in the input frames T2a, T2b, T2c, the video identification code input by clicking the transmission button T2d is input. A means for transmitting to the distribution management server 3 by HTML mail may be employed. The above-described video identification code input and transmission method shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5 constitutes a distribution request transmission means using the video identification code of the present invention.

  Subsequently, in the system of the present invention, the operation procedure when the viewer makes a streaming video distribution request and viewing using the receiving terminal devices 1a, 1b,..., And the processing contents of the system will be described. .

When the distribution requester wants to distribute a streaming video to an unspecified number of viewers, the operation procedure when the viewer views the video on the receiving terminal devices 1a, 1b,... Is shown in FIG. It becomes like this.
First, the viewer starts up the receiving terminal devices 1a, 1b, etc. (step S1), and then starts up a Web browser such as Internet Explorer (Microsoft) (step S2). Subsequently, the Web page of the distribution requester who has published a Web page for requesting streaming video distribution is accessed from the Web browser screen (step S3). This Web page access method is made possible by a known method of inputting and transmitting the URL of the distribution requester using a Web browser screen.

  When the Web page of the distribution requester is accessed, the Web page of the distribution requester is displayed on the screen of the receiving terminal device 1a, 1b,. In this Web page, for example, a page T3 for making a streaming video distribution request as shown in FIG. 4 is disclosed. In the window frame T3a, one or more streaming video titles to be distributed and transmission buttons T3b, T3c, T3d,... Are displayed. When the viewer clicks one of the transmission buttons T3b, T3c, T3d,... Of the title name he / she wishes to view from the title name of the streaming video with the mouse (step S4), the streaming video distribution request is sent to the Web page. It is transmitted to the distribution management server 3 via T3. Note that the Web page T3 shown in FIG. 4 may be displayed as a distribution schedule table that displays the distribution period and the like for each title of the streaming video.

  When the streaming video distribution request desired by the viewer is transmitted to the distribution management server 3 by the process of step S4, the distribution management server 3 refers to the distribution management data table T1 and checks the distribution period. Searching the addresses and file names of the video distribution servers 4a, 4b,... In which the streaming video requested to be distributed is stored, and receiving terminal devices 1a, 1b of the viewer who requested the distribution of the searched streaming video・ Process to distribute to. When the viewer's receiving terminal devices 1a, 1b,... Receive streaming video, Windows Media Player (Microsoft) or Real Player (RealNetworks), which is software for reproducing the streaming video, is available. In operation, the viewer can view the streaming video (step S5).

As described in steps S1 to S5 above, when the distribution requester desires distribution of streaming video for an unspecified number of persons, the distribution requester's Web page T3 shown in FIG. Is embedded with the address of the distribution management server 3 and the channel number registered in the distribution management data table of the distribution management server for each displayed video title name, and the viewer presses the send buttons T3b, T3c, T3d. When any one of these is clicked with the mouse, the address and channel number of this distribution management server are transmitted to the distribution management server 3. The distribution management program of the distribution management server 3 refers to the distribution management data table T1, and the video distribution servers 4a, 4b storing the file names of streaming video to be distributed from the received channel numbers, and data of the file names, .. Are linked (searched), and processing for distributing the linked streaming video to the receiving terminal devices 1a, 1b,. In the HTML language for creating the Web page T3 for requesting distribution by the distribution requester, for example, a description in which the address and channel number of the distribution management server are embedded is embedded as follows.
Open ('http://www.stream.co.jp/...ch='5'...width=230, height = 280')

  As described above, when streaming video is distributed to an unspecified number of people, the address and channel number (“5” in the above example) of the distribution management server are described in the HTML language of the Web page T3. However, there is no security problem with streaming video distribution. This is because the server storing the streaming video data to be distributed is a video distribution server 4a, 4b,... Different from the distribution management server 3, and the distribution management server 3 is the video distribution server 4a, 4b. This is because the distribution instruction is controlled to.

  Subsequently, when the distribution requester wishes to distribute a streaming video to a specific viewer, an example of a procedure in which the specific viewer operates the receiving terminal devices 1a, 1b,. As shown in FIG. Since the step different from the operation procedure in the case of distributing to an unspecified number of people shown in FIG. 6 is the process of step S4a, the operation of step S4a will be described below.

  In step S4a, when a streaming video is requested to be delivered to the web page accessed by the viewer, as in the web page T4 shown in FIG. 5, the delivery management data table T1 corresponding to the streaming video is previously stored. A form for inputting the registered video identification code h3 is open to the public. The viewer inputs a video identification code having a predetermined number of digits in the input frames T4a, T4b, and T4c according to the input form of the Web page T4, clicks the transmission button T4d with the mouse, and inputs the input video identification code. An operation of transmitting to the distribution management server 3 is performed.

  As described above, this video identification code h3 is set for the streaming video by the distribution operator when the distribution requester wants to distribute the streaming video to a specific viewer, and is stored in the distribution management data table T1. It is a number that is registered and communicated to a specific viewer via e-mail, printed matter, etc. via a distribution requester. Therefore, since this video identification code h3 is a number that can be known only by a specific viewer, for example, members of various organizations or academic societies, family members, etc., only this specific viewer who knows this video identification code. A streaming video in which the video identification code h3 is set can be distributed.

When the video identification code h3 is transmitted from the receiving terminal device of the viewer to the distribution management server 3 by the process of step S4a, the distribution management server 3 refers to the distribution management data table T1 and transmits the transmitted video identification code. It is checked whether or not the code h3 is registered in advance in the distribution management data table T1. If the transmitted video identification code is registered in the distribution management data table T1, the distribution request date and time is stored for each video file name h6 in which the video identification code h3 is set. It is checked whether it is included in h4. When the distribution requesting date and time is included in the distribution period h4, the file name h3 of the streaming video to be distributed registered in the distribution management data table T1 and the file h3 are registered from the video identification code h3. Are linked to the address h5 of the video distribution servers 4a, 4b,... That store the streaming video to which the video is assigned, and the streaming video requested to be distributed based on the video identification code h3 is received by the receiving terminal devices 1a, 1b,. Process to deliver to.
Thus, when the receiving terminal device 1a, 1b,... Of the viewer receives the streaming video requested for distribution, the Windows Media Player (Microsoft Corp.) or Real Player (RealNetworks), which is software for reproducing the streaming video, is received. Etc.) and the viewer can view the streaming video (step S5).

  Next, the processing procedure for the distribution request of the distribution management server 3 will be described. As described above, the distribution management server 3 is composed of a personal computer or a workstation. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, when the software unit 3a composed of various software is executed, these software are executed. A reference data table unit 3b that stores reference data to be referred to and a streaming video backup unit 3c that assigns file names to all streaming video data to be distributed and stores them as backups in an external storage device such as a hard disk device. The streaming video data stored in the streaming video backup unit 3c of the distribution management server 3 is the video distribution server 3a that actually distributes the distribution request, the Web servers 4a and 4b, the rental server, or the like. To be distributed and stored. In this case, if a failure occurs in any of the video distribution servers 3a,..., The web servers 4a, 4b,..., The streaming video data stored in the failed server and The data of the same file name is uploaded from the streaming video backup unit 3c to the other web servers 4a, 4b,..., And then the video distribution server address h5 registered in the distribution management data table T1 is set. By correcting, this failure can be recovered in a short time.

  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 distribution management 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. In the streaming video backup unit 3c, a storage area is secured in the external storage device, and streaming video data converted into streaming data for distribution is stored with a file name 3c1.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the software unit 3a includes an OS 3a1, which is basic software for operating the distribution management server 3, a Web browser 3a2 for publishing a Web page on the Internet, software 3a3 for e-mail, Streaming data conversion software 3a4, software (FTP) 3a5 for uploading streaming video data to video distribution servers 4a, 4b,..., And distribution request reception processing and video distribution server 3a,. The distribution server 4a, 4b,... Includes a distribution management program 3a6 for controlling distribution processing of streaming video data stored therein, a distribution management data table registration / update program 3a7, a streaming video registration program 3a8, 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, and includes the above-described distribution management data table T1,. ing.

  Subsequently, when the distribution management server 3 receives a streaming video distribution request from the receiving terminal device 1a,..., The processing procedure of the distribution management program 3a6 will be described with reference to FIG. The distribution management program 3a6 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 distribution management server 3 receives streaming video request data from the receiving terminal devices 1a, 1b,... By the above distribution request transmission means, the distribution management program 3a6 determines whether this request is a request by the channel number h1. It is analyzed whether the request is based on the video identification code h3. As described above, when a streaming video distribution request is made from the receiving terminal devices 1a, 1b,..., The channel number h1 and the video identification code h3 are related to the web pages T3, T4, the video identification code input form T2, and the like. Data is transmitted to the distribution management server 3. For example, when distributing video to an unspecified number of viewers, an HTML language describing the address and channel number (ch) of the distribution management server 3 as shown in (1) below is embedded in the Web page T3. ing. The following (1) indicates that the channel number “001” is transmitted to the distribution management server.
http: // streamingng. tv /.../.../ index. php? ch = 001 (1)
When distributing a video to a specific viewer, the address of the distribution management server 3 as shown in (2) below and a video identification code (code) input by the viewer are embedded in the HTML language. Data regarding the input video identification code h3 is transmitted to the distribution management server 3. In the following (2), it is shown that the video identification code “123456789012” is transmitted to the distribution management server 3.
http: // streamingng. tv /.../.../ index. php? code = 134556789012 (2)
Therefore, the distribution management program 3a6 analyzes whether the request data transmitted from the receiving terminal devices 1a, 1b,... Is a distribution request based on a channel number (ch) or a distribution request based on a video identification code (code). be able to.

(Step S12)
If it is determined in step S12 that the distribution request is a distribution request based on the channel number h1, the process proceeds to steps S19 to S21 and S17. On the other hand, if the distribution request is based on the video identification code h3, the process proceeds to steps S13 to S17. If it is determined that the distribution request is a request other than the channel number h1 or the video identification code h3, the process proceeds to step S18, where an error message is transmitted to the receiving terminal apparatus that has made the distribution request, and the distribution management program is executed. The process of 3a6 is terminated.

(Step S13) (Step S14)
If it is determined in step S13 that the distribution request is a request based on the video identification code h3, the distribution management program 3a6 proceeds to step S14, and the received video identification code h3 is registered in advance in the distribution management data table T1. The process to check whether or not. If the received video identification code h3 is registered in the distribution management data table T1, the process proceeds to step S15. If it is not registered in the distribution management data table T1, the process proceeds to step S18. ”Or the like is transmitted to the receiving terminal device that made the distribution request, and the processing of the distribution management program 3a6 is terminated.

(Step S15)
For the received video identification code h3, the distribution management data table T1 is referred to check the data of the distribution period h4 in which the received video identification code is registered. The contents of this check are processes for checking whether or not the date and time of today when the distribution request is received from the receiving terminal devices 1a, 1b,... Is included in the distribution period h4 of the distribution management data table T1. The reason for checking the distribution period h4 is that the distribution requester makes a contract for setting the distribution period of the streaming video. If the distribution period has passed in the process of step S15, or if the date is earlier than today, it is determined that a distribution request with an inappropriate distribution period has been received, and the process proceeds to step S18 to indicate that the distribution period is not appropriate. An error message is transmitted to the receiving terminal device that has made the distribution request, and the processing of the distribution management program 3a6 is terminated.
(Step S16)

  If the distribution period is appropriate in the process of step S15, the distribution management data table T1 is referred to and the addresses (such as the video distribution servers 4a, 4b,... In which the video identification code h3 is set ( URL) and the name (file name) h6 of the streaming video in which this video identification code h3 is set.

(Step S17)
In step S16, when the video identification code h3 is inputted and the streaming video data requested for distribution and the addresses of the video distribution servers 4a, 4b,... Storing the streaming video are obtained, the distribution management program 3a6 is obtained. Controls to distribute the streaming video to the receiving terminal devices 1a, 1b,... That have made a distribution request to the video distribution server. As a result, the receiving terminal devices 1a, 1b,... Can play and listen while receiving the streaming video requested to be distributed.

(Step S19)
If it is determined by the processing in step S12 that the distribution request is a request by the channel number h1, the distribution management program 3a6 determines whether or not the received channel number h1 is registered in the distribution management data table T1 in advance. Process to check. If the received channel number h1 is registered in the distribution management data table T1, the process proceeds to step S20. If it is not registered in the distribution management data table T1, the process proceeds to step S18, and "input error" And the like are transmitted to the receiving terminal device that has made the distribution request, and the processing of the distribution management program 3a6 is terminated.

(Step S20)
The received channel number h1 is checked with reference to the distribution management data table T1 for data in the distribution period h4 to which the received channel number is assigned. The contents of this check are processes for checking whether or not the date and time of today when the distribution request is received from the receiving terminal devices 1a, 1b,... Is included in the distribution period h4 of the distribution management data table T1. The reason for checking this distribution period is that, as in step S15, the distribution requester makes a contract for setting the distribution period h4 of the streaming video. If a distribution request with an inappropriate distribution period is received in the process of step S20, the process proceeds to step S18, and an error message indicating that the distribution period is inappropriate is transmitted to the receiving terminal device that has made the distribution request and distribution management is performed. The process of the program 3a6 is terminated.
In the process of step S20, a plurality of video file names h6 having different distribution periods h4 may be registered in one channel number h1, so that the video file name h6 in which the same channel number h1 is set. A process of checking all of the distribution periods h4 such as is performed.

(Step S21)
If the distribution period is appropriate in the process of step S20, the distribution management data table T1 is referred to and addresses (URLs) of the video distribution servers 4a, 4b,. The name (file name) of the streaming video in which this channel number is set and the distribution period is appropriate is obtained. In step S17, the distribution management program 3a6 sends the file name h6 in which the channel number h1 is set to the receiving terminal devices 1a, 1b,... Are distributed to the receiving terminal devices 1a, 1b,.

  In the process of the distribution management server 3 described above, the processes of step S12, step S19 to step S21, and step S17 constitute the first streaming video distribution means of the present invention. Similarly, the processing from step S13 to step S17 constitutes the second streaming video distribution means of the present invention.

  In the description of the above embodiment, as an example in which the viewer inputs the video identification code h3 and requests distribution, the video identification code input form T2 shown in FIG. 3 is transmitted to the distribution management server 3 using HTML mail. In addition to the method and the method of transmitting to the distribution management server 3 using the Web page T4 shown in FIG. 5, the following means (1) and (2) can be further adopted.

(1) A means for downloading a form for inputting a video identification code h3 as shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 5 from the delivery requester's Web page to the viewer's receiving terminal devices 1a, 1b,. This downloaded input form is stored in the external storage device of the receiving terminal device 1a, 1b,. When a distribution request is made, this input form is displayed on the screen, and the video identification code h3 is input and transmitted to the distribution management server 3. At this time, this input form is created in the HTML language, and the address of the distribution management server 3 is embedded in this language.

(2) The distribution operator records the form for inputting the video identification code h3 described in (1) above on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, and the distribution operator provides this CD-ROM to the distribution requester. To do. Then, the distribution requester distributes this CD-ROM to a specific viewer. When a viewer to whom a CD-ROM is distributed requests distribution, this CD-ROM is read from the receiving terminal device, this input form is displayed on the screen, and the input video identification code h3 is transmitted to the distribution management server 3. To. At this time, this input form is created in the HTML language, and the address of the distribution management server 3 is embedded in this language.

  As described above, the streaming video distribution system of the present invention refers to the distribution management table T1 registered in advance in the distribution management server 3 to target an unspecified number of viewers and to perform specific viewing. Even when targeted at a user, streaming video can be distributed appropriately. In particular, when distributing to a viewer intended for a specific individual, since a distribution request is made by inputting a video identification code, security of the distributed video can be ensured. In addition, although the distribution period is set for the stream video to be distributed, the distribution period data registered in advance in the distribution management data table T1 at the time of distribution is checked and distributed. It is possible to prevent the distribution of video that has not yet been distributed.

  In the above-described streaming video distribution system of the present invention, the streaming video data stored in the video distribution servers 3a, 4a, and 4b has been described as being uploaded by the distribution operator. However, in the present invention, It is also possible to make the system capable of uploading the streaming video requested by the distribution requester to the distribution management server 3 or the video distribution servers 4a, 4b,. In this case, it becomes possible by adopting the following means.

(1) First, the distribution operator provides the distribution requester with a recording medium such as a CD-ROM in which a streaming video upload transmission form T5 as shown in FIG. 10 is created and stored in the HTML language or the like. The recording medium also stores software for converting a moving image into streaming video for distribution, upload software (FTP), and the like.
(2) After uploading the moving image captured by the distribution requester to the streaming video for distribution and uploading it to the video distribution servers 4a, 4b,..., Use a personal computer connected to the Internet 6 The streaming video upload transmission form T5 shown in FIG. 10 is displayed on the screen.

(3) Next, for the streaming video upload transmission form T5, the distribution requester unspecified the distribution requester's authentication code and password, channel number, video title name, distribution start date / time, distribution end date / time, and viewer. Data such as whether to make a large number or a specific viewer is input. The channel number to be input is a channel number set in advance for this distribution requester.
(4) Subsequently, the distribution requester sends the streaming video file for distribution to the distribution management server 3 together with the streaming video upload transmission form T5.

(5) Upon receiving the streaming video upload transmission form T5 and the streaming video data for distribution, the distribution management server 3 operates the streaming video registration program 3a8, and the received distribution requester's authentication code and password are registered in advance. The process to check whether or not.
(6) If the received distribution requester authentication code and password are registered in advance, the streaming video registration program 3a8 determines that the upload operation is normal from the distribution requester, and the channel number of the transmitted data item Then, processing for registering data relating to the video title name, distribution period, video file name, etc. in the distribution management data table T1 is performed. In addition, the determination of which video distribution server to register the transmitted streaming video data is already made when there is a video distribution server in which the streaming video of the distribution requester is registered. The address of one of the video distribution servers is registered with a predetermined priority order so that the address is registered.

(7) In the case of distributing a streaming video uploaded by the distribution requester to a specific viewer, when the address of the video distribution server for uploading the streaming video is determined, the streaming video registration program 3a8 By processing, a video identification code is automatically set by using random number generation means or the like, and the set video identification code is stored in an area h3 for recording a video identification code corresponding to the received channel number h1 in the distribution management data table T1. Perform the registration process.
(8) Since the address of the video distribution server that stores the streaming video transmitted to the distribution management server 3 is determined by the above processing, the streaming video registration program 3a8 automatically uploads this video data to the video distribution server. Perform the process.
(9) When the process (8) is completed, an email indicating that the upload registration process has been completed is transmitted to the distribution requester, and the upload process for the distribution requester is completed.

  It is a system configuration figure showing an example of the system configuration of the present invention.   It is a figure for demonstrating an example of a data structure of the delivery management data table registered into the delivery management server.   It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the input form for inputting a video identification code, when a viewer makes a streaming video delivery request using a receiving terminal device.   FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a display example of a Web page when a viewer makes a streaming video distribution request using the Web page.   When a viewer uses a Web page to input a video identification code and makes a streaming video distribution request, this is a diagram for explaining a display example of this Web page.   It is a figure for demonstrating the operation procedure when a viewer performs the delivery request | requirement of a streaming video from a receiving terminal device.   It is a figure for demonstrating the operation procedure when a viewer inputs the video identification code from a receiving terminal device, and performs the delivery request | requirement of a streaming video.   It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of a delivery management server.   It is a flowchart for demonstrating an example of the process sequence of the delivery management program with which the delivery management server is provided.   It is a figure which shows the example of an operation screen when a distribution requester uploads the streaming video data which requests distribution himself.

Explanation of symbols

1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e: Receiving terminal devices 2a, 2b: Web server of distribution requester 3: Distribution management server 3a, 4a, 4b,...: Video distribution server 3a6: Distribution management program 6: Internet T1: Distribution management data table T2: Video identification code input form T3: Web page T4: Web page T5: Upload transmission form for streaming video

Claims (5)

Stores the channel number set for each requester who requests streaming video distribution, the name of the streaming video to be distributed, the distribution period, and the streaming video assigned the name corresponding to the channel number. A distribution management server having distribution management data in which an address of the video distribution server is registered; the video distribution server storing the streaming video requested to be distributed; and a receiving terminal for a viewer who performs the distribution video distribution request and viewing A streaming video distribution system in which the device is connected to the Internet,
The distribution management data further includes a video identification code transmitted from the receiving terminal device to the distribution management server so that only a specific viewer can make a distribution request for the streaming video in which the channel number is set. Registered,
The receiving terminal device includes distribution request transmission means for transmitting the channel number or the video identification code to the distribution management server when making a distribution request for the streaming video, the distribution management server comprising:
When the channel number is received from the distribution request transmission means of the receiving terminal device, the date when the distribution request is received with reference to the data of the distribution period registered in the distribution management data for the received channel number Obtains the name of the streaming video and the address of the video distribution server included in the distribution period, and performs control for distributing the streaming video to which the name is assigned to the video distribution server to the receiving terminal device. 1 streaming video distribution means;
When the video identification code is received from the receiving terminal device, the date of reception of the video identification code is determined by referring to the data of the distribution period registered in the distribution management data for the received video identification code. A second control unit that obtains a name of the streaming video included in a period and an address of the video distribution server, and performs control for distributing the streaming video to which the name is assigned to the video distribution server to the receiving terminal device; Streaming video distribution means;
A streaming video distribution system comprising:   The distribution request transmitting means is means for transmitting the channel number or the video identification code to the distribution management server via a homepage published by the distribution requester or an operator of the distribution management server. The streaming video distribution system according to claim 1.   The streaming video distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the distribution request transmission means is means for transmitting the channel number or the video identification code to the distribution management server by HTML mail.   The terminal device of the distribution requester provided with means for uploading the streaming video requested by the distribution requester to the distribution management server is connected to the Internet. Streaming video distribution system.   5. The streaming video according to claim 1, wherein an operator of the distribution management server is a system that rents the channel number set for the distribution requester to the distribution requester. Distribution system.

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