JP2006018506A - Content delivery system, content delivery server, user terminal, and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a content delivery system allowing a content delivery server to distribute content data delivery processing to a plurality of user terminals. <P>SOLUTION: In this content delivery system, the content delivery server is provided with a delivery request receipt part receiving a request for content data delivery from the user terminal, a contents data delivery part, a random number generation part generating random numbers within a predetermined time zone area, and a download time information creation part creating download time information based on the random numbers. The user terminal is provided with a time information acquisition part performing query processing to the content delivery server at every fixed time interval for acquiring the download time information and a download execution part executing downloading of the content data from the content delivery server according to the time shown by the download time information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a content distribution system that distributes content data, a content distribution server, a user terminal that downloads the content data, and a computer program.

  At present, with the development of information technology, various content data such as software, movie data, or music data is distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  If a user selects desired content data by using a user terminal using a content distribution service that distributes content data via a network, the user can download the content data.

  Among the service forms of the content distribution service, there is a service in which a user terminal on the user side accesses a content distribution server that distributes content data and automatically downloads content data from the content distribution server.

  The user can view the desired content data by granting a license if the content data is automatically stored in the user terminal and the content data is charged.

JP 2001-292112 A

  However, when a plurality of user terminals access the content distribution server all at once and request distribution of content data, the content distribution server needs to distribute content data to a plurality of user terminals at a time. It was.

  Therefore, if there are distribution requests from multiple user terminals at the same time, the content distribution server executes a plurality of content data distribution processes at the same time, which places a heavy load on the content distribution server. It was necessary to increase the hardware in order to avoid the situation that the processing to be executed became heavy.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to distribute the distribution processing in which the content distribution server distributes the content data to a plurality of user terminals, and to load the content distribution server. The present invention is to provide a new and improved content distribution system, content distribution server, user terminal, and computer program that can be distributed.

  In order to solve the above problems, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a content distribution system for distributing content data from a content distribution server to a user terminal via a network. In the content distribution system, the content distribution server includes a distribution request receiving unit that receives a request for distribution of content data from a user terminal; a content data distribution unit that distributes content data requested from the user terminal; and a predetermined time A random number generator for generating a random number within a band; and a download time information generator for generating download time information indicating a time at which a user terminal downloads content data based on the generated random number, The user terminal executes an inquiry process to the content distribution server every predetermined time, and obtains download time information; downloads content data from the content distribution server according to the time indicated in the download time information; A download execution unit It is set to.

  According to the present invention, when the user terminal downloads content data from the content distribution server, the content data is downloaded according to the time indicated in the download time information notified from the content distribution server in advance. According to such a configuration, the download timing of each user terminal is shifted, so that content data can be prevented from being downloaded simultaneously by a plurality of user terminals, and the content data distribution processing load is reduced on the content distribution server side. Distributed.

  The user terminal further includes a time limit information acquisition unit that acquires download time limit information from the content distribution server; the download execution unit sets a processing time for downloading content data based on the download time limit information. If it is determined that the time has elapsed, the download may be forcibly terminated. With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent a large number of content data distribution processes waiting in the following from staying within the time limit or forcibly ending when the time limit elapses. A synergistic effect can be obtained with respect to load distribution of distribution processing.

  In order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, a content distribution server for distributing content data to a user terminal via a network is provided. The content distribution server includes: a distribution request receiving unit that receives a content data distribution request from a user terminal; a content data distribution unit that distributes content data requested from the user terminal; and within a predetermined time range A random number generator for generating a random number; and a download time information generator for generating download time information indicating a time at which the user terminal downloads the content data based on the generated random number.

  According to the present invention, before accepting a content data distribution request from a user terminal, the content distribution server transmits in advance download time information indicating a time at which the content data is downloaded to the user terminal. Yes. According to such a configuration, since the user terminal executes the download according to the time indicated in the download time information, the download execution timing of each user terminal is shifted. Therefore, it is possible to avoid requests for content data distribution from a plurality of user terminals at the same time, and to distribute the content data distribution processing load of the content distribution server.

  The content distribution server may be configured to further include a download time limit information generation unit that generates download time limit information indicating a time limit for the user terminal to download content data.

  The download time limit information generation unit may be configured to generate download time limit information according to the free space of the storage unit provided in the user terminal. Note that the present invention is not limited to the free space of the storage unit according to the present invention. For example, the download time limit information may be generated according to the amount of content data to be downloaded.

  The free space of the storage unit may be configured to be set as an argument passed from the user terminal during inquiry processing from the user terminal. With this configuration, it is possible to efficiently generate download time limit information through a series of inquiry processing.

  The range of the predetermined time zone may be configured so as to be set in an argument passed from the user terminal at the time of inquiry processing from the user terminal. With this configuration, download time information can be efficiently generated by a series of inquiry processing.

  In order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, a user terminal for processing content data distributed from a content distribution server via a network is provided. The user terminal executes an inquiry process to the content distribution server every predetermined time, and downloads content data generated by the content distribution server based on a random number generated with a numerical value within a predetermined time zone. A time information acquisition unit that acquires download time information indicating a time; and a download execution unit that downloads content data from the content distribution server in accordance with the time indicated by the download time information.

  According to the present invention, when the user terminal downloads content data from the content distribution server, the content data is downloaded according to the time indicated in the download time information notified from the content distribution server in advance. According to such a configuration, since the download execution timing of each user terminal varies depending on random numbers, the content data is downloaded simultaneously by a plurality of user terminals, so that the user terminal delays the download process. Content data can be downloaded efficiently.

  The user terminal further includes a time limit information acquisition unit that acquires download time limit information from the content distribution server; the download execution unit passes the time limit for downloading content data based on the download time limit information If it is determined that the download has been performed, the download may be forcibly terminated.

  You may comprise so that download time limit may be defined according to the free capacity of the memory | storage part with which a user terminal is equipped. With this configuration, content data can be downloaded without setting a time limit longer than necessary and without delaying the download of other user terminals.

  The free capacity of the storage unit may be configured to be set as an argument to be passed from the user terminal to the content distribution server at the time of inquiry processing.

  When the next acquisition flag is set in the download time limit information, the free space of the storage unit may be set as an argument to be passed to the content distribution server.

  The range of the predetermined time zone may be configured to be set as an argument to be passed to the content distribution server at the time of inquiry processing.

  When the next acquisition flag is set in the download time information, the range of the predetermined time zone may be set in the argument passed to the content distribution server.

  The user terminal has obtained at least a catalog information acquisition unit for acquiring from the content distribution server catalog information indicating at least downloadable content data through an inquiry process to the content distribution server; and listing at least the download status of the content data indicated in the catalog information A download list creation unit that creates a download list; and at least until the elapse of the download time limit, when the content data has been downloaded at least for each piece of content data, the download list is displayed from the incomplete download to the downloaded A status update unit for updating the download status may be further provided. With this configuration, it is possible to centrally manage the download status of content data by generating a file consisting of a download list. Even after the download time limit has elapsed, the download can be started without omission from the content data that has not been previously downloaded at the time of the next download. The catalog information may be configured to be metadata related to content data.

  In order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer program for causing a computer to function as a content distribution server for distributing content data to a user terminal via a network. The computer program includes: a distribution request receiving unit that receives a content data distribution request from a user terminal; a content data distribution unit that distributes content data requested from the user terminal; and a random number within a predetermined time zone. A random number generating means for generating download time; and a download time information generating means for generating download time information indicating a time at which a user terminal downloads content data based on the generated random number. It is said.

  In order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer program that causes a computer to function as a user terminal that processes content data distributed from a content distribution server via a network. The The computer program executes a query process for the content distribution server every predetermined time, and a download indicating a time at which the content data generated by the content distribution server is downloaded based on a random number generated within a predetermined time zone It is characterized in that the user terminal executes time information acquisition means for acquiring time information; and download execution means for downloading content data from the content distribution server according to the time indicated by the download time information.

  In order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, a content distribution system is provided that distributes content data from a content distribution server to a user terminal via a network. The user terminal has a random number generator for generating a random number within a predetermined time zone; and a download for generating download time information indicating a time at which the user terminal downloads content data based on the generated random number A time information generation unit; and a download execution unit that executes download of content data according to the time indicated in the download time information, and the content distribution server receives a request for distribution of content data from the user terminal. And a content data distribution unit that distributes the content data requested from the user terminal.

  According to the present invention, in the content distribution server, the content distribution server executes an inquiry process for the user terminal when content data is newly stored at least in a storage unit provided in the content distribution server. You may let them. Using the inquiry process as a trigger, the user terminal generates a random number to generate download time information, and downloads content data according to the time. According to such a configuration, the download execution timing of each user terminal is shifted, so that it is possible to avoid downloading content data simultaneously by a plurality of user terminals, and the content data distribution process is performed on the content distribution server side. Load is distributed.

  The user terminal further includes a download time limit information generating unit that generates download time limit information for limiting the time for downloading the content data; the download execution unit downloads the content data based on the download time limit information When it is determined that the download time limit has passed, the download may be forcibly terminated.

  The download time limit may be configured to vary according to the free capacity of the storage unit provided in the user terminal.

  The content distribution server includes a catalog information providing unit that executes a query process for a user terminal at predetermined time intervals and provides catalog information that indicates at least downloadable content data. A download list creation unit that creates a download list that lists at least the download status of the content data indicated in the information; and downloads the content data at least for each content data until the download time limit has elapsed After the completion, a status update unit that updates the download status of the download list from the download incomplete to the download complete may be further provided.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the load of content data distribution processing on the content distribution server is distributed by shifting the execution timing at which the user terminal downloads the content data.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description and the accompanying drawings, components having substantially the same functions and configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

(About the content distribution system 100)
First, the overall configuration of the time setting system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the overall configuration of the content distribution system 100 according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the content distribution system 100 according to the first embodiment may be collectively referred to as a plurality of user terminals 101a, 101b,..., 101n (hereinafter referred to as “user terminals 101”). )), A metadata management server 600, a content management server 400, a user authentication server 300, a charging server 700, and a network 103 that interconnects these devices. The metadata management server 600, the content management server 400, the user authentication server 300, and the billing server 700 may be collectively referred to as a content distribution server.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the content distribution system 100 is an example in which each of the user authentication server 300, the content management server 400, the metadata management server 600, and the accounting server 700 is composed of a single piece of hardware. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the content distribution system 100 includes one or more user authentication servers 300, one or more content management servers 400, one or more metadata management servers 600, and one or more billing servers 700. It is possible to implement even when equipped.

  In the content distribution system 100 shown in FIG. 1, when the user terminal 101 used by the user performs polling, the metadata management server 600 sends the user terminal 101 from various categories such as music, movies, and sports. Metadata corresponding to catalog information or portal information of content data is distributed. The content data according to the first embodiment is composed of at least one of moving image data, still image data, sound source data, or text data.

  Further, in the content distribution system 100, the user terminal 101 receives the metadata transmitted from the metadata management server 600, and when the predetermined time comes, the user terminal 101 downloads the content data described in the metadata. Therefore, the content management server 400 is requested to distribute the content data.

  It should be noted that identification information of content data to be downloaded and information related to download such as download completion / incomplete are managed in a download list. In addition, when the user is a non-member, the content data that can be downloaded by the member / non-member differs depending on whether the user can download the content data of the trailer of the main part or the trailer.

  The content management server 400 acquires content data requested to be downloaded from the user terminal 101 from the database, and distributes it to the user terminal 101 via the network 103.

  Note that the user terminal 101 manages the download processing time of the content data from the content management server 400, and when the download processing time has passed the download limit time, the download processing ends at that point. The starting point of the download processing time is based on, for example, the time when the user terminal 101 requests distribution to the content management server 400. The download time limit will be explained later.

  Further, the user terminal 101 acquires information such as the download time and the download time limit from the metadata management server 600 during the inquiry process (polling or the like) of the user terminal 101.

  With this configuration, the user terminal 101 belonging to the user follows the time (download time) notified from the metadata management server 600 of the timing of downloading content data having a relatively large amount of data. Therefore, the metadata management server 600 can centrally manage the download execution timing of the user terminal 101. As will be described in detail later, the download request timings of a plurality of user terminals 101 can be adjusted so as not to overlap, which contributes to the processing load distribution of the content management server 400 and the reduction of network traffic.

  Here, the user terminal 101 shown in FIG. 1 performs various recording / playback apparatuses or playbacks capable of recording / playing back content data such as video or audio with respect to a storage device corresponding to a built-in hard disk drive or the like. It is a dedicated device. More specifically, the user terminal 101 is, for example, a computer device (notebook type or desktop type) such as a personal computer.

  The user terminal 101 according to the first embodiment will be described by taking a computer device as an example. However, the user terminal 101 is not limited to this example. For example, the user terminal 101 may be a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), Portable video players / recorders, portable audio players / recorders such as IC recorders, imaging devices such as digital cameras or video recorders, home game machines, VTRs, CD or DVD recorders / players, radio devices, mobile phones, PHS, It may be a TV (TeleVison), an information appliance, or the like.

  As described above, the user terminal 101 polls the metadata management server 600 every predetermined time, and automatically downloads various content data based on the received metadata at a predetermined time. The frequency at which the polling is performed is set in advance, but can be changed by the user, for example, at an interval of 10 minutes.

  The downloaded content data (for example, content data that is the main part) has an authority (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as a license) that allows the content data to be reproduced / recorded. The presence or absence of a license is managed for each content data. Some content data such as trailers can be reproduced / recorded without downloading the license, for example, content data such as a trailer.

  In addition, the user terminal 101 according to the first embodiment has been described by taking as an example a case where the metadata management server 600 is polled and received from the metadata management server 600 every predetermined time. It is not limited to such an example. For example, the case where new metadata is registered may be used as a trigger to poll the user terminal 101 from the metadata management server 600 and deliver the metadata to the user terminal 101.

  In this specification, access means, for example, use of a content distribution system, connection from the user terminal 100 to each server, connection from each server to the user terminal 100, connection from the server to the server, data reference Information processing that processes information, such as data storage, data deletion, or data modification.

  In addition, the user terminal 101 records content data distributed from the content management server 400, which is a content data download source, corresponding to a built-in storage device, CD, CD-ROM, DVD, Blu-Ray Disc, or the like. It can be recorded on recording means such as a medium.

  Next, the content management server 400 is a server used for a content distribution service that distributes a wide variety of content data as described above, and includes a computer device having a server function.

  The content management server 400 can distribute content data via the network 103 to the user terminal 101 that is a client. As will be described in detail later, the metadata management server 600 distributes the download timing executed by the user terminal 101 and distributes the processing load on the content management server 400. For example, it is determined randomly by a random number or the like.

  For example, when distributing music content, the content management server 400 compresses and distributes content data using, for example, the MP3 (MPEG Audio Layer-3) method or ATRAC3 (Adaptive Transform Acoustic Coding3). Can do.

  Next, the metadata management server 600 stores the metadata acquired by the user terminal 101 in a database. The metadata is updated at any time by program organization or the like. The updated metadata is acquired by the user terminal 101 when the metadata management server 600 is polled from the user terminal 101.

  Next, the network 103 is typically a public line network such as the Internet connected by a similar method such as ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) or FTTH (Fiber To The Home), but WAN, LAN, IP-VPN Including closed circuit networks. In addition, the connection medium includes a satellite communication network regardless of wired wireless such as an optical fiber cable by FDDI (Fiber Distributed Data Interface), a coaxial cable or twisted pair cable by Ethernet, or wireless by IEEE802.11b.

  Next, the user authentication server 300 is a computer device that mainly has an authentication function for authenticating a user belonging to a member of the content distribution service and a function for storing and managing user information related to the member user. The user information managed by the user authentication server 300 includes license information for reproducing / recording content data.

  The billing server 700 performs billing processing, for example, when the user terminal 101 reproduces content data downloaded to the user terminal 101. When the billing process is executed by the billing server 700, a license is granted to the billed content data.

  Examples of the charging process include a case where a predetermined amount is charged for one piece of content data and a case where a piece of content data is charged in a metered manner every predetermined time. The billing process according to the first embodiment is not limited to billing for content data reproduction, and may be billed for copying content data, for example. Further, the timing of granting the license according to the first embodiment may be given when the billing is actually completed. For example, the license is granted when the billing process is reserved while not billed. You may do it.

  In the content distribution system 100 configured as described above, when the user terminal 101 receives a request for processing such as reproduction of the distributed content data from the user, the user terminal 101 requests the charging server 700 for charging processing.

  When the charging server 700 charges the content data, the user terminal 101 can acquire license information related to the content data. Therefore, the user terminal 101 can reproduce the content data and the user can view it.

(About user terminal 101)
Next, the configuration of the user terminal 101 according to the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the user terminal 101 according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the user terminal 101 includes, for example, a CPU 102, a memory unit 104, an input unit 106, a display unit 108, a communication unit 110, a time information acquisition unit 111, and a time limit information acquisition unit. 113, storage device (or storage unit) 114, download list creation unit (or status update unit) 115, content reproduction unit 180, polling execution unit 187, download execution unit 189, and metadata acquisition Part 191.

  The CPU 102 functions as an arithmetic processing device and a control device, and can control processing of each unit in the user terminal 101.

  The memory unit 104 includes, for example, a RAM, a ROM, a cache memory, and the like, and has a function of temporarily storing various data related to the processing of the CPU 102, a software program for reproducing content data, and the like.

  The input unit 106 includes, for example, operation means such as a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, a button, a switch, and a lever, and an input control circuit that generates an input signal and outputs it to the CPU 102. The user of the user terminal 101 can input various data and instruct processing operations to the user terminal 101 by operating the input unit 106.

  The display unit 108 includes, for example, a CRT display device, a liquid crystal display (LCD) device, a display device such as a lamp, and an audio output device such as a speaker. The display unit 108 can output the content data reproduced by the content reproduction unit 180. Specifically, the display device displays reproduced video data, electronic books, games, GUI screens of various software, and the like. On the other hand, the audio output device can sound the reproduced audio data. If the content data handled by the user terminal 101 is only audio data, the display device is unnecessary, whereas if the content data is only video data, the audio output device is unnecessary.

  The communication unit 110 is a communication interface configured with, for example, a communication line, a communication circuit, a communication device, and the like. The communication unit 110 can transmit and receive various data such as content data, metadata, and download time information to and from the metadata management server 600, the content management server 400, and the like on the network via the network 103. .

  The storage device 114 is a data storage device configured by, for example, a hard disk drive, a flash memory, or the like, and can store various data such as programs and content data.

  The storage device 114 stores at least user information, download time information, download time limit information, and a download list. At least one piece of the user information is generated for one user who uses the user terminal 101. The user information includes, for example, a license for content data downloaded by the user terminal 101 in addition to identification information such as a user ID for identifying the user and a user terminal ID for identifying the user terminal 101 used by the user. The license status information indicating the status of the license is also included.

  In the download time information, the next download time is set. The download execution unit 189 of the user terminal 101 refers to the download time information and starts the content data download process on time.

  A download time limit is set in the download time limit information. The download execution unit 189 refers to the download time limit information, and when the download time of the content data has passed the download time limit, the download process is automatically terminated at that time.

  Therefore, although there are cases where it is not possible to download all of the content data scheduled to be downloaded, the content management server 400 prevents a large amount of content data distribution processing from being accumulated, contributing to load distribution of the content data distribution processing.

  The download time information or the download time limit information according to the first embodiment is, for example, a registry stored together with an application executed to use the content distribution service, but is not limited to such an example.

  The download list stored in the storage device 114 is a file for managing the download status of the content data posted in the metadata (catalog information) acquired by the user terminal 101 from the metadata management server 600. , Digital data. The download list will be described later.

  The download list creation unit 115 creates a download list based on the metadata transmitted from the metadata management server 600 and stores it in the storage device 114. In addition, by newly receiving metadata, content data is newly registered as a download target in the existing download list, and the download status (download status) has already been downloaded for content data that has already been downloaded ( To complete). The download status can be exemplified by a 1-bit flag or the like, but is not limited to this example.

  The content playback unit 180 is configured by, for example, a playback device having a content playback function or content playback software installed in the user terminal 101, and can play back various types of content data. The content data reproduced by the content reproduction unit 180 is output from the display unit 108.

  In addition, the content reproduction unit 180 confirms that the license is granted to the content data in the status information of the user information stored in the storage device 114 before reproducing the content data. Play content data from.

  The polling execution unit 187 performs an inquiry process such as whether or not there is newly generated / changed metadata to the metadata management server 600 at predetermined time intervals. If there is newly created / changed metadata, request that metadata. The predetermined time interval at which polling is executed is set in advance, for example, at an interval of 10 minutes, but can also be implemented when the user or the metadata management server 600 sets it.

  The download execution unit 189 downloads content data from the content management server 400 as described above. The target of the content data to be downloaded is, for example, that the download status (download status) of the content data posted in the download list is incomplete.

  When the download process is completed, the download execution unit 189 sets a next acquisition flag in the download time information and the download time limit information so that the content management server 400 is notified of the next download process execution time. To do. Note that the next acquisition flag is, for example, a 1-bit flag, and the next acquisition flag is set by setting “1” to the 1 bit. Further, the present invention is not limited to the next acquisition flag. For example, a space or null may be set in the download time information and the download time limit information instead of the next acquisition flag.

  The metadata acquisition unit 191 acquires the metadata selected by the polling execution unit 187 via the communication unit 110. The polling execution unit 187 selects newly updated metadata from among the metadata stored in the metadata management server 600, for example. The metadata acquired by the metadata acquisition unit 191 is stored in the storage device 114.

(About the user authentication server 300)
Next, the user authentication server 300 according to the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the user authentication server 300 according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the user authentication server 300 includes, for example, a CPU 202, a memory unit 204, an input unit 206, a display unit 208, a communication unit 210, a storage device 214, a user authentication unit 220, a user An information management unit (or management unit) 222.

  The CPU 202 functions as an arithmetic processing device and a control device, and can control processing of each unit provided in the user authentication server 300. The memory unit 204 includes, for example, a RAM, a ROM, a cache memory, and the like, and has a function of temporarily storing various data related to the processing of the CPU 202, an operation program of the CPU 202, and the like.

  The communication unit 210 is a communication interface configured with, for example, a communication line, a communication circuit, a communication device, and the like. The communication unit 210 can send and receive inquiry information about user information from the user terminal 101 by polling, user information, and the like to and from an external device such as the user terminal 101 via the network 103. .

  The storage device 214 is, for example, a data storage device composed of a hard disk drive or the like, and can store various data such as programs. The storage device 214 stores, for example, a user information database (user information DB) 218 and a metadata database (metadata DB) 216.

  The user information database 218 stores user information for each user ID corresponding to the terminal identification information given to each user terminal 101. User information can be called using the user ID as a key.

  When the user belongs to a member of the content distribution service, the user authentication unit 220 registers the user as a member with respect to polling from the user terminal 101 and authenticates that the user is a valid user based on the user ID, password, and the like. .

  For example, the user information management unit 222 newly stores user information stored in the user information DB and deletes or changes existing user information in response to a request from the user terminal 101 or the metadata management server 300. Further, the user information management unit 222 can update the status information of the license related to the content data in the user information.

(About the metadata management server 600)
Next, the metadata management server 600 according to the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the metadata management server 600 according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the metadata management server 600 includes, for example, a CPU 302, a memory unit 304, an input unit 306, a display unit 308, a communication unit 310, a storage device 314, and a metadata distribution unit 317. , An authentication unit 322, a time random number generation unit 330, a timeout information management unit 332, and a download time information generation unit 334. Note that the timeout information management unit 332 can exemplify a download time limit information generation unit that generates download limit information indicating a download time limit, for example.

  The CPU 302 functions as an arithmetic processing device and a control device, and can control processing of each unit provided in the metadata management server 600. The memory unit 304 includes, for example, a RAM, a ROM, a cache memory, and the like, and has a function of temporarily storing various data related to the processing of the CPU 302, an operation program of the CPU 302, and the like. The input unit 306, the display unit 308, and the communication unit 310 have substantially the same configuration as described above, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The storage device 314 is a data storage device composed of, for example, a hard disk drive, and can store various data such as programs. The storage device 314 stores at least a metadata database (metadata DB) 320 and a common information database (common information DB) 321.

  The metadata DB 320 stores one or more metadata related to content data created by a provider who produces and provides the content data. The metadata is data that is much lighter than the content data in which the content ID for identifying the content data, the simple contents of the content, and information such as billing when acquiring the license are described.

  The common information DB 321 is a database in which information related to all users regardless of membership / non-membership is stored. Therefore, all user terminals 101 can acquire the common information stored in the common information DB 321.

  For the non-member user terminal 101, the metadata management server 600 accepts a predetermined non-member common user ID and password, such as a user ID “aaa” and password “aaa”, for example, and performs an authentication process. If the user terminal 101 is authenticated as a non-member user, the user terminal 101 can acquire the common information and metadata.

  The metadata DB 320 will be described. For example, when content data is newly created by content organization, metadata related to the content data is also newly created. The newly created metadata is stored in the metadata DB 320, and when there is polling from the user terminal 101, the metadata distribution unit 317 selects the newly added metadata. The requesting user terminal 101 acquires the selected metadata via the network 103.

  In the common information DB 321, for example, a revocation list for forcibly deleting data such as content data all at once on the user terminal 101 side is stored as common information. Briefly explain revocation. When the user terminal 101 acquires the revocation list stored in the common information DB 321 by polling, the acquisition is a trigger, and the content data described in the revocation list is deleted.

  Next, the metadata distribution unit 317 has a function of accessing the metadata DB 320 and executing search, reference, acquisition, and the like of the metadata stored in the metadata DB 320. When the metadata management server 600 is requested to distribute metadata by polling the user terminal 101, the metadata distribution unit 317 acquires the newly added or updated metadata. The user terminal 101 acquires the metadata.

  The time random number generator 330 has a function of generating random numbers. The time random number generator 330 generates a random number within the range of the time zone based on the time zone argument acquired from the user terminal 101.

  As the time zone argument, when the user terminal 101 requests the next download processing time (download time information), the time zone argument set by the user terminal 101 at the time of the request is acquired.

  The time period for downloading is set in advance by the user or the like via the setting screen of the display unit 108 when the user terminal 101 is used to start the content distribution service. Details will be described later.

  The time random number generator 330 according to the first embodiment is, for example, a device configured by hardware that generates a true random number by sampling a high-frequency oscillation circuit, but is not limited to such an example. For example, the present invention can be implemented even in the case of a computer program composed of one or two or more modules that generate pseudo-random numbers based on a seed that is an input bit pattern.

  The time-out information management unit 332 refers to a time-out table stored in the storage device 414 or the memory unit 404 or the like, determines a time limit that can be downloaded by the user terminal 101, and generates download time limit information.

  Note that the timeout information management unit 332 determines the download time limit based on the amount of content data set as an argument when requesting download time information from the user terminal 101.

  The timeout information management unit 332 refers to, for example, a timeout table, and determines a download time limit corresponding to the size of the free capacity in which content data can be stored in the storage device 114 passed as an argument. The timeout table will be described later. Further, the download limit time according to the first embodiment has been described by taking as an example a case where the download limit time fluctuates according to the amount of content data to be downloaded, but is not limited to such an example, for example, 10 minutes in advance. It is possible to implement even when the download time limit is uniform.

  The download time information generation unit 334 acquires the random number generated by the time random number generation unit 330 and sets the time information as the download time as it is, thereby generating download time information.

(About the content management server 400)
Next, the content management server 400 according to the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the content management server 400 according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the content management server 400 includes, for example, a CPU 402, a memory unit 404, an input unit 406, a display unit 408, a communication unit 410, a storage device 414, a content data distribution unit 421, A distribution request receiving unit 423.

  The CPU 402 functions as an arithmetic processing device and a control device, and can control processing of each unit provided in the content management server 400. The memory unit 404 includes, for example, a RAM, a ROM, a cache memory, and the like, and has a function of temporarily storing various data related to processing of the CPU 402, an operation program of the CPU 402, and the like. Note that the other input unit 406, display unit 408, or communication unit 410 included in the content management server 400 has substantially the same configuration as described above, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The storage device 414 is a data storage device composed of, for example, a hard disk drive, a flash memory, etc., and can store various data such as programs and content data.

  The storage device 414 stores at least a content database (content DB) 416.

  The content DB 416 is a database that stores content data such as sports, music, and movies. Content data produced by a producer or the like is stored in the content DB 416 as appropriate.

  The storage apparatus 414 according to the first embodiment will be described by taking as an example the case where the content DB 416 is stored, but is not limited to such an example. For example, a license database (license DB) in which license information related to content data is stored may be stored.

  The distribution request receiving unit 423 has a function of receiving a request for distribution of content data designated from the user terminal 101. It also receives a notification from the user terminal 101 that the download process is complete. When the distribution request receiving unit 423 receives a content data distribution request, the content data distribution unit 421 distributes the designated content data to the requesting user terminal 101. One or more content data can be specified in one request. Further, the content data distribution unit 421 ends the process of distributing the content data when the distribution request receiving unit 423 is notified of the end of the download process.

(About the setting screen for setting the download time zone)
Next, a setting screen for setting a download time zone according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of a setting screen for setting a download time zone according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 6, a setting screen 601 for setting a time zone for executing download is displayed on the display unit 108. The setting screen 601 displays a check box 603 for specifying a time zone, a check box 604 for specifying to download the main part at the same time, a “decision” button, and a “cancel” button.

  The user determines a desired time zone from the four time zones displayed on the setting screen 601, and marks the check box 603 corresponding to the time zone with a mouse or the like configured in the input unit 106 (“Record”). ”) And select the download time zone. In addition, the time slot | zone concerning this Embodiment is not limited to four, If it is 1 or 2 or more, it will not restrict | limit to a number.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the setting screen 601, a check box 603-4 corresponding to the time zone “18: 0 to 24:00” is marked (“Re”) with a mouse or the like. When the “OK” button is selected by the input unit 106 in the state where the mark is added, it is written in the user information or the like as a download time zone.

  When the time zone is set, a random number is generated with a numerical value within the range of the time zone, and the random time is set as download time in the download time information.

  For example, when the time zone is “09: 0 to 12:00”, random numbers are also generated in a range of “0900 to 1200”, for example. When a random number such as “0916” is generated within the range, “09:16” (AM 9:16) is set in the download time information.

  The download time period is already set when the content distribution service is used for the first time, for example, when an application is installed on the user terminal 101. It is possible to change the time zone.

(About polling by the user terminal 101)
Next, polling by the user terminal 101 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an outline of polling by the user terminal 101 according to the first embodiment.

  When the user terminal 101 starts polling as an inquiry process every predetermined time, the metadata management server 600 automatically uses a user ID and password registered in advance in the user terminal 101 as shown in FIG. Log in automatically (S701).

  If the login to the metadata management server 600 cannot be performed here, or if the response from the metadata management server 600 is congested and slow (S703), the polling execution unit 187 changes the time such as lowering the polling time. The polling time is distributed (S705).

  If the response from the metadata management server 600 is not congested (S703), a log is output as a login error for the metadata management server 600 or an error screen is displayed on the display unit 108 (S706).

  Next, after login (S701), the user terminal 101 acquires the common information stored in the common information DB 321 and the metadata stored in the metadata DB 320 (S707).

  Next, it is checked whether or not the user operating the user terminal 101 is a member (S709). If the user is a member, authentication by the user authentication server 300 is performed using a user ID and password registered in advance in the user terminal 101. (S711). The member / non-member check is determined based on, for example, information written in the user information.

  If the user authentication server 300 cannot be authenticated, authentication error processing is executed (S713). If the user authentication server 300 authenticates, the user logs in to the metadata management server 600 (S715).

  When login to the metadata management server 600 cannot be performed, as described above, it is determined whether or not the response is congested. When the response is congested (S717), the polling time is distributed (S719), and the congested is not congested. , Login error processing is executed (S721).

  Next, after logging in to the metadata management server 600 (S715), the user terminal 101 acquires user information stored in a user information DB (not shown) of the user authentication server 300 (S721). In order to synchronize, the acquired user information is updated to the user information already stored in the storage device 114 of the user terminal 101, but the present invention is not limited to this example.

  In addition, although the case where the user information according to the first embodiment is information stored in the user terminal 101 and the user authentication server 300 is described as an example, the user information is not limited to this example. For example, the user information may be stored in the user terminal 101 and the metadata management server 600.

  Next, the user terminal 101 requests the metadata management server 600 for information relating to the download time (download time information), and acquires the download time information and the download time limit information (S723).

  The user terminal 101 is not limited to acquiring download time information and download time information, and may be a case of acquiring only download time information, for example.

  Next, the connection with the metadata management server 600 is disconnected (S725), and the connection with the user authentication server 300 is also disconnected (S726). Thus, a series of polling operations by the user terminal 101 according to the first embodiment is completed.

  Here, the download time information and download time limit information acquisition processing of the user terminal 101 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating an outline of the download time information and download time limit information acquisition process according to the first embodiment.

  The download time information acquisition process shown in FIG. 8 is a process corresponding to a so-called subroutine corresponding to the download time information and download time limit information acquisition process (S723) shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 8, first, the user terminal 101 requests download time information and download time limit information from the metadata management server 600 (S801). At the time of the request, the download time zone included in the user information, the free capacity of the storage device 114, etc. are set as arguments, and the arguments are passed to the metadata management server 600.

  When download time information and download time limit information are requested from the user terminal 101 (S801), the metadata management server 600 first generates download time information (S803).

  As described above, the download time information is generated by generating a random number based on the time zone argument passed from the user terminal 101 and setting the random number as the time in the download time information. Can be generated.

  When the download time information is generated (S803), the download time information and the download time limit information are transmitted to the requesting user terminal 101 via the network 103 (S805).

  As described above, the download time limit information acquires the free capacity of the storage device 114 delivered from the user terminal 101, and the time-out information management unit 332 refers to the time-out table and downloads corresponding to the free capacity. The time limit is determined and download time limit information is generated.

  Here, the timeout table according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an outline of a timeout table according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the time-out table is composed of a data amount (MB) of content data to be downloaded and a time-out time (download limit time) corresponding to the data amount one-to-one.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 9, when the argument is 150, the timeout time corresponding to the timeout table is 20 minutes 00.

  The timeout time (download limit time) according to the first embodiment has been described by taking as an example a case where the storage device 114 is determined by a free capacity that can store content data, but is not limited to this example. For example, when the download time limit is determined according to the data amount of the content data to be downloaded next by the user terminal 101, a fixed download time limit may be used.

  Returning to FIG. 8 again, when download time information and download time limit information are transmitted from the metadata management server 600 to the user terminal 101 (S805), the time information acquisition unit 111 provided in the user terminal 101 displays the download time. Information is acquired and stored or updated in the storage device 114 (S807). The time limit information acquisition unit 113 acquires the download time limit information and stores or updates it in the storage device 114 (S807).

(About content data download by the user terminal 101)
Next, download of the user terminal 101 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for downloading content data by the user terminal 101 according to the first embodiment.

  The user terminal 101 follows the time set in the download time information acquired by querying (polling) the metadata management server 600, and when the time comes, as shown in FIG. First, the download list stored in the storage device 114 is read (S901). The download list is created / updated by the download list creating unit 115 based on the metadata acquired by polling.

  Next, the download execution unit 189 checks the content data to be downloaded this time by referring to the download status (download status) in the download list (S903).

  If there is an object to be downloaded, then the download execution unit 189 checks the free capacity (or free space) of the storage device 114 (S905). Here, if the free capacity of the storage device 114 falls below the amount of content data to be downloaded, an error occurs.

  Next, the user terminal 101 accesses the content management server 400 and downloads content data from the content management server 400 (S907).

  Here, the download of the content data according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the outline of downloading content data according to the first embodiment.

  The content data download process shown in FIG. 11 corresponds to a so-called subroutine corresponding to the content download (S907) shown in FIG. 10 described above.

  As shown in FIG. 11, first, when the user terminal 101 requests the content management server 400 to distribute content data, the user terminal 101 determines that download is started and starts measuring time (S931).

Next, the download execution unit 189 of the user terminal 101 refers to the download time limit information stored in the storage device 114, and determines whether the measured time (download time) has passed the download time limit. Judgment is made (S933).

  If it is within the time limit, one content data distributed from the content management server 400 is stored in the storage device 114 (S935). When the download of one piece of content data is completed, it is further determined whether it is within the time limit (S933), and another piece of content data is downloaded (S935).

  If the determination process (S933) and the download process (S935) for determining whether the time is within the time limit have been stored in the storage device 114, or if the time limit has elapsed, FIG. The series of download processes shown is completed.

  Returning again to FIG. 10, the status relating to the content data downloaded in the content download (S909) is updated to “downloaded” (S909). By referring to the download list by such processing, the content data can be efficiently downloaded without being duplicated in the next download processing.

  Next, when the download process is completed, the download execution unit 189 updates at least one of the download time information and the download time limit information. The update indicates that all “0”, space, null, etc. are set in the download time information and download time limit information, for example. With this update, if a space or the like is set in the next polling, download time information and download time limit information can be requested to the metadata management server 600.

  In the case of an error, in order to inform the user that an error has occurred, an error message is displayed on the display screen and an error log is output (S913). This is the end of the content data download process according to the first embodiment.

  As mentioned above, although preferred embodiment of this invention was described referring an accompanying drawing, this invention is not limited to this example. It is obvious for a person skilled in the art that various changes or modifications can be envisaged within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, and these are naturally within the technical scope of the present invention. It is understood that it belongs.

  In the embodiment described above, the case where the metadata management server 600 is inquired from the user terminal 101 side when the metadata is distributed has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the present invention can be implemented even when the metadata management server 600 side performs inquiry processing to the user terminal 101 to distribute metadata.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the user terminal 101 stores download time information or download time limit information has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the present invention can be implemented even when the metadata management server 600 stores the download time information or download time limit information of each user terminal 101.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the user terminal 101 stores the download list created based on the metadata has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, even when the download management server 600 manages the download list of each user terminal 101 or when both the download management server 600 and the user terminal 101 manage the download list, etc. Can do.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the metadata management server 600 generates download time information or download time limit information has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, even when the user terminal 101 includes a time random number generation unit 330, a timeout information management unit 332, and a download time information generation unit 334, the user terminal 101 generates download time information and download time limit information. Can be implemented.

  In the above embodiment, the storage device is described as an example of a single hard disk. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the storage device may be provided with one or more hard disks separately. Alternatively, at least one of RAM, ROM, and flash memory may be further provided.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the case where each unit provided in the user terminal 101, the user authentication server 300, the content management server 400, the metadata management server 600, and the billing server 700 is composed of hardware has been described as an example. The present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, at least one part among the above-described units may be a program composed of one or two or more modules or components.

  The present invention is applicable to a content distribution system capable of providing content data via a network, a content distribution server, a user terminal that processes the content data, and a computer program that can be incorporated therein.

It is a block diagram showing roughly the composition of the contents distribution system concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows roughly the structure of the user terminal concerning 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows roughly the structure of the user authentication server concerning 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows roughly the structure of the metadata management server concerning 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows roughly the structure of the content management server concerning 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline of the setting screen for setting the time slot | zone to download concerning 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the outline of the inquiry process by the polling by the user terminal concerning 1st Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows the outline of the download time information acquisition process concerning 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline of the timeout table concerning 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart in which the user terminal concerning 1st Embodiment downloads content data. It is a flowchart explaining the outline of downloading of the content data concerning 1st Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

100 content distribution system 101 user terminal 101
103 Network 300 User Authentication Server 400 Content Management Server 600 Metadata Management Server 700 Billing Server

Claims (14)

A content distribution system that distributes content data from a content distribution server to a user terminal via a network:
The content distribution server; a distribution request accepting unit that accepts a content data distribution request from the user terminal;
A content data distribution unit for distributing content data requested from the user terminal;
A random number generator for generating random numbers within a predetermined time zone;
A download time information generating unit that generates download time information indicating a time at which the user terminal executes download of content data based on the generated random number;
The user terminal executes an inquiry process to the content distribution server every predetermined time and acquires the download time information;
A content distribution system comprising: a download execution unit that downloads content data from the content distribution server according to the time indicated by the download time information. The user terminal further includes a time limit information acquisition unit that acquires download time limit information from the content distribution server;
2. The content according to claim 1, wherein the download execution unit terminates the download when determining that the processing time for downloading the content data has passed the download time limit based on the download time limit information. Distribution system. A content distribution server that distributes content data to a user terminal via a network:
A distribution request accepting unit that accepts a content data distribution request from the user terminal;
A content data distribution unit for distributing content data requested from the user terminal;
A random number generator for generating random numbers within a predetermined time zone;
A content distribution server, comprising: a download time information generation unit that generates download time information indicating a time at which the user terminal downloads content data based on the generated random number. 4. The content distribution according to claim 3, wherein the content distribution server further includes a download time limit information generating unit that generates download time limit information indicating a time limit for the user terminal to download content data. server. The content distribution server according to claim 4, wherein the download time limit information generation unit generates the download time limit information according to a free space of a storage unit provided in the user terminal. 6. The content distribution server according to claim 5, wherein the free capacity of the storage unit is set as an argument passed from the user terminal during inquiry processing from the user terminal. 4. The content distribution server according to claim 3, wherein the range of the predetermined time zone is set in an argument passed from the user terminal during inquiry processing from the user terminal. A user terminal that processes content data distributed from a content distribution server via a network:
Download time information indicating a time for executing an inquiry process to the content distribution server every predetermined time and executing download of the content data generated by the content distribution server based on a random number generated within a predetermined time zone A time information acquisition unit to acquire;
A user terminal comprising: a download execution unit that downloads content data from the content distribution server according to the time indicated by the download time information. The user terminal further includes a time limit information acquisition unit that acquires download time limit information from the content distribution server;
The use according to claim 8, wherein the download execution unit terminates the download when determining that the processing time for downloading the content data has passed the download time limit based on the download time limit information. Terminal. The user terminal according to claim 9, wherein the download time limit is determined based on a free capacity of a storage unit provided in the user terminal. 9. The user terminal according to claim 8, wherein the range of the predetermined time zone is set as an argument to be passed to the content distribution server during the inquiry process. The user terminal according to claim 11, wherein when the next acquisition flag is set in the download time information, the range of the predetermined time zone is set in the argument. A computer program that causes a computer to function as a content distribution server that distributes content data to a user terminal via a network:
Distribution request receiving means for receiving a request for distribution of content data from the user terminal;
Content data distribution means for distributing content data requested from the user terminal;
Random number generating means for generating random numbers within a predetermined time zone;
A computer program that causes the content distribution server to execute download time information generating means for generating download time information indicating a time at which the user terminal executes download of content data based on the generated random number. . A computer program that causes a computer to function as a user terminal that processes content data distributed from a content distribution server via a network:
Download time information indicating a time for executing an inquiry process to the content distribution server every predetermined time and executing download of the content data generated by the content distribution server based on a random number generated within a predetermined time zone Time information acquisition means to acquire;
A computer program that causes the user terminal to execute download execution means for downloading content data from the content distribution server in accordance with the time indicated by the download time information.

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