JP2006155184A - User terminal and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a distribution system capable of reducing duplicate delivery by selecting a delivery destination user terminal and a delivery content, based on the distribution history and receiving history of contents among client terminals. <P>SOLUTION: In the distribution system 100, a user terminal 20 stores an acquired content in a storage area 217. When a plurality of user terminals are present in a communicatable area, the user terminal 20 selects the delivery destination user terminal based on a tabulation result of at least either the receiving history or the distribution history and a terminal selection rule. Further, the user terminal 20 selects the delivery content from among a plurality of contents stored in the storage area 217, based on the tabulation result and the content selection rules. The user terminal 20 delivers the delivery content to the selected delivery destination user terminal. The delivery destination user terminal and the delivery content are selected, based on the tabulation result of histories and various rules, whereby the duplicate delivery of contents can be reduced. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for distributing information using wireless communication between terminals.

  With the modernization of network technology, a content distribution system using P2P (Peer to Peer) or the like in which terminals exchange data with each other without using a server is considered (for example, Patent Document 1). .

  In a conventional content distribution system, content exchanged between terminals depends on a filtering function set by a user. In other words, the type of content distributed through exchanges between terminals is greatly influenced by individual preferences, and it has been difficult to distribute various types of content uniformly. Further, even if various types of content can be distributed uniformly regardless of individual preferences, there has been a problem that already received content is distributed with a considerable frequency.

JP 2003-58770 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and reduces duplicate distribution by selecting a distribution destination user terminal and distribution content based on distribution history and reception history of content between terminals. It is an object to provide a distribution system that can be used.

  One aspect of the present invention is a user terminal having a storage area for storing content and capable of transmitting / receiving data to / from another user terminal, wherein the user terminal stores a plurality of the contents. Content acquisition means to be acquired, reception history storage means for storing a history related to the content acquired by the content acquisition means as a reception history, storage means for storing the acquired content in the storage area, and a communicable area for the data Search means for searching whether there is another user terminal, and the user terminal searched by the search means, based on the total result of the reception history, stored in the storage area A delivery destination user terminal selection means for selecting a delivery destination user terminal for delivering the content, and a delivery destination user terminal selected by the delivery destination user terminal selection means. And a delivery means for delivering the contents stored in the memory area.

  The user terminal configured as described above first creates a reception history related to the acquired content, and stores the content in a storage area. Here, as the content, arbitrary data such as image data displayed on the user terminal, sound data to be generated, execution file, and the like can be applied. Then, the user terminal searches whether there is another user terminal in the data communicable area. As a result of the search, when there are a plurality of user terminals, the user terminal selects a distribution destination user terminal to distribute contents based on the result of counting the reception history. Further, the user terminal distributes the content stored in the storage area to the selected distribution destination user terminal. In this way, by selecting a delivery destination user terminal from among a plurality of user terminals based on the reception history, it is possible to reduce duplicate delivery of content.

  In one aspect of the user terminal, the user terminal further includes a distribution history storage unit that stores a history relating to the content distributed by the distribution unit as a distribution history, and the distribution destination user terminal selection unit includes the reception The delivery destination user terminal is selected based on one or more count results of the history and the delivery history. According to this, the user terminal creates a distribution history related to the content distributed to the distribution destination user terminal, and based on one or more counting results of the reception history and the distribution history, a plurality of user terminals The user terminal for distribution can be selected from among them. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the duplicate distribution of contents.

  In another aspect of the user terminal, a terminal selection rule acquisition unit that acquires a terminal selection rule that defines a condition for selecting the delivery destination user terminal from a plurality of user terminals searched by the search unit. The delivery destination user terminal selection means selects the delivery destination user terminal based on one or more of the reception history and the delivery history and the terminal selection rule. According to this, based on a terminal selection rule that defines conditions for selecting from a plurality of user terminals, and one or more counting results of the reception history and the distribution history, The delivery destination user terminal can be selected. Here, the terminal selection rule is a rule that defines various conditions for selecting a distribution destination user terminal in order to prevent duplicate distribution of content. Therefore, the user terminal accurately selects the distribution destination user terminal so as to reduce the redundant distribution of content based on not only the reception history and distribution history aggregation results but also an arbitrarily set terminal selection rule. can do.

  In another aspect of the user terminal, the content for acquiring a content selection rule that defines a condition for selecting the distribution content to be distributed to the distribution destination user terminal from the content stored in the storage area A selection rule acquisition unit; and a content selection unit that selects the distribution content from all the contents stored in the storage area based on any one or more of the reception history and the distribution history and the content selection rule The distribution unit distributes the distribution content selected by the content selection unit to a distribution destination user terminal. According to this, the user terminal distributes from a plurality of contents stored in the storage area based on arbitrarily set content selection rules and one or more total results of the reception history and the distribution history. Content can be selected. Here, the content selection rule is a rule in which various conditions are defined for selecting a distribution content in order to prevent the content from being duplicated. Therefore, the user terminal can reduce the redundant distribution of content by selecting the distribution content based on the reception history and the distribution history and the arbitrarily set content selection rule.

  In another aspect of the user terminal, the reception history includes distribution source terminal identification information for identifying a distribution source user terminal of the content acquired by the content acquisition unit, acquisition time of the content, and the content. The distribution history includes distribution destination terminal identification information for identifying the distribution destination user terminal, distribution time of the distribution content, and content identification information for identifying the distribution content. It consists of and. According to this, the user terminal can select the distribution destination user terminal and the distribution content in consideration of the distribution time, the reception time, and the distribution content. Therefore, it is possible to prevent duplicate distribution of content.

  In another aspect of the user terminal, the reception history storage unit stores the reception history in units of groups each including a plurality of user terminals, and the distribution history storage unit includes a plurality of user terminals. The distribution history is stored in units of groups. According to this, since reception histories and distribution histories are created in units of groups composed of a plurality of user terminals, the user terminals can distribute users to prevent duplicate content distribution in groups. A terminal can be selected and distribution contents can be selected. When a user terminal distributes content to a distribution destination user terminal selected based on one or more of a group unit reception history and distribution history, other users belonging to the same group can be distributed by various methods. The content is distributed to the terminal. Here, the various methods include a method by multicast distribution, a method in which a distribution destination user terminal transfers to another user terminal, and the like.

  Another aspect of the present invention is a program executed by a computer having a storage area for storing content and capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from other user terminals, wherein the program includes a plurality of the content Content acquisition means for acquiring the content, reception history storage means for storing a history relating to the content acquired by the content acquisition means as a reception history, storage means for storing the acquired content in the storage area, and within the communicable area of the data Search means for searching whether or not there is another user terminal, content stored in the storage area based on a result of counting the reception history from the user terminals searched by the search means Distribution destination user terminal selection means for selecting a distribution destination user terminal to be distributed, distribution selected by the distribution destination user terminal selection means First user terminal, delivery means for delivering the contents stored in the storage area, as causing the computer to function.

  By executing the above program by a computer, the above-described user terminal can be realized. Moreover, each aspect of the above-described user terminal can be realized in the same manner.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, overlap delivery can be reduced by selecting a delivery destination user terminal and delivery content based on the delivery history and reception history of the content between terminals.

  Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The present invention can distribute a variety of contents widely and uniformly without being influenced by individual preferences, and can reduce duplicate distribution of contents.

[Distribution system]
First, the distribution system according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of the distribution system. A distribution system 100 shown in FIG. 1 distributes various contents widely and uniformly by autonomously operating a plurality of user terminals and repeatedly performing wireless communication.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in the distribution system 100, the access point 3 and the server 4 are communicably connected through a network 2. One preferred example of network 2 is the Internet. The server 4 is connected to a content database (hereinafter referred to as “DB”) 5.

  In the distribution system 100, the access point 3 and the user terminals 20 and 21 are connected to each other so as to be capable of wireless communication. In FIG. 1, one access point 3 and two user terminals 20 and 21 are shown for convenience, but the distribution system 100 is not limited to these, and a plurality of access points and a plurality of user terminals 20 and 21 are shown. Assume that a user terminal is included as a component. As wireless communication, various methods including infrared communication and Bluetooth (registered trademark) can be used, and Bluetooth is applied in this embodiment. In the present invention, when wireless communication is infrared communication, the access point is an infrared port, and when wireless communication is an IC tag, the access point is an IC tag reader / writer.

  First, the outline of the content distribution method by this system will be described. The access point 3 constituting the distribution system 100 is an information distribution terminal that is installed in association with an advertisement or the like that attracts the user's interest and distributes content associated with the advertisement to a plurality of user terminals. When the access point 3 confirms that the user terminal exists in the communicable area, the access point 3 delivers the content to the user terminal. A plurality of access points 3 are installed, from which various contents are distributed to the user terminals. The access point 3 acquires various contents from the server 4 via the network 2. The server 4 stores and manages the content distributed to each access point 3 in the content DB 5.

  The user terminal 20 stores the content acquired from the access point 3 in the storage area. Further, the user terminal 20 searches whether there is another user terminal within the communicable area. If there are a plurality of other user terminals as a result of the search, the user terminal 20 is stored in the storage area based on the distribution history and reception history of the content and the terminal selection rules that are held in advance. Select a distribution-destination user terminal that distributes content. Furthermore, the user terminal 20 actually transfers the content stored in the storage area to the distribution destination user terminal based on the distribution history and reception history of the content and the content selection rule stored in advance. Select distribution content to be distributed. Then, the user terminal 20 distributes the distribution content to the distribution destination user terminal.

  In this way, the user terminal 20 acquires various contents from the access point 3 and other user terminals. Then, the distribution content selected based on the content selection rule from all the contents stored in the storage area is distributed to the distribution destination user terminal that exists in the communicable area and is selected based on the terminal selection rule. By repeating this, in the distribution system 100, various contents are exchanged between user terminals. The user terminals 20 and 21 store the content distribution history and reception history, as will be described in detail later.

[server]
Next, the server 4 will be described in detail. The server 4 is connected to the content DB 5 and distributes various contents stored in the content DB 5 to the user terminal via the access point 3. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the data structure of the content DB 5. As shown in FIG. 2, the content DB 5 stores and manages content data and additional information using a content ID as a key. Here, the content data is content main body information necessary for browsing content on the user terminal. The additional information is information associated with the content data, and details will be described later.

[User terminal]
Next, the user terminal will be described in detail. FIG. 3 shows the internal configuration of the user terminal 20 in the distribution system 100 of the present invention. Since the user terminal 21 has the same internal configuration as the user terminal 20, a description thereof will be omitted for the sake of convenience.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the user terminal 20 includes a display function 210, a wireless communication function 211, a terminal selection function 212, a terminal selection rule storage function 213, a content selection function 214, a content selection rule storage function 215, a distribution function 216, It has a storage area 217, a distribution history creation function 218, and a reception history creation function 219.

  The display function 210 is a function for displaying the content stored in the storage area 217 on the user terminal 20. As a result, the user can freely display and browse the content stored in the storage area 217 on the user terminal 20.

  The wireless communication function 211 is a function for receiving content from the access point 3 and other user terminals 21, distributing content to the distribution destination user terminals 21, and the like. In addition, the wireless communication function 211 is a function for searching whether or not there is another user terminal within the communicable area of the user terminal 20.

  The terminal selection function 212 includes a distribution history created by a distribution history creation function 218 described later and a reception created by the reception history creation function 218 from other user terminals in the communicable area searched by the wireless communication function 211. This is a function for selecting a delivery destination user terminal based on the history and the terminal selection rule stored in the terminal selection rule storage function 213.

  The terminal selection rule storage function 213 is a function that stores a terminal selection rule that defines conditions for selecting a delivery destination user terminal from among a plurality of user terminals existing in a communicable area.

  The content selection function 214 includes a distribution history created by a delivery history creation function 218 (to be described later), a reception history created by the reception history creation function 218, and a content selection rule storage function, among the contents stored in the storage area 217. 215 is a function for selecting distribution content based on the content selection rule stored in 215.

  The content selection rule storage function 215 is a function for storing a content selection rule that defines conditions for selecting distribution content from among a plurality of contents stored in the storage area 217.

  The distribution function 216 is a function for distributing the content selected by the content selection function 214 to the distribution destination user terminal selected by the terminal selection function 212.

  The storage area 217 is an area for storing content received by the wireless communication function 211 from the access point 3 or another user terminal. The content stored in the storage area 217 is distributed to the distribution destination user terminal by the distribution function 216. In other words, in the present invention, the user terminal repeatedly “receives”, “stores in the storage area”, and “distributes” for the content, so that the content is accumulated and propagated between a plurality of user terminals, thereby forming a virtual distribution system. can do.

  The distribution history creation function 218 is a function that creates and stores a history regarding the content distributed by the distribution function 216.

  The reception history creation function 219 is a function for creating and storing a history regarding the content received by the wireless communication function 211.

[content]
Next, the content will be described in detail. FIG. 4 conceptually shows the structure of the content. As shown in FIG. 4, the content is composed of additional information and content data. The content data is information of the content body that is necessary when browsing the content on the user terminal. On the other hand, the additional information is information tagged in association with the content data, and may be automatically generated from a keyword in the content data, or may be manually set by the server 4 or the content creator. Specific examples of information set as additional information include a content ID for identifying content data, keyword information representing content data, genre information of content data, and expiration date information of content data. Further, data for guaranteeing the originality of content data, such as a content creator's electronic signature and a hash value for preventing falsification, may be set as additional information.

  The additional information is information that is automatically or manually set by the server 4 or the content creator, and whether or not the additional information is included in the content is arbitrary. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, there are two types of content, content composed of additional information and content data and content composed only of content data. In the present invention, both types of content are applied. Is possible.

  As described above, the content selection function 214 of the user terminal 20 selects the distribution content from the content stored in the storage area 217 based on the content selection rule. Therefore, specifically, the user terminal 20 determines whether or not the content stored in the storage area 217 matches a condition defined in the content selection rule. For the determination, both the additional information and the content data are used. Whether or not the condition is met, the user terminal 20 makes a judgment based on the threshold value when the condition is numeric data, and makes a judgment based on complete match or partial match when the condition is character data.

[Device selection processing]
Next, the terminal selection process will be described in detail. With the terminal selection process, the user terminal is based on one or more aggregated results of the distribution history and the reception history, and the terminal selection rule from the plurality of user terminals existing in the communicable area. This is a process of selecting a delivery destination user terminal.

(I) When not using content ID First, the terminal selection process when not using content ID is demonstrated with reference to FIG. 5 thru | or FIG. FIG. 5A shows a schematic configuration when the user terminal B receives and distributes content to the user terminals D to F. FIG. 5B schematically shows the data structure of the distribution history of the user terminal B, and FIG. 5C schematically shows the data structure of the reception history of the user terminal B. 6 shows the terminal selection rule A when counting the number of distributions, FIG. 7 shows the terminal selection rule B when counting the number of receptions, and FIG. 8 shows the terminal selection rule when counting both the number of distributions and the number of receptions. It is a figure which shows C typically. The content ID is information for identifying each content.

  Specifically, it is assumed that the user terminal B has created a distribution history as shown in FIG. 5B by distributing content between the user terminals configured as shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the distribution history includes a distribution destination user terminal and a distribution time. Here, the distribution destination user terminal is identification information of the user terminal to which the user terminal B has distributed the distribution content, and is “D” and “E” according to FIG. 5B. Yes. “D” is identification information of the user terminal D, and “E” is identification information of the user terminal E. The distribution time is information on the time at which the user terminal B distributes the distribution content to the corresponding distribution destination user terminal. Therefore, from the distribution history shown in FIG. 5B, the user terminal B is predetermined for the user terminal D at 17:03:30 and for the user terminal E at 17:04:50. It can be seen that the delivery content of has been delivered.

  Further, specifically, it is assumed that the user terminal B has created a reception history as shown in FIG. 5C by distributing content between the user terminals configured as shown in FIG. . As shown in the figure, the reception history is composed of a distribution source user terminal and a reception time. Here, the distribution source user terminal is identification information of the user terminal that has distributed the distribution content to the user terminal B, and is “D” and “E” according to FIG. Yes. The reception time is information on the time at which the user terminal B received the distribution content from the corresponding distribution source user terminal. Therefore, from the reception history shown in FIG. 5C, the user terminal B receives predetermined distribution contents from the user terminal D at 16:57:10 and from the user terminal E at 16:55:00. I understand that.

  In the terminal selection process, the distribution destination user terminal is based on the result of totaling the distribution history shown in FIG. 5B and the reception history shown in FIG. 5C and the terminal selection rules shown in FIGS. Select. Here, the terminal selection rule will be described in detail. The terminal selection rule defines conditions for selecting a distribution destination user terminal from among a plurality of user terminals existing in the communicable area. In other words, the terminal selection rule defines what criteria and how the selection is performed sequentially when selecting the delivery destination user terminal.

  Note that the present invention is characterized in that the delivery content is delivered to the delivery destination user terminal selected based on the terminal selection rule. Therefore, the distribution function 216 of the user terminal 20 performs the PUSH type distribution of the distribution content to the distribution destination user terminal selected based on the terminal selection rule without performing the PULL type distribution. The PUSH type distribution is a method for distributing distribution content to a distribution destination user terminal existing in a communicable area regardless of whether or not there is a content request from the distribution destination user terminal. On the other hand, PULL type distribution is a method of distributing content corresponding to the request only when there is a request for content from another user terminal.

  FIG. 6 shows a list of terminal selection rules A when the number of distributions is totaled based on the distribution history. The list of terminal selection rules A is composed of statuses, rules, and examples of processing based on the rules, as shown in the figure. Here, the situation is a description of the distribution method of the distribution history of the user terminal 20 and the total result for convenience. A rule defines what selection is to be made in sequence according to what criteria when selecting a delivery destination user terminal. A process defines what should be done as a process corresponding to a rule if it conforms to the rule. That is, according to the terminal selection rule A shown in FIG. 6, the terminal selection function 212 of the user terminal 20 distributes from a plurality of user terminals existing in the communicable area based on the total number of distributions based on the distribution history. It is stipulated to select a prior user terminal. Here, an example of the terminal selection rule A will be specifically described with reference to FIG.

  As a situation of the terminal selection rule A, first, “when a histogram is created from a distribution history” can be considered. In this case, as illustrated, the terminal selection function 212 may select a user terminal with the smallest number of distributions as a distribution destination user terminal based on a histogram created from the distribution history. In addition, when there are a plurality of user terminals with the smallest number of distributions, it is conceivable to randomly select a distribution destination user terminal from among them. Therefore, when the histogram created from the distribution history indicates that the distribution to the user terminal D is once and the distribution to the user terminals E and F is zero, the terminal selection function 212 displays the user terminal E A user terminal randomly selected from F and F is defined as a distribution-destination user terminal.

  In addition, when there are a plurality of user terminals with the smallest number of distributions based on the histogram created from the distribution history, the terminal selection function 212 selects the user terminal with the oldest distribution time from among the user terminals with the distribution destination. It is conceivable to choose. Therefore, the histogram created from the distribution history shows that the distribution to the user terminals D to F is once, the distribution to the user terminal D is 17:03:30, and the distribution to the user terminal E is 17 : 04: 50, when the distribution to the user terminal F is 17:05:30, the terminal selection function 212 sets the user terminal D having the oldest distribution time as the distribution destination user terminal.

  In addition, the terminal selection function 212 evaluates only the distribution history within the selection reference time based on the histogram created from the distribution history, and selects the user terminal with the smallest number of distributions in the distribution history being evaluated. It is conceivable to select a distribution destination user terminal. Therefore, when the time when the distribution destination user terminal is discovered is 17:00, and the terminal selection process is evaluated within the selection reference time until 3 minutes before (ie, 17:04:00), In such a situation, the distribution to the user terminal D is not subject to evaluation at 17:03:30. Therefore, the terminal selection function 212 regards that the user terminal D has not been distributed to the user terminal D, and sets the user terminal D as the distribution destination user terminal. Note that the selection reference time is set in advance.

  Also, the terminal selection function 212 evaluates only the distribution history within the selection reference time based on the histogram created from the distribution history, and the user terminal with the smallest number of distributions in the distribution history that is the evaluation target. When there are a plurality of users, it is conceivable to randomly select a delivery destination user terminal from among them. Since the processing in this case is as illustrated, the description is omitted for convenience.

  Also, the terminal selection function 212 evaluates only the distribution history within the selection reference time based on the histogram created from the distribution history, and the user terminal with the smallest number of distributions in the distribution history that is the evaluation target. When there are a plurality of user terminals, the user terminal with the oldest delivery time may be selected as the delivery destination user terminal. Since the processing in this case is as illustrated, the description is omitted for convenience.

  As described above, according to the terminal selection rule A shown in FIG. 6, the re-distribution to the user terminal that has recently delivered the content compares the change at the distribution-source user terminal side with the change at the distribution-destination user terminal side. It is set in consideration of the fact that it is likely to be redundant delivery. Therefore, by selecting the distribution destination user terminal based on the terminal selection rule A shown in FIG. 6 and the distribution history, it is possible to reduce the overlapping distribution of contents.

  FIG. 7 shows a list of terminal selection rules B when the number of receptions is totaled based on the reception history. The list of terminal selection rules B is composed of the situation, rules, and examples of processing based on the rules, as described above. Here, an example of the terminal selection rule B will be specifically described with reference to FIG.

  As a situation of the terminal selection rule B, “when a histogram is created from a reception history” can be considered. In this case, as illustrated, the terminal selection function 212 may select a user terminal with the smallest number of receptions as a distribution destination user terminal based on a histogram created from the reception history. Therefore, when the histogram created from the reception history indicates that the reception from the user terminals D and E is once and the reception from the user terminal F is zero, the terminal selection function 212 displays the user terminal F as Select as the destination user terminal.

  This is based on the idea that the fact that the predetermined content has already been received from the user terminals D and E is likely to overlap if the distribution is performed in preference to the user terminals D and E. Therefore, by selecting the distribution destination user terminal based on the terminal selection rule B shown in FIG. 7 and the reception history, it is possible to reduce the overlapping distribution of contents.

  FIG. 8 shows a list of terminal selection rules C in the case where the number of distributions and the number of receptions are totaled based on the distribution history and the reception history. The list of terminal selection rules C is composed of the situation, rules, and examples of processing based on the rules, as described above. Here, an example of the terminal selection rule C will be specifically described with reference to FIG.

  As a situation of the terminal selection rule C, “when a histogram is created from a reception history and a histogram is created from a distribution history” can be considered. In this case, as illustrated, the terminal selection function 212 may select a user terminal with the smallest number of receptions as a distribution destination user terminal. Further, when there are a plurality of user terminals with the smallest number of receptions, it is conceivable to select the user terminal with the smallest number of distributions as the distribution destination user terminal. Therefore, in the situation as shown in the figure, the histogram created from the reception history indicates that the user terminal F having the smallest number of distributions among the user terminals E and F having the smallest number of receptions is zero. Select as the destination user terminal.

  The terminal selection function 212 may count the total number of receptions and distributions and select a user terminal with the smallest total number as a distribution destination user terminal. Therefore, in the situation as shown in the figure, the total result of the histogram created from the reception history and the histogram created from the delivery destination user terminal is the user terminal F with the smallest total number of times 0. Select to the terminal.

  As described above, since the terminal selection rule B shown in FIG. 8 can select the distribution destination user terminal based on the total result of the distribution history and the reception history, it is possible to reduce the overlapping distribution of contents.

(Ii) When Using Content ID Next, terminal selection processing when using a content ID will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 13. FIG. 9A shows a schematic configuration when the user terminal B receives and distributes content to the user terminals D to F. FIG. 9B schematically shows the data structure of the distribution history associated with the content ID of the user terminal B, and FIG. 9C schematically shows the data structure of the reception history associated with the content ID of the user terminal B. It is. FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing the terminal selection rule D when counting the number of distributions, and FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing the terminal selection rule E when counting the reciprocal of the number of distributions. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a counting method when the elapsed time is totaled based on the distribution history, and FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically illustrating the terminal selection rule E when the elapsed time is totaled.

  Specifically, it is assumed that the user terminal B has created a distribution history as shown in FIG. 9B by distributing content between the user terminals configured as shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the distribution history includes a distribution destination user terminal, a distribution time, and a content ID. Here, the distribution destination user terminal and the distribution time are the same as those in FIG. The content ID is identification information of the distribution content distributed to the distribution destination user terminal corresponding to the user terminal B. Therefore, it can be seen from the distribution history shown in FIG. 9B that the user terminal B distributes the content with the content ID “Z01” to the user terminal F at 16:58:10.

  Further, specifically, it is assumed that the user terminal B creates a reception history as shown in FIG. 9D by distributing content between the user terminals configured as shown in FIG. . As shown in the figure, the reception history includes a distribution source user terminal, a reception time, and a content ID. Here, since the distribution source user terminal and the reception time are the same as those in FIG. The content ID is the identification information of the distribution content received from the distribution source user terminal corresponding to the user terminal B. Therefore, it can be seen from the reception history shown in FIG. 9C that the user terminal B is receiving the content with the content ID “Z01” from the user terminal D at 16:59:00.

  In the terminal selection process, the distribution destination is based on the distribution history shown in FIG. 9B and the reception history shown in FIG. 9C and the terminal selection rules shown in FIGS. Select a user terminal.

  FIG. 10 shows a list of terminal selection rules D when the number of distributions is totaled based on the distribution history. As shown in the figure, the list of terminal selection rules D includes rules and examples of processing based on the rules. Here, examples of rules and processes are the same as those in “(i) When content ID is not used” described above, and therefore description thereof is omitted for convenience.

  First, an example of the terminal selection rule D will be specifically described with reference to FIG. Based on the terminal selection rule D, the terminal selection function 212 may select the user terminal with the smallest number of distributions as the distribution destination user terminal based on the histogram created from the distribution history. In addition, when there are a plurality of user terminals with the smallest number of distributions, it is conceivable to randomly select a distribution destination user terminal from among them. Since the processing in this case is as illustrated, the description is omitted for convenience.

  The terminal selection function 212 may select a user terminal having the smallest number of distribution contents as a distribution destination user terminal based on the aggregation of distribution histories. For example, according to the distribution history shown in FIG. 9B, the user terminal B is one for the user terminal F, four for the user terminal D twice, and two for the user terminal E. It can be seen that 5 contents are distributed. Therefore, the terminal selection function 212 sets the user terminal F having the smallest number of distribution contents as the distribution user terminal.

  Further, the terminal selection function 212 may select a user terminal having the smallest type of distribution content as a distribution destination user terminal based on the aggregation of distribution history. For example, according to the distribution history shown in FIG. 9B, the user terminal B distributes one type of content to the user terminal F, two types of content to the user terminal D, and three types of content to the user terminal E. I understand that. Therefore, the terminal selection function 212 sets the user terminal F having the smallest distribution content type as the distribution user terminal.

  In addition, the terminal selection function 212 sets a user terminal other than the previous distribution user terminal as an evaluation target of the terminal selection process, and gives priority to the user terminal with the smallest distribution content type as a distribution destination user terminal. It is possible to choose. For example, according to the distribution history shown in FIG. 9B, the previous distribution user terminal is the user terminal E. Therefore, the terminal selection function 212 sets the user terminal F having the smallest distribution content type among the user terminals D and F other than the user terminal E as the distribution user terminal.

  In addition, the terminal selection function 212 sets a user terminal that has not been selected from the user terminals detected by the wireless communication function 211 last time as an evaluation target of the terminal selection process, and selects a user terminal with the smallest number of distributions among them. It is conceivable to select a distribution destination user terminal. For example, when the previous wireless communication function 211 detects the user terminals E to G, the previous distribution user terminal is the user terminal E according to the distribution history shown in FIG. Therefore, the terminal selection function 212 sets the user terminal F having the smallest number of distributions among the user terminals D and F other than the user terminal E as the distribution destination user terminal.

  In addition, when there are a plurality of user terminals with the smallest types of distribution contents, the terminal selection function 212 may select a user terminal with the oldest distribution time as a distribution destination user terminal. For example, it is assumed that the user terminal B distributes one type of content to the user terminal D, three types to the user terminal E, and one type of content to the user terminal F based on the distribution history. In this case, the terminal selection function 212 sets the user terminal having the oldest delivery time among the user terminals D and F having the smallest delivery content type as the delivery destination user terminal.

  Note that the terminal selection rule shown in FIG. 10 can be used in any combination with a predetermined terminal selection rule.

  Further, instead of the distribution history, the terminal selection process as described above may be performed based on the reception history tabulation result as shown in FIG. Furthermore, the terminal selection process as described above may be performed based on the total results of both the distribution history and the reception history. Here, the summation of the distribution history and the reception history will be described. For example, it can be seen from the distribution history that the user terminal B has distributed one content to the user terminal E and one content to the user terminal F. From the reception history, the user terminal B 2 and 1 content from the user terminal F are found to be received. In this case, as a result of counting, it can be seen that the user terminal B exchanges two contents with the user terminal D, one piece with the user terminal E, and one piece with the user terminal F.

  Next, an example of the terminal selection rule E will be specifically described with reference to FIG. According to the terminal selection rule E as shown in FIG. 11, the terminal selection function 212 may select a distribution destination user terminal in proportion to the reciprocal of the number of distributions based on the distribution history. For example, based on the distribution history, it is assumed that the distribution to the user terminal D by the user terminal B is twice, the distribution to the user terminal E is three times, and the distribution to the user terminal F is one time. In this case, the terminal selection function 212 probabilistically distributes the user terminals D, E, and F in proportions of 1/2, 1/3, and 1/1, respectively, in proportion to the reciprocal of the number of distributions. Select to the terminal. If the number of distributions is 0, the corresponding user terminal is corrected by a method such as “unconditionally select a distribution destination user terminal” or “assuming the number of distributions to be 1”.

  Further, it is conceivable that the terminal selection function 212 probabilistically selects a distribution-destination user terminal in proportion to the reciprocal of the number of distribution contents based on the distribution history. For example, it is assumed that the user terminal B has distributed two contents to the user terminal D, three to the user terminal E, and one content to the user terminal F based on the distribution history. In this case, the terminal selection function 212 probabilistically uses the user terminals D, E, and F at a rate of 1/2, 1/3, and 1/1, respectively, in proportion to the reciprocal number of each distribution content. To the user terminal.

  Further, it is conceivable that the terminal selection function 212 selects a distribution destination user terminal probabilistically in proportion to the reciprocal of the distribution content type based on the aggregation of the distribution history. Since the processing in this case is as illustrated, the description is omitted for convenience.

  In addition, the terminal selection function 212 sets only the distribution history within the selection reference time as an evaluation target, and uses the distribution destination in proportion to the reciprocal of the distribution content type based on the aggregation of the distribution history as the evaluation target. It is conceivable to select an operator terminal. Since the processing in this case is as illustrated, the description is omitted for convenience.

  Further, it is conceivable that the terminal selection function 212 probabilistically selects a distribution-destination user terminal in proportion to the reciprocal of the number of distributions to the nth power based on the aggregation of distribution histories. “N” is arbitrarily set in advance. For example, based on the distribution history, it is assumed that the distribution to the user terminal D by the user terminal B is twice, the distribution to the user terminal E is three times, and the distribution to the user terminal F is one time. In this case, the terminal selection function 212 sets the user terminals D, E, and F to (1/2) nth power, (1/3) nth power, The distribution destination user terminal is selected probabilistically at a ratio of (1/1) to the nth power. “N” is basically 0 or more. This is because if “n” is less than 0, the distribution to user terminals with a large number of distributions increases, resulting in a departure from the object of the present invention to reduce duplicate distributions. Further, when the number of distributions is 0, the corresponding user terminal is corrected by a method such as “unconditionally select a distribution destination user terminal” or “assuming the number of distributions to be 1”.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described method, and a method of using the total result of the reception history instead of the distribution history, a method of using the total result of the distribution history and the reception history, and whether or not the rule is met is received. A method for determining based on the distribution history total result after determination based on the history total result can be applied.

  Next, an example of the terminal selection rule F will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. Based on the terminal selection rule F as shown in FIG. 13, the terminal selection function 212 counts the elapsed time for waiting for each user terminal based on the distribution history, and uses the user terminal with the longest elapsed time as the distribution destination. It is conceivable that the user terminal is selected. For example, based on the distribution history shown in FIG. 9B, it is assumed that the user terminal B finds the user terminals D to F in the communicable area at 17:00. In this case, the elapsed time for waiting for distribution at each terminal is 90 seconds for user terminal D, 20 seconds for user terminal E, and 530 seconds for user terminal F. Therefore, the terminal selection function 212 sets the user terminal F having the longest elapsed time as the distribution destination user terminal.

  The terminal selection function 212 may count the elapsed time of each content waiting to be distributed and select the user terminal with the longest elapsed time as the distribution destination user terminal. For example, based on the distribution history shown in FIG. 9B, it is assumed that the user terminal B finds the user terminals D to F in the communicable area at 17:00. In this case, the elapsed time for waiting for delivery of each content is as shown in FIG. FIG. 12A summarizes the elapsed time for waiting for delivery of each content for each user terminal. When there is no history, for example, as shown in FIG. 12A, it can be arbitrarily corrected, for example, unconditionally set to 10,000 seconds.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 12B, the terminal selection function 212 totals the elapsed time for waiting for the distribution of each content for each user terminal. In this case, the total content distribution waiting time at each terminal is 10180 seconds for user terminal D, 60 seconds for user terminal E, and 20530 seconds for user terminal F, respectively. Therefore, the terminal selection function 212 sets the user terminal F having the longest elapsed time as the distribution destination user terminal.

  In addition, the terminal selection function 212 totals the elapsed waiting time of each user terminal, selects the user terminal with the longest elapsed time, and when there are a plurality of such user terminals, It is conceivable to select a delivery destination user terminal from among them in proportion to the elapsed time. Since the processing in this case is as illustrated, the description is omitted for convenience.

  In addition, the terminal selection function 212 totals the elapsed waiting time of each user terminal, selects the user terminal with the longest elapsed time, and when there are a plurality of such user terminals, It is conceivable to randomly select a delivery destination user terminal from among them. Since the processing in this case is as illustrated, the description is omitted for convenience.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described method, and a method of using the total result of the reception history instead of the distribution history, a method of using the total result of the distribution history and the reception history, and whether or not the rule is met is received. A method for determining based on the distribution history total result after determination based on the history total result can be applied.

  As described above, the terminal selection rule F shown in FIG. 13 is based on a user terminal that has never distributed content to the terminal itself based on the reception history, or a user who has not distributed content to the terminal for a long time. The terminal is set considering that there is less duplication when the content held by the terminal is distributed. Therefore, by selecting the distribution destination user terminal based on the terminal selection rule F shown in FIG. 13 and the distribution history and the reception history, it is possible to reduce the overlapping distribution of contents.

[Content selection process]
Next, the content selection process will be described in detail. Content selection processing means that the user terminal 20 distributes a plurality of contents stored in the storage area on the basis of one or more of the distribution history and reception history and the content selection rule. This is a process of selecting content. Also, the content selection process is, for example, “delivery content selection” because it is not possible to know in advance how much content can be delivered to the delivery destination user terminal when delivering in a passing manner. In addition to the above, it is a process of performing “determination of content distribution order” in descending order of possibility of duplicate distribution.

  In the content selection process, the distribution content is selected based on the result of totaling the distribution history shown in FIG. 9B and the reception history shown in FIG. 9C and the content selection rule shown in FIG. Therefore, the content selection process will be described in detail here with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically showing the content selection rule.

  Note that the content selection function 214 of the user terminal 20 performs content selection processing based on a preset content selection rule, but this setting receives control content instructed to change the rule in the middle. It is good also as changing by doing.

  As illustrated, the content selection rule includes a rule and an example of processing based on the rule. Here, the rule defines what kind of selection is to be performed sequentially on what kind of basis when selecting the distribution content and determining the distribution order. A process defines what should be done as a process corresponding to a rule if it conforms to the rule. That is, according to the content selection rule shown in FIG. 14, the content selection function 214 of the user terminal 20 selects the distribution content from the plurality of contents stored in the storage area based on the aggregation result based on the distribution history and the reception history. It is stipulated to choose.

  As shown in the figure, the content selection function 214 may first select all contents as distribution contents as basic settings. In this case, the distribution order is determined randomly.

  Further, the content selection function 214 may select undistributed content as distribution content. In this case, the content selection function 214 selects only content that has no distribution record in the distribution history as distribution content. If there are a plurality of undistributed contents, the distribution order is randomly determined.

  Further, the content selection function 214 may select unreceived content as distribution content. In this case, the content selection function 214 selects only content that has no reception history in the reception history as distribution content. Specifically, when the user terminal B selects content to be distributed to the distribution destination user terminal D, the content having the content ID “Z01, Z03” has been received from the user terminal D in the reception history. If it is shown, considering that distribution of the content is likely to be redundant distribution, content other than the content is selected as distribution content. When there are a plurality of unreceived contents, the distribution order is determined randomly.

  In addition, the content selection function 214 may select content that has not been distributed after a certain time as distribution content. Therefore, only content that has no distribution record in the distribution history and content that has been distributed before the set time in the distribution history are selected as distribution contents. In addition, when there are a plurality of contents that have not been distributed after a certain period of time, the distribution order is determined at random.

  In addition, the content selection function 214 may select a content having the oldest distribution history as a distribution content among a certain number of contents that have not been distributed after a certain period of time. At this time, the distribution order is the order from the oldest distribution history. Therefore, the content selection function 214 randomly selects a certain number of contents as distribution contents in the order from the oldest distribution time among the contents that are not distributed in the distribution history and the contents that are distributed before the set time in the distribution history. select. In addition, the content selection function 214 determines the content distribution order from the oldest distribution time. Note that the content that is not distributed in the distribution history and the content that is distributed before the set time in the distribution history are the oldest content.

  Further, the content selection function 214 may select content that has not been delivered after a certain period of time at random until reaching a certain total content capacity. At this time, the distribution order is the order from the oldest distribution history. Therefore, the content selection function 214 selects the distribution content in the order from the oldest distribution time among the content that is not distributed in the distribution history and the content that is distributed before the set time in the distribution history, and is set in advance. Deliver the total capacity. Note that the content that is not distributed in the distribution history and the content that is distributed before the set time in the distribution history are the oldest content. Further, it is assumed that the total capacity is preset in each user terminal, such as “1 mega”.

  Further, the content selection function 214 may select a certain number of contents as distribution contents from contents having a new reception time. At this time, various methods such as a method of randomly determining the distribution order among a predetermined number of contents and a method of determining the reception time in order of newest reception can be applied. It is assumed that the certain number is set in advance in each user terminal, such as “5”.

  In addition, the content selection function 214 may select distribution contents in order from the newest reception time until reaching a certain total content capacity. Therefore, the content selection processing 214 selects distribution contents in order from the newest reception time in the reception history, and performs distribution for the preset total capacity. It is assumed that the total capacity is preset in each user terminal, such as “1 mega”.

  The content selection function 214 may select a certain number of contents from a specific genre as distribution contents. Here, the genre is information indicating the type of each content, and examples thereof include “gourmet” and “movie”. In this embodiment, it is assumed that a genre ID is assigned to each content as information for identifying a genre. Therefore, the content selection function 214 selects a certain number of contents assigned with a specific genre ID as distribution contents. According to this, for example, all contents belonging to the “gourmet” genre are selected as distribution contents, and contents belonging to other genres are selected in consideration of the genre, such as selecting five contents with new reception history as distribution contents. Content can be selected.

  The content selection function 214 may select content belonging to a specific genre as distribution content until a certain total content capacity is reached. Therefore, the content selection function 214 selects content to which a specific genre ID is assigned as distribution content, and performs distribution for a certain total content capacity. According to this, for example, all contents belonging to the “gourmet” genre are selected as distribution contents, and contents belonging to other genres are selected as distribution contents within a range where the total capacity is “1 mega”. For example, the distribution content can be selected in consideration of the genre.

  Note that the total capacity and the number of contents defined in the content selection rule may be set for each user terminal, or may be collectively set for each user terminal as a restriction table.

  As described above, by selecting the distribution content based on one or more of the distribution history and the reception history and the content selection rule, the possibility of duplicate distribution can be reduced.

[History processing]
Next, history processing will be described in detail. The history process is a process in which the distribution history creating function 218 of the user terminal 20 creates a distribution history after distributing the distribution content to the distribution user terminal. The history process is a process in which the reception history creation function 219 of the user terminal 20 creates a reception history after receiving the distribution content from another user terminal.

  Here, processing for creating a distribution history will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a diagram schematically illustrating a process in which a distribution history of the user terminal B is created.

  First, a case where the distribution history is composed of a distribution destination user terminal and a distribution time will be described with reference to FIG. When the user terminal B distributes content to the user terminal H at 17:00, the distribution history creation function 218 of the user terminal B uses the identification information of the distribution destination user terminal as shown in the figure. A record in which “H” and distribution time 17:07:00 are recorded is added to the existing distribution history. In this way, the distribution history creation function 218 adds information about the distribution destination user terminal and the distribution time to the distribution history each time content is distributed.

  On the other hand, a case where the distribution history is composed of a distribution destination user terminal, a distribution time, and a content ID will be described with reference to FIG. When the user terminal B distributes the content ID “Z01, Z02” to the user terminal G at 17:09:10, the distribution history creation function 218 of the user terminal B is as shown in the figure. The record in which the identification information “G” of the distribution destination user terminal, the distribution time 17:09:10, and the content IDs “Z01, Z02” of the distribution content are recorded is added to the existing distribution history. In this way, the distribution history creation function 218 adds information about the distribution destination user terminal, the distribution time, and the distribution content to the distribution history each time content is distributed.

  Next, processing for creating a reception history will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a diagram schematically illustrating a process in which a reception history of the user terminal B is created.

  First, the case where the reception history is composed of the distribution source user terminal and the reception time will be described with reference to FIG. When the user terminal B receives the content from the user terminal A at 16:58:00, as shown in the figure, the reception history creation function 219 of the user terminal B uses the identification information “A And a record in which the reception time 16:58:00 is recorded is added to the existing reception history. In this way, the reception history creation function 219 adds information on the distribution source user terminal and the reception time to the reception history every time content is received.

  Next, a case where the reception history is composed of a distribution source user terminal, a reception time, and a content ID will be described with reference to FIG. When the user terminal B distributes the content with the content ID “Z02, Z03” from the user terminal C at 16: 59: 00: 00, the reception history creation function 219 of the user terminal B A record in which the identification information “C” of the user terminal, the reception time 16:59:00, and the content IDs “Z02, Z03” of the received content are recorded is added to the existing reception history. In this way, the reception history creation function 219 adds the distribution source user terminal, reception time, and content information to the reception history each time content is received.

  In addition, in history processing, the addition of records is a principle, but there is a problem in terms of storage capacity that an unlimited history remains. Therefore, the maximum number of records in the distribution history or reception history may be set in advance in the user terminal, and the old records may be deleted in order. In addition to setting the maximum number of records, there are restrictions on the number of records that can be assigned, such as a restriction method based on the time at which records that exceed a certain time are deleted, and the total capacity of records that make up the distribution history exceeds a certain amount. Arbitrary methods such as a limit method based on the capacity of deleting records in order from the oldest record can be applied. In other words, in the history processing, records may be deleted for organization in addition to adding records as necessary.

  Further, although not described in the above history processing, the genre ID may be recorded in the distribution history as necessary.

  Based on the total result of the distribution history and reception history created by such history processing, the terminal selection rule, and the content selection rule, the distribution system of the present invention can reduce duplicate distribution of content.

[Delivery process]
Next, the distribution process of the user terminal 20 executed by the distribution system 100 will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the distribution process.

  In the distribution process shown in FIG. 17, the user terminal 20 first determines whether or not there is a connection request from another user terminal existing in the communicable area (step S1). When there is a connection request (step S1; Yes), the user terminal 20 receives predetermined content from another requesting user terminal (step S2). Then, the user terminal 20 performs a history process and creates a reception history (step S3).

  On the other hand, when there is no connection request in step S1 (step S1; No), the user terminal 20 searches whether another user terminal exists in the communicable area (step S4). If no other user terminal exists as a result of the search (step S5; No), the user terminal 20 returns to step S1 and performs processing. On the other hand, if another user terminal exists as a result of the search (step S5; Yes), one or more of the distribution history and the reception history are totaled (step S6). And user terminal 20 performs terminal selection processing based on a total result and a terminal selection rule, and chooses a distribution destination user terminal (Step S7). Furthermore, the user terminal 20 performs content selection processing based on the total result and the content selection rule, and selects distribution content (step S8). Then, the user terminal 20 distributes the distribution content selected in step S8 to the distribution destination user terminal selected in step S7 (step S9). Furthermore, the user terminal 20 performs history processing and creates a distribution history (step S10). Thereby, the delivery process is completed.

  In the present invention, when the user terminal 20 receives and distributes content, the distribution history and the reception history are created, and the distribution user terminal is selected based on the total result of the history and the terminal selection rule. This makes it possible to reduce the probability of receiving already received content or distributing already distributed content. Specifically, when distributing multiple contents at once, it is possible to reduce the redundant distribution of contents by setting rules to select user terminals that have many opportunities to receive new contents, and to achieve efficient distribution. can do.

[First modification]
In the above embodiment, one-to-one PUSH type content distribution is basically assumed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to one-to-many PUSH type content distribution. It is. In this case, reception histories and distribution histories are created for each group composed of a plurality of user terminals, and terminal selection rules are applied.

  In the case of one-to-many PUSH type content distribution, the terminal selection rule is applied by replacing the user terminal in the above-described terminal selection rules A to F with a group, such as “select the group with the smallest number of distributions”. Will be.

  Specifically, the terminal selection function 212 may select a user terminal with the smallest number of distributions as a distribution destination user terminal based on a distribution history created in groups. Therefore, the distribution history of the user terminal G is two distributions to the group α composed of the user terminals A to C, and four distributions to the group β composed of the user terminals D to F. In this case, the terminal selection function 212 selects the group α with the smallest number of distributions as the distribution destination user terminal group. At this time, the distribution of the distribution content by the user terminal B is a method of distributing to all the user terminals A to C constituting the group α by multicast, a method of distributing to one of the user terminals constituting the group α, etc. Various methods can be applied. When distributed to one of the user terminals constituting the group α, the user terminal distributes the distribution content to other user terminals of the group α.

  Moreover, the identification information (for example, group ID) of the group to which the user terminal belongs is held as a table, and a rule that is effective only within a specific group is set based on the setting of the user terminal in advance. It is also possible to leave. In this case, it is necessary to store the group ID in association with the distribution history and the reception history.

  Specifically, the terminal selection function 212 sets a specific group (for example, group α) as an evaluation target of the terminal selection process, and selects a user terminal with the smallest number of distributions among the user terminals constituting the group as a distribution destination. The user terminal can be selected. Therefore, when the group α is composed of user terminals A to C, the terminal selection function 212 sets three user terminals A, B, and C as evaluation targets for the terminal selection process. When the distribution history of the user terminal G indicates that the distribution to the user terminal A is twice, the distribution to the user terminal B is two times, and the distribution to the user terminal C is one time, The terminal selection function 212 selects the user terminal C with the smallest number of distributions as the distribution destination user terminal.

  It is also possible to assign a genre ID indicating a genre to each content and set a rule that is valid only within a specific genre based on the setting of the user terminal in advance. Here, the genre is information indicating the type of each content, and examples thereof include “gourmet” and “movie”.

  Specifically, the terminal selection function 212 sets the content with the genre ID “J01” as an evaluation target of the terminal selection process, and when distributing the content, the user terminal with the smallest number of distributions is set as the distribution destination user terminal. It is possible to choose.

[Second modification]
Although not described in the above embodiment, the storage area may be composed of a user area and a common area. FIG. 18 shows a schematic configuration of a distribution system in the second modification.

  First, an outline of a content distribution method in the distribution system as shown in FIG. 18 will be described. Note that the user area, common area, and accumulation rule, which are different from the above embodiment, will be described in detail, and the description of the same parts as the above embodiment will be omitted for the sake of convenience.

  The user terminal 20 stores the content acquired from the access point 3 or the like in the common area. Further, the user terminal 20 determines whether or not to copy the content and store it in the user area based on a storage rule preset by the user. Then, the user terminal 20 stores only the content determined to match the accumulation rule in the user area.

  Here, the common area is an area for storing content received from the access point 3 or another user terminal 21. On the other hand, the user area is an area for storing content that matches the user's preference. Unlike the content stored in the common area, the content stored in the user area is edited by the user. That is, the user performs an operation such as copying or displaying the content stored in the user area. The accumulation rule defines conditions for copying content stored in the common area and storing it in the user area.

  As described above, in the distribution system according to the second modification, the storage area includes a common area in which content to be distributed to other user terminals and content that can be freely edited and viewed by the user. And a stored user area.

  The present invention can also be applied to such a distribution system. In this case, in the content selection process, the content selection function 214 selects the distribution content from the contents stored in the common area based on the history aggregation result and the content selection rule.

  Like this distribution system, by selecting the distribution destination user terminal and the distribution content based on the distribution history and the reception history of the content between the client terminals, the redundant distribution can be reduced.

It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the distribution system in this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the data structure of content DB. It is a functional block diagram of the user terminal contained in the distribution system shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of a content typically. It is a figure which shows typically the data structure of a delivery history and a reception history. 7 is a list of terminal selection rules A. 7 is a list of terminal selection rules B. 7 is a list of terminal selection rules C. It is a figure which shows typically the data structure of the delivery log | history and reception log | history with which content ID was matched. 10 is a list of terminal selection rules D. 10 is a list of terminal selection rules E. It is a figure explaining the totaling method in the case of totaling elapsed time based on a delivery history. 7 is a list of terminal selection rules F. It is a list of content selection rules. It is a figure which shows typically the process in which a delivery history is produced. It is a figure which shows typically the process in which a reception log | history is created. It is a flowchart of a delivery process. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the distribution system in a 2nd modification.

Explanation of symbols

2 ... Network 3 ... Access point 4 ... Server 5 ... Content DB
20 ... User terminal 21 ... User terminal 100 ... Distribution system

Claims (14)

A user terminal that has a storage area for storing content, and that can send and receive data to and from other user terminals,
The user terminal is
Content acquisition means for acquiring a plurality of the contents;
A reception history storage means for storing a history related to the content acquired by the content acquisition means as a reception history;
Storage means for storing the acquired content in the storage area;
Search means for searching whether there is another user terminal in the data communicable area;
A delivery destination user terminal selection means for selecting a delivery destination user terminal for delivering the content stored in the storage area, based on a result of counting the reception history, from among the user terminals searched by the search means; ,
A user terminal comprising: distribution means for distributing content stored in the storage area to a distribution destination user terminal selected by the distribution destination user terminal selection means. The user terminal is
A distribution history storage unit that stores a history of the content distributed by the distribution unit as a distribution history;
The said delivery destination user terminal selection means selects the said delivery destination user terminal based on the total result of any one or more of the said reception log | history and the said delivery log | history, The said delivery destination user terminal is characterized by the above-mentioned. User terminal. A terminal selection rule acquisition unit that acquires a terminal selection rule that defines conditions for selecting the delivery destination user terminal from a plurality of user terminals searched by the search unit;
3. The distribution destination user terminal selection unit selects the distribution destination user terminal based on any one or more of the reception history and the distribution history and the terminal selection rule. User terminal as described in. Content selection rule acquisition means for acquiring a content selection rule that defines conditions for selecting distribution content to be distributed to the distribution destination user terminal from the content stored in the storage area;
Content selection means for selecting the distribution content based on any one or more of the reception history and the distribution history and the content selection rule from all the contents stored in the storage area,
The user terminal according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the distribution unit distributes the distribution content selected by the content selection unit to a distribution destination user terminal. The user terminal is
The apparatus further comprises order determining means for determining an order of contents to be distributed to the distribution destination user terminal based on any one or more of the reception history and the distribution history and the content selection rule. The user terminal according to claim 4. The reception history includes distribution source terminal identification information for identifying a distribution source user terminal of content acquired by the content acquisition means, acquisition time of the content, and content identification information for identifying the content. ,
The distribution history includes distribution destination terminal identification information for identifying the distribution destination user terminal, distribution time of the distribution content, and content identification information for identifying the distribution content. Item 6. The user terminal according to any one of Items 2 to 5. The reception history storage means stores the reception history in units of groups composed of a plurality of user terminals,
The user terminal according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the distribution history storage unit stores the distribution history in units of groups including a plurality of user terminals. A program executed by a computer having a storage area for storing content and capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from other user terminals,
The program is
Content acquisition means for acquiring a plurality of the contents;
A reception history storage unit that stores a history of the content acquired by the content acquisition unit as a reception history;
Storage means for storing the acquired content in the storage area;
Search means for searching for whether there is another user terminal in the data communicable area;
A delivery destination user terminal selection means for selecting a delivery destination user terminal for delivering the content stored in the storage area, based on a result of counting the reception history, from among the user terminals searched by the search means;
A program that causes the computer to function as a distribution unit that distributes content stored in the storage area to a distribution destination user terminal selected by the distribution destination user terminal selection unit. The program is
Further causing the computer to function as a distribution history storage unit that stores a history of content distributed by the distribution unit as a distribution history;
The said delivery destination user terminal selection means selects the said delivery destination user terminal based on the total result of any one or more of the said reception log | history and the said delivery log | history. program. Further causing the computer to function as a terminal selection rule acquisition unit that acquires a terminal selection rule that defines conditions for selecting the delivery destination user terminal from a plurality of user terminals searched by the search unit;
10. The delivery destination user terminal selection unit selects the delivery destination user terminal based on any one or more of the reception history and the delivery history and the terminal selection rule. The program described in. Content selection rule acquisition means for acquiring a content selection rule that defines conditions for selecting distribution content to be distributed to the distribution destination user terminal from the content stored in the storage area;
The computer further as content selection means for selecting the distribution content from all the contents stored in the storage area based on any one or more of the reception history and the distribution history and the content selection rule Make it work
The program according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the distribution unit distributes the distribution content selected by the content selection unit to a distribution destination user terminal. The program is
The apparatus further comprises order determining means for determining an order of contents to be distributed to the distribution destination user terminal based on any one or more of the reception history and the distribution history and the content selection rule. The program according to claim 11. The reception history includes distribution source terminal identification information for identifying a distribution source user terminal of content acquired by the content acquisition means, acquisition time of the content, and content identification information for identifying the content. ,
The distribution history includes distribution destination terminal identification information for identifying the distribution destination user terminal, distribution time of the distribution content, and content identification information for identifying the distribution content. Item 13. The program according to any one of Items 9 to 12. The reception history storage means stores the reception history in units of groups composed of a plurality of user terminals,
The program according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the distribution history storage unit stores the distribution history in units of groups including a plurality of user terminals.

Images