JP2007329814A - Video reproduction terminal, video distribution apparatus, video distribution system and video distribution control program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a video reproduction terminal, a video distribution apparatus, a video distribution system and a video distribution control program for stably setting the resolution of images and a bit rate at the time of transmitting data and distributing encoded data even when a communication environment is instable. <P>SOLUTION: The video distribution apparatus 301 and an information processor 302 are connected by a wireless LAN. A wireless LAN monitoring part 327 samples a connection speed while video images or the like are distributed for a fixed period, obtains the average value of the sampled connection speed, and when the resolution of the image and the bit rate corresponding to the average value are changed, notifies the video distribution apparatus 301 about the change. The video distribution apparatus 301 change the current resolution and bit rate to the resolution and bit rate of the notified content. Similar control can be executed by measuring throughput as well. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a video playback terminal, a video distribution device, a video distribution system, and a video distribution control program used when encoding and distributing data such as video, and in particular, stable data regardless of communication environment. The present invention relates to a video playback terminal, a video distribution device, a video distribution system, and a video distribution control program.

  MPEG2 (Moving Picture Experts Group 2) is a representative video data compression method, and is widely used in electronic devices such as DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) video and digital television. As wireless LAN (Local Area Network) becomes widespread, video data encoded by MPEG2 and compressed is distributed via wireless LAN, and this is received by an information processing device such as a computer or a television and outputs video and audio. Has been widely practiced.

  FIG. 10 shows a configuration of a conventional encoded distribution system in which video data encoded and compressed by MPEG2 is distributed over a wireless LAN, received by an information processing apparatus, and displayed. The encoded distribution system 100 includes a video distribution apparatus 101 that distributes video and an information processing apparatus 102 that displays the distributed video.

  Among these, the video distribution apparatus 101 includes a distribution-side wireless LAN unit 111. The distribution-side wireless LAN unit 111 is connected to the display-side wireless LAN unit 121 on the information processing apparatus 102 side via a wireless LAN. The video distribution apparatus 101 includes an MPEG2 encoding unit 112 that performs encoding using MPEG2, and a distribution-side main control unit 113 that sets the MPEG2 resolution and the bit rate as the data transmission capability for the MPEG2 encoding unit 112. I have. The distribution side main control unit 113 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a storage medium such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores a control program to be executed by the CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown). The distribution-side main control unit 113 receives the MPEG2 resolution and bit rate setting information notified from the information processing apparatus 102 via the wireless LAN from the distribution-side wireless LAN unit 111. The MPEG2 encoding unit 112 encodes the video with the MPEG2 resolution and bit rate set by the distribution-side main control unit 113. Then, MPEG2 video is transmitted as encoded data to the distribution-side wireless LAN unit 111.

  On the other hand, in addition to the display-side wireless LAN unit 121 described above, the information processing device 102 notifies the video distribution device 101 of MPEG2 resolution and bit rate setting information via the display-side wireless LAN unit 121. A control unit 122 is provided. Although not shown, the display-side main control unit 122 also includes a storage medium such as a hard disk or ROM that stores a CPU and a control program executed by the CPU. Similar to the display-side wireless LAN unit 121, the display-side main control unit 122 notifies the MPEG2 resolution and bit rate setting information to the MPEG2 decoding unit 123 as well. The MPEG2 decoding unit 123 is configured to decode the video transmitted from the video distribution apparatus 101 at the bit rate indicated by the notified MPEG2 resolution and bit rate setting information. The display control unit 124 displays the decoded video on a display (not shown).

  FIG. 11 shows the flow of processing on the conventional video distribution apparatus side shown in FIG. This will be described with reference to FIG. Since the video distribution apparatus 101 distributes video over a wireless LAN, the video distribution apparatus 101 is connected to the wireless LAN when the power is turned on, for example (step S201). When the MPEG2 resolution and bit rate setting information as default values is received from the distribution-side wireless LAN unit 111 of the video distribution apparatus 101 (step S202: Y), the distribution-side main control unit 113 sends the MPEG2 encoding unit 112 a response. Then, the resolution and bit rate of MPEG2 are set (step S203). The MPEG2 encoding unit 112 encodes the video data requested for distribution using MPEG2 (step S204). Then, the encoded data encoded by MPEG2 is distributed by the wireless LAN (step S205).

  FIG. 12 shows the flow of processing on the side of a conventional information processing apparatus that requests distribution. This will be described with reference to FIG. The information processing apparatus 102 is connected to the wireless LAN when, for example, receiving video distribution from the video distribution apparatus 101 (step S221). Then, the video to be distributed is specified as necessary, and the MPEG2 resolution and bit rate setting information is notified to the video distribution apparatus 101 (step S222). Since the wireless LAN communication environment is not known at this time, the MPEG2 resolution and bit rate setting information is set to default values as standard setting values. The notification in step S222 is linked to the reception processing of the video distribution apparatus 101 in step S202 in FIG.

  Thereafter, the display-side wireless LAN unit 121 of the information processing apparatus 102 waits to receive encoded data from the video distribution apparatus 101 via the wireless LAN by the process of step S205 of FIG. 11 (step S223 of FIG. 12). When reception starts (Y), the MPEG2 decoding unit 123 performs MPEG2 decoding of the received video data by a predetermined unit amount (step S224), sends this to the display control unit 124 and stores it in a buffer (not shown). Is displayed on the display (not shown) (step S225). The above decoding and display processing on the display is continued until reception of the video data to be distributed is completed (step S226) or until the MPEG2 resolution and bit rate setting information is changed (step S227). ).

  In step S222, the information processing apparatus 102 notifies the video distribution apparatus 101 of default values for MPEG2 resolution and bit rate setting information. Therefore, when the state of the wireless LAN is bad, the image is not always displayed smoothly without interruption based on the default resolution and bit rate. If the speed at which encoded data is transmitted by wireless LAN is slower than the speed required for image display, it is necessary to change the setting to reduce the resolution or the bit rate according to the throughput. . Here, the throughput is a data transfer amount per unit time. When the user of the information processing apparatus 102 instructs to change the resolution or bit rate of MPEG2 using an input means such as an operation panel or a keyboard (not shown) (step S227: Y), the setting change content is displayed from the display-side wireless LAN unit 121. It is sent to the video distribution apparatus 101 (step S228).

  Returning to FIG. 11, the description will be continued. In the video distribution apparatus 101, video encoding and distribution of encoded data obtained by the processing in steps S204 and S205 are performed for each predetermined unit amount. Then, when the MPEG2 resolution and bit rate setting information based on step S228 in FIG. 12 is received during distribution (step S206: Y), the MPEG2 resolution and bit rate are set again based on this information (step S206: Y) (step S206: Y). Step S203). Then, image encoding is started at the MPEG2 resolution and bit rate after the setting is changed (step S204). If the resolution and bit information in step S206 are not received during distribution (N), the process returns to step S204 to continue the distribution process until the distribution ends (step S207: N).

  Returning to FIG. 12, the description will be continued. When the setting change content is sent from the display-side wireless LAN unit 121 to the video distribution apparatus 101 in step S228, the display-side main control unit 122 performs MPEG2 so that decoding is performed at the resolution and bit rate according to the content after the setting change. The setting of the decoding unit 123 is changed (step S229). Then, the display-side wireless LAN unit 121 receives the encoded data after the setting change (step S223: Y), the MPEG2 decoding unit 123 decodes it (step S224), and the display control unit 124 displays an image or sound. (Step S225).

  Similarly, if it is before video distribution (reception) ends (step S226: N), the user can change the resolution and bit rate of MPEG2 as appropriate (step S227), and the information processing apparatus 102 side When the change is instructed (Y), the video distribution apparatus 101 changes the encoded data in response to the distribution (step S205 in FIG. 11).

  As described above, in the conventional encoded distribution system, when the connection state of the wireless LAN deteriorates, the user on the information processing apparatus 102 notices this, and each time the resolution and bit rate of MPEG2 are changed. I was trying to make changes. Therefore, the user needs technical knowledge and understanding about the wireless LAN and MPEG2. In addition, when the user constantly monitors the display and the connection state of the wireless LAN deteriorates, the user has to perform an operation for improving this manually. Therefore, the user was restrained for monitoring the system for a long time.

  When the user's monitoring of the display state of the display is insufficient, even if the display of the image is deteriorated, this is left unattended, and a situation occurs in which the image is not reproduced smoothly at a constant speed. As a result, the request for image reproduction may not be satisfied on the information processing apparatus 102 side. In such a case, the image may be retransmitted or distribution from the video distribution apparatus 101 is stopped. There was also a risk that this would happen. However, when images are reproduced while being received in a time series like a moving image, some images cannot be retransmitted and incorporated into a later time zone for reproduction.

  Therefore, the slave unit decided to determine the radio wave condition with the master unit, and the center unit transmitted video and audio to the master unit at an encoding speed corresponding to this, and wireless communication was performed from the master unit to the slave unit. A wireless communication system has been proposed as a first proposal (see, for example, Patent Document 1). That is, in this wireless communication system, the center device is connected to the parent device by wire, and the parent device transmits video and audio wirelessly to the child device. The slave unit checks the status of wireless communication with the master unit, determines the reception level, adds the result to the upstream signal to the master unit, and transmits it. The master unit calculates the reception level of the transmission signal from the slave unit, and determines the radio wave status from the obtained reception level. Based on such a determination result, the master unit determines the transmission rate between the master unit and the slave unit and the encoding rate of encoding in the center device. Then, the encoding speed is notified to the center device on the video and audio distribution side. Thereby, the transmission rate from a center apparatus to a subunit | mobile_unit can be made appropriate.

  However, in this first proposal, the master unit calculates the reception level of the transmission signal from the slave unit, and further determines the transmission rate between the master unit and the slave unit and the coding rate of encoding in the center unit. Therefore, there is a problem that the burden on the determination of the parent device is heavy. In addition, since the reception level of the transmission signal of the slave unit changes every moment, there is a problem that the determination result may be greatly different depending on which reception level is adopted for the determination.

Therefore, the second method is to calculate the transmission rate based on the amount of data received by the display-side device that has received the content and the time required for communication, and to determine the appropriate resolution based on this. Proposals have been made (see, for example, Patent Document 2). In the second proposal, the display-side device notifies the determined resolution to the distribution-side device, and the distribution-side device transmits subsequent contents at the notified resolution.
JP 2003-051777 A (paragraphs 0020 to 0023, FIG. 1) JP 2005-202468 A (paragraphs 0050 to 0054, paragraph 0060, FIG. 10)

  According to the second proposal, there is no need for the user to monitor the communication state and manually perform an operation for improving it. Therefore, there is an advantage that the burden on the user is reduced. However, in the second proposal, each time the content on the display side is received from the distribution side device, the display side device receives time information indicating the time when the content starts to be transmitted, and the time required for communication of the content. The content transmission rate is calculated from the content volume and reported to the distribution side device. Therefore, when the communication environment is not stable, the transmission speed varies for each content to be communicated. In the second proposal, the resolution for new communication is set based on the transmission rate measured in the past. For this reason, the resolution suitable for the current communication environment is not always set. In some cases, the resolution is lowered when the resolution can be increased, or the resolution is increased when the resolution needs to be lowered. Decided to do.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a video reproduction terminal and a video distribution device capable of stably distributing encoded data by setting an image resolution and a bit rate for data transmission even in an unstable communication environment. Another object is to provide a video distribution system and a video distribution control program.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, (a) the connection speed as the transmission speed at the physical layer level of the transmission path between the delivery side for transmitting the encoded video data is sampled a plurality of times over a predetermined period. (B) a distribution average value calculating means for calculating an average value of connection speeds obtained by sampling by the distribution sampling means; and (c) a distribution average value calculating means. The transmission-side setting at the time of distribution that selects the combination of the resolution of the image that constitutes the video data that is the transmission target of the distribution-side and the bit rate at the time of transmission as the setting information at the time of distribution. Information selection means, and (d) the resolution and bit rate of the image to be set when transmitting the transmission side setting information selected by the transmission side setting information selection means to the distribution side. And it is provided to the video reproduction terminal and a distribution time of transmission side setting information notifying means for notifying.

  That is, in the present invention, the distribution sampling means provided in the video playback terminal samples the connection speed of the transmission line a plurality of times over a predetermined period, and the distribution average value calculating means calculates the average value of each connection speed. Based on this, the resolution and bit rate of the image are set at the time of transmission to the delivery side. Therefore, for example, an average connection speed can be calculated even in a situation where the connection speed is changed due to a change in the transmission path, and the stability of communication can be ensured.

  In the invention according to claim 2, (a) a connection speed as a transmission speed at a physical layer level between the distribution side and the distribution side from when the distribution side transmits the encoded video data is determined in advance. (B) a connection start average value calculating means for calculating an average value of connection speeds obtained by sampling by the connection start sampling means; C) Transmission at the start of connection of a combination of the resolution of the image constituting the video data to be transmitted on the distribution side and the bit rate at the time of transmission corresponding to the average value calculated by the average value at the start of connection The transmission side setting information selection means at the start of connection to be selected as the side setting information, and (d) the transmission side setting information at the start of connection selected by the connection side transmission side setting information selection means. The transmission side setting information notifying means for notifying the resolution and bit rate of the image to be set at the start of transmission on the transmission side, and (e) when the distribution side starts distributing the encoded video data, A distribution-time sampling means for sampling the connection speed of the transmission line between a plurality of times over a predetermined period, and (f) calculating an average value of the respective connection speeds obtained by sampling by the distribution-time sampling means. Distribution time average value calculating means, and (g) the resolution of the image constituting the video data to be transmitted on the distribution side in correspondence with the average value calculated by the distribution time average value calculating means and the bit at the time of transmission (D) a distribution-side transmission-side setting information selection unit that selects a combination of rates as distribution-side transmission-side setting information; Time and is allowed to provided a video reproducing terminal at the time of distribution transmission side setting information notification means for notifying the transmitting side setting information as the resolution and bit rate of an image to be set when the transmission on the distribution side.

  That is, in the present invention, the distribution sampling means provided in the video playback terminal samples the connection speed of the transmission line a plurality of times over a predetermined period, and the distribution average value calculating means calculates the average value of each connection speed. In addition to the calculation, the connection start sampling means samples the connection speed of the transmission path a plurality of times over a predetermined period, and the connection start average value calculating means calculates the average value of each connection speed. Based on this, the resolution and bit rate of the image are set at the time of transmission to the distribution side. Therefore, for example, even when the transmission path is changed and the connection speed is changed, the average connection speed can be calculated, and the stability of communication can be ensured.

  In the invention according to claim 3, (a) during distribution in which a throughput value as an amount of received data per unit time received from a distribution side that transmits encoded video data is sampled a plurality of times over a predetermined period. Sampling means, and (b) the resolution of the image constituting the video data to be transmitted on the delivery side in correspondence with the average value of the respective throughput values obtained by sampling by the delivery time sampling means A transmission-side transmission-side setting information selection unit that selects a combination of bit rates at the time of transmission as transmission-side transmission-side setting information; and (c) distribution-side transmission-side setting information selected by the distribution-side transmission-side setting information selection unit. A transmission side setting information notifying means for notifying the resolution and bit rate of an image to be set at the time of transmission to the distribution side is a video reproduction terminal To be provided.

  That is, in the present invention, the distribution sampling means samples the throughput value as the amount of received data per unit time received from the distribution side that transmits the encoded video data over a predetermined period, and samples this. Based on the average value of the throughput values obtained by the above, the resolution and bit rate of the image are set on the delivery side at the time of transmission. Therefore, it is possible to ensure the stability of the image communication based on the average throughput value even when the communication environment is not stable.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, (a) distribution start for starting distribution to a distribution destination by setting the resolution of an image constituting encoded video data to be distributed and the bit rate at the time of transmission to predetermined values. And (b) after starting the distribution of the video data by the distribution start means, a plurality of connection speeds as a transmission speed at a physical layer level of a transmission path between the distribution destination and the distribution destination over a predetermined period. Transmission side setting information arrival monitoring means for monitoring the arrival of the transmission side setting information representing the resolution of the image corresponding to the average value of the respective connection speeds obtained by sampling and the bit rate at the time of transmission; (C) Every time the transmission side setting information arrives by the monitoring of the transmission side setting information arrival monitoring means, the image resolution and the bit rate at the time of transmission are reset and the encoded video data is reset. And a distribution continuing means for performing the delivery is provided in the video distribution device.

  In other words, in the present invention, images corresponding to the average values of the respective connection speeds obtained by sampling the connection speed a plurality of times over a predetermined period from the destination (video playback terminal) to which the video delivery apparatus delivers the video data. For example, even if the connection speed is changed due to a change in the transmission path, the average connection speed is set. And the stability of communication can be ensured.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, (a) when the transmission destination of the encoded video data and the transmission path are connected, the connection speed as the transmission speed at the physical layer level of the transmission path between the distribution destination and the distribution destination The combination of the resolution of the image constituting the video data to be transmitted on the delivery side corresponding to the average value of the connection speed obtained by sampling a plurality of times over a predetermined period of time and the bit rate at the time of transmission (B) the resolution of the image indicated by the connection-side transmission side setting information received by the connection-side transmission side setting information reception unit and the resolution thereof; (C) distribution start means for starting distribution of encoded video data by setting the bit rate at the time of transmission; and (c) after starting distribution of video data by the distribution start means, from the distribution destination to the distribution destination. The transmission side setting information indicating the resolution of the image corresponding to the average value of the connection speeds obtained by sampling the connection speed of the transmission path several times over a predetermined period and the bit rate at the time of transmission has arrived The transmission side setting information arrival monitoring means for monitoring the transmission, and (d) the resolution of the image and the bit at the time of transmission shown each time the transmission side setting information arrives by the monitoring of the transmission side setting information arrival monitoring means The video distribution apparatus is provided with a distribution continuation unit that resets the rate and distributes the encoded video data.

  In other words, according to the present invention, the connection speed as the transmission speed at the physical layer level of the transmission path between the video distribution apparatus and the distribution destination from the distribution destination (video reproduction terminal) of the video data is determined in advance. Transmission at the start of connection is a combination of the resolution of the image that constitutes the video data to be transmitted on the delivery side corresponding to the average value of the connection speed obtained by sampling multiple times over a certain period and the bit rate at the time of transmission. Each of the obtained setting values is obtained by sampling the connection speed of the transmission path from the distribution destination to the distribution destination a plurality of times over a predetermined period after the start of distribution of the video data. Since the transmission side setting information that represents the resolution of the image corresponding to the average value of the connection speed and the bit rate at the time of transmission arrives, for example, the transmission path is changed. Also can be calculated average connection speed in situations connection speed is changed, it is possible to ensure the stability of the communication.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, (b) distribution start that starts distribution to a distribution destination by setting the resolution of an image constituting encoded video data to be distributed and the bit rate at the time of transmission to predetermined values. And (b) obtained by sampling the throughput value as the amount of received data per unit time received by the delivery destination a plurality of times over a predetermined period after the delivery of the video data by the delivery start means. Transmitting side setting information arrival monitoring means for monitoring the arrival of the transmission side setting information representing the resolution of the image corresponding to the average value of the respective throughput values and the bit rate at the time of transmission; Each time the transmission side setting information arrives by the monitoring of the setting information arrival monitoring means, the image resolution and the bit rate at the time of transmission are reset to indicate the video data after encoding. And a distribution continuing means for distributing data to provided to the video distribution device.

  That is, in the present invention, the average of the respective throughput values obtained by sampling the throughput value received by the distribution destination a plurality of times over a predetermined period from the destination (video playback terminal) to which the video distribution device distributes the video data. Since the transmission side setting information that represents the resolution of the image corresponding to the value and the bit rate at the time of transmission is received, the stability of the image communication can be improved based on the average throughput value even in the situation where the communication environment is not stable. Can be secured.

  In the invention according to claim 8, (a) the connection speed as the transmission speed at the physical layer level of the transmission path between the delivery side for transmitting the encoded video data is sampled a plurality of times over a predetermined period. Distribution-time sampling means, distribution-time average value calculating means for calculating an average value of connection speeds obtained by sampling by the distribution-time sampling means, and average values calculated by the distribution-time average value calculating means. A transmission side setting information selection means for distribution that selects a combination of the resolution of the image constituting the video data to be transmitted on the distribution side and the bit rate at the time of transmission as the transmission side setting information for distribution, Distribution that notifies the distribution side transmission side setting information selected by the transmission side transmission side setting information selection means as the image resolution and bit rate to be set when transmitting to the distribution side (B) the resolution of the image constituting the encoded video data distributed to the video playback terminal and the bit rate at the time of transmission are set to predetermined values. A distribution start means for setting and starting distribution to the video reproduction terminal of the distribution destination, and after starting distribution of the video data by the distribution start means, a connection speed of the transmission path from the video reproduction terminal to the distribution destination is determined in advance. Transmission side setting information for monitoring the arrival of transmission side setting information representing the resolution of the image corresponding to the average value of the respective connection speeds obtained by sampling a plurality of times over a certain period and the bit rate at the time of transmission Each time the transmission side setting information arrives by the monitoring of the arrival monitoring means and the transmission side setting information arrival monitoring means, the image resolution indicated here is reset to the bit rate at the time of transmission. A video distribution device and a distribution continuing means for distributing the video data after coding is provided in the video distribution system.

  That is, in the present invention, the distribution sampling means provided in the video reproduction terminal samples the connection speed as the transmission speed at the physical layer level of the transmission path a plurality of times over a predetermined period, and distributes the average value calculation means Calculates the average value of the respective connection speeds, and based on this, the video distribution apparatus sets the resolution and bit rate of the image. Therefore, for example, an average connection speed can be calculated even in a situation where the connection speed is changed due to a change in the transmission path, and the stability of communication can be ensured.

  In the invention according to claim 9, (a) a connection speed as a transmission speed at a physical layer level between the distribution side and the distribution side from when the distribution side transmits the encoded video data is determined in advance. Connection start sampling means for sampling a plurality of times over a certain period, connection start average value calculating means for calculating an average value of connection speeds obtained by sampling at the connection start sampling means, and connection start time Corresponding to the average value calculated by the average value calculating means, the combination of the resolution of the image constituting the video data to be transmitted on the distribution side and the bit rate at the time of transmission is selected as the transmission side setting information at the start of connection. The transmission side setting information selection means at the start of connection and the transmission side setting information selected by the transmission side setting information selection means at the start of connection are sent to the distribution side Transmission start setting information notifying means for notifying as the resolution and bit rate of the image to be set, and when the distribution side starts distributing the encoded video data, the connection speed of the transmission path between this distribution side Distribution sampling means for sampling a plurality of times over a predetermined period, distribution average calculating means for calculating an average value of connection speeds obtained by sampling by the distribution sampling means, and distribution average At the time of distribution, the combination of the resolution of the image constituting the video data to be transmitted on the distribution side and the bit rate at the time of transmission is selected as the transmission side setting information at the time of distribution corresponding to the average value calculated by the value calculation means The transmission side setting information selection means and the distribution side transmission side setting information selected by the transmission side setting information selection means are set when transmitting to the distribution side. (B) a distribution destination of video data after encoding to the video reproduction terminal via a transmission path, and a video reproduction terminal provided with a transmission side setting information notification means for notifying as the resolution and bit rate of the image to be transmitted When connected, it is a transmission target on the distribution side corresponding to the average value of the connection speed obtained by sampling the connection speed with the video playback terminal of the distribution destination a plurality of times over a predetermined period. Connection-side transmission-side setting information receiving means for receiving, as connection-side transmission-side setting information, a combination of the resolution of the image data constituting the video data and the transmission bit rate, and reception of the connection-side transmission-side setting information receiving means Distribution start means for starting the distribution of the encoded video data by setting the resolution of the image indicated in the connection side transmission side setting information and the bit rate at the time of transmission, and the distribution start Corresponds to the average value of the connection speed obtained by sampling the connection speed of the transmission path from the video playback terminal to the video playback terminal a plurality of times over a predetermined period after the start of the distribution of the video data by the starting means. Transmission-side setting information arrival monitoring means for monitoring the arrival of transmission-side setting information representing the resolution of the image and the bit rate at the time of transmission, and transmission-side setting information arrives by monitoring of the transmission-side setting information arrival monitoring means Each time a video distribution system is provided with a video distribution device having a distribution continuation means for distributing the encoded video data by resetting the resolution and the bit rate at the time of transmission of the image shown therein. .

  That is, in the present invention, the distribution sampling means provided in the video playback terminal samples the connection speed of the transmission line a plurality of times over a predetermined period, and the distribution average value calculating means calculates the average value of each connection speed. In addition to the calculation, the connection start sampling means samples the connection speed of the transmission path a plurality of times over a predetermined period, and the connection start average value calculating means calculates the average value of each connection speed. Based on this, the video distribution apparatus sets the resolution and bit rate of the image. Therefore, for example, an average connection speed can be calculated even in a situation where the connection speed is changed due to a change in the transmission path, and the stability of communication can be ensured.

  In the invention according to claim 10, (a) at the time of distribution in which a throughput value as an amount of received data per unit time received from a distribution side transmitting encoded video data is sampled a plurality of times over a predetermined period. Sampling means, and the resolution of the image constituting the video data to be transmitted on the delivery side in correspondence with the average value of the respective throughput values obtained by sampling by the sampling means at the time of delivery and the bit at the time of transmission Set when sending to the delivery side the delivery-side setting information selection means for delivery that selects the combination of rates as delivery-side setting information for delivery, and the delivery-side sender-side setting information selected by this delivery-time sender-side setting information selection means A video playback terminal provided with a transmission side setting information notification means for notifying the resolution and bit rate of the image to be transmitted; Distribution start means for starting the distribution to the video playback terminal by setting the resolution of the image constituting the encoded video data distributed to the video playback terminal and the bit rate at the time of transmission to a predetermined value, and the distribution start After the start of distribution of video data by the means, the throughput value as the amount of received data per unit time received by the video playback terminal is averaged for each throughput value obtained by sampling a plurality of times over a predetermined period. Transmission-side setting information arrival monitoring means for monitoring the arrival of transmission-side setting information representing the resolution of the corresponding image and the bit rate at the time of transmission, and transmission-side setting information by monitoring of the transmission-side setting information arrival monitoring means The distribution is performed to distribute the encoded video data by resetting the image resolution and the bit rate at the time of transmission each time the A video distribution device that includes a continuous unit to be provided in the video distribution system.

  That is, in the present invention, the sampling value at the time of distribution of the video playback terminal samples the throughput value received from the distribution side that transmits the encoded video data over a predetermined period, and samples the throughput value based on this. Since the average value is calculated, the throughput value can be calculated as an average value even if the sampled values differ from each other, and the video distribution apparatus sets the resolution and bit rate of the image based on this value. I am doing so. Therefore, it is possible to ensure the stability of the image communication based on the average throughput value even when the communication environment is not stable.

  In the invention described in claim 12, (b) the encoded video data is transmitted to the computer of the video reproduction terminal that receives the distribution of the encoded video data from the video distribution apparatus by the video distribution control program. A sampling process during distribution in which the connection speed as a transmission speed at the physical layer level of the transmission line with the distribution side is sampled a plurality of times over a predetermined period, and (c) obtained by sampling in this sampling process during distribution. Distribution-time average value calculation processing for calculating the average value of the respective connection speeds, and (d) video data to be transmitted on the distribution side in correspondence with the average value calculated in the distribution-time average value calculation processing A transmission-side setting information selection process at the time of transmission that selects a combination of the resolution of the image constituting the image and the bit rate at the time of transmission as transmission-side setting information at the time of transmission, Delivery-side transmission-side setting information notification processing for notifying the transmission-side transmission-side setting information selected in the delivery-side transmission-side setting information selection processing as the image resolution and bit rate to be set when transmitting to the distribution side is executed. It is characterized by.

  That is, in the present invention, the computer on the video playback terminal side performs a sampling process during distribution in which the connection speed of the transmission path with the distribution side that transmits the encoded video data is sampled a plurality of times over a predetermined period. Since the average value of each connection speed obtained by sampling in this distribution sampling process is calculated in the distribution average value calculation process, the connection speed is averaged, and based on this, the image It becomes possible to set the resolution and bit rate at the time of transmission to the distribution side. Therefore, for example, even in a situation where the transmission path is changed and the connection speed is changed, the average connection speed can be calculated, and the stability of communication can be ensured.

  According to the invention of claim 13, (b) the encoded video data is transmitted to the computer of the video reproduction terminal that receives the distribution of the encoded video data from the video distribution apparatus by the video distribution control program. A connection start sampling process for sampling a connection speed as a transmission speed at the physical layer level from the time of connection with the distribution side at a physical layer level over a predetermined period of time; Connection start average value calculation processing for calculating the average value of each connection speed obtained by sampling in the time sampling processing, and (d) distribution corresponding to the average value calculated in the connection start average value calculation processing The combination of the resolution of the image that composes the video data that is the transmission target of the transmission side and the bit rate at the time of transmission is selected as the transmission side setting information at the start of connection. The transmission-side setting information selection process at the start of connection, and (e) the resolution and bit rate of the image that the distribution-side transmission-side setting information selected in this connection start-time transmission side setting information selection process is set at the transmission side at the start of transmission. The transmission side setting information notification process at the start of connection to be notified as (b) When the distribution side starts distribution of the encoded video data, the connection speed of the transmission path with this distribution side is set for a predetermined period (G) Distribution time average value calculation processing that calculates the average value of each connection speed obtained by sampling in this distribution time sampling processing, and (h) This distribution time The combination of the resolution of the image that constitutes the video data that is the transmission target on the delivery side and the bit rate at the time of transmission corresponding to the average value calculated in the average value calculation process Set when sending to the delivery side the delivery-side sender setting information selection process, and (i) the delivery-side sender-side setup information selection process selected in this delivery-time sender-side setup information selection process. It is characterized in that a transmission side setting information notifying process at the time of delivery that is notified as the resolution and bit rate of the image to be executed is executed.

  That is, in the present invention, the connection start sampling process is performed in which the computer on the video playback terminal side samples the connection speed a plurality of times over a predetermined period from the time when it is connected to the distribution side that transmits the encoded video data. The average value of the connection speeds obtained by sampling in this connection start sampling process is calculated by the connection start average value calculation process, and when the distribution side starts distributing the encoded video data, Performs distribution sampling processing that samples the connection speed of the transmission line with the distribution side multiple times over a predetermined period, and distributes the average value of each connection speed obtained by sampling in this distribution sampling processing Since it is calculated in the time average value calculation process, the connection speed is averaged at each time point. The based on it is possible to set the resolution and bit rate of the image on the distribution side. Therefore, for example, an average connection speed can be calculated even in a situation where the connection speed is changed due to a change in the transmission path, and the stability of communication can be ensured.

  In the invention described in claim 14, (b) the encoded video data is transmitted to the computer of the video reproduction terminal that receives the distribution of the encoded video data from the video distribution apparatus by the video distribution control program. A distribution sampling process for sampling a throughput value as an amount of received data per unit time received from the distribution side a plurality of times over a predetermined period, and (c) each obtained by sampling in this distribution sampling process The sender at the time of delivery selects the combination of the resolution of the image constituting the video data to be sent on the delivery side and the bit rate at the time of transmission as the setting information at the time of delivery corresponding to the average throughput value The setting information selection process and (d) the transmission side setting information at the time of distribution selected in this transmission side setting information selection process Characterized in that to execute the delivery time of transmission side setting information notification processing for notifying the resolution and bit rate of an image to be set when the transmitted signal side.

  That is, in the present invention, the computer on the video playback terminal side samples the throughput value as the amount of received data per unit time received from the distribution side that transmits the encoded video data over a predetermined period of time. Since the distribution sampling process is performed, the resolution and bit rate of the image can be set on the distribution side based on the average value of the throughput values obtained by sampling in the distribution sampling process. Even when the environment is not stable, the stability of image communication can be ensured based on the average throughput value.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the video playback terminal side that receives and plays back the video notifies the distribution side of the setting conditions at the time of video distribution. It becomes possible to perform distribution in consideration of various situations. In addition, since the above-described setting condition is determined by sampling a plurality of times on the video playback terminal side, communication can be stably performed not only when the communication environment changes but also when sudden noise occurs.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to examples.

  FIG. 1 shows an outline of an encoded distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The encoded distribution system 300 includes a video distribution device 301 that distributes video and an information processing device 302 that displays the distributed video. The video distribution device 301 is configured by, for example, a video distribution server, and the information processing device 302 is, for example, a mobile phone, PHS (Personal Handy-phone System), PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), notebook type or desktop connected via a wireless LAN. Type personal computer.

  Among these, the video distribution device 301 includes a distribution-side wireless LAN unit 311. The distribution-side wireless LAN unit 311 is connected to the display-side wireless LAN unit 321 on the information processing apparatus 302 side via a wireless LAN. The video distribution apparatus 301 includes an MPEG2 encoding unit 312 that performs encoding using MPEG2, and a distribution-side main control unit 313 that sets the MPEG2 resolution and bit rate for the MPEG2 encoding unit 312. The distribution-side main control unit 313 includes a CPU 314 and a storage medium 315 such as a hard disk or a ROM (Read Only Memory) storing a control program executed by the CPU 314. The distribution side main control unit 313 receives the MPEG2 resolution and bit rate setting information notified from the information processing apparatus 302 via the wireless LAN from the distribution side wireless LAN unit 311. The MPEG2 encoding unit 312 encodes the video at the MPEG2 resolution and bit rate set by the distribution-side main control unit 313. Then, MPEG2 video is transmitted as encoded data to the distribution-side wireless LAN unit 311.

  On the other hand, the information processing apparatus 302, in addition to the display-side wireless LAN unit 321 described above, notifies the video distribution apparatus 301 of the MPEG2 resolution and bit rate setting information via the display-side wireless LAN unit 321. A control unit 322 is provided. The display-side main control unit 322 also includes a storage medium 324 such as a hard disk or ROM that stores the CPU 323 and a control program executed by the CPU 323. Similar to the display-side wireless LAN unit 321, the display-side main control unit 322 notifies the MPEG2 decoding unit 325 of MPEG2 resolution and bit rate setting information. The MPEG2 decoding unit 325 decodes the video transmitted from the video distribution apparatus 301 at the bit rate indicated by the notified MPEG2 resolution and bit rate setting information. The display control unit 326 displays the decoded video on a display (not shown).

  The information processing apparatus 302 further includes a wireless LAN monitoring unit 327. The wireless LAN monitoring unit 327 includes a setting table 328 that serves as a comparison for monitoring. The wireless LAN monitoring unit 327 receives notification of MPEG2 resolution and bit rate setting information from the display-side main control unit 322, and the connection speed and unit time as the transmission speed at the physical layer level of the display-side wireless LAN unit 321. The throughput as the amount of data transfer per unit is constantly monitored. When the wireless LAN monitoring unit 327 determines that the connection speed or throughput has changed according to the monitoring result, the resolution of MPEG2 allows the image to be smoothly displayed without interruption with reference to the setting table 328. In addition, the bit rate setting information is selected and notified to the display-side main control unit 322.

  FIG. 2 shows the flow of processing on the video distribution apparatus side shown in FIG. This will be described with reference to FIG. Since the video distribution apparatus 301 distributes video over a wireless LAN, the video distribution apparatus 301 is connected to the wireless LAN when the power is turned on, for example (step S401). When the MPEG2 resolution and bit rate setting information as default values is received from the distribution-side wireless LAN unit 311 of the video distribution apparatus 301 (step S402: Y), the distribution-side main control unit 313 instructs the MPEG2 encoding unit 312. Thus, the resolution and bit rate of MPEG2 are set (step S403). The MPEG2 encoding unit 312 encodes the video data requested for distribution (step S404). Then, the encoded data encoded by MPEG2 is distributed by the wireless LAN (step S405).

  FIG. 3 shows the flow of processing on the information processing apparatus side that requests distribution. This will be described with reference to FIG. The information processing apparatus 302 is connected to the wireless LAN when, for example, receiving video distribution from the video distribution apparatus 301 (step S421). Then, the video to be distributed is specified as necessary, and the MPEG2 resolution and bit rate setting information is notified to the video distribution apparatus 301 (step S422). Since the wireless LAN communication environment is not known at this time, the MPEG2 resolution and bit rate setting information is set to default values as standard setting values. The notification in step S422 is linked to the reception process of the video distribution apparatus 301 in step S402 in FIG.

  Thereafter, the display-side wireless LAN unit 321 of the information processing apparatus 302 waits to receive encoded data from the video distribution apparatus 301 via the wireless LAN by the process of step S405 in FIG. 2 (step S423 in FIG. 3). When reception starts (Y), the MPEG2 decoding unit 325 decodes the received video data by MPEG2 by a predetermined unit amount, and the wireless LAN monitoring unit 327 executes monitoring control (step S424). The decoded video data is sent to the display control unit 326, stored in a buffer (not shown), and displayed on the display (step S425).

  The above decoding and display processing on the display are continued until reception of the video data to be distributed is completed (step S426) or until the setting information of the resolution and bit rate of MPEG2 is changed (step S427). Become. When the bit rate setting information is changed in step S427 (Y), the MPEG2 resolution and bit rate to be reset are notified to the video distribution device 301 (step S428). In this case, the process proceeds to step S423 to wait for reception of encoded data from the video distribution apparatus 301 after the change of the MPEG2 resolution and bit rate via the wireless LAN.

  In contrast, while the MPEG2 resolution and bit rate setting information is not changed in step S427 (N), the current MPEG2 resolution and bit rate setting information is applied as it is, so the process returns to step S424 to return the video. The encoded data continuously sent from the distribution apparatus 301 is decoded and the result is displayed on the display (step S425).

  Incidentally, the wireless LAN monitoring unit 327 shares the display-side main control unit 322, the CPU 323, and the storage medium 324 with each other. The CPU executes a control program stored in the storage medium 324 so as to perform monitoring control related to the wireless LAN. Of course, it is possible for the wireless LAN monitoring unit 327 to have a storage medium that uniquely stores the CPU and control program.

  FIG. 4 specifically shows the monitoring control by the wireless LAN monitoring unit in the control of step S424 in FIG. This will be described with reference to FIG. In step S424 of FIG. 3, the decoding of the video data (encoded data) received by the MPEG2 decoding unit 325 and the monitoring control of the wireless LAN monitoring unit 327 are performed in parallel. When the display-side wireless LAN unit 321 starts receiving encoded data, the wireless LAN monitoring unit 327 samples the connection speed of the wireless LAN (step S441 in FIG. 4). When a predetermined period for sampling has elapsed (step S442: Y), an average value of the sampling rates measured within that period is calculated (step S443). The wireless LAN monitoring unit 327 compares the calculated average value with the value in the setting table (step S444).

  FIG. 5 shows the contents of the setting table used in this embodiment. The setting table 328 complies with the standards defined by the working group of IEEE (The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.) 802.11a. The setting table 328 shows effective MPEG2 resolution and bit rate for each average connection speed. For example, if the average connection speed is 48 Mbps (megabits / second) or more and 54 Mbps or less, when the MPEG2 resolution is 720 × 480, CBR (Constant Bit Rate) is 12 Mbps to 4 Mbps. Is effective, and 2 Mbps is effective in CBR when the resolution is 352 × 240.

  For example, it is assumed that the MPEG2 resolution is set to 720 × 480 and the CBR is set to 12 Mbps as default values. Assume that the wireless LAN connection speed calculated in step S443 in FIG. 4 is 44 Mbps. In this case, the above-described range in which the average connection speed is 54 Mbps to 48 Mbps is not effective (step S445: N). Therefore, in this example, the effective MPEG2 resolution and bit rate to be reset is 10 Mbps with the MPEG2 resolution of 720 × 480 and the maximum CBR in the column where the connection speed is 36 Mbps or more and less than 48 Mbps. Thus, the setting is changed to these values (step S446). Therefore, in this case, it is determined that the bit rate setting information is changed in step S427 of FIG. 3 (Y), and the video distribution device 301 is notified of the MPEG2 resolution and bit rate to be reset (FIG. 3). Step S428).

  If it is determined in step S445 in FIG. 4 that the current resolution and bit rate are valid (Y), the process returns to step S441 to perform sampling for the next period. In this manner, monitoring by the wireless LAN monitoring unit 327 is continuously performed during reception of encoded data.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the description of the processing is continued. The video distribution apparatus 301 initially receives a notification of MPEG2 resolution and bit rate setting information as default values, performs MPEG2 encoding in step S404, and distributes the encoded data to the information processing apparatus 302 in step S405. To do. Thereafter, the video distribution apparatus 301 determines whether or not MPEG2 resolution and bit rate setting information is newly received from the information processing apparatus 302 (step S406). While this is not received (N), as long as the distribution is continued (step S407: N), the process returns to step S404 to continue encoding and distribution to the information processing apparatus 302 for the video data requested to be distributed. (Step S404, Step S405). If the distribution is completed (step S407: Y), the process of distributing the encoded data to the corresponding information processing apparatus 302 by the video distribution apparatus 301 is also ended (end).

  On the other hand, when the communication environment set as the default value is not effective or the video distribution apparatus 301 newly receives the MPEG2 resolution and bit rate setting values as a result of the communication environment fluctuation (step S406: Y The distribution-side main control unit 313 sets the new MPEG2 resolution and bit rate for the MPEG2 encoding unit 312 (step S403). In this case, the MPEG2 encoding unit 312 encodes the video data requested for distribution based on the set new communication environment (step S404), and the encoded data obtained thereby is processed by the wireless LAN. It is distributed to the device 302 (step S405). In this way, wireless communication can be performed that precisely corresponds to the difference between the default value and the actual communication environment, or changes in the communication environment.

  Note that the connection speed of the wireless LAN monitored by the wireless LAN monitoring unit 327 can be easily recognized by the network manager when the OS (Operating System) of the information processing apparatus 302 is Windows (registered trademark) XP, for example. . In addition, other OSs can often be easily recognized by similar software.

  <First Modification of Invention>

  In the encoded distribution system 300 of the present embodiment described above, when the video distribution apparatus 301 and the information processing apparatus 302 are connected via a wireless LAN, the information processing apparatus 302 side has the MPEG2 resolution and bit rate as default values. Is transmitted to the video distribution apparatus 301, and transmission of encoded data is started in a communication environment based on the default value. Unlike this, when the video distribution apparatus 301 and the information processing apparatus 302 are connected by a wireless LAN, the information processing apparatus 302 may start sampling for obtaining an average value of connection speeds. . This can be easily realized by changing the control program that controls the processing of each unit of the information processing apparatus 302.

  In the first modified example of the present invention, processing when the information processing apparatus 302 starts sampling for obtaining an average value of connection speeds when a connection is established through a wireless LAN will be specifically described. In the first modification, the hardware itself of the encoding / distribution system 300 is not changed, and only the contents of the control program stored in the storage medium 324 are changed. Accordingly, it is assumed that there is no change in the encoded distribution system 300 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 6 shows the flow of processing on the video distribution apparatus side in the first modification of the present invention. This will be described with reference to FIG. Also, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts as those in FIG. 2 of the embodiment, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

  Even in the first modification of the present invention, the video distribution apparatus 301 distributes video over a wireless LAN, and thus connects to the wireless LAN when the power is turned on, for example (step S401). Then, it waits for the MPEG2 resolution and bit rate setting information to be received from the information processing apparatus 302 (step S501).

  FIG. 7 shows the flow of processing of the information processing apparatus in the first modification. This will be described with reference to FIG. Moreover, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to FIG. 3 of an Example, and these description is abbreviate | omitted suitably. The information processing apparatus 302 is connected to the wireless LAN when, for example, receiving video distribution from the video distribution apparatus 301 (step S421). At the same time, the wireless LAN monitoring unit 327 samples the connection speed of the wireless LAN for a predetermined period (step S521), and calculates the average value of the connection speed (step S522). Then, the effective MPEG2 resolution and maximum bit rate setting values are selected from the setting table 328 shown in FIG. 5 (step S523). The selected MPEG2 resolution and bit rate setting information is notified from the display-side wireless LAN unit 321 to the distribution-side wireless LAN unit 311 via the wireless LAN (step S524).

  Returning to FIG. 6, the description will be continued. In the video distribution apparatus 301, when the MPEG2 resolution and bit rate setting information is sent from the information processing apparatus 302 by the process of step S524 in FIG. 7 (step S501: Y), the distribution side main control section 313 performs the MPEG2 encoding section. For MPEG 312, the MPEG2 resolution and bit rate are set (step S 403). The MPEG2 encoding unit 312 encodes the video data requested for distribution (step S404). Then, the encoded data encoded by MPEG2 is distributed by the wireless LAN (step S405).

  Returning again to FIG. The information processing apparatus 302 transmits the MPEG2 resolution and bit rate setting information to the video distribution apparatus 301 in step S524, and then waits to receive encoded data from the video distribution apparatus 301 via the wireless LAN (step S525). ). When the encoded data is received from the video distribution apparatus 301 (Y), the information processing apparatus 302 performs MPEG2 decoding of the video data received by the MPEG2 decoding unit 325 for each predetermined unit amount, and the wireless LAN monitoring unit 327 performs monitoring control. Is executed (step S424). The decoded video data is sent to the display control unit 326, stored in a buffer (not shown), and displayed on the display (step S425).

  The above decoding and display processing on the display is continued until the reception of the video data to be distributed is completed (step S426) or until the MPEG2 resolution and bit rate setting information is changed (step S427). Become. When the MPEG2 resolution and bit rate setting information is changed in step S427 (Y), the MPEG2 resolution and bit rate to be reset are notified to the video distribution apparatus 301 (step S428). In this case, the process proceeds to step S525 to wait for reception of encoded data from the video distribution apparatus 301 after the change of the MPEG2 resolution and bit rate via the wireless LAN.

  In contrast, while the MPEG2 resolution and bit rate setting information is not changed in step S427 (N), the current MPEG2 resolution and bit rate setting information is applied as it is, so the process returns to step S424 to return the video. The encoded data continuously sent from the distribution apparatus 301 is decoded and the result is displayed on the display (step S425).

  FIG. 4 already described specifically shows the monitoring control by the wireless LAN monitoring unit in the control of step S424. The control of FIG. 4 is also performed in the first modification of the present invention. That is, in the first modification, in the initial state where the wireless LAN is connected, the connection speed of the wireless LAN is sampled, the average value of the connection speed is calculated, and the effective MPEG2 resolution and bit rate setting values are calculated. Is selected and the setting information is notified to the video distribution apparatus 301 (step S524 in FIG. 7), but the communication environment may change thereafter. Therefore, after that, the wireless LAN monitoring unit 327 performs the monitoring control shown in FIG. 4, and if the currently set resolution and bit rate become invalid (step S445: N in FIG. 4), the valid setting to be reset. The MPEG2 resolution and bit rate are changed using the setting table 328 shown in FIG. 5 (step S446), and the MPEG2 resolution and bit rate to be reset are notified to the video distribution apparatus 301. (FIG. 7, step S428).

  When the resolution and bit rate of the changed MPEG2 are notified (step S406: Y in FIG. 6), the video distribution apparatus 301 sets the MPEG2 resolution and bit rate to the MPEG2 encoding unit 312 in step S403. . The MPEG2 encoding unit 312 encodes the video data requested for distribution (step S404), and the distribution-side wireless LAN unit 311 distributes the encoded data encoded with PEG2 via the wireless LAN (step S405). Therefore, thereafter, the information processing apparatus 302 can receive the encoded data at an effective MPEG2 resolution and bit rate and display the encoded data on the display.

  As described above, according to the first modification of the present invention, the effective MPEG2 resolution and bit rate with respect to the wireless LAN connection speed from the time when the information processing apparatus 302 first receives encoded data. Can be set. Even if the communication environment of the wireless LAN changes, the effective MPEG2 resolution and bit rate can be reset as in the embodiment. Therefore, the information processing apparatus 302 can smoothly display images without interruption from the start to the end of wireless communication.

  <Second Modification of Invention>

  In the embodiment and the first modification described above, the wireless LAN connection speed is monitored, and an effective MPEG2 resolution and bit rate are selected according to the communication environment. In the second modification of the present invention, the wireless LAN monitoring unit 327 shown in FIG. 1 calculates a throughput value as a wireless LAN throughput value, and selects an effective MPEG2 resolution and bit rate accordingly. I am doing so.

  Therefore, in the second modification, the same processing as the processing of the video distribution device 301 shown in FIG. 2 and the processing of the information processing device 302 shown in FIG. 3 is performed, and the wireless LAN monitoring explained in FIG. Only the contents of the monitoring control of the unit 327 are different. Therefore, only the monitoring control of the wireless LAN monitoring unit 327 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 8 specifically shows the monitoring control of the wireless LAN monitoring unit in the second modification. The same parts as those in FIG. 4 of the embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. Also in the second modified example, decoding of video data (encoded data) received by the MPEG2 decoding unit 325 and monitoring control of the wireless LAN monitoring unit 327 are performed in parallel (step S424 in FIG. 3). In the wireless LAN monitoring unit 327, when the display-side wireless LAN unit 321 starts receiving encoded data, the wireless LAN monitoring unit 327 samples the number of received bytes of the wireless LAN (step S601). When a predetermined period for sampling has elapsed (step S602: Y), a throughput value measured within the period is calculated (step S603). The wireless LAN monitoring unit 327 compares the calculated throughput value with the value in the setting table (step S604).

  FIG. 9 shows the contents of the setting table used in the second modification. In the setting table 328b, effective MPEG2 resolutions and bit rates are shown for each throughput range (Mbps). For example, when the throughput range is 20 or more, when the resolution of MPEG2 is 720 × 480, the range of 12 Mbps to 4 Mbps in CBR (Constant Bit Rate) is effective, and the resolution is 352 × 240. In this case, 2 Mbps is effective for CBR.

  For example, it is assumed that the MPEG2 resolution is set to 720 × 480 and the CBR is set to 12 Mbps as default values. It is assumed that the throughput value of the wireless LAN calculated in step S603 in FIG. 8 is 17 Mbps. In this case, the range where the throughput value is 11 Mbps or more and less than 16 Mbps is not effective (step S445: N). Therefore, in this example, the effective MPEG2 resolution and bit rate to be reset is 10 Mbps with the MPEG2 resolution of 720 × 480 and the maximum CBR in the column where the throughput is 16 Mbps or more and less than 20 Mbps. The setting is changed to these values (step S446). Therefore, in this case, it is determined that the bit rate setting information is changed in step S427 of FIG. 3 (Y), and the video distribution device 301 is notified of the MPEG2 resolution and bit rate to be reset (FIG. 3). Step S428).

  Note that the throughput of the wireless LAN monitored by the wireless LAN monitoring unit 327 can be easily recognized by the network manager when the OS of the information processing apparatus 302 is Windows (registered trademark) XP, for example. In addition, other OSs can often be easily recognized by similar software.

  As described above, in the second modification, the LAN throughput is calculated, and the maximum setting value of the effective MPEG2 resolution and bit rate is selected from the setting table 328b shown in FIG. 9 (step S446 in FIG. 8). ). Therefore, there is an advantage that the present invention can be applied not only to a wireless LAN but also to a wired LAN.

  In the second modification of the present invention, when the information processing apparatus 302 is connected to the wireless LAN, the MPEG2 resolution and bit rate setting information as default values is notified to the video distribution apparatus 301 (step S422 in FIG. 3). )It was to be. Instead, as described in the first modified example, when the connection to the wireless LAN is established, the number of received bytes is sampled for a certain period to calculate the throughput value, and based on this, the setting table 328b is used to validate the throughput value. The setting information of the MPEG2 resolution and bit rate may be notified to the video distribution apparatus 301 (see step S521 to step S524 in FIG. 7).

  Further, in the embodiment and the modification, the case where MPEG2 video is transmitted has been described, but it is natural that not only video (moving image) but also audio may be transmitted simultaneously. In addition, the transmission method for compressing communication is not limited to MPEG2, and the present invention can be applied to all encoded transmission methods such as MPEG1, MPEG4, and MPEG-2 AAC (MPEG-2 Advanced Audio Coding). Of course.

It is a block diagram showing the outline | summary of the encoding delivery system in one Example of this invention. It is a flowchart showing the process by the side of the video delivery apparatus shown in FIG. It is a flowchart showing the process by the side of the information processing apparatus which requests | requires delivery in a present Example. 5 is a flowchart specifically illustrating monitoring control by a wireless LAN monitoring unit in the present embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the setting table used by a present Example. It is a flowchart showing the process by the side of the video delivery apparatus in the 1st modification of this invention. It is a flowchart showing the process of the information processing apparatus in a 1st modification. 12 is a flowchart specifically illustrating monitoring control of a wireless LAN monitoring unit in a second modification of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing of the setting table used by the 2nd modification. It is a block diagram showing an example of the conventional encoding delivery system. It is a flowchart showing the process by the side of the conventional video delivery apparatus shown in FIG. It is a flowchart showing the process by the side of the conventional information processing apparatus which requests | requires delivery.

Explanation of symbols

300 Coded Distribution System 301 Video Distribution Device 302 Information Processing Device 311 Distribution Side Wireless LAN Unit 312 MPEG2 Encoding Unit 313 Distribution Side Main Control Unit 314, 323 CPU
315, 324 Storage medium 321 Display side wireless LAN unit 322 Display side main control unit 325 MPEG2 decoding unit 326 Display control unit 327 Wireless LAN monitoring unit 328, 328b Setting table

Claims (14)

A distribution sampling means for sampling a connection speed as a transmission speed at a physical layer level of a transmission path between a distribution side that transmits video data after encoding a plurality of times over a predetermined period;
Distribution average value calculating means for calculating an average value of connection speeds obtained by sampling by the distribution sampling means;
The distribution side transmission side setting is a combination of the resolution of the image constituting the video data to be transmitted on the distribution side and the bit rate at the time of transmission corresponding to the average value calculated by the distribution average value calculation means A transmission side setting information selection means for selecting as information,
A delivery-side transmission side setting information notifying unit that notifies the delivery-side transmission side setting information selected by the delivery-side transmission side setting information selection unit as a resolution and a bit rate of an image to be set when transmitting to the delivery side. A video playback terminal characterized by that. Sampling at the start of connection for sampling a connection speed as a transmission speed at a physical layer level between the distribution side transmitting the encoded video data and the distribution side at a physical layer level a plurality of times over a predetermined period. Means,
A connection start average value calculating means for calculating an average value of each connection speed obtained by sampling by the connection start sampling means;
A combination of the resolution of the image constituting the video data to be transmitted on the delivery side and the bit rate at the time of transmission corresponding to the average value calculated by the connection start average value calculating means is transmitted at the start of connection. Transmission-side setting information selection means at connection start to be selected as side setting information;
Connection start transmission side setting information notification means for notifying the connection side transmission side setting information selected by the connection start transmission side setting information selection means as the resolution and bit rate of the image to be set at the transmission side at the time of transmission start,
When the distribution side starts distributing the encoded video data, the distribution sampling means for sampling the connection speed of the transmission path with the distribution side a plurality of times over a predetermined period;
Distribution average value calculating means for calculating an average value of connection speeds obtained by sampling by the distribution sampling means;
The distribution side transmission side setting is a combination of the resolution of the image constituting the video data to be transmitted on the distribution side and the bit rate at the time of transmission corresponding to the average value calculated by the distribution average value calculation means A transmission side setting information selection means for selecting as information,
A delivery-side transmission side setting information notifying unit that notifies the delivery-side transmission side setting information selected by the delivery-side transmission side setting information selection unit as a resolution and a bit rate of an image to be set when transmitting to the delivery side. A video playback terminal characterized by that. Distribution sampling means for sampling a throughput value as an amount of received data per unit time received from the distribution side that transmits the encoded video data over a predetermined period, and
Corresponding to the average value of the respective throughput values obtained by sampling by the distribution sampling means, the resolution of the image constituting the video data to be transmitted on the distribution side and the bit rate at the time of transmission A transmission side setting information selection means for selecting a combination as a transmission side setting information at the time of distribution;
A delivery-side transmission side setting information notifying unit that notifies the delivery-side transmission side setting information selected by the delivery-side transmission side setting information selection unit as a resolution and a bit rate of an image to be set when transmitting to the delivery side. A video playback terminal characterized by that.   The video according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the distribution-side transmission side setting information notifying means is a means for notifying when the distribution-side transmission side setting information is different from the previous content. Playback terminal. Distribution start means for setting the resolution of the image constituting the encoded video data to be distributed and the bit rate at the time of transmission to predetermined values and starting distribution to the distribution destination;
After starting the distribution of the video data by the distribution start means, the connection speed as the transmission speed at the physical layer level of the transmission path from the distribution destination to the distribution destination is sampled a plurality of times over a predetermined period. Transmission side setting information arrival monitoring means for monitoring the arrival of the transmission side setting information representing the resolution of the image corresponding to the average value of the respective connection speeds and the bit rate at the time of transmission;
Distribution of the encoded video data by resetting the resolution and the bit rate at the time of transmission of the image each time the transmission side setting information arrives by monitoring of the transmission side setting information arrival monitoring means A video distribution apparatus comprising: a distribution continuation means for performing When the encoded video data distribution destination and the transmission path are connected, the connection speed as the transmission speed at the physical layer level of the transmission path to this distribution destination is sampled a plurality of times over a predetermined period. The combination of the resolution of the image constituting the video data to be transmitted on the delivery side corresponding to the average value of the connection speed obtained in this way and the bit rate at the time of transmission is received as the transmission side setting information at the start of connection. Sending side setting information receiving means at the start of connection;
Distribution start to start the distribution of the encoded video data by setting the resolution of the image and the bit rate at the time of transmission shown in the connection-side transmission-side setting information received by the connection-side transmission-side setting information receiving means Means,
After the start of distribution of the video data by the distribution start means, the average of the respective connection speeds obtained by sampling the connection speed of the transmission path from the distribution destination to the distribution destination a plurality of times over a predetermined period. Transmission side setting information arrival monitoring means for monitoring the arrival of the transmission side setting information representing the resolution of the image corresponding to the value and the bit rate at the time of transmission;
Distribution of the encoded video data by resetting the resolution and the bit rate at the time of transmission of the image each time the transmission side setting information arrives by monitoring of the transmission side setting information arrival monitoring means A video distribution apparatus comprising: a distribution continuation means for performing Distribution start means for setting the resolution of the image constituting the encoded video data to be distributed and the bit rate at the time of transmission to predetermined values and starting distribution to the distribution destination;
After starting the distribution of the video data by the distribution start means, the throughput value as the amount of received data per unit time received by the distribution destination is obtained by sampling each throughput value obtained by sampling a plurality of times over a predetermined period. Transmission-side setting information arrival monitoring means for monitoring the arrival of the transmission-side setting information representing the resolution of the image corresponding to the average value and the bit rate at the time of transmission;
Distribution of the encoded video data by resetting the resolution and the bit rate at the time of transmission of the image each time the transmission side setting information arrives by monitoring of the transmission side setting information arrival monitoring means A video distribution apparatus comprising: a distribution continuation means for performing Distribution sampling means for sampling a connection speed as a transmission speed at a physical layer level of a transmission line between the distribution side transmitting encoded video data over a predetermined period, and sampling at the distribution The distribution average value calculating means for calculating the average value of the respective connection speeds obtained by sampling by the means, and the distribution side transmission target corresponding to the average value calculated by the distribution average value calculating means. A transmission-side transmission-side setting information selection unit that selects, as distribution-side transmission-side setting information, a combination of the resolution of the image constituting the video data and the bit rate at the time of transmission; The transmission-side transmission side setting information that informs the selected transmission-side transmission side setting information to the distribution side as the resolution and bit rate of the image to be set upon transmission. A video reproducing terminal and means,
Distribution start means for setting the resolution of the image constituting the encoded video data distributed to the video reproduction terminal and the bit rate at the time of transmission to predetermined values and starting distribution to the video reproduction terminal of the distribution destination And each connection obtained by sampling the connection speed of the transmission path from the video playback terminal to the delivery destination a plurality of times over a predetermined period after the delivery of the video data by the delivery start means is started. A transmission-side setting information arrival monitoring unit that monitors the arrival of transmission-side setting information that represents the resolution of the image corresponding to the average value of the speed and the bit rate at the time of transmission; and Distribution of the encoded video data by resetting the resolution of the image and the bit rate at the time of transmission each time the transmission side setting information arrives by monitoring Video distribution system, characterized by comprising a video distribution device and a distribution continuing means for performing. Sampling at the start of connection for sampling a connection speed as a transmission speed at a physical layer level between the distribution side transmitting the encoded video data and the distribution side at a physical layer level a plurality of times over a predetermined period. Corresponding to the average value calculated by the connection start average value calculating means and the connection start average value calculating means for calculating the average value of the respective connection speeds obtained by sampling by the connection start sampling means. And a connection start transmission side setting information selection means for selecting, as connection start transmission side setting information, a combination of the resolution of the image constituting the video data to be transmitted on the distribution side and the bit rate at the time of transmission. And the connection start transmission side setting information selected by the connection start transmission side setting information selection means of the image to be set at the transmission start by the distribution side. The transmission side setting information notifying means for notifying the image and the bit rate, and when the distribution side starts distributing the encoded video data, the connection speed of the transmission path between the distribution side and the transmission side is set in advance. Distribution sampling means for sampling a plurality of times over a predetermined period, distribution average calculating means for calculating the average value of connection speeds obtained by sampling by the distribution sampling means, and distribution average values Distribution in which the combination of the resolution of the image constituting the video data to be transmitted on the distribution side and the bit rate at the time of transmission is selected as distribution-side transmission side setting information corresponding to the average value calculated by the calculation means The transmission side setting information selection unit and the transmission side transmission side setting information selected by the distribution side transmission side setting information selection unit are set at the time of transmission to the distribution side. A video reproducing terminal having a delivery time of transmission side setting information notification means for notifying the resolution and bit rate of an image to be,
When a distribution destination of encoded video data is connected to this video reproduction terminal via a transmission path, the connection speed with the video reproduction terminal of the distribution destination is sampled a plurality of times over a predetermined period. The combination of the resolution of the image constituting the video data to be transmitted on the delivery side corresponding to the average value of the connection speed obtained in this way and the bit rate at the time of transmission is received as the transmission side setting information at the start of connection. The transmission side setting information receiving means at the start of connection, the resolution of the image indicated in the connection side transmission side setting information received by the connection time transmission side setting information receiving means and the bit rate at the time of transmission are set to the code Distribution start means for starting distribution of video data after conversion, and after the start of distribution of the video data by the distribution start means, between the video playback terminal and the video playback terminal The transmission side setting information indicating the resolution of the image corresponding to the average value of the connection speeds obtained by sampling the connection speed of the transmission path a plurality of times over a predetermined period is received. The transmission side setting information arrival monitoring means for monitoring the transmission side setting information, and the transmission side setting information arrival monitoring means monitoring the transmission side setting information every time the transmission side setting information arrives. A video distribution system comprising: a video distribution device including a distribution continuation unit that resets and distributes the encoded video data. Distribution sampling means for sampling a throughput value as an amount of received data per unit time received from the distribution side that transmits the encoded video data over a predetermined period, and sampling by the distribution sampling means The distribution side transmission side setting is a combination of the resolution of the image constituting the video data to be transmitted on the distribution side and the bit rate at the time of transmission corresponding to the average value of the respective throughput values obtained The transmission-side setting information selection means for distribution to be selected as information, and the resolution and bit rate of the image to be set when the transmission-side transmission-side setting information selected by the distribution-side transmission side setting information selection means is transmitted to the distribution side. A video playback terminal provided with a transmission side setting information notification means for notification;
A distribution start means for setting the resolution of the image constituting the encoded video data to be distributed to the video reproduction terminal and the bit rate at the time of transmission to predetermined values and starting distribution to the video reproduction terminal; Each throughput value obtained by sampling the throughput value as the amount of received data per unit time received by the video playback terminal a plurality of times over a predetermined period after the video data distribution starts by the distribution start means Transmission side setting information arrival monitoring means for monitoring the arrival of transmission side setting information representing the resolution of the image corresponding to the average value of the image and the bit rate at the time of transmission, and monitoring of the transmission side setting information arrival monitoring means The transmission side setting information is reset every time the transmission side setting information arrives, and the image resolution and the bit rate at the time of transmission are reset. Video distribution system, characterized by comprising a video distribution device and a distribution continuing means for distributing the video data after.   11. The video distribution system according to claim 8, wherein the transmission path is a wireless LAN, and video data encoded by MPEG2 is distributed. In the computer of the video reproduction terminal that receives the distribution of the encoded video data from the video distribution device,
A sampling process at the time of sampling a connection speed as a transmission speed at a physical layer level of a transmission path between a delivery side that transmits encoded video data over a predetermined period of time; and
Distribution average value calculation processing for calculating the average value of each connection speed obtained by sampling in this distribution sampling processing,
The distribution side transmission side setting is a combination of the resolution of the image constituting the video data to be transmitted on the distribution side and the bit rate at the time of transmission corresponding to the average value calculated in the distribution average value calculation process Sending side setting information selection processing to be selected as information,
Delivery-side transmission side setting information notification processing for notifying the transmission-side transmission side setting information selected in the delivery-side transmission side setting information selection processing as the image resolution and bit rate to be set when transmitting to the delivery side is executed. A video distribution control program characterized by the above. In the computer of the video reproduction terminal that receives the distribution of the encoded video data from the video distribution device,
Sampling at the start of connection for sampling a connection speed as a transmission speed at a physical layer level between the distribution side transmitting the encoded video data and the distribution side at a physical layer level a plurality of times over a predetermined period. Processing,
A connection start average value calculating process for calculating an average value of connection speeds obtained by sampling in the connection start sampling process;
The combination of the resolution of the image constituting the video data to be transmitted on the delivery side and the bit rate at the time of transmission corresponding to the average value calculated in the connection start average value calculation process is transmitted at the start of connection. Sending side setting information selection process at the start of connection to select as side setting information,
Connection start transmission side setting information notification process for notifying the connection side transmission side setting information selected in this connection start transmission side setting information selection process as the resolution and bit rate of the image to be set to the distribution side at the time of transmission start,
When the distribution side starts distributing the encoded video data, a distribution sampling process that samples the connection speed of the transmission path with the distribution side a plurality of times over a predetermined period;
Distribution average value calculation processing for calculating the average value of each connection speed obtained by sampling in this distribution sampling processing,
The distribution side transmission side setting is a combination of the resolution of the image constituting the video data to be transmitted on the distribution side and the bit rate at the time of transmission corresponding to the average value calculated in the distribution average value calculation process Sending side setting information selection processing to be selected as information,
Delivery-side transmission side setting information notification processing for notifying the transmission-side transmission side setting information selected in the delivery-side transmission side setting information selection processing as the image resolution and bit rate to be set when transmitting to the delivery side is executed. A video distribution control program characterized by the above. In the computer of the video reproduction terminal that receives the distribution of the encoded video data from the video distribution device,
A sampling process during distribution for sampling a throughput value as an amount of received data per unit time received from the distribution side that transmits the encoded video data over a predetermined period;
Corresponding to the average value of the respective throughput values obtained by sampling in this distribution sampling process, the resolution of the image constituting the video data to be transmitted on the distribution side and the bit rate at the time of transmission Distribution sender setting information selection processing for selecting a combination as delivery sender setting information,
Delivery-side transmission side setting information notification processing for notifying the transmission-side transmission side setting information selected in the delivery-side transmission side setting information selection processing as the image resolution and bit rate to be set when transmitting to the delivery side is executed. A video distribution control program characterized by the above.

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