JP2009175864A - Content subscription and distribution method, content subscription and distribution server, program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve an issue that when selling contents by subscription in a data pull type download system, an expected date of starting content distribution cannot be notified to a user in advance. <P>SOLUTION: A distributions server 252 secures a subscription distribution band, uses a remaining band in the subscription distribution band for occasional distribution, and upon receiving a distribution request 102 for content to be distributed by subscription distribution from a download terminal, forms a plan for distributing content 213 using the subscription distribution band, and notifies the download terminal of a planned distribution start expected date. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a content reservation distribution method and a content reservation distribution server that can download video and audio content in response to a request from a terminal via a network.

  In recent years, with the development of the Internet, techniques for downloading and playing back movies, music, and the like are becoming common. There are many services for downloading content from a server that distributes content such as movies and music to a PC, AV device, mobile phone, or portable device via a network. As a content distribution system in this type of service, for example, a system described below is known (see Patent Document 1).

  In this content distribution service, each home terminal transmits a content distribution request to the content distribution server, and the content distribution server sends the content to the terminal, or the content server instructs the terminal to download the content. The form which performs is common.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a conventional content distribution system. The download terminal 101 in each home is connected to the distribution server 100 through the Internet network 109, and transmits a content distribution request 102 to the distribution server 100 in response to a user operation.

  The distribution server 100 receives the content distribution request 102 at the distribution request reception unit 104 and determines how to process the content distribution request 102. That is, for example, when the content distribution request 102 is received, when the distribution server 100 is in a state where distribution can be started immediately due to a sufficiently free network bandwidth, the distribution request reception unit 104 instructs the content distribution execution unit 107 to execute distribution.

  In response to this, the content distribution execution unit 107 reads the content from the HDD 108 and distributes the content 103 to the download terminal 101.

  If the distribution request receiving unit 104 determines that the content distribution request 102 cannot be immediately executed due to factors such as network congestion or the processing load of the distribution server 100, the content distribution schedule calculation unit 105 To schedule the distribution schedule of the content 103 to the download terminal 101. The content distribution schedule calculation unit 105 newly plans the distribution schedule of the content 103 to the download terminal 101 in consideration of the contents of the content distribution schedule 106 already planned so far, and adds the content distribution schedule 106 to the content distribution schedule 106.

  The content distribution execution unit 107 periodically monitors the content of the content distribution schedule 106, and starts distributing the content specified at the planned time to the specified terminal according to this plan.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the content distribution schedule 106. In this figure, the delivery date and time is managed in slots of 2 hour units, and up to three content delivery can be simultaneously delivered in parallel in the same slot. When the distribution request calculation unit 105 is instructed to calculate the distribution schedule from the distribution request receiving unit 104, the content distribution schedule calculation unit 105 searches the content distribution schedule 106 for an empty slot closest to the current time and distributes the empty slot to a terminal to be distributed. The identifier (ID) and the content identifier (ID) are written.

The content distribution schedule 106 planned in this way is planned on the assumption that one content distribution is completed within two hours, and no simultaneous distribution exceeding three is planned at the same time. The server 100 can perform content distribution as planned within the range of available bandwidth. If necessary, the server 100 schedules the content distribution start schedule to the download terminal 101 in advance based on this plan. It is also possible to notify.
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2007-18199

  However, in the above-described conventional content distribution system, all content distribution is executed by push-type transmission from the distribution server (considering congestion on the receiving side), and each distribution start timing can be executed as planned by the distribution server. Since it is based on the premise that there is, for example, a system in which each download terminal of each home requests content at any time in a pull type (reception is performed at the convenience of the receiving side) has the following problems.

  As a first problem, since a content distribution request is randomly issued from each terminal and content distribution starts in a pull type, the load prediction of the distribution server and the prediction of the usage rate of network traffic cannot be made. For this reason, there are cases where normal contents that can be distributed at any time are sold, and cases where reserved contents that are permitted to be sold for download after a certain date and time are sold (for example, movie release, In a service system that can be viewed until a certain date and time), it is necessary to predict when the distribution of pre-sale content to each terminal can be started and notify each customer in advance. There was a problem that it was difficult.

  As a second problem, when random content distribution requests from each home are concentrated in a short period of time and exceed the processing limit of the content distribution server or network traffic, the content distribution request from the terminal is temporarily rejected. In this case, each terminal must issue a content distribution request again after a while, and even if a content distribution request is issued again, the content distribution request is distributed at that time. There is no guarantee that it will be accepted by the server, and depending on the customer, it may be possible to give up the purchase of the content.

The first aspect of the present invention is
A content distribution method in which a content server distributes content in response to content distribution requests from a plurality of terminals, wherein the content server determines a content distribution band of the server as a reserved download distribution band according to a predetermined band allocation algorithm. When the content server distributes and manages download distribution bands as needed, and the date and time when the content server receives the content distribution request from the terminal is earlier than the distribution start permission date and time when the content distribution is permitted to start Planning the download start date and time after the distribution start permission date and time so that the content can be downloaded and distributed to the terminal using a part or all of the bandwidth allocated as the reserved download distribution bandwidth and starting the download Reservation download instructions A content reserved distribution wherein the return to the terminal.

The second aspect of the present invention
The reservation download instruction includes information about a download start permission date / time at which the terminal may start download, and the reservation download instruction from the content server to the terminal before the download start permission date / time. Is returned, the content reservation delivery method according to the first aspect of the present invention.

The third aspect of the present invention provides
The reservation download instruction is the content reservation delivery method according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the content download is returned from the content server to the terminal after the download start permission date and time when the terminal may start the download.

The fourth invention relates to
When the content server receives the content distribution request from the terminal, the content server notifies the terminal of the download start date and time planned for the terminal by the content server. Is the method.

The fifth aspect of the present invention relates to
When the content server determines that the content server does not distribute within the download distribution band as needed even when the date and time when the content server receives the content distribution request from the terminal is after the distribution start permission date and time Planning a download start date and time so that the content can be downloaded and distributed to the terminal using a part or all of the bandwidth allocated as the reserved download distribution bandwidth, and returning the reservation download instruction to the terminal. The content reservation delivery method according to the first, second, third, or fourth aspect of the present invention.

The sixth invention relates to
The content reservation distribution method according to the first aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the bandwidth allocation algorithm is determined based on prediction of network traffic and / or load of the content server.

The seventh invention relates to
As the bandwidth allocation algorithm, it is predicted that the network traffic and / or the load on the content server will be light during the time period in which the load on the reserved traffic is predicted, and at least the load on the network traffic and / or the content server is heavy. The content reservation distribution method according to the first aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the distribution is made larger than a predetermined time zone.

The eighth invention relates to
As the bandwidth allocation algorithm, it is predicted that the network traffic and / or the load on the content server is expected to increase during the time period in which the network traffic and / or the load on the content server is increased, at least the load on the network traffic and / or the content server is light. The content reservation distribution method according to the first aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the distribution is made smaller than a predetermined time zone or the distribution of the reservation download distribution band is eliminated.

The ninth invention relates to
As the bandwidth allocation algorithm, the total traffic amount required from the terminal group is predicted based on the distribution start permission date and time of each content and the demand prediction of each content, and the amount of the total traffic is calculated based on the prediction. In the content reservation delivery method according to the first aspect of the present invention, the reservation download delivery band corresponding to the above is allocated.

The tenth aspect of the present invention is
As the bandwidth allocation algorithm, at least a certain period of time after the distribution permission date and time for the specific content that the content distribution requests are predicted to be concentrated from a large number of the terminals is more than when the content distribution requests are not concentrated. The content reservation distribution method according to the first aspect of the present invention is characterized in that a distribution band for download is largely allocated.

The eleventh aspect of the present invention is
The content reservation delivery according to the first aspect of the invention is characterized in that, as the bandwidth allocation algorithm, rescheduling is performed to reallocate the reservation download delivery bandwidth largely when a large number of content delivery requests are concentrated or accumulated. Is the method.

The twelfth aspect of the present invention is
When it is determined that the reserved download based on the distribution request received by the content server can be covered by a band smaller than the distribution band for reserved download allocated in advance as the band allocation algorithm, the distribution band for reserved download is reduced. The content reservation delivery method according to the first aspect of the present invention is characterized in that rescheduling is performed again.

The thirteenth aspect of the present invention is
As the bandwidth allocation algorithm, if it is determined that the download start date and time of the reserved download will be a later date and time based on the distribution of the reserved download distribution bandwidth that has been allocated in advance, rescheduling that largely reallocates the reserved download distribution bandwidth is performed. A content reservation delivery method according to the first aspect of the present invention.

The fourteenth aspect of the present invention is
If the reserved distribution plan using the reserved download distribution band does not use the band, the download start date and time planned for the terminal is re-planned within a range after the distribution start permission date and time, and the terminal The content reservation delivery method according to the second aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the plan is returned again.

The fifteenth aspect of the present invention is
When the reserved distribution plan using the reserved download distribution band does not use the band, the download start date and time planned for the terminal is re-planned earlier within the range after the distribution start permission date and time. The content reservation delivery method according to the third aspect of the present invention.

The sixteenth aspect of the present invention
The content of the first aspect of the present invention, wherein when the reserved distribution plan using the reserved download distribution band does not use up the band, the portion of the band not used up is used as the download distribution band as needed. This is a reservation delivery method.

The seventeenth aspect of the present invention provides
In addition to the reserved download distribution band, a priority download distribution band, which is a priority download band, is further allocated, and the date and time when the content server receives the content distribution request from the terminal is the distribution start permission. Even after the date and time, if the content server determines that the distribution is not performed within the download distribution band at any time, the part or all of the band allocated as the priority download distribution band is used. The content reservation delivery method according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein a download start date and time is planned so that the content can be downloaded and distributed to a terminal, and the reservation download instruction is returned to the terminal.

The eighteenth aspect of the present invention is
The content of the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, wherein, when the priority distribution plan using the priority download distribution band does not use up the band, the portion of the band not used up is used as the download distribution band as needed. This is a reservation delivery method.

The nineteenth aspect of the present invention provides
If the priority distribution plan using the priority download distribution band does not use the band, and there is a reserved distribution plan using the reserved download distribution band, the reservation distribution plan is used as necessary. A content reservation delivery method according to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, wherein a part of the content is downloaded using the priority download delivery band.

The twentieth aspect of the present invention is
A content delivery server for delivering content in response to content delivery requests from a plurality of terminals,
Band distribution management means for distributing and managing the content distribution band of the server according to a predetermined band distribution algorithm and distributing it to the reserved download distribution band and the download distribution band as needed;
If the date and time when the content distribution request is received from the terminal is earlier than the distribution start permission date and time when the content distribution is permitted to start, a part or all of the band allocated as the reserved download distribution band Distribution plan means for planning a download start date and time after the distribution start permission date so that the content can be downloaded and distributed to the terminal using
The content reservation distribution server according to claim 1, wherein a reservation download instruction for starting download based on a distribution plan established by the distribution plan means is returned to the terminal.

The twenty-first aspect of the present invention
The reservation download instruction includes information on a download start permission date and time at which the terminal may start download, and returns the reservation download instruction to the terminal before the download start permission date and time. A content reservation delivery server according to a twentieth aspect of the present invention.

The twenty-second invention relates to
The content reservation distribution server according to the twentieth aspect of the present invention, wherein the reservation download instruction is returned to the terminal after a download start permission date and time at which the terminal may start downloading.

The twenty-third invention provides
The content reservation delivery server according to the twenty-first aspect of the present invention, wherein when receiving the content delivery request from the terminal, the terminal notifies the terminal of the download start date and time planned for the terminal.

The twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention
When the date and time when the content distribution request is received from the terminal is after the distribution start permission date and time, it comprises an occasional download permission determination means for determining whether or not to perform distribution within the distribution band for download at any time. ,
If the determination result of the occasional download permission determination means is NO, download starts so that the content can be downloaded and distributed to the terminal using a part or all of the band allocated as the reserved download distribution band The content reservation delivery server according to the twentieth, twenty-first, twenty-second, or twenty-third aspect of the present invention is characterized by planning the date and time and returning the reservation download instruction to the terminal.

According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention,
A bandwidth allocation formulating unit that plans a bandwidth allocation based on a prediction of network traffic and / or load of the content server, and determining the bandwidth allocation algorithm based on a calculation result of the bandwidth allocation formulating unit. The content reservation distribution server according to the twentieth aspect of the present invention.

The twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention provides
As the bandwidth allocation algorithm, the time for which the network traffic and / or the load on the server is expected to be light is at least distributed for the reservation download from the time zone where the network traffic and / or the load on the server is predicted to be heavy. A content reservation distribution server according to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, wherein the bandwidth is largely allocated.

The twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention provides
As the bandwidth allocation algorithm, the time period in which the network traffic and / or the load on the server is expected to increase is at least the time for the reservation download distribution from the time zone in which the network traffic and / or the load on the server is expected to be light. The content reservation distribution server according to the twentieth aspect of the present invention, wherein the bandwidth is allocated small or the distribution of the reservation download distribution bandwidth is eliminated.

The twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention provides
As the bandwidth allocation algorithm, the total traffic amount required from the terminal group is predicted based on the distribution start permission date and time of each content and the demand prediction of each content, and the amount of the total traffic is calculated based on the prediction. The content reservation distribution server according to the twentieth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the reservation download distribution band corresponding to the above is allocated.

The 29th aspect of the present invention provides
As the bandwidth allocation algorithm, at least a certain period of time after the distribution permission date and time for the specific content that the content distribution requests are predicted to be concentrated from a large number of the terminals is more than when the content distribution requests are not concentrated. A content reservation distribution server according to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, wherein a distribution band for download is largely allocated.

The thirtieth aspect of the present invention
The content reservation distribution according to the twentieth aspect of the present invention, wherein, as the bandwidth allocation algorithm, rescheduling is performed to reallocate the reservation download distribution bandwidth largely when a large number of content distribution requests are concentrated or accumulated. It is a server.

The thirty-first aspect of the present invention
When it is determined that the reserved download based on the distribution request received by the server can be covered by a band smaller than the distribution band for reserved download allocated in advance as the band allocation algorithm, the distribution band for reserved download is allocated small The content reservation distribution server according to the twentieth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that rescheduling is performed again.

The thirty-second aspect of the present invention relates to
As the bandwidth allocation algorithm, when it is determined that the download start date and time of the reserved download is delayed when planned based on the previously distributed reserved download bandwidth, rescheduling is performed to reallocate the reserved download bandwidth largely. A content reservation distribution server according to the twentieth aspect of the present invention.

The thirty-third aspect of the present invention provides
If the reserved distribution plan using the reserved download distribution band does not use the band, the download start date and time planned for the terminal is re-planned within a range after the distribution start permission date and time, and the terminal The content reservation distribution server according to the twentieth aspect of the present invention, wherein the plan is returned again.

The thirty-fourth aspect of the present invention
When the reserved distribution plan using the reserved download distribution band does not use the band, the download start date and time planned for the terminal is re-planned earlier within the range after the distribution start permission date and time. The content reservation delivery server according to the twenty-first aspect of the present invention.

The thirty-fifth aspect of the present invention provides
The content of the twentieth aspect of the present invention, wherein when the reserved distribution plan using the reserved download distribution band does not use up the band, the portion of the band not used up is used as the download distribution band as needed. It is a reservation delivery server.

The thirty-sixth aspect of the present invention
The bandwidth distribution management means further distributes a priority download distribution band, which is a priority download band, in addition to the distributed reservation download distribution band, and the date and time when the server receives the content distribution request from the terminal. However, even after the distribution start permission date and time, if the server determines that distribution is not performed within the download distribution band as needed, part or all of the band allocated as the priority download distribution band The content reservation distribution server according to the twentieth aspect of the present invention, wherein a download start date and time is planned so that the content can be downloaded and distributed to the terminal using the server, and the reservation download instruction is returned to the terminal. .

The thirty-seventh aspect of the present invention provides
The content of the thirty-sixth aspect of the present invention, wherein when the priority distribution plan using the priority download distribution band does not use up the band, the portion of the band not used up is used as the download distribution band as needed. It is a reservation delivery server.

The thirty-eighth aspect of the present invention provides
If the priority distribution plan using the priority download distribution band does not use the band, and there is a reserved distribution plan using the reserved download distribution band, the reservation distribution plan is used as necessary. A content reservation delivery server according to a thirty-sixth aspect of the present invention, wherein a part of the content is downloaded using the priority download delivery band.

The thirty-ninth aspect of the present invention provides
A program for causing a computer to execute a content distribution method in which a content server distributes content in response to a content distribution request from a plurality of terminals according to the content reservation distribution method of the first aspect of the present invention,
The content server distributes and manages the content distribution band of the server according to a predetermined band allocation algorithm and distributes it to a reserved download distribution band and an occasional download distribution band;
When the date and time when the content server receives the content distribution request from the terminal is earlier than the distribution start permission date and time when the content distribution is permitted to start, the bandwidth allocated as the reserved download distribution bandwidth Planning a download start date and time after the distribution start permission date so that the content can be downloaded and distributed to the terminal using a part or all of the content, and returning a reservation download instruction to start the download to the terminal. A program to be executed by a computer.

The 40th aspect of the present invention provides
A recording medium recording a program according to the thirty-ninth aspect of the present invention, which is a recording medium that can be processed by a computer.

  As described above, according to the present invention, even in a content distribution system in which a plurality of download terminals randomly issue a content distribution request in a pull type, the distribution start time to each terminal is set at the time of content reservation sales. A remarkable effect is obtained that it is possible to predict and notify the customer.

  Similarly, according to the present invention, even in a situation where it is difficult to immediately start distribution in response to a content distribution request from a terminal due to a processing limit of a distribution server or a limit of network traffic, The distribution request can be received and the content distribution start time can be notified, thereby improving the convenience of the customer and at the same time achieving a remarkable effect of eliminating the possibility of business opportunity loss in the content sales service.

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, parts having the same functions as those in the conventional example are given the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall image of a content distribution system according to the present embodiment.

  The content reservation distribution server of the present invention is a content distribution server 252 that distributes content in response to content distribution requests from a plurality of terminals 101, and sets the content distribution bandwidth of the distribution server 252 according to a predetermined bandwidth allocation algorithm. Distribution distribution management means for distributing and managing the reserved download distribution band and the download distribution band as needed, and the date and time when the content distribution request is received from the terminal 101 is permitted to start distribution of the content If it is before the license date and time, the download start date and time after the distribution start license date and time so that the content can be downloaded and distributed to the terminal 101 using part or all of the bandwidth allocated as the reserved download bandwidth Planning the delivery plan and tools And, the scheduled download instruction to start the download based on vertical delivery plan of the distribution planning means is configured to return to the terminal.

  In addition, when the date and time when the content distribution request is received from the terminal 101 is after the distribution start permission date and time, it is determined whether or not to perform distribution within the distribution band for download as needed. Can be downloaded and distributed to the terminal using part or all of the bandwidth allocated as the reserved download distribution bandwidth Thus, the download start date and time is planned, and the reservation download instruction is returned to the terminal.

  Note that the bandwidth allocation plan formulation unit 206 is an example of the bandwidth allocation management unit of the present invention, the distribution plan formulation unit 207 is an example of the distribution planning unit of the present invention, and the content distribution request reception unit 251 is provided as needed. It is an example of a download permission judgment means. In the present invention, as a means for returning a reservation download instruction for starting download to the terminal, the content distribution request receiving unit 251 is an example and corresponds.

  Next, the operation of the embodiment of the present invention will be described together with the description of the content reservation delivery method of the present invention.

  The download terminal 101 of each home is connected to the content distribution server 252 through the Internet network 109, and the download terminal 101 receives content that can be distributed from a web page (not shown) provided by a service provider separately. Browse and select, select the content you like, perform purchase processing on the web page, and send the content distribution request 102 to the distribution server 252.

  The distribution server 252 determines whether the requested content can be distributed based on the customer information and terminal information received by the content distribution request 102, and returns a content distribution request response 202 to the download terminal 101. . In the content distribution request response 202, whether the download terminal 101 requests content using the HTTP protocol, that is, URL information necessary for transmitting an HTTP protocol GET request, or may content acquisition be started immediately? Or if it is not permitted to start immediately, information on the date and time when the content download may start is included.

  The download terminal 101 interprets the content of the content distribution request response 202 and starts the download immediately if possible. However, if the date and time when the download is permitted is specified, the download terminal 101 waits for the specified date and time. Start downloading from.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the internal configuration of the distribution server 252. The HDD 250 stores a plurality of contents 201 for distribution. The content 201 is a distribution start permission date and time that is data representing the date and time designated by the right holder that the content main body 210 that is the substance of the data to be distributed and the content may be started to be distributed to the download terminal 101 at the customer's home. 209.

  The content distribution request reception unit 251 receives the content distribution request 102 from the download terminal 101 and returns a content distribution request response 202 as a response. The current date / time data can be read from the clock 203.

  The traffic measuring unit 204 measures traffic information of the Internet network 109 to which the distribution server 252 is connected, and stores it as traffic data 205 together with time information. The bandwidth allocation plan formulation unit 206 inputs the accumulated traffic data 205 and the output of the traffic measurement unit 204, predicts the time change of traffic in one day, and determines the bandwidth allocation ratio for reservation download. A plan is created and saved as band allocation plan data 211. Specifically, by creating a correlation prediction graph between time and traffic volume by taking the average of traffic changes due to time changes in the day retroactively one week ago, the predicted traffic volume is small Plan to allocate a lot of reserved download bandwidth during the time period.

The distribution plan formulation unit 207 receives the content distribution request 102 to be distributed as a reserved distribution from the content distribution request receiving unit 251, makes a distribution plan with reference to the distribution start permission date and time 209 of the requested content, and distributes the distribution schedule In addition to saving as 208, the scheduled distribution start time for the content is returned to the content distribution request receiving unit 251.
The content sending unit 214 accepts the content request 212 from the download terminal 101, that is, the GET request of the http protocol, reads the content from the HDD 250 when the distribution can be started, and downloads the content 213 as a response to the http GET. Return to terminal 101. If the content sending unit 214 determines that the content requested by the content request 212 is not ready to be delivered, the content sending unit 214 causes the delivery plan formulation unit 207 to create a delivery plan, and the result is sent to the download terminal 101 as a delivery schedule 215. Return it.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the specific contents of the bandwidth allocation plan data 211. In the bandwidth allocation plan, 24 hours a day is divided every two hours, and the ratio of traffic to be reserved for use in reserved distribution is entered every two hours.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the specific contents of the distribution schedule 208. The difference from the content distribution schedule 106 is that the number of parallel distributions that can be distributed simultaneously in each slot is determined based on the bandwidth allocation plan data 211, not the three contents. Specifically, referring to the bandwidth allocation plan data 211, the percentage of the reserved bandwidth from 2 to 4 o'clock at midnight is as large as 60%, so the number of simultaneous deliverables is set to 5 contents, while from 12:00 to Since the ratio of the reserved bandwidth at 14:00 is as low as 20%, the number of simultaneous deliverables is set to 1 content.

  Hereinafter, the content distribution request 102 received from the download terminal 101 requests content that can be immediately distributed, and requests content that is not yet permitted to immediately start distribution. In each case, the operation of the distribution server 252 will be described in detail.

  The content distribution request receiving unit 251 identifies the content 201 on the HDD 250 based on the content identifier (not shown) included in the content distribution request 102 and reads the distribution start permission date and time 209 included in the identified content 201. . The content distribution request receiving unit 251 compares the read distribution start permission date and time 209 with the time data read from the clock 203 to determine whether or not it is permitted to start the distribution of the content at the present time. Judging.

  When the content can be immediately started to be delivered, the current time is entered in the content delivery request response 202 for the content delivery request 102 as a time when the content request 212 may be issued, and an http GET request The URL of the content necessary for creating the URL is entered and returned to the download terminal 101.

The download terminal 101 interprets the content distribution request response 202, and since the current time is written, the download terminal 101 immediately creates an http GET request and transmits it as the content request 212 to the content transmission unit 214 of the distribution server 252.
In the distribution server 252 that has received the content request 212, the content transmission unit 214 interprets it. The content sending unit 214 identifies the content body 210 on the HDD 250 from the URL included in the content request 212 sent from the download terminal 101, reads the distribution start permission date and time 209 included therein, and reads it from the clock 203. By comparing with the current time information, it is reconfirmed whether or not it is permitted to start distribution of the content, and distribution of the content 213 is started as an http GET response to the download terminal 101.

  As a result, the download terminal 101 can issue the content distribution request 102 and receive download distribution immediately.

  Next, a case where the content indicated by the content distribution request 102 is content that has not been permitted to start distribution at the current time will be described. For example, content that cannot be viewed until a certain date and time, such as a movie release, is reserved in advance on the web page of the distributor, and distribution starts from the server when the release date is reached. This corresponds to a content distribution request from a terminal of a user who has made a purchase corresponding to so-called reservation sales.

  In this case, the content distribution request accepting unit 251 can determine that the reserved distribution is necessary when the distribution start permission date and time 209 is compared with the current time. At the same time, it is passed to the distribution plan formulation unit 207.

  The distribution plan formulation unit 207 reads the distribution schedule 208 that it has already planned so far, finds a place beyond the distribution start permission date and time 209 and has a slot to be distributed, and distributes to this slot. The identifier of the previous download terminal 101 and the identifier of the content scheduled to be distributed are written. At this time, the date and time when the distribution plan for the written slot is scheduled to be executed is sent back to the content distribution request receiving unit 251.

  Therefore, the content distribution request receiving unit 251 includes the distribution start date and time received from the distribution plan formulation unit 207 as data to be inserted into the content distribution request response 202 as a time when the content request 212 may be issued, The content distribution request response 202 is returned to the download terminal 101, including the URL of the content necessary for creating the http GET request.

  The download terminal 101 understands that the date and time written in the received content distribution request response 202 is earlier than the current date and time, so that it is not permitted to send the content request 212 immediately. The content request 212 is sent to the distribution server 252 after waiting. In addition, when the download terminal 101 receives the content distribution request response 202, the download terminal 101 presents the date and time when distribution is scheduled to start to the user.

  As described above, since the content request 212 is sent to the distribution server 252 after waiting until the date and time when the download terminal 101 is instructed, the distribution start permission date and time when the distribution server 252 receives such a content request 212. Since 209 has already elapsed, the distribution server 252 starts distributing the requested content. In this way, the distribution server 252 starts distributing contents according to the distribution schedule 208 set by the distribution server 252 after the distribution start permission date and time 209 and without departing from the plan range of the bandwidth allocation plan data 211. It becomes possible to do.

  Next, in addition to this case, an explanation will be given of the operation when the timing at which another download terminal purchases a content different from the reserved distribution content and executes the download overlaps with the distribution of the reserved distribution content in time. To do.

  The content request 212 includes a terminal identifier (not shown) of the download terminal 101 that issued the content request 212 and a content identifier (not shown) of the requested content, and the content sending unit 214 receives it. By referring to the distribution schedule 208, it is possible to distinguish whether the content request 212 is based on reserved distribution or on occasional distribution other than reserved distribution.

  When the content request 212 corresponds to occasional delivery, the content sending unit 214 reads the bandwidth allocation plan data 211 and sets a bandwidth within a range that does not deviate from the occasional download delivery bandwidth of the remaining portion of the bandwidth reserved for reserved delivery. Use to start distributing content. At this time, if the content sending unit 214 determines that content distribution cannot be started due to insufficient bandwidth or excessive load on the distribution server, the content request unit 212 passes the content request 212 to the distribution plan formulation unit 207 to request scheduling of content distribution. . The distribution plan formulation unit 207 formulates a distribution plan using the same algorithm as that used for scheduling during reservation distribution, and returns a scheduled distribution start date and time to the content transmission unit 214.

  Upon receiving this scheduled delivery start date and time, the content sending unit 214 returns the scheduled delivery start date and time to the download terminal 101 instead of starting delivery of the content 213. Receiving this, the download terminal 101 understands that the distribution server 252 cannot process the distribution at any time, waits for the scheduled distribution start date and time written in the distribution schedule 215, and then distributes the content request 212 again. Send to server 252. The content sending unit 214 that has received the second content request 212 can read out that the request is described in the distribution schedule 208, and therefore the content request within the range of the bandwidth reserved for reserved distribution. Distribution of the content 213 to 212 can be executed.

  In this way, even when distribution requests for distribution at any time are concentrated and the distribution server 252 cannot execute distribution, the distribution schedule 215 is returned to the content request 212 for distribution at any time, and the download terminal 101 is accordingly transmitted. If the content request 212 is retransmitted, the distribution server 252 can now start distributing content as planned.

  In the present embodiment, the distribution server 252 issues a content request 212 to the download terminal 101 even when the distribution server 252 cannot start content distribution immediately after receiving the content distribution request 102. Although the content delivery request response 202 is returned by designating a suitable date and time, the method of systematically delaying the date and time of content delivery start is not limited to this.

  That is, the distribution server 252 does not return the content distribution request response 202 until the distribution plan date and time according to the distribution schedule 208 is reached, but instead sends back a presentation message to the user of the download terminal 101 and plans to start distribution to the user. The time may be announced. In this case, when the distribution start scheduled time is reached, the content distribution request receiving unit 251 transmits the content distribution request response 202 to the download terminal 101, and the download terminal 101 that has received the response immediately issues the content request 212. In addition, it is not necessary to include information on the scheduled distribution start time in the content distribution request response 202, and the download terminal 101 also receives a time lag between receiving the content distribution response request 202 and transmitting the content request 212. Need not be provided. The mechanism for delaying the timing at which the distribution server 252 sends the content distribution request response 202 may not be handled by the content distribution request reception unit 251 in the distribution server 252. That is, it goes without saying that the same effect can be obtained even if a sub-server that caches the content distribution request response 202 until the date and time according to the distribution start plan is placed outside the distribution server 252.

  In the present embodiment, the operation method in which the reserved distribution band and the occasional distribution band are fixed is employed, but the distribution algorithm of these bands is not limited thereto. That is, it is possible to improve the total distribution efficiency by dynamically changing the band allocation plan when one of the bands is running, and the distribution that has been previously notified to the download terminal 101 at this time Replanning and changing the scheduled start time to an earlier date should rather be actively performed from the viewpoint of user merit, and it goes without saying that the effects of the present invention can be obtained in this case as well. Yes.

  In the present embodiment, the bandwidth ratio for reserved delivery is planned by predicting traffic change, but the bandwidth ratio planning algorithm is not limited to this. For example, traffic predictions may be made taking into account traffic changes by day of the week, long-term holidays such as the year-end and New Year holidays, etc. The distribution bandwidth ratio should be planned in consideration of a variety of factors, such as taking a large proportion of the reserved distribution bandwidth during the period when the distribution requests from will be concentrated. It goes without saying that the effects of the present invention can be obtained in the same manner even if implemented.

  In this embodiment, the distribution band distribution plan is divided into two, the reserved distribution band and the occasional distribution band, but the method of the band distribution plan is not limited to this. For example, a priority distribution band may be provided as the third band.

  In this case, in the case where the distribution requests to the content to be distributed in the distribution band at any time are concentrated and the distribution process overflows, the allocation to the reserved distribution band as shown in the above embodiment is not possible. Instead, it is conceivable to perform re-planning to allocate to the priority distribution band. The difference between the two is that if there are a lot of tasks in the reserved distribution band, the content that is originally permitted to be distributed immediately if the task overflowing from the distribution is turned to the reserved distribution band. In spite of this, since it is routed behind the reservation task for reservation distribution, there is a demerit that a long wait time that is essentially unnecessary for the user is required. For this reason, if the third priority distribution band is provided as a band that can be preferentially applied in order to save tasks overflowing from the distribution band as needed separately from the reserved distribution band, such disadvantages can be obtained. There is a new advantage that the delivery task can be processed systematically without causing it.

  On the other hand, if content distribution in the occasional distribution band does not overflow the distribution band at any time despite the provision of priority distribution bands, the distribution plan allocated to the reserved distribution band is also used in combination with the occasional distribution band. By re-planning the distribution start scheduled time and distributing, or using the priority distribution band as a part of the distribution band as needed, the distribution server 252 does not operate with a wasteful band, and priority is given. There is no demerit of providing a distribution band.

  Even if such a third priority distribution band is newly provided and operated, it is possible to operate the band allocation plan of the distribution server 252 on the assumption that the use plan of each band is re-planned according to the situation. In this case, it goes without saying that the effects of the present invention can be obtained similarly.

  The program of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to execute the operation of all or part of the above-described content reservation delivery method of the present invention, and is a program that operates in cooperation with the computer.

  The recording medium of the present invention is a recording medium that records a program that causes a computer to execute the operation of all or part of the above-described content reservation delivery method of the present invention, and is readable and read by the computer. The program is a recording medium for executing the operation in cooperation with the computer.

  Further, one usage form of the program of the present invention may be an aspect in which the program is recorded on a recording medium such as a ROM readable by a computer and operates in cooperation with the computer.

  Also, one use form of the program of the present invention is an aspect in which the program is transmitted through a transmission medium such as the Internet and a transmission medium such as light, radio wave, and sound wave, read by a computer, and operates in cooperation with the computer. Also good.

  The computer of the present invention described above is not limited to pure hardware such as a CPU, and may include firmware, an OS, and peripheral devices.

  As described above, the configuration of the components such as the distribution server of the present invention may be realized by software using a CPU and a memory of a general-purpose computer, a register, an AND, an OR, a NAND circuit, and the like. You may implement | achieve in hardware using.

  As described above, according to the present invention, even in a content distribution system in which a plurality of download terminals randomly issue a content distribution request in a pull type, the distribution start time to each terminal is set at the time of content reservation sales. It is possible to realize a content reservation delivery method having a remarkable effect of being able to plan and notify a customer.

  Similarly, according to the present invention, even in a situation where it is difficult to immediately start distribution in response to a content distribution request from a terminal due to a processing limit of a distribution server or a limit of network traffic, Content reservation delivery method, which can receive a distribution request and notify the content distribution start time, improving the convenience for customers and eliminating the possibility of business opportunity loss in the content sales service Can be realized.

1 is an overall view of a content reservation distribution system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is an internal block diagram of the delivery server in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the band allocation plan data in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the delivery schedule in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a general view of a conventional content distribution system. It is a figure which shows the delivery schedule in the conventional content delivery system.

Explanation of symbols

100 Distribution Server 101 Download Terminal 102 Content Distribution Request 103 Distribution Content 104 Distribution Request Accepting Unit 105 Content Distribution Schedule Calculation Unit 106 Content Distribution Schedule 107 Content Distribution Execution Unit 108 HDD
109 Internet Network 201 Content 202 Content Distribution Request Response 203 Clock 204 Traffic Measurement Unit 206 Band Allocation Plan Formulation Unit 207 Distribution Plan Formulation Unit 208 Distribution Schedule 209 Distribution Start Permission Date 210 Content Body 211 Band Allocation Plan Data 212 Content Request 213 Content 214 Content Transmission unit 215 Distribution schedule 251 Content distribution request receiving unit 252 Distribution server

Claims (40)

  A content distribution method in which a content server distributes content in response to content distribution requests from a plurality of terminals, wherein the content server determines a content distribution band of the server as a reserved download distribution band according to a predetermined band allocation algorithm. When the content server distributes and manages download distribution bands as needed, and the date and time when the content server receives the content distribution request from the terminal is earlier than the distribution start permission date and time when the content distribution is permitted to start Planning the download start date and time after the distribution start permission date and time so that the content can be downloaded and distributed to the terminal using a part or all of the bandwidth allocated as the reserved download distribution bandwidth and starting the download Reservation download instructions Content reservation distribution wherein the return to the terminal.   The reservation download instruction includes information about a download start permission date / time at which the terminal may start download, and the reservation download instruction from the content server to the terminal before the download start permission date / time. The content reservation delivery method according to claim 1, wherein is returned.   The content reservation delivery method according to claim 1, wherein the reservation download instruction is returned from the content server to the terminal after a download start permission date and time when the terminal may start the download.   The content reservation delivery according to claim 3, wherein when the content server receives the content delivery request from the terminal, the content server notifies the terminal of the download start date and time planned for the terminal. Method.   When the content server determines that the content server does not distribute within the download distribution band as needed even when the date and time when the content server receives the content distribution request from the terminal is after the distribution start permission date and time Planning a download start date and time so that the content can be downloaded and distributed to the terminal using a part or all of the bandwidth allocated as the reserved download distribution bandwidth, and returning the reservation download instruction to the terminal. The content reservation delivery method according to claim 1, 2, 3, or 4.   The content reservation distribution method according to claim 1, wherein the bandwidth allocation algorithm is determined based on a prediction of network traffic and / or load of the content server.   As the bandwidth allocation algorithm, it is predicted that the network traffic and / or the load on the content server will be light during the time period in which the load on the reserved traffic is predicted, and at least the load on the network traffic and / or the content server is heavy. The content reservation delivery method according to claim 1, wherein the content reservation distribution method is larger than a predetermined time zone.   As the bandwidth allocation algorithm, it is predicted that the network traffic and / or the load on the content server is expected to increase during the time period in which the network traffic and / or the load on the content server is increased, at least the load on the network traffic and / or the content server is light. 2. The content reservation distribution method according to claim 1, wherein distribution is made smaller than a predetermined time zone, or distribution of the reservation download distribution band is eliminated.   As the bandwidth allocation algorithm, the total traffic amount required from the terminal group is predicted based on the distribution start permission date and time of each content and the demand prediction of each content, and the amount of the total traffic is calculated based on the prediction. 2. The content reservation distribution method according to claim 1, wherein the distribution band for reservation download corresponding to is distributed.   As the bandwidth allocation algorithm, at least a certain period of time after the distribution permission date and time for the specific content that the content distribution requests are predicted to be concentrated from a large number of the terminals is more than when the content distribution requests are not concentrated. 2. The content reservation distribution method according to claim 1, wherein a distribution band for download is largely allocated.   2. The content reservation distribution method according to claim 1, wherein, as the bandwidth distribution algorithm, rescheduling is performed to redistribute the reservation download distribution bandwidth largely when a large number of content distribution requests are concentrated or accumulated. .   When it is determined that the reserved download based on the distribution request received by the content server can be covered by a band smaller than the distribution band for reserved download allocated in advance as the band allocation algorithm, the distribution band for reserved download is reduced. 2. The content reservation delivery method according to claim 1, wherein rescheduling is performed again.   As the bandwidth allocation algorithm, if it is determined that the download start date and time of the reserved download will be a later date and time based on the distribution of the reserved download distribution bandwidth that has been allocated in advance, rescheduling that largely reallocates the reserved download distribution bandwidth is performed. The content reservation delivery method according to claim 1, wherein the content reservation delivery method is performed.   If the reserved distribution plan using the reserved download distribution band does not use the band, the download start date and time planned for the terminal is re-planned within a range after the distribution start permission date and time, and the terminal The content reservation delivery method according to claim 2, wherein the plan is returned again.   When the reserved distribution plan using the reserved download distribution band does not use the band, the download start date and time planned for the terminal is re-planned earlier within the range after the distribution start permission date and time. The content reservation delivery method according to claim 3.   2. The content according to claim 1, wherein when the reserved distribution plan using the reserved download distribution band does not use up the band, the portion of the band not used up is used as the download distribution band as needed. Reservation delivery method.   In addition to the reserved download distribution band, a priority download distribution band, which is a priority download band, is further allocated, and the date and time when the content server receives the content distribution request from the terminal is the distribution start permission. Even after the date and time, if the content server determines that the distribution is not performed within the download distribution band at any time, the part or all of the band allocated as the priority download distribution band is used. 2. The content reservation delivery method according to claim 1, wherein a download start date and time is planned so that the content can be downloaded and distributed to the terminal, and the reservation download instruction is returned to the terminal.   18. The content according to claim 17, wherein when the priority distribution plan using the priority download distribution band does not use the band, the content not used up is used as the download distribution band as needed. Reservation delivery method.   If the priority distribution plan using the priority download distribution band does not use the band, and there is a reserved distribution plan using the reserved download distribution band, the reservation distribution plan is used as necessary. 18. The content reservation delivery method according to claim 17, wherein a part of the content is downloaded using the priority download delivery band. A content delivery server for delivering content in response to content delivery requests from a plurality of terminals,
Band distribution management means for distributing and managing the content distribution band of the server according to a predetermined band distribution algorithm and distributing it to the reserved download distribution band and the download distribution band as needed;
If the date and time when the content distribution request is received from the terminal is earlier than the distribution start permission date and time when the content distribution is permitted to start, a part or all of the band allocated as the reserved download distribution band Distribution plan means for planning a download start date and time after the distribution start permission date so that the content can be downloaded and distributed to the terminal using
A content reservation distribution server, wherein a reservation download instruction for starting download based on the distribution plan established by the distribution plan means is returned to the terminal.   The reservation download instruction includes information on a download start permission date and time at which the terminal may start download, and returns the reservation download instruction to the terminal before the download start permission date and time. 21. The content reservation distribution server according to claim 20, wherein   21. The content reservation distribution server according to claim 20, wherein the reservation download instruction is returned to the terminal after a download start permission date and time at which the terminal may start downloading.   The content reservation distribution server according to claim 21, wherein when receiving the content distribution request from the terminal, the terminal notifies the terminal of the download start date and time planned for the terminal. When the date and time when the content distribution request is received from the terminal is after the distribution start permission date and time, it comprises an occasional download permission determination means for determining whether or not to perform distribution within the distribution band for download at any time. ,
If the determination result of the occasional download permission determination means is NO, download starts so that the content can be downloaded and distributed to the terminal using a part or all of the band allocated as the reserved download distribution band 24. The content reservation distribution server according to claim 20, 21, 22, or 23, wherein the date and time is planned and the reservation download instruction is returned to the terminal.   A bandwidth allocation formulating unit that plans a bandwidth allocation based on a prediction of network traffic and / or load of the content server, and determining the bandwidth allocation algorithm based on a calculation result of the bandwidth allocation formulating unit. The content reservation delivery server according to claim 20.   As the bandwidth allocation algorithm, the time for which the network traffic and / or the load on the server is expected to be light is at least distributed for the reservation download from the time zone where the network traffic and / or the load on the server is predicted to be heavy. 21. The content reservation distribution server according to claim 20, wherein a bandwidth is largely allocated.   As the bandwidth allocation algorithm, the time period in which the network traffic and / or the load on the server is expected to increase is at least the time for the reservation download distribution from the time zone in which the network traffic and / or the load on the server is expected to be light. 21. The content reservation distribution server according to claim 20, wherein a bandwidth is allocated to be small or distribution of the reservation download distribution bandwidth is eliminated.   As the bandwidth allocation algorithm, the total traffic amount required from the terminal group is predicted based on the distribution start permission date and time of each content and the demand prediction of each content, and the amount of the total traffic is calculated based on the prediction. 21. The content reservation distribution server according to claim 20, wherein the distribution band for reservation download corresponding to is distributed.   As the bandwidth allocation algorithm, at least a certain period of time after the distribution permission date and time for the specific content that the content distribution requests are predicted to be concentrated from a large number of the terminals is more than when the content distribution requests are not concentrated. The content reservation distribution server according to claim 20, wherein a distribution band for download is largely allocated.   21. The content reservation distribution server according to claim 20, wherein, as the band distribution algorithm, rescheduling is performed to redistribute the reservation download distribution band largely when a large number of content distribution requests are concentrated or accumulated. .   When it is determined that the reserved download based on the distribution request received by the server can be covered by a band smaller than the distribution band for reserved download allocated in advance as the band allocation algorithm, the distribution band for reserved download is allocated small 21. The content reservation distribution server according to claim 20, wherein re-scheduling is performed.   As the bandwidth allocation algorithm, when it is determined that the download start date and time of the reserved download is delayed when planned based on the previously distributed reserved download bandwidth, rescheduling is performed to reallocate the reserved download bandwidth largely. 21. The content reservation distribution server according to claim 20, wherein:   If the reserved distribution plan using the reserved download distribution band does not use the band, the download start date and time planned for the terminal is re-planned within a range after the distribution start permission date and time, and the terminal 21. The content reservation distribution server according to claim 20, wherein the plan is returned again.   When the reserved distribution plan using the reserved download distribution band does not use the band, the download start date and time planned for the terminal is re-planned earlier within the range after the distribution start permission date and time. The content reservation delivery server according to claim 21.   21. The content according to claim 20, wherein when the reserved distribution plan using the reserved download distribution band does not use up the band, the band that has not been used up is used as the download distribution band as needed. Reservation delivery server.   The bandwidth distribution management means further distributes a priority download distribution band, which is a priority download band, in addition to the distributed reservation download distribution band, and the date and time when the server receives the content distribution request from the terminal. However, even after the distribution start permission date and time, if the server determines that distribution is not performed within the download distribution band as needed, part or all of the band allocated as the priority download distribution band 21. The content reservation distribution server according to claim 20, wherein a download start date and time is planned so that the content can be downloaded and distributed to the terminal by using, and the reservation download instruction is returned to the terminal.   37. The content according to claim 36, wherein when the priority distribution plan using the priority download distribution band does not use up the band, a part of the band not used up is used as the download distribution band as needed. Reservation delivery server.   If the priority distribution plan using the priority download distribution band does not use the band, and there is a reserved distribution plan using the reserved download distribution band, the reservation distribution plan is used as necessary. 37. The content reservation distribution server according to claim 36, wherein a part of the content download distribution is performed using the priority download distribution band. A program for causing a computer to execute a content distribution method in which a content server distributes content in response to content distribution requests from a plurality of terminals according to the content reservation distribution method according to claim 1.
The content server distributes and manages the content distribution band of the server according to a predetermined band allocation algorithm and distributes it to a reserved download distribution band and an occasional download distribution band;
When the date and time when the content server receives the content distribution request from the terminal is earlier than the distribution start permission date and time when the content distribution is permitted to start, the bandwidth allocated as the reserved download distribution bandwidth Planning a download start date and time after the distribution start permission date so that the content can be downloaded and distributed to the terminal using a part or all of the content, and returning a reservation download instruction to start the download to the terminal. A program to be executed by a computer.   40. A recording medium on which the program according to claim 39 is recorded, wherein the recording medium can be processed by a computer.

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