JP2008004972A - Live and on-demand broadcast system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a live and on-demand broadcast system achieving simultaneous parallel delivery/reception of some images or videos. <P>SOLUTION: At least a management side allocates a channel and a password to a deliverer side, and the deliverer side generates a desired content on the basis thereof, accesses the management side, transmits the content to the management side, and stores it in a predetermined address of a server. The receiver side accesses the management side to transmit information about the channel and the password. If the information is authenticated, the management side transmits the content stored in the predetermined address of the server to the receiver side. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to, for example, a live & on-demand broadcasting system, and in particular, distributes contents including video and / or telop (text) to an unspecified number of viewers via a network, and allows a receiver to perform arbitrary time / The present invention relates to a live & on-demand broadcasting system for viewing in places and procedures.

Conventional video distribution to the world includes, for example, the systems of J-Stream, Real Network, and Microsoft, all of which have the following defects.
(1) The distribution target is limited to 200 to 400 at most.
(2) A dedicated line must be secured for distribution to a large number of people, and the cost for this is usually very high.
(3) Even if a dedicated line is secured, the bandwidth is limited to a certain number, so if the number of distribution targets increases, the balance of the total number of bands must be balanced by reducing the accuracy of the video content accordingly. Therefore, if the number of distribution people is large, the resolution of the video is extremely deteriorated and often becomes a level that cannot be practically used.
(4) In order to selectively distribute a plurality of video sources as distribution targets, a management person for that purpose is required for each video.
JP 2004-222239 A

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and an object thereof is to provide a live & on-demand broadcasting system capable of realizing simultaneous viewing by a large number of people.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a live & on-demand broadcasting system with extremely simple operability.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a live & on-demand broadcasting system capable of simultaneously distributing and receiving several screens and videos.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a live & on-demand broadcasting system capable of delivering and receiving clear video even with a necessary bandwidth.

  Still another object of the present invention is to provide a live & on-demand broadcasting system capable of switching a medium (source) with one touch.

  In order to solve such a problem, the present invention includes a first step of assigning a channel and a password on the management side in response to a request from the distribution side, a second step in which the distribution side generates desired content, and the distribution side A third step of accessing the management side and transmitting information relating to the channel and password to the management side; and a channel and password assigned in the first step to the information relating to the transmitted channel and password; A fourth step of comparative authentication, a fifth step in which the distribution side authenticated in the fourth step transmits the content generated in the second step to the management side, and the transmitted content in the server And a seventh step in which the receiver accesses the administrator and transmits information related to the channel and password. The management side receiving the access compares the channel and password information with the channel and password assigned in the first step, and stores the information in the predetermined address of the server. And an eighth step of transmitting content to the receiving side.

  According to the present invention having such a configuration, since the content is temporarily distributed from the distribution side to the channel address in the server allocated on the management side and stored in the server on the management side, the distribution side → the management side, the management side → The flow will be cut off at the receiving side, and even if there are many recipients, distribution can be performed by control only on the management side, and the receiving side will not disappear on the spot but from the desired position as desired You can rewind and enjoy replay as many times as you like.

  Further, according to the present invention, recipients from all over the world can access the management server via the Internet, for example, only by distributing from the distribution side to the management server using only one general line such as an ADSL line. Since the server delivers packets, inexpensive and high-quality video content can be delivered to a large number of viewers around the world without securing dedicated lines.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, since the distribution of content such as video can be confirmed live (substantially), it is possible to deal with an emergency situation in a timely manner.

  In the present invention, the content is temporarily distributed from the distribution side to the address of the channel in the server allocated on the management side, and this is stored in the server on the management side. Even if there are a large number of recipients, distribution can be performed under the control of only the management side, and the recipient can rewind as many times as desired from the desired position without losing the content on the spot, There is an advantage that replay can be enjoyed.

  Further, the present invention is such that a recipient from all over the world accesses a management-side server via, for example, the Internet, by distributing only a general line such as an ADSL line from the distribution side to the management-side server. Has the advantage of being able to deliver inexpensive and high-quality video content to a large number of viewers around the world without securing a dedicated line.

  Furthermore, the present invention assigns a channel to a server and distributes the packet from the management-side server through the ADSL line, so that high-quality video content can be freely distributed and received at any time without being restricted by the sharing situation of the sharer. There is an advantage that it becomes possible.

  In addition, the present invention eliminates the need for an expert on the distribution side and performs channel selection (input) on the screen only on the user side, so that there is an advantage that convenience is remarkably high.

  In addition, the present invention allows the receiving side user to receive video distribution on the live or on demand wherever there is only one PC (personal computer) having a communication function. Even if you are on a trip or business trip abroad, for example, an elderly person watching the same program while enjoying live images on TV in Japan (not only in Japan but anywhere in the world) Can be confirmed by distributing live video from another surveillance camera, and according to the present application, there is an advantage that switching between television distribution and surveillance camera distribution can be performed with one touch.

  Furthermore, since the present invention can confirm the distribution of content such as video almost live, it is possible to deal with emergency situations in a timely manner, and it is also possible to fast forward and rewind as required. Since this fast forward and rewind can be operated on the software screen, there is an advantage that it is convenient for the user.

  Hereinafter, the best embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a live & on-demand broadcast system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the following, the scope necessary for the description for achieving the object of the present invention will be schematically shown, and the scope necessary for the description of the relevant part of the present invention will be mainly described, and the description will be omitted. It shall be based on a well-known technique.

  As shown in the figure, a live & on-demand broadcasting system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention has a transmission side system 10 having a configuration specific to the present application (described later) and a configuration specific to the present application (described later). The receiving side system 20 provided and the management side system 30 having a configuration (described later) unique to the present application are linked via the network 40.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a distribution (originating) system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes computers (PC1 and PC2) 101 and 102 loaded with software 1000 having a configuration and functions peculiar to the present application (described later). A CPU switch 103 for controlling the switching between the two computers, a keyboard 104 and a mouse 105 for inputting information to the computers (PC1 and PC2) 101 and 102, content information such as video and telop, Monitor 106 for displaying management information for distributing content information together, router 107 for managing the connection function with network 40, and telop information for superimposing video information as content information to form content to be distributed Telopa 108 for generating video and a plurality of pieces of video information as content information An AV (audio-visual) switch 109 and an AV distributor 110 for switching and distributing a generation source, and a machine for generating video information as content information connected to the AV switch 109, Digital Versatile Disc) and DVD-in-video device 111 (and antenna 111A connected thereto) capable of reproducing (and recording) video and video information as content information connected to AV switch 109 , A video camera device 112 that is a machine for generating video information, a surveillance camera device 113 that is also connected to the AV switch 109 and generates video information as content information, and optionally computers (PC1 and PC2) Speakers (SP1 and SP1) that assist the sound output function of 101 and 102 SP2) configured with a 114 and 115.

  Here, it is preferable that the teloper 108 and the speakers (SP1, SP2) 114 and 115 are present, but it is not essential. The DVD-in / video device 111, the video camera device 112, and the surveillance camera device 113 preferably include all of them. However, it is not always necessary to include all of them, and at least one of them may be provided. In addition, for example, an LD (laser disk) device (not shown) or the like may be additionally or alternatively provided.

  Here, the computers (PC1 and PC2) 101 and 102 are described as two computers. However, this is because the fatigue on the machine side when only one computer is used is taken into account. Technically, the technical idea according to the present application can be realized even with a single PC.

  The CPU switch 103 switches which screen of the computers (PC1 and PC2) 101 and 102 is displayed on the monitor 106 and the like.

  The keyboard 104 and the mouse 105 are used for inputting user management data and the like. However, as will be described later, data relating to distribution / reception of desired contents such as channel data (including key channel and now channel) data and password data can be input only by the mouse 105.

  The monitor 106 is a display device connected to the computers (PC1 and PC2) 101 and 102. Since the monitor 106 is equipped with a television (TV) tuner, the television 106 can be viewed and used as a computer display.

  The router 107 has a role of connecting the originating system 10 to the Internet line 40.

  The terrorist 108 is for distributing character information.

  An AV (audio / visual) switch 109 is a switch for manually switching in order to distribute data from a distribution target source to the Internet line 40 through a router in this system in which various video content sources are connected.

  The AV distributor 110 distributes video to the two computers (PC1 and PC2) 101 and 102.

  The DVD-in video device 111 is a player device that can reproduce (and record), for example, a video tape and a DVD (digital versatile disc). The apparatus 111 is not limited to these, and may be configured to be able to reproduce (and record), for example, an LD (laser disc), a CD (compact disc), or the like.

  The video camera device 112 is a machine for generating video information as content information (both live and on-demand) as a distribution target, and is not limited to one and may be connected in any number.

  The monitoring camera device 113 is a machine for generating video information as content information (both live and on-demand) as a distribution target, and is not limited to one and may be connected in any number.

  Speakers (SP1 and SP2) 114 and 115 are for audio output. The monitor 106 also has a separate speaker, but the speakers (SP1 and SP2) 114 and 115 can be used for adjusting the volume of the sound source separately from the speaker of the monitor 106.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a receiving system 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a notebook personal computer equipped with receiving software 2000 connected to a router 22 and having a configuration / function peculiar to the present application (described later). The computer 21 is configured to include a personal computer 21A that is connected to the router 22 and has reception software 2000 having a configuration and functions peculiar to the present application (described later), and a router 22 that controls a connection function with the network 40. The Here, the computer 21 is described as a notebook personal computer, for example, but the present invention is not limited to this case and can be applied to any computer. Further, the router 22 can be substituted by a modem with a personal computer, for example. As shown in the figure, a personal computer 21A is also connected to the router 22; however, this is not essential, and the present application is applicable even when only one computer such as the notebook personal computer 21 is used. is there. This live & on-demand broadcasting system 1 can be distributed simultaneously to 1,000 to several hundred thousand people (as will be described later), and a variety of system forms are possible on the receiving side. The following is a description of a case where the receiving side 20 is portable so that it can be viewed even in its simplest, for example, a travel / business trip destination, and the present application is not limited to such a case. The present invention can also be applied to a fully equipped type similar to the side system 10 and a type having a system configuration including various client types such as a desktop computer.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the management system 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a server 31 for storing content information such as video / characters to be distributed, and a configuration (described later) The computer 32 is provided with a functioning software 3000 and a router 33 that manages a connection function with the network 40.

  The network 40 includes various existing networks such as the Internet, which can be generated in the future.

  The live & on-demand broadcasting system 1 realizes a two-way television, that is, a function as a broadcasting station from which content such as video and text is distributed by the same device as a function for enjoying normal television broadcasting. Is.

  As described above, there are, for example, the systems of Jay Stream, Real Network, and Microsoft in order to distribute conventional video to the world. The present invention improves the above-described defects in these systems. is there.

  The overall operation / function flow of the system according to the present invention is as shown in the flowchart of FIG. That is, first, the distribution side 10 makes a contract with the management side 30, receives channel assignment, and receives a housing (step S-101). The housing may be purchased. Next, the distribution side 10 downloads the distribution software 1000 to the distribution computers 101 and 102 (step S-102). Subsequently, the distribution side 30 inputs necessary information such as information relating to the allocated channel and information relating to the password in a state where the downloaded software 1000 is activated (step S-103). Here, the distribution side 10 may start distribution (not shown). The receiving side 20 starts (downloads) reception software 2000 (described later) (step S-104), and inputs necessary information such as information related to the allocated channel and information related to the password in the started state (step S-104). S-105), distribution of desired content is performed (step S-106).

  Next, a detailed configuration and operation relating to the interaction between the distribution side 10 and the management side 30 of the present invention will be described.

  In the present invention, the system 1 is used via the administrator (service provider) 30 when the distributor 10 wants to distribute a certain video content to a single or plural (up to several billion possible recipients) recipients. .

  Here, the configuration of the distribution side software 1000 and the management side software 3000 among the software unique to the present application, which is a component for performing these functions, will be described.

  FIG. 3 shows a distribution side to be mounted on computers (PC1 and PC2) 101 and 102 used for each control and management related to the distribution side system 10 of the live & on-demand broadcast system 1 according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of the software 1000. FIG. 4 is a server computer used for each control and management related to the management-side system 30 of the live & on-demand broadcasting system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of management-side software 3000 to be installed in (management computer) 32. FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 3, the distribution-side software 1000 to be installed in the computers (PC1 and PC2) 101 and 102 according to an embodiment of the present application includes a control unit 1010 having a function of performing overall control, an AV ( An audio / visual) switch 109 connected to the distribution information generating unit 1020 for generating content / information (including video and telop) to be distributed; and a channel setting request from the keyboard 104 and mouse 105 Channel connection request / distributed content start position and other input unit 1030 that handles input processing functions, and is connected to the router 107 and manages the network 40 for content distribution and management control before and after distribution, and via the network 40 Communication unit that has the function to send and receive information to and from the other party And 040, configured to include at least a switching unit 1050 for switching the distribution information as needed based on user input from the input unit 1030.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the management software 3000 to be installed in the computer 32 according to the embodiment of the present application is managed from the control unit 3010 having a function of performing overall control, and from the distribution side 10 and the reception side 20. For authenticating the authorized person's delivery / reception by checking whether the channel information, password information, etc. transmitted to the side system 30 match those previously assigned based on the contract. Information relating to content distributed from the distribution side 10 to the server 31 and the communication unit 3030 having a function of transmitting / receiving information between the authentication unit 3020 and the router 33 connected to the router 33 via the network 40 And a storage unit 3040 for storing.

  Next, the operation | movement which concerns on the relationship between the delivery side 10 of this invention comprised as mentioned above and the management side 30 is demonstrated.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the preparation stage in performing distribution using the system according to the present invention.

  6 to 9 are diagrams schematically showing screens at each stage specific to the present application realized by the management-side software 3000 according to an embodiment of the present application. 6 to 9, a screen (the screen itself is realized on, for example, the monitor 106) realized by distribution-side software (for example, software related to the development of the present applicant called “LIVE” (trademark). , Content display windows 150 and 151 for adaptively displaying content corresponding to PC1 and PC2, a control window 152 for inputting and displaying information necessary for authentication, and a default value or customizing for encoding An encoding profile window 153 for specifying values, a status window 154 for displaying the operating status of the system, an encoding window 155 for selecting from among, for example, eight types of encoding, and a channel Information, password information, etc. In addition, an information input number panel 156 (including a pre-information input clear input panel 156-X and an input information confirmation input panel 156-R) that enables input as if a key is pressed on the screen, and input A set channel window 157 for setting information such as a displayed channel, a mode window 158 for displaying a mode, a help icon 159, a guide icon 160, and a mode switching / selection. Also, mode switching input / display fields 162-1 to 162-6 for displaying the switched / selected mode, a mirror site 163 for displaying a mirror site, and an allocation from the management side 30 to the distribution side 10 Key channel input / display field 164 for inputting / displaying the selected key channel, and a channel to be operated. Current channel input / display field 165 for inputting / displaying a channel, password input / display field 166 for inputting a password, start position input / display field 167, end position input / display field 168, mode An input / display field 169, a rewrite mode display field 170, a start icon 171, and a stop icon 172 are provided.

  The mode (type) displayed in the mode input / display field 169 is a so-called time lag setting, and the modes “1” to “8” and “CUSTOM” are, for example, time lag 3 seconds, 5 seconds, 10 seconds, respectively. , 15 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, 3 minutes, 5 minutes, setting free (custom setting). For example, 1024 people can be distributed per 1 second time lag. Therefore, if the time lag is 1 minute, it can be delivered simultaneously to 1024 * 60 = approximately 60,000 people.

  The encoding type displayed in the encoding window 155 is a so-called compression encoding setting. The encodings “1” to “8” and “CUSTOM” are, for example, approximately 20 (28) Kbps (kilobit per -Second), 30 Kbps, 40 Kbps, 80 (128) Kbps, 160 Kbps, 256 Kbps, 384 Kbps, 512 Kbps, and setting free (custom setting). These are all set in advance in the software according to the present application. The user only needs to perform an action of selecting from these. Therefore, even an elderly person or a young person can easily perform distribution using the system according to the present application.

  For example, if a group wants to deliver beautiful DVD video to 60,000 members worldwide, for example, compression encoding is 160 Kbps (it can deliver video with high accuracy at this rate), and the time lag is 1 minute. do it. Further, in the case of custom setting, if “CUSTOM” is selected in the field 158 of the distribution side screen shown in FIG. 8 and the like, and subsequently input on the information input number panel 156, this input value is input to the input unit 1030 and The distribution side software 1000 is programmed so that the control unit 1010 can read and set and adjust a distribution band mechanism (not shown) according to this, so that it is easy for the system user to use.

  The operation will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 5, first, the distribution request side (10 in FIG. 1) expresses a request to distribute to the service providing side (30 in FIG. 1) of this system (step PD-101). On the provider side, a specific channel is assigned to the distribution requesting party, including the permission to use its own server, and then a specific channel is allocated to use the server's own server resources, as well as software with a configuration specific to this application. The distribution request side 10 is provided with certain information such as information and passwords related to the channels (including the key channel and now channel) that are necessary for this (step PS-101). The distribution request side 10 receiving this channel and software prepares the device configuration of the distribution system 10 as described in FIG. 1 (step PD-102). When the preparation is completed, although not shown, distribution software (for example, “Live” (trademark)) 1000 (described later) having a configuration unique to the present application is installed by, for example, downloading from a homepage. The service providing side 30 allocates certain resources of the server 31 for use by the distribution requesting side 10 in accordance with the contract (step PS-102). This is the preparatory stage before distribution.

  Next, when actually distributing, the distribution request side starts up distribution software (for example, “LIVE” (trademark)) 1000, and receives the key channel information, now channel information, and password information previously received. (Step PD-103), the control unit 1010 displays an initial startup screen as shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, on the screen 106 related to the distribution software 1000, there are two windows 150 and 151 for displaying the contents, which correspond to the two computers 101 and 102 in the system 10. At this time, each data in the control window 152 is in a state where “0000” or the like is displayed as an initial value (clear value). Here, as shown in FIG. 7, the mouse 105 is pointed to the key channel input / display field 164, and the key channel (for example, “777”) which is the channel assigned to the distribution side 10 is input from the management side 30. Specifically, when the “X” icon 156 -X is clicked with the mouse 105 on the information input number panel 156, the display of “0000” in the key channel input / display field 164 disappears (clears). When “777” is entered again in the column and the return key icon 156-R is clicked to confirm the input information, the input value is displayed as it is (777) (FIG. 7). Similarly, “888” assigned to the current channel input / display field 165 is input and displayed (FIG. 8), and password information (for example, “1234”) according to the contract is also input / displayed. When entered in the field 166, a mask is displayed (FIG. 9).

  In principle, the information exemplified in “777”, “888”, and “1234” is locked to the non-related parties unless it is disclosed to unrelated parties, and is distributed to the non-related parties. Can be prevented.

  By the method described above, desired numbers are entered in the start position input / display field 167 and end position input / display field 168, for example, “941” in the start position input / display field 167 and “1000” in the end position input / display field 168. ”Can be distributed from 941 minutes to 1000 minutes for video (for example, live video captured by the video camera 112) related to the selected source (when the time lag is 1 minute, the time lag is 30 seconds). In this case, one count is 30 seconds, so the above is 470.5 minutes to 500 minutes). In the present invention, as will be described later, all information such as videos and telops to be distributed from the distribution side 10 is once sent from the management side server 31 (live server and on-demand server. A signal corresponding to the source type is issued from the control unit 1010. Therefore, for example, in the case of live distribution, both the live server and the on-demand server are started in conjunction with the management side 30, and in the case of on-demand distribution recorded in advance, the on-demand server is started. Therefore, from the viewpoint of the use side of the distribution side 10, it is possible to maintain a very high user-friendliness in the sense that the live distribution automatically becomes on-demand. “Live distribution automatically becomes on-demand” means that the current distribution does not disappear on the spot, and it can be distributed again from any desired position at a later point This is because it can be received).

  The information input above is sent to the management system 30 via the router 107 / network 40, and is authenticated by the authentication unit 3020 of the software system 3000 installed in the management computer 32 (step PS-103). ). That is, information related to the key channel and now channel provided to the distribution request side in step PS-101 (channel address number) and information related to the key channel and now channel input with password information in step PD-103. If the password information is equal to each other, the communication unit 3030 of the service providing side software 3000 returns the authentication permission signal to the distribution requesting side and activates its own server 31 in an acceptable state (step PS-104). ).

  In the distribution request side 10, the distribution information generation unit 1020 generates or selects a distribution target content (step PD-104). That is, when live video or the like is content, the video may be generated using, for example, the video camera device 112 or the surveillance camera device 113, and in the case of non-live content such as on-demand video, -You may select from the content currently recorded by the video apparatus 111 grade | etc.,. Furthermore, character information may be superimposed on these video contents by the terrorist 108.

  The control unit 1010 and the communication unit 1040 distribute (transmit) packets to the management-side system 30 via the network 40 (step PD-105). In the management-side system 30, the communication unit 3030 receives this distribution (transmission), and the storage unit 3040 stores the received data (content) at a predetermined address in a predetermined channel of the server 31 (step PS-105). The predetermined address may have a numerical value indexed by the channel itself as an address, or may add some calculation. In short, it is only necessary that the channel information and the address information correspond one-to-one (preferably).

  Thereafter, the management side 30 shifts to an interrupt request acceptance permission state (step PS-106). The interrupt requests here include at least a control interrupt request (described later) and a content reception request from the receiving side 20.

  On the other hand, since the distributed content is automatically stored in the server 31 on the distribution side 10 distributed to the server (management) side 30, if the content is not desired to be stored, the deletion request is managed appropriately for the specific content. It is issued to the (server) side 30 (step PD-106).

  According to the configuration and operation of the interaction between the distribution side 10 and the management side 30 according to the embodiment of the present invention as described above, the content is once distributed from the distribution side to the channel address in the server allocated on the management side. Since this is stored in the server on the management side, the flow is cut off from the distribution side to the management side and from the management side to the reception side. The side can rewind from the desired position as many times as desired and enjoy replay without losing the content on the spot.

  Next, a detailed configuration and operation related to the relationship between the distribution side 10, the management side 30, and the reception side 20 of the present invention will be described.

  As described with reference to FIG. 2, the receiving side 20 is different from the distributing side 10 and does not particularly require a contract with the management side 30. Therefore, any person who obtains channel information and password information given from the management side 30 to the distribution side 10 from the distribution side 10 and has a personal computer having a communication function can be a distribution destination without limitation. You can enjoy viewing the distribution target content. Therefore, preferably, as a premise, the receiving software 2000 having a configuration unique to the present application is downloaded and installed in the receiving computer 21, and the receiving software is started up whenever viewing is desired.

  That is, as conceptually shown in FIG. 10, player software (reception software) is installed on a computer (for example, a notebook personal computer) 21 (or personal computer 21A) which is one of the elements constituting the reception system 20. ) 2000 is installed, and viewing of desired content 261AC related to distribution is enjoyed in a content window 261A (described later) displayed on the player software.

  Here, the configuration of the receiving-side software 2000 having components unique to the present application in order to realize these functions will be described.

  FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of the reception-side software 2000 to be installed in the computer 21 or 21A according to the embodiment of the present application.

  As shown in the figure, receiving-side software 2000 to be installed in a computer 21 or 21A used for each control / management related to the receiving-side system 20 of the live & on-demand broadcasting system 1 according to an embodiment of the present application. Includes a control unit 2010 having a function of performing overall control, and a display unit 2020 for displaying distribution target content received from the management server 31 through the communication unit 2040 on a monitor (not shown) associated with the PC 21 or 21A. An input unit 2030 that handles input processing functions such as a keyboard and a mouse, a communication unit 2040 that is connected to the router 22 and has a function of transmitting and receiving information to and from a desired partner via the network 40, and input / output information It comprises at least a switching unit 2050 for performing switching as necessary.

  Next, the operation | movement which concerns on the relationship between the delivery side 10 of this invention comprised as mentioned above, the receiving side 20, and the management side 30 is demonstrated.

  FIG. 12 shows an operation according to an embodiment in the case where distribution is performed using the system 1 according to the present invention, and preparation steps such as pre-registration of necessary information and software installation have already been completed and distribution is actually performed. It is a timing flowchart shown.

  FIGS. 13 to 16 are diagrams schematically showing screens at respective stages specific to the present application realized by the receiving-side software 2000 according to an embodiment of the present application. 13 to 16, a screen (the screen itself is realized, for example, on a monitor according to PC21 or 21A) realized by receiving side software (for example, software related to the development of the present applicant called “LOOK” (trademark)). A window 261 including a control window 260 for inputting / displaying information necessary for authentication and the like, and a content display window 261A for appropriately displaying content corresponding to the PC 21 or 21A, Mode switching input / display field 262 for switching / selecting mode and displaying the selected mode, mirror site 263 for displaying mirror site, management side 30 to distribution side 10 and reception side 20 Key channel for entering and displaying the key channel that is assigned to the channel Input / display field 264, current channel input / display field 265 for inputting / displaying a channel to be operated, password input / display field 266 for inputting a password, and the user on the receiving side 20 wants to watch An on-choice field 267 for inputting an address to be entered, and an information input number panel 268 that allows the user to enter channel information, password information, etc. as if a key was pressed on the screen (clear before information input) Input panel 268-X and input information confirmation input panel 268-R), a counter display field 269 for displaying the current counter, a bandwidth display field 270 for displaying the bandwidth related to packet communication, and the mode A mode display field 271 for display and a display support for switching the display size (for example, 100% ← → 200%). Column 272, a volume adjustment bar 273 for volume adjustment (including a volume adjustment icon 273A), a reproduction icon 274 for inputting a reproduction instruction, a fast-forward icon 275 for inputting fast-forward, and rewinding Are provided, and a rewind icon 276 for inputting the reproduction stop icon and a reproduction stop icon 277 for inputting reproduction stop.

  The operation will be described with reference to FIG. 12 and FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 12, first, the distribution side 10 starts to generate / prepare content to be distributed (step 10-301). Accordingly, the distribution side 10 distributes certain information such as information and passwords related to channels (including key channels and now channels) necessary for using its own server resources allocated from the management side 30 to the distribution system. On the software 1000, specifically, as described with reference to FIG. 6, the information input number panel 156 is used to input as if a key is pressed on the screen (step 10-302).

  The inputted various information is transmitted to the management side 30 via the router 107 and the network 40 (step 10-30-301), and the authentication unit 3020 authenticates these data received through the communication unit 3030 on the management side ( Step 30-301). If authentication is not successful (bad) as a result of the authentication processing, error processing is performed (step 30-303), and if the authentication is good (OK), a notification of authentication success is transmitted to the distribution side 10 (step 30-304). Step 10-30-302). This completes the setup (preparation) of the delivery side 30 (step 10-303).

  On the other hand, if the authentication is good in step 30-302, the management side 30 performs resource allocation / preparation of the server 31 (step 30-305), and transmits that fact to the distribution side 10 (step 10-). 30-303).

  Now, for example, the receiving side 20 that wants to receive (re-receive) content distributed (received) by receiving notification of content distribution from the distribution side 10 is ready for content reception (step 20-301). In the same manner as described above, information related to channels (including key channels and now channels) and certain information such as passwords are input on the receiving system software 2000 (step 20-302). Specifically, the receiving side 20 starts up the receiving software (for example, “LOOK” (trademark)) 2000 (or downloads it if it has not been downloaded yet), and receives the key channel information received previously. When now channel information and password information are input (step 20-302), a monitor related to the PC (personal computer) 21 or 21A on the receiving side 20 is controlled by the control unit 2010 and the display unit 2020, for example, as shown in FIG. The initial startup screen as shown is displayed. As shown in the figure, on the screen (PC 21 or 21A monitor) related to the receiving software 2000, the window for displaying the content is 261A. At this time, each data in the control window 260 is in a state where “000” or the like is displayed as an initial value (clear value). Here, as shown in FIG. 14, the mouse (not shown) is pointed to the key channel input / display field 264, and the key assigned to the distribution side 10 and / or the reception side 20 from the management side 30 is displayed. When a channel (for example, “777”) is input, specifically, when “X” icon 268-X is clicked on information input number panel 268 with a mouse (not shown), “000” in key channel input / display field 264 is displayed. Since the display of “” disappears, if “777” is entered again in this field and the input information is confirmed by clicking the return key icon 268-R, the entered value is displayed as it is as “777”. (FIG. 14). Similarly, “888” assigned to the current channel input / display field 265 is input and displayed (FIG. 15), and password information (for example, “1234”) according to the contract is also input / displayed. When input is made in the field 266, a mask is displayed (FIG. 16), and the password input / display field 266 is immediately changed to the count display field 278 (FIG. 17).

  Note that the input information from the receiving side 20 is transmitted to the management side 30 (step 20-30-301) as in the case of the distribution side 10 above, and authentication processing is performed at the management side 30 (step 30-302). , Error processing (step 30-303), authentication pass notification processing (step 30-304, step 20-30-302).

  In the above example, when the information exemplified by “777”, “888”, and “1234” is definitely input, the recipient (desired) person 20 can be inferred by the management side as a legitimate person. In other words, if any of these is wrong, the subsequent distribution is not performed, so that it is possible to prevent the distribution of the video content to an unrelated person or a person who has no legitimacy.

  On the distribution side 10, upon completion of setup (step 10-303), transmission of content is started (step 10-304). As described above, although it is a feature of the present invention, the communication unit 1040 transmits the content generated by the distribution information generation unit 1020 of the distribution side software 1000 to the router 107 and the network (specifically, here). (For example, an Internet line) 40 is transmitted to the management server 31 (steps 10-30 to 304).

  In the management side 30 receiving this content transmission, the storage unit 3040 stores the content received via the router 33 and the communication unit 3030 at a predetermined address (ie, allocated server resource) of the server 31 (steps 30-306). ).

  On the other hand, regardless of the movement of the distribution side 10, the reception side 20 desires to receive the content at a convenient time, and prepares the above preparation (step 20-301), channel input and the like (step 20-302). ), Etc., for example, the reproduction start icon 274 is clicked with a mouse (not shown) related to the PC 21 to start receiving content (steps 20-303 and 20-30-303). More specifically, the reproduction start instruction signal input from the input unit 2030 related to the reception-side software 2000 is transmitted to the management-side system 3000 via the router 22 by the communication unit 2040, and the management-side system that has received the instruction The control unit 3010 related to 3000 copies the content desired to be distributed from the server 31 through the storage unit 3040 after grasping the content of the instruction signal, and transfers the content from the communication unit 3030 to the receiving system 20 via the router 33. It transmits to (step 20-30-303). The screen of the receiving side 20 obtained in this way is as shown in FIG. At this time, assuming that the time lag is 1 minute, the transmission side 10 displays the screen related to the transmission software as shown in FIG. 19 one minute before the screen shown in FIG. 18 is displayed on the reception side 20. (Step 10-304).

  Here, the transmission side 10 can appropriately change the media as required. That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 19, when a playback video of a DVD in which a mountain video is recorded in advance is played back by the DVD-in video device 111 and this playback video is distributed as content (step 10-304). In addition, the user of the distribution side 10 manually performs switching operation with an AV (audio / visual) switch 109 (step 10-305), for example, a live video (however, there is a time lag corresponding to the time lag) by the monitoring camera device 113. It is possible to see. In this case, for example, an image as shown in FIG. 20 is displayed on the monitor of the receiving system. If this property is used, for example, a person who is on a business trip abroad while leaving the elderly will live-distribute the elderly's live video left at home with the surveillance camera device 113, and at the same time, work-related recorded video If the DVD-in / video device 111 performs on-demand distribution in parallel, it will be possible to constantly check whether an abnormal situation has occurred to the elderly even when traveling. The effect will be achieved.

  Returning to FIG. 12, when the transmission of the content is finished, for example, the control unit 1010 of the distribution side 10 transmits transmission end information (interrupt) from the communication unit 1040 to the management side 30 (steps 10-306, Step 10-30-305) On the management side 30 that has received this via the communication unit 3030, the control unit 3010 performs termination processing (step 30-307), and thereafter, or at substantially the same time, performs termination processing. The control unit 3010 transmits a control signal indicating (perform) to the receiving side 20 via the communication unit 3030 and the router 33 (steps 30-307 and 20-30-304). On the receiving side 20 that has received the control signal related to the termination process via the router 22 and the communication unit 2040, the control unit 2010 performs the termination process (step 20-304) and terminates the series of processes.

  At this time, two videos (on-demand video screen 150 and live video screen 151) as shown in FIG. 21, for example, are simultaneously displayed on the monitor 106 of the system 1000 related to the distribution side 10. In this way, desired distribution and reception are possible while adaptively changing content such as video and characters (telops) from a plurality of sources. As described above, this content source can be live and non-live (on-demand) in parallel, and the number of the above-mentioned multiple sources is not limited to two, but more than that. However, it can be realized by starting up a desired number of screens related to distribution.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, in short, only the general line such as an ADSL line is distributed from the distribution side 10 to the management side server 31 by using only one general line such as an ADSL line. Since, for example, the access is made through the Internet line 40 and the server 31 distributes the packet, it is possible to distribute inexpensive and high-quality video content to a large number of viewers around the world without securing a dedicated line. The effect of will be produced. Considering the case of the conventional technology for comparison, if the above distribution is performed without relying on the present application, a dedicated line must be pulled and distributed according to the bandwidth of the line. Moreover, for example, if a 100 megabyte video content is distributed to 400 people, a very large amount of bandwidth (400 * 100 megabytes) is required. Usually, the current price costs about 3 million yen per megabyte, which makes it extremely expensive. In the end, it becomes extremely unusable both industrially and personally.

  Even if it uses what is called a "Max line" such as the current "B FLET'S" for example, even if it is 100 megabytes nominal, 100 megabytes cannot be used in full (for sharing among sharers) Depending on the sharing situation, the number of distributable users and the video bandwidth will decrease. In this respect, according to the present application, since a channel is allocated to a server and this is packet-distributed from the management server via the ADSL line, high-quality video content can be freely distributed at any time without being restricted by the sharing situation of the sharer. There is an effect peculiar to the present application that reception is possible. In addition, in the present application, it is not necessary to have an expert on the distribution side to achieve this, and only the user side performs channel selection (input) on the screen, so convenience is much higher.

  In addition, as described above in the present application, the receiving side user can receive video distribution on the live or on-demand basis as long as there is only one PC having a communication function. Therefore, for example, even if you are on a trip or a business trip abroad, you can enjoy the live broadcast of the images being broadcast on Japanese TV while watching the elderly watching the same program from another surveillance camera 113. It is also possible to confirm by distributing live video. This is an effect unique to the present application. In addition, at this time, according to the present application, the television distribution and the surveillance camera distribution can be switched with one touch, and there is no case where nothing can be done without the intervention of an expert as in the prior art.

  As another form of use, for example, if there is an elderly person who needs care, while watching TV at home, check the situation of the elderly person (such as setting to deliver 24 hours) as appropriate, for example, watching the same TV program it can. If this point is to be realized with a conventional system, for example, a security guard can only check what was recorded from the security room (not live). According to the present application, almost live (for example, if the time lag is 1 minute, it can be confirmed on the receiving side in 1 minute, and since the video during this confirmation work can also be distributed and received, the machine is temporarily stopped and the recorded image is confirmed. It is possible to check the emergency situation in a timely manner. Furthermore, fast forward and rewind are possible on demand, and fast forward and rewind can be operated on the software screen (conventionally only possible with hardware).

  As another form, for example, a general meeting of shareholders or a financial results briefing can be held on this system. In this case, for example, while the president's greeting / report is distributed by live distribution of video captured by a video camera, the company's HP (homepage) referenced in the president's report is used to read the financial statements (numerical data Can be done live on the same monitor. In addition, an effect peculiar to the present application that it is possible to take out a part / item to be confirmed in the previous president's explanation again and watch it later will be exhibited.

  Conventionally, live distribution and on-demand distribution are separate mechanisms, and live distribution can only perform live distribution. However, according to the present application, since the live distribution is configured to be stored in the storage server 31, “chase playback” is possible. In other words, live distribution is immediately subject to on-demand distribution. Thus, for example, a person who received a live video of boxing can immediately see the KO scene again on the spot, and can easily return to the current video (live broadcast) immediately after this. . On the other hand, from the user side, it is not necessary to record one by one, and it is convenient to use. For example, it is assumed that the distribution has reached “955” on August 31 from the counter “941”. If the viewing side 20 is watching live, if it is desired to see a video several tens of minutes ago, it is only necessary to input “942” at the corresponding location on the above screen, and the counter “942” is distributed. Technically, since the video that has already been distributed is stored in the management server 31, the data at the corresponding position (address) is accessed and transmitted in response to the input signal “942”. is there. At this time, if the user inputs “955”, it is possible to return to the distribution reception of the live video currently being distributed as if it were freely passing on the time axis. In other words, if it is specified by an on-choice (for example, 167 in FIG. 20) (from the user), the operation of returning to the past or moving to the present can be performed freely. These various effects are unique to the present application.

  In addition, according to the present application, for example, if there is an ADSL line, 1024 people can be distributed simultaneously with a time lag of 1 second, so for example, by making a time lag of 1 minute, the number of people to be distributed is increased to 1024 * 60 people be able to. In this regard, the distribution of 200 to 400 people is the maximum at the most, and if it is distributed to 400 people, as described above, the cost is extremely high (several months per month). 10 million yen to several hundred million yen). In contrast, in this application, if there is a channel contract with the management side (approximately 60,000 yen per month), distribution and reception can be freely used by using the channel as if it were a telephone number. With this effect, it is possible to realize that each individual is turned into a broadcasting station (distributable).

  Next, in the implementation preparation stage of the present invention described in FIG. 5, a more detailed operation related to an interrupt request (step PS-106 etc.) will be described.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart for explaining detailed operations of processing for an interrupt request in the live & on-demand broadcast system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in the figure, first, the management side (service providing side) 30 permits reception processing request acceptance (mainly from the reception side 20) when the main routine (step QS-101) is being processed. And acceptance of interrupt requests (from the distribution side 10 and the reception side 20) is permitted (step QS-102).

  At this time, it is assumed that there is an interrupt from the distribution side 10 or the reception side 20. On the management side 30, the control unit 3010 reads the reception flag related to the command (step QS-103). When the communication unit 3030 receives an interrupt command from the distribution side 10 or the reception side 20 (step QS-104), since the reception flag is set, the process proceeds to interrupt processing. If the communication unit 3030 has not received an interrupt command from the distribution side 10 or the reception side 20 (step QS-104), the reception flag is not set, and the process returns to step QS-103.

  When proceeding to interrupt processing, first, the control unit 3010 performs interrupt prohibition processing (step QS-105), and then the authentication unit 3020 determines a command received by the communication unit 3030 (step QS-106).

  If the result of this determination is that a content reception request has been made from the reception side 20, the control unit 3010 performs a content reception request acceptance process (step QS-107) and a control interruption request is made from the distribution side 10 or the reception side 20. If so, control interrupt request acceptance processing (step QS-108) is performed.

  Next, a more detailed operation of the content reception request acceptance process in step QS-107 will be described.

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart for explaining a more detailed operation of the content reception request accepting process of the live & on-demand broadcast system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in the figure, when the content reception request acceptance processing routine is entered by branching from step QS-107 in FIG. 22 (step RS-101), the control unit 3010 according to the service providing side system 3000 communicates with the receiving side 20. The information on the key channel transmitted from the unit 2040 is read via the router 33 and the communication unit 3030 (step RS-102). Subsequently, the control unit 3010 reads the information on the now channel transmitted from the communication unit 2040 on the receiving side 20 via the router 33 and the communication unit 3030 (step RS-103).

  Next, the control unit 3010 determines a channel based on the information read in Step RS-102 and Step RS-103 (Step RS-104). In other words, it is verified whether these channel information matches the address related to the resource given in the server 31 to the distribution side 10 in accordance with the contract concluded between the administrator 30 and the distribution side 10 ( Step RS-104).

  Subsequently, the control unit 3010 reads information related to the password transmitted from the communication unit 2040 on the receiving side 20 via the router 33 and the communication unit 3030 (step RS-105). The control unit 3010 determines whether or not the password is valid based on the information read in Step RS-105 (Step RS-106). That is, it is verified whether the password information matches the password defined in accordance with the contract concluded between the administrator 30 and the distribution side 10 (step RS-106). If the result of this determination is invalid, the process proceeds to non-authentication processing (step RS-107). If the password is correct, the control unit 3010 is subsequently transmitted from the communication unit 2040 on the receiving side 20. The count information (266 in FIG. 17) is read through the router 33 and the communication unit 3030 (step RS-108). Similarly, the on-choice information (267 in FIG. 17) is read through the router 33 and the communication unit 3030. Read (step RS-109).

  Subsequently, the control unit 3010 permits an interrupt and makes an interrupt command available (step RS-110).

  Further, the control unit 3010 takes in the content (data) in the address corresponding to the key channel information, now channel information, count information and on-choice information read in the server 31 through the storage unit 3040 ( In step RS-111, the content is transmitted to the receiving side 20 via the communication unit 3030 and the router 33 (step RS-112). Subsequently, the control unit 3010 increments the counter of the target address used for reading in step RS-111 by one section (step RS-113), and reads until the address becomes the end point of the data (step RS-114). The operation of data distribution → counter increment (step RS-111 to step RS-113) is repeated. When the address becomes the end point of the data (step RS-114), this routine is finished (step RS-115).

  Next, a more detailed operation of the control interrupt request acceptance process in step QS-108 will be described.

  FIG. 24 is a flowchart for explaining a more detailed operation of the control interrupt request acceptance process of the live & on-demand broadcast system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in the figure, when the control interrupt request acceptance processing routine is entered by the branch of step QS-108 in FIG. 22 (step PS-101), the control unit 3010 according to the service providing system 3000 distributes (mainly) The information related to the interrupt command (control interrupt key) transmitted from the communication unit 1040 of the side 10 is read through the router 33 and the communication unit 3030 (step PS-102). Subsequently, the control unit 3010 prohibits interruption (step PS-103) and determines the input key read in step PS-102 (step PS-104).

  If the key is an end key (for example, 172 in FIG. 7), end processing is performed (step PS-105).

  When such a key is a rewrite key (for example, 170 in FIG. 7), rewrite processing is performed (step PS-106).

  If the key is a help key (for example, 159 in FIG. 7), help processing is performed (step PS-107).

  If the key is a guide key (for example, 160 in FIG. 7), a guide process is performed (step PS-108).

  If the key is an encoding custom key (for example, 153 in FIG. 7), encoding custom processing is performed (step PS-109).

  If the key is an encoding default key (for example, 153 in FIG. 7), encoding default processing is performed (step PS-110).

  If the key is an encode key (for example, 155 in FIG. 7), an encoding process is performed (step PS-111).

  If the key is a set channel key (for example, 157 in FIG. 7), set channel processing is performed (step PS-112).

  When such a key is a mode key (for example, 158 in FIG. 7), mode processing is performed (step PS-113).

  Next, the control unit 3010 opens interrupt processing (that is, performs interrupt processing) (step PS-114), and ends the routine (step PS-115).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, for example, a member (employee, teacher / student / student, believer, etc.) of the whole world is distributed while distributing what is recorded on a tape at the headquarters of a certain organization (company, school, religion, etc.). Etc.) can be viewed live or on-demand. Since this has a mirror (distributor) function (for example, 163 in FIG. 8 and 263 in FIG. 17), it is possible to perform distribution in a state where many PCs are simultaneously connected. More specifically, if 1-CH (channel) is set to the 3-minute mode, 180,000 people can be viewed simultaneously on 1 CH, but if 10 CH, 1.8 million people can be distributed simultaneously. At this time, it is only necessary to prepare ten distributors.

  Also, the contents can be various as apparent from the above description, for example, various events such as athletic meet, wedding ceremony, (recorded) concert scene, internal meeting, secret meeting, document exchange, etc. .

  Further, as is clear from the above description, since distribution software, reception software, and management software are independent software that is separate from the Internet line, a company is established on the Internet while starting up “LOOK” software (viewing software) 2000 in this system 1. It can be applied to and applied to various things such as education (especially convenient in the case of distant places), briefing sessions, etc. in addition to general meetings.

  Further, although not mentioned above, any number of viewing software (for example, “LOOK”) 2000 according to the present application can be started up simultaneously on the receiving side 20. Therefore, in the above example, it is possible to watch the DVD video by “LOOK” launched separately while watching the company's financial results briefing live. In this case, both voices can be heard, but convenience is improved by adjusting, for example, reducing the volume of one of the voices. As a user side, for example, it is possible to view any number of video contents at the same time by launching multiple “LOOK”, changing channels (inputs assigned in advance), and having the unique effect of this application. Played.

  In addition, according to the present application, it is possible to simultaneously distribute to a large number of adults that cannot be compared with the past. Further, according to the present application, if the viewer wants to see the current situation again, such a request can be realized immediately by simply inputting a number on the monitor on the receiving side. At this time, there is no need to take any action on the delivery side or the management side. It is extremely convenient because it is completed with actions on the viewing side only.

  In addition, according to the present application, as described above, if the encoding and the mode are appropriately combined, it is possible to adjust the number of persons to be distributed and the resolution of the video with one touch. Further, according to the present application, contents such as video and telop distributed live and on-demand are stored in the server 31, but it is possible for the user to freely set whether to save or delete the contents. On the management side, the server 31 is simply lent to the users (10, 20), and the user can freely decide how to store and delete a certain content without the intervention of the administrator 30. Since it can be executed, it is convenient for handling data that requires confidentiality.

  Recently, Japanese overseas business travelers count 3 million a year, and such people (after receiving the assignment of a channel for contracting with the administrator 30 side of the present application) (with communication function such as a modem) If you take even one personal computer, you can not only watch TV programs in Japan (anywhere, not just in Japan) from anywhere overseas, for example, beside the Japanese distribution system 10. You can watch as if you are in Japan if you contact the person who does it and switch to the desired TV channel / video source.

  Furthermore, according to the present application, as long as there is a source of video, text, etc., as the distribution side 10, anything can be distributed all over the world.

  Further, according to the present application, as described above, since it is configured so that the operability is extremely simple, it is possible to enjoy video distribution / reception for even young people and elderly people. In this regard, it is apparent that the convenience and efficiency of the present application are significantly improved by considering that, in the past, for example, it has been necessary to have at least three live operators for video distribution.

  According to the present application, from the user side, a storage medium for content such as video is borrowed from the management side, accessed remotely, and the viewer feels as if he / she rewinds himself (the one at hand). Since viewing software (for example, “LOOK”) is configured so that the user can view the content with the device, the convenience is extremely high.

In summary, the present application can surely achieve the following effects which have not been obtained conventionally.
(1) A large number of people can view simultaneously (previously very few and limited)
(2) The operability is extremely simple (conventional operation is complicated and specialist intervention is essential)
(3) Simultaneously distribute and receive several screens / videos (previously only a single image)
(4) Necessary bandwidth does not change even for beautiful images (previously large capacity is required → huge cost is not required)
(5) Media (source) switching is possible with a single touch (it is impossible in the past and it requires about 10 operators)
Therefore, according to the present application, people in the world can actually enjoy the near future of one room and one channel (one TV station in one room). This application brings a decisive evolution to the broadcast culture that has revolutionized the human civilization of television, and invites the world to the end of the "TV reception era" and the beginning of the "Everyone TV station" era According to the above. That is, only by setting the system according to the present application, it is possible not only for the viewer to watch the video (as before) but also for each person to distribute to a large number of people. In this case, according to the present application, viewing side software (for example, “LOOK”) 2000 can be downloaded free of charge if the distribution side is only a personal computer and channel information.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and examples, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. For example, in the above description, the case where the technical idea according to the present application is realized mainly as a live & on-demand broadcasting system has been described. However, the present application is not limited thereto, and the live & on-demand content distribution method and reception Method, live & on-demand broadcast business method, distribution device, reception device, management device, software for realizing distribution function in computer, recording medium / dedicated device equipped with the software, and reception function in computer And a recording medium / special-purpose machine equipped with the software, software for realizing a management function in a computer, and a recording medium / special-purpose machine equipped with the software.

  Further, for example, in the above-described embodiment, it has been described that the distribution side 10 receives channel assignment from the management side. However, the present application is not limited to such a case, and certain channel information and password information are converted into PC cards. The management side may physically make this a contract issuer.

  Furthermore, as for the system configuration on the distribution side, the example shown in FIG. 1 shows the case of substantially full equipment, but the present application is not limited to such a full equipment, and a communication is concluded with a contract with the management side. The present invention can be applied to any personal computer having a function and having video content to be distributed in some form (for example, a form stored in a DVD). Therefore, ultimately, personalization of video distribution, and if viewed from a different perspective, it can be developed into a form in which a broadcasting station function of video distribution is added to almost each personal information device. In conjunction with the promotion of PC card conversion, for example, as shown in FIG. 25, as long as the above PC card is carried around, images can be taken from anywhere in the world (for example, on a trip) to the whole world. Can be delivered.

  Furthermore, the present invention allows various modifications, additions, substitutions, expansions, reductions, etc. within the scope of the same and equivalent technical idea. In addition, even if an apparatus, a method, software, and a system that are produced using the invention of the present application are listed as a secondary product and commercialized, the value of the invention of the present application is not reduced at all.

  In the present invention, the content is temporarily distributed from the distribution side to the address of the channel in the server allocated on the management side, and this is stored in the server on the management side. Even if there are a large number of recipients, distribution can be performed under the control of only the management side, and the recipient can rewind as many times as desired from the desired position without losing the content on the spot, There is an advantage that replay can be enjoyed.

  Further, the present invention is such that a recipient from all over the world accesses a management-side server via, for example, the Internet, by distributing only a general line such as an ADSL line from the distribution side to the management-side server. Has the advantage of being able to deliver inexpensive and high-quality video content to a large number of viewers around the world without securing a dedicated line.

  Furthermore, the present invention assigns a channel to a server and distributes the packet from the management-side server through the ADSL line, so that high-quality video content can be freely distributed and received at any time without being restricted by the sharing situation of the sharer. There is an advantage that it becomes possible.

  In addition, the present invention eliminates the need for an expert on the distribution side and performs channel selection (input) on the screen only on the user side, so that there is an advantage that convenience is remarkably high.

  In addition, the present invention allows a receiving side user to receive video distribution live or on demand as long as there is only one PC having a communication function. Even if they were out, for example, while watching live images on TV in Japan (anywhere in the world, not just in Japan), the elderly watching the same program can be seen from another surveillance camera. In addition, according to the present application, there is an advantage that the television distribution and the surveillance camera distribution can be switched with one touch.

  Furthermore, since the present invention can confirm the distribution of content such as video almost live, it is possible to deal with emergency situations in a timely manner, and it is also possible to fast forward and rewind as required. There is an advantage that this fast forward and rewind can be operated on the software screen. Therefore, the present invention can be applied to industrial promotions, corporate internal meetings, education, and any other uses.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the whole live & on-demand broadcasting system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the whole operation | movement / function of the system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram which shows the function structure of the delivery side software 1000 which should be mounted in the computers (PC1 and PC2) 101 and 102 which concern on one Embodiment of this application. It is a functional block diagram which shows the function structure of the management side software 3000 which should be mounted in the computer 32 of the management side system 30 which concerns on one Embodiment of this application. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the preparation stage in performing delivery using the system which concerns on this invention. It is the figure which represented typically the screen in each step peculiar to this application implement | achieved by the management side software 3000 which concerns on one Embodiment of this application. It is the figure which represented typically the screen in each step peculiar to this application implement | achieved by the management side software 3000 which concerns on one Embodiment of this application. It is the figure which represented typically the screen in each step peculiar to this application implement | achieved by the management side software 3000 which concerns on one Embodiment of this application. It is the figure which represented typically the screen in each step peculiar to this application implement | achieved by the management side software 3000 which concerns on one Embodiment of this application. It is the figure which showed notionally the structure which concerns on the relationship between the delivery side 10, the management side 30, and the receiving side 20 mainly of this invention. It is a functional block diagram which shows the function structure of the receiving side software 2000 which should be mounted in the computer 21 which concerns on one Embodiment of this application. When performing distribution using the system 1 according to the present invention, a preparation process such as pre-registration of necessary information and software installation has already been completed, and a timing flowchart showing an operation according to an embodiment in the case of actual distribution It is. It is the figure which represented typically the screen in each step peculiar to this application realized by receiving side software 2000 concerning one embodiment of this application. It is the figure which represented typically the screen in each step peculiar to this application realized by receiving side software 2000 concerning one embodiment of this application. It is the figure which represented typically the screen in each step peculiar to this application realized by receiving side software 2000 concerning one embodiment of this application. It is the figure which represented typically the screen in each step peculiar to this application realized by receiving side software 2000 concerning one embodiment of this application. It is the figure which represented typically the screen in each step peculiar to this application realized by receiving side software 2000 concerning one embodiment of this application. It is the figure which represented typically the screen in each step peculiar to this application realized by receiving side software 2000 concerning one embodiment of this application. It is the figure which represented typically the screen in each step peculiar to this application realized by distribution side software 1000 concerning one embodiment of this application. It is the figure which represented typically the screen in each step peculiar to this application realized by receiving side software 2000 concerning one embodiment of this application. It is the figure which represented typically the screen in each step peculiar to this application realized by distribution side software 1000 concerning one embodiment of this application. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the detailed operation | movement of the process with respect to the interruption request | requirement of the live & on-demand broadcast system 1 which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the further detailed operation | movement of the content reception request reception process of the live & on-demand broadcast system 1 which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the further detailed operation | movement of the control interruption request | requirement reception process of the live & on-demand broadcast system 1 which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 6 conceptually illustrates PC card implementation as an example of yet another possible embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Originating side system 20 Receiving side system 30 Management side system 31 Server 32 Server monitor 33 Router 40 Network 101, 102 PC (personal computer)
103 CPU switching device 104 Keyboard 105 Mouse 106 Monitor 107 Router 108 Teropa 109 AV (Audio / Visual) switching device 110 AV distributor 111 DVD in video 112 Video camera device 113 Monitoring camera 114, 115 Speaker 150, 151 Content display window 152 Control Window 153 Encoding profile window 154 Status window 155 Encoding window 156 Information input number panel 156-X Clear information input panel 156-R Input information confirmation input panel 157 Set channel window 158 Mode window 159 Help icon 160 Guide icons 162-1 to 162-6 Mode switching input / display field 163 Mirror site 1 4 Key channel input / display field 165 Current channel input / display field 166 Password input / display field 167 Start position input / display field 168 End position input / display field 169 Mode input / display field 170 Rewrite mode display field 171 Start icon 172 Stop icon 260 Operation window 261, 261A Content display window 262 Mode switching input / display field 263 Mirror site 264 Key channel input / display field 265 Current channel input / display field 266 Password input / display field 267 Selected position input / display field 268 Information input number panel 268-X Clear information input panel 268-R Input information confirmation input panel 269 Playback content position display field 270 Selected bit rate display field 271 Selection mode display field 272 Content display Screen size switching input icon 273, 273A Volume adjustment icon 274 Playback instruction icon 275 Fast forward instruction icon 276 Rewind instruction icon 277 Playback stop instruction icon 1000 Distribution side software 1010 Control unit 1020 Distribution information generation unit 1030 Input unit 1040 Communication unit 1050 Switching unit 2000 Reception side software 2010 Control unit 2020 Display unit 2030 Input unit 2040 Communication unit 2050 Switching unit 3000 Management side software 3010 Control unit 3020 Authentication unit 3030 Communication unit 3040 Storage unit

Claims (1)

A first step of assigning a channel and password on the management side according to the request of the delivery side;
A second step in which the delivery side generates the desired content;
A third step in which the distribution side accesses the management side and transmits information related to a channel and a password to the management side;
A fourth step of comparing and authenticating the information regarding the transmitted channel and password with the channel and password assigned in the first step;
A fifth step in which the distribution side that has been authenticated in the fourth step transmits the content generated in the second step to the management side;
A sixth step of storing the transmitted content at a predetermined address of the server;
A seventh step for the receiver to access the administrator and send information about the channel and password; and
The management side receiving the access compares and authenticates the information on the channel and password with the channel and password assigned in the first step, and in the case of correct authentication, the content stored at the predetermined address of the server is received. A live & on-demand broadcasting system, comprising:

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