JP2010211728A - Content distribution system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a content distribution system for improving the degree of satisfaction of viewers. <P>SOLUTION: In the content distribution system, general users request events desired to be viewed to a Web server 9. The Web server 9 totals the requests to disclose the result on a Web page. Other general users who have browsed this Web page also request similarly to reflect the totalization one by one to the Web page. Enterprises who have browsed this Web page present business prices according to the determination based on the index such as the number of requests and their own business power to be awarded with a contract, in an auction manner, of the right of content distribution. Like this, the content distribution system separates between the enterprises and a broadcasting station, satisfies the needs of the viewers and enhances the incentives for the enterprises. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a content distribution system that distributes video content to an unspecified number of viewers via, for example, an IP (Internet Protocol) network.

  A system for distributing video content via an IP network such as the Internet is known. The capacity of the line connecting the broadcasting station and each user is increasing year by year, and the quality is also increasing. Furthermore, with the construction of a new mobile broadband line such as WiMAX (worldwide interoperability for microwave access), a ground for providing a new form of service has been created.

  Typical broadcast contents include event broadcasts such as concerts or sports broadcasts. At present, television stations select these contents based on their own standards, so it is difficult to say that individual viewers can deliver the contents that they really want. In other words, traditional selection criteria that rely on audience ratings tend to be uniform content, and there is an aspect that has to be focused on relatively high-profile events such as baseball and soccer. It is done.

  In recent years, it has become possible to view content from a video distribution site on the Internet. However, even with this type of technology, it is not possible to watch sports broadcasts and event broadcasts that ordinary viewers really want to see. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for creating a digest video reflecting viewer's preference. However, even the technique described in this document has a limit to the degree of reflecting the viewer's preference. In the first place, it is not possible to encourage relay operators to motivate various content production.

JP 2004-112110 A

As described above, most of the sports broadcasts and event relays are only unilaterally selected and broadcasted by the television station, and the relays that general users want to see individually are greatly restricted. Since the number of broadcasters is limited, and all of them must be inspired by the broadcasting station, it is even more difficult to relay low-profile events. In addition, content broadcasters have to choose announcers, photographers, commentators, etc. from television stations, and it cannot be said that there is a real competition. Therefore, the viewer may feel dissatisfied with the skill improvement of the broadcaster and may not be able to enjoy the distributed content sincerely.
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a content distribution system that can satisfy the viewer.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, in a content distribution system that distributes content via a network, a collection unit that collects a request for an event requesting distribution from a plurality of users via the network A list generation unit that aggregates the collected requests for each event to generate a list, a publication unit that publishes the list on a site of the network for a certain period, and a plurality of contents for each content included in the list Content that is included in the list under predetermined conditions for accepting means for accepting the intention of delivery from the subject person via the site and the right holder to whom the intention is given from the subject person Selecting means for each and a notifying means for notifying the right holder who has obtained the distribution right to that effect Content distribution system characterized by comprising is provided.

  In the above configuration, the subject means a subject capable of distributing content. For example, it is mainly event organizers and content distribution business operators, etc., but not limited to this, such as content broadcasters, event leaders, players, or general users with content creation means Included in the subject. In recent years, the content creation environment has been enhanced and the cost has been reduced, so it is quite possible for a general user to create content that can withstand viewing.

  By taking the above-described means, requests for content to be viewed are collected directly from general viewers (users) via the network, and as a result, a list compiled as a list is published on a website, for example. Each business operator can browse the list, present a price according to the business strength of each business, and make a successful bid for distribution rights in an auction format, for example.

  Because of this structure, many actors (including business operators) can participate freely in a business that allows users to view content such as sports broadcasts and event broadcasts via the network. become. The user can notify the subject of the content he desires in the form of a request, and the options for what he / she wants to watch can be dramatically increased. Therefore, it is possible to realize a system that is advantageous not only for general viewers but also for those who intend to participate in the content distribution business.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a content distribution system that can satisfy the viewer.

The system diagram which shows the outline | summary of the content delivery system concerning this invention. The functional block diagram which shows embodiment of the Web server 9 of FIG. The figure which shows an example of the web page published by the web server. The sequence diagram which shows an example of the flow of a process in the content delivery system of FIG. The system figure which shows the outline | summary of the existing television broadcasting system for a comparison.

  FIG. 1 is a system diagram showing an outline of a content distribution system according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, the pattern of the event venue 1 where a sports game or the like is held is photographed by a photographer 2 and edited by an editorial office 4 in addition to the voices of an announcer, a commentator 3 and the like. Created. This content is immediately distributed from the WiMAX base station 5 or the like to the general users 8-1 to 8-n via the IP network 7 directly.

  That is, content can be poured into the IP network 7 from the event site via WiMAX or the like. The distributed content may be temporarily recorded in the content server 6 and distributed on demand in response to a request from a general user. The general users 8-1 to 8-n view content from their own TV terminals or personal computer terminals. In this embodiment, “delivery” and “relay” are used almost synonymously. More specifically, “relay” is more immediate, whereas “delivery” is used as a word having an on-demand element. .

  Incidentally, the system of FIG. 1 includes a Web server 9 connected to the IP network 7. In this embodiment, various processes are performed with the Web server 9 as a core. The Web server 9 may be managed by a relay operator who undertakes a content distribution business, a broadcasting station, or an operating company responsible for management work, or may be managed by a business entity independent of these.

  FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an embodiment of the Web server 9 of FIG. The Web server 9 has a function as a so-called Web site, and includes an interface unit 91 connected to the IP network 7, a control unit 92 having a calculation processing function by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and a storage unit 93 such as a large-capacity memory. With.

The control unit 92 includes a collection processing unit 92a, a page creation unit 92b, a page disclosure unit 92c, an auction function unit 92d, a ranking processing unit 92e, and a billing processing unit 92f as processing functions related to this embodiment. .
The collection processing unit 92a collects events that the general users 8-1 to 8-n respectively request for distribution in the form of event requests. That is, the terminals of the general users 8-1 to 8-n have a function of accessing the Web server 9 via the IP network 7, and send a request to the Web server 9 in the form of text data or Web voting. The collection processing unit 92a collects this request from a plurality of users via the IP network. In addition, the collection processing unit 92a collects evaluations on the distributed content via the IP network 7 in the form of Web voting, for example.

  The page creation unit 92b aggregates and collects the collected requests for each event, and creates a Web page as shown in FIG. The web page source code data is stored in the storage unit 92 as web page source data 93a. This web page is published on the IP network 7 for a certain period by the page publication unit 92c. Not only the general users 8-1 to 8-n, but also all of content distributors and other providers can access this Web page.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a Web page published by the Web server 9. This Web page is released over, for example, the event entry period. In FIG. 3, for each scheduled event (October 10 in FIG. 3), the program code, start time, completion time, event name, location, number of requests from general users, and the number of relay operators A list of candidates is displayed.

  In other words, the page creation unit 92b attaches a program code to each event based on the requests collected from the general users 8-1 to 8-n, totals the number of event requests, the candidates for the relay operator, and summarizes them in a table. It has a function of creating Web page source data 93a. Users and businesses who have referred to the Web page can know the registration status of the requested event and the status of the request.

  The ranks of candidate relay operators in FIG. 3 are, for example, the order in which the points from the general users obtained from past relay results are counted as points. The distribution right of content can be given according to the order. Further, this order can be determined at the point in time when the business operator indicates the intention to desire content distribution, and is immediately reflected in the display content of the Web page.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the auction function unit 92 d accepts distribution intention indications from a plurality of business operators for each program content shown on the Web page of FIG. 3 via the Web site. The auction function unit 92d selects one business operator based on conditions accompanying the intention display, for example, a price for acquiring a distribution right. That is, the auction function unit 92d sets a distribution right in association with the program code, and accepts a bid from each business operator for the distribution right in an auction format.

  The distribution right is awarded to the business operator who presented the lowest price during the entry period. When the successful bidder is determined after the entry period, the successful bidder is notified accordingly. The notification may be made public on the website, or only the successful bidder may be notified by a confidential message.

The ranking processing unit 92e statistically processes the evaluation of the distribution content collected by the collection processing unit 92a, and ranks the operators based on the result. The ranking result is published on, for example, the Web page in FIG. That is, the order in which company names (company A, company B,...) Shown as relay company candidates are arranged corresponds to ranking. For example, it is only necessary to show the rank such that the business operator located on the leftmost side has the highest rank, and the rank decreases as it goes to the right.
The billing processing unit 92f performs billing processing for the user who has viewed the content. Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a processing flow in the content distribution system of FIG. FIG. 4 is related to the content distribution business in which the lead player and athlete 11, the organizer 12 who plans each event, the relay company 13 that produces the content, the content distribution business operating company 14, and the general user 15 are involved. It shows an example of a business flow.

  In FIG. 4, the event organizer 12 works with performers, athletes 11 and the like to plan an event. This action may be directly opposed, or may be exchange of messages via the IP network 7 (reference numerals 16-1 and 16-2). When an event is planned, the operating company 14 is notified by an event PR update message 17-1. The management company 14 registers that the planned event is to be performed in the Web server 9, and the contents are immediately reflected on the Web page (FIG. 3).

  On the other hand, the general user 15 notifies the operating company 14 of requests for events and programs that the user wants to broadcast by event requests 18-1 to 18-m. The total result of the request is registered on the website and published on the web page. A general user who browses this Web page can increase the needs (popularity) for the event by raising an event request in the same manner if the event content to which he / she agrees is displayed.

While monitoring the degree of popularity (popularity) for these events (19-1, 19-2), some event organizers plan events in accordance with requests from general users. The contents of the plan are similarly registered on the website as an event PR (17-2).
Such a procedure is performed until a certain period before an event is actually performed, and it becomes possible for both users and vendors to confirm the degree of popularity for the event. Next, a bid is made to select a relay operator that relays the event.

  There are various ways to bid. For example, as described above, a bid price may be used as an amount for subcontracting work, and a distributor who presents the lowest price may be allowed to make a successful bid for distribution rights. Alternatively, evaluations from general users obtained from past relay results may be statistically processed and converted into points, and event distribution rights may be given in descending order of the accumulated point count value.

  When bidding is started in FIG. 4, a trader who wishes to relay an event displays his intention by bidding (20-1, 20-2), and the ranking is published on the website (21-1, 21-2). . The criteria for the ranking of a business operator is a bidding price or an evaluation point. When the bidding period expires, the bidding ends, and the operating company 14 can monitor the Web page to know which relay operator has obtained the event distribution right. The business operator who has obtained the distribution right is notified by the selection result notification message 22.

  The relay operator 13 who has obtained the distribution right to relay the content when the selection of the trader is completed, the announcer, the commentator, the background of the event, the performer information, the background survey of athletes, and the relay before the event Various preparations such as camera work will be prepared to prepare for actual event relay.

  When the event is held, the broadcast content 23 is distributed to the general user 15 via the IP network 7. The form is basically live broadcast, but it may be on-demand distribution via the content server 6. That is, the general user 15 can not only view the content on the live broadcast 24, but also view the content at any time from the content server 6 (FIG. 1).

  The operating company 14 grasps the number of viewers for each content. Specifically, the general user 15 registers in the system in advance, and the operating company 14 knows from what time to what time of the content broadcast time based on the login time and the like. As a result, it is possible to calculate an index indicating whether the user is bored on the way, and this is reflected in the points of the operator.

  Moreover, it can also be used as one of evaluation data for the relay operator 13 by comparing the prior popularity of the event with the actual number of viewers. For example, if the number of viewers is small even though the previous reputation is high, there is a possibility that the general user 15 gets bored on the way, and there is a problem in the problem of the event itself or the skill of the relay operator 13. In such a case, it is possible to consider such as lowering the evaluation point of the operator who has contracted the distribution of the content, and increasing the point in the opposite case.

  The user who has viewed the content is charged in the form of pay-per-use, for example, every time a live broadcast of live content or every time of a recording relay (25, 27-1, 27-2). The fee collected from the user is collected once by the operating company 14, the content fee 28 is paid to the relay operator 13, the event fee 29 is paid to the event organizer, and the appearance fee is paid to the performer and the player 11 in the form of a reward 30. . That is, based on the result of counting the number of viewers after the end of the event, the operating company 14 pays the content fee 28 to the relay operator 13, and the relay operator 13 sends the event organizer 12 a part of the cost as an event fee 29. Pay. Furthermore, the event organizer 12 pays a performance fee and a reward 30 to performers, athletes, etc. from an amount combined with an admission fee by an attendee other than this broadcast. In this way, a reward corresponding to the provided service is distributed to each person.

  In addition, as a cost for the above business operation, a method of collecting a viewing amount from the general user 15 as a viewing fee via the IP network 7 or a method of paying with an advertising fee from a general company is conceivable. . When collecting as a viewing fee from the general user 15, consideration may be required such as charging only when viewing for a certain period of time from the viewing start time.

  FIG. 5 is a system diagram showing an outline of an existing television broadcasting system for comparison. In FIG. 5, the pattern of the event 1 photographed by the cameraman 2 is edited at the editing station 4 in addition to the voices of the announcer, the commentator 3, etc., and broadcast contents are created. This broadcast content is broadcast from the broadcast material transmission vehicle (SNG) 29 to the end users 32-1 and 32-2 to 32-n via the communication satellite 30 and the broadcast station 31. Since it is such a form, there is no room to reflect a general user's request.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, many general users who have personally registered information including fee payment information in advance via the IP network 7 make requests for viewing of planned sports broadcasts and event relays to the business operators. It becomes possible to notify. Requests are aggregated on the system side and published on a web page. Furthermore, since the request to the relay operator can also be notified, the improvement of the skill by the relay operator's own efforts can be expected.

  The broadcaster can determine which sports broadcasts and event relays are common, or whether the content they are good at is requested, and can apply for auction-type bidding. At the time of bidding, the rank order of the comprehensive relay operator is clearly indicated by the relay operator request from the general user and the past relay results, and it is possible to select which event is relayed from the higher-ranking operator. The relay operator who has acquired the right to distribute content prepares for the relay at the event venue, prepares the announcer and commentator, and prepares seven IP network lines, and relays the content live. The content is recorded in the content server 6 and can be distributed on demand.

  Furthermore, since the evaluation of the relay operator is statistically converted into points based on the information collected from the viewer and reflected on the Web page, it can be fed back to the rank at the time of the next bid. The viewer of the contents is electronically settled a fee according to the amount of viewing, and the fee is distributed to the system operating company 14, the relay operator 13, and the event organizer 12 to be revenue for each operator.

  In this way, the general user can make an event relay request that he / she wants to view, not an event unilaterally determined by the broadcasting station. In addition, the relay operator can be motivated to choose an advantageous event relay by raising the evaluation points, so it can be expected to improve the skills of the relay operation due to the competition principle between operators. In addition, sports and events that have been rarely broadcast until now can also be relayed, and various sports can be promoted. Furthermore, it is possible to increase the number of new occupations that deal with event relay work, and contribute to the promotion of employment in society.

  Also, both general users and business operators can know the results of request aggregation. The operator can expect a higher reward as the number of requests from general users increases, and the willingness to relay improves. Conversely, if the number of requests is small, the willingness to relay will decrease, and there is a possibility that relaying itself will not be performed. Furthermore, even if there are only a few requests from general users, there may be a case where the total cost satisfies the relay operator's willingness to implement by increasing the costs borne by the general users. As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to develop a flexible business in consideration of a case where an existing TV broadcast is performed.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, if a request is collected from a general user and there is a high need from a general user who agrees, the event can be viewed even if the event is relatively low-profile. In addition, it is possible to reflect the intentions of general users more strongly to the relay operator, and an increase in the number of relay operators can be expected as requests from general users spread. This leads to an increase in the number of announcers and commentators who broadcast sports, for example, and it can be expected not only to create jobs but also to improve skills by expanding the base, so further improvement in the quality of broadcast content can be expected. Specifically, to foster announcers who are good at relaying for each sport type, or to develop excellent commentators from specific sports experiencers, and to contribute to the promotion of the sport itself Can do.

  Furthermore, taking sports broadcasts as an example, only popular sports such as baseball and soccer have been targeted for TV relays in the past, so it was not possible to raise the degree of attention to other sports. On the other hand, according to this embodiment, there is a request from a general user for a low-profile sport, and a general broadcaster responding to the request makes it possible for a general user to watch the sports broadcast at any time. The disparity of each type can be expected to be corrected.

  In summary, in this embodiment, the general user requests the Web server 9 for an event that the user wants to view. The Web server 9 totals the requests and publishes the results on the Web page. Other general users who have browsed this Web page also make requests in the same manner and reflect the totals on the Web page one after another. The business who browsed the web page presents the business price to the web server based on the judgment based on the index such as the number of requests and the business strength of the business, and makes a successful bid for the right of content distribution in an auction format. In this way, the operator and the broadcasting station can be separated to satisfy the needs of the viewer and improve the operator's motivation. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a content distribution system that can satisfy the viewer.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment as it is. For example, in the embodiment, broadcast content by live broadcast such as sports event relay is described as an example. Not only this, but also programs such as educational programs, dialogues, quiz programs, etc., so far only broadcast stations have organized, produced, and broadcasted TV broadcasts at the request of general users Is also possible.

  FIG. 4 shows a mode in which the event organizer 12 publicizes various events. Instead, for example, the relay operator 13 may be given the initiative of the event PR. In other words, the relay operator 13 can host an event completely independently, and it is sufficient to devise content that is likely to attract the viewer's interest and to plan it on a scale according to its own management strength. In the first place, as shown in FIG. 4, since the event request and the degree of popularity are also notified to the relay operator 13, the relay operator 13 can create attractive content by referring to this. it can.

  That is, not only the business form in which the operating company 14 mediates the relationship between supply and demand between the general user 15 and the event organizer 12 but also the relay operator 13 is given the right to select content. It is clear that this is desirable. It is beneficial not only for the general viewers to create a new culture, but also to be able to demonstrate their abilities in a content distribution business with a completely new relay operator participating in new concepts and thoughts. Is meaningful. Furthermore, not only the event organizer 12 and the relay operator 13 but also the main performer, the player 11 or the general user 11 can freely create original contents and publicize the contents freely through the Web server 9. Can be implemented. As described above, according to the above-described embodiment, not only the degree of satisfaction of the viewer is increased, but also the advantage that the threshold for distributing the content of the user can be lowered for an unspecified number of people.

  Furthermore, the present invention can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the spirit of the invention in the implementation stage. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Event venue, 2 ... Photographer, 3 ... Announcer, commentator, 4 ... Editorial office, 5 ... Base station for WiMAX, 6 ... Content server, 7 ... IP network, 8-1 to 8-n ... General user, 9 ... Web server, 91 ... Interface unit, 92 ... Control unit, 92a ... Collection processing unit, 92b ... Page creation unit, 92c ... Page disclosure unit, 92d ... Auction function unit, 92e ... Ranking processing unit, 92f ... Billing processing unit , 93: Storage unit, 93a ... Web page source data, 11 ... Leader, athlete, 12 ... Organizer, 13 ... Relay company, 14 ... Management company, 15 ... General user, 16-1, 16-2 ... Event planning message, 17-1, 17-2 ... event PR update message, 18-1 to 18-m ... event request, 19-1, 19-2 ... event message Est, popularity, 20-1, 20-2 ... bidding message, 21-1, 21-2 ... ranking message, 22 ... selection result notification message, 23 ... broadcast content, 24 ... live broadcast, 25, 27-1 , 27-2 ... billing information, 28 ... content fee, 29 ... event fee, 30 ... appearance fee, reward

Claims (5)

In a content distribution system that distributes content via a network,
A collection means for collecting a request for an event requesting distribution from a plurality of users via the network;
List generating means for generating a list by counting the collected requests for each event;
Publishing means for publishing the list on a site of the network over a period of time;
Accepting means for accepting, through the site, distribution intention indications from a plurality of subjects for each content included in the list;
A selection means for selecting a right holder to give a distribution right from among the subject persons who have indicated the intention, for each content included in the list under a predetermined condition;
A content distribution system comprising: notification means for notifying the right holder who has obtained the distribution right to that effect. The accepting means accepts the intention display at a bid price for the distribution right under an auction format,
The content distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit causes the subject who presented the lowest price to make a successful bid for the distribution right. The collection means collects evaluations of distributed content via the network,
And a ranking means for ranking the plurality of subjects based on a result of statistical processing of the collected evaluations,
The content distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the publishing unit publishes the ranking result to the site. The content distribution system according to claim 1, further comprising billing means for billing a user who has viewed the content. The content distribution system according to claim 1, further comprising a server that records the distributed content and distributes the content on demand in response to a request from a user.

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