JP2011118927A - Device, method and program for controlling content delivery - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To control delivery of content information based on a flexibly set threshold of available band. <P>SOLUTION: The content delivery control device controls whether to cause a content delivery server device for delivering content information in response to a content delivery request from an information terminal to deliver the content information or not. The control device stores a system common value that is a content-deliverable available band threshold and an available band value necessary for delivery of content information, stores a delivery guaranteed value of content information and a best effort value in redundancy of a network for each piece of threshold identification information, determines whether the available band value of requested content information is smaller than the best effort value when it is larger than the delivery guaranteed value corresponding to the content delivery request, and further determines whether to deliver the requested content information based on a redundant available band value that is a difference between the system common value and a total value of available bands in delivery and the available band of the requested content information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention distributes content information when a content distribution server device that distributes pre-stored content information in response to a content distribution request from an information terminal connected via a network receives the content distribution request. The present invention relates to a content distribution control device, a content distribution control method, and a content distribution control program for determining whether or not to perform.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, moving image information is distributed to information terminals such as PCs (personal computers), mobile phones, televisions, STBs (set top boxes) that receive digital broadcasts and analog broadcasts at once. As a platform for providing such a video distribution service, a distribution server device that distributes video content information, a storage device that stores video content information in advance, a distribution facility such as a network line that connects the distribution server device and the information terminal, There is provided a video distribution platform system that is provided to be shared and used by a plurality of video distribution services.

  Such a moving image distribution platform system is used with a contract for limiting the use band for each of a plurality of moving image distribution services due to the limitation of the bandwidth capacity of the network line and the processing capacity of the distribution server device. Therefore, in order to control distribution based on such a contract threshold, when the video distribution platform system receives a video distribution request from an information terminal, the video distribution platform system performs video distribution based on the contract status as described above. A moving image distribution control device is provided for determining whether or not to perform the operation. The moving image distribution control device performs control to reject distribution when the use band of the moving image distribution service used by the information terminal that is the request source of the moving image distribution request exceeds the contract value. By performing such control, any video distribution service is prevented from monopolizing the video distribution platform beyond the contract conditions (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2006-38955 A

  However, such contractual restrictions are set as a threshold value for a use band that guarantees distribution by the moving image distribution platform system regardless of the time or day of the week. Here, each video distribution service that uses the video distribution platform system, for example, distribution requests are concentrated in one of midnight, Saturday and Sunday, weekday daytime, etc., depending on the characteristics of the content to be distributed and the characteristics of customers, etc. The required bandwidth may vary depending on the time zone.

  Even in such a case, the provider of the moving image distribution service using the moving image distribution platform system needs to make a contract fee based on a threshold value that matches the load peak of the distribution capacity. This is because if the threshold value on the contract is set to the average value of distribution capacity, distribution is rejected at peak load. For this reason, there is a problem that the video distribution service provider secures the authority to use the distribution facility at the peak load time even during a time period when the distribution capacity is small, which is an excessive burden.

  In addition, the moving image distribution platform system has a problem that its distribution facility cannot be used effectively. This is because the video distribution platform system uses the contract threshold as a guarantee value, and therefore refuses distribution based on a certain guarantee value before reaching the distribution capability of the video distribution platform system. Such a trend is that the more video distribution services that use the video distribution platform system, and the more uneven the distribution peak of the video distribution service, the more distribution refusal is due to contractual guarantee values. The result is that the equipment is not used effectively.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and provides a content distribution control device that controls distribution based on a threshold of a usage band that is flexibly set in a content distribution platform system.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the present invention continuously stores content information stored in advance during a reproduction time of content information in response to a content distribution request from an information terminal connected via a network. When a content distribution server device to be distributed receives a content distribution request, the content distribution control device determines whether or not to distribute content information to the content distribution server device and controls distribution, and the content distribution server System common value storage means for storing a system common value that is a threshold of a usable bandwidth that can be distributed from a device, a usable bandwidth that is necessary for distributing content information in association with information indicating content information, and content information Used bandwidth storage means for storing the playback time of the content, and a content distribution server via the network The time value and the distribution of the content information are guaranteed by associating with the current value calculation means for calculating the total value of the use band of the content information being distributed by the device and the threshold identification information for identifying a predetermined threshold. A threshold storage unit that stores a delivery guarantee value that is a threshold of a use band and a best effort value that indicates a threshold of a use band that permits distribution of content information to an information terminal when there is surplus in the network; and a use band storage unit From the threshold storage means, the playback time corresponding to the threshold information included in the content distribution request is added, and the current time and the playback time are added to the current time. The minimum delivery guarantee that is the minimum value among the delivery guarantee value and the best effort value associated with the corresponding time zone And the minimum best effort value are read out, and when the use band value corresponding to the content information requested by the content distribution request is determined to be larger than the minimum distribution guarantee value, the use band value is less than the minimum best effort value. When the best effort value determining means for determining whether or not it is small and the best effort value determining means determine that the value of the use band corresponding to the content information requested by the content distribution request is smaller than the minimum best effort value, Calculates the surplus use band value that is the difference between the system common value and the sum of the use band calculated by the current value calculation means, and corresponds to the calculated surplus use band value and the content information requested by the content distribution request. Content distribution to determine whether or not to distribute content information based on the bandwidth used Determining means.

  In the present invention, the distribution guarantee value stored by the threshold storage means guarantees the number of simultaneous distributions of content information distributed by the content distribution server device and the number of simultaneous distribution capacities of content information distributed by the content distribution server device. The best effort value stored by the threshold value storage means is a threshold value that guarantees the number of simultaneous delivery of content information that permits delivery of content information and the number of simultaneous delivery capacity of content information when there is a surplus in the network. It is characterized by being.

  In addition, the present invention provides a content distribution server device that continuously distributes pre-stored content information during a content information reproduction time in response to a content distribution request from an information terminal connected via a network. A content distribution control method in which when a content distribution request is received, the content distribution control device determines whether or not the content distribution server device distributes content information and controls distribution, and the content distribution control device The system common value storage means stores a system common value that is a threshold value of a usable bandwidth that can be distributed from the content distribution server device, and the used bandwidth storage means associates the content with the information indicating the content information. A value that indicates the bandwidth required for distributing information and the playback time of content information A step of storing, a step of calculating a total value of a use band of content information being distributed by the content distribution server device via the network, and a threshold storage unit identifying a predetermined threshold value In association with threshold identification information to be performed, a time zone, a delivery guarantee value that is a threshold of a use band for guaranteeing distribution of content information, and a use band that permits distribution of content information to an information terminal when there is a surplus in the network A best effort value indicating a threshold value of the content, and a best effort value determination unit reads out a reproduction time corresponding to the content information requested by the content distribution request from the use band storage unit, and stores the content from the threshold storage unit. It corresponds to the threshold identification information included in the distribution request, and the current time and the playback time are set to the current time. Of the guaranteed delivery value and the best effort value associated with the corresponding time zone between the calculated times, the minimum delivery guaranteed value and the minimum best effort value, which are the minimum values, are read and requested by the content delivery request. Determining whether the value of the bandwidth used is smaller than the minimum best effort value when it is determined that the value of the bandwidth used corresponding to the content information is greater than the minimum delivery guarantee value; When it is determined by the best effort value determining means that the bandwidth value corresponding to the content information requested by the content distribution request is smaller than the minimum best effort value, the system common value and the current value calculating means are calculated. Calculating a surplus use band value that is a difference from the sum of the obtained use band, and calculating the surplus use band value and content And determining whether to distribute the content information based on the value of the bandwidth to be used corresponding to the content information requested by the distribution request.

  In addition, the present invention provides a content distribution server device that continuously distributes pre-stored content information during a content information reproduction time in response to a content distribution request from an information terminal connected via a network. When the content distribution request is received, the system common value storage means determines whether to distribute the content information to the content distribution server device and controls the distribution. A step of storing a system common value that is a threshold value of a usable bandwidth that can be distributed from the server device; and a usable bandwidth that is utilized by the utilized bandwidth storage means to distribute the content information in association with information indicating the content information. Storing a value indicating the reproduction time of the content information, and a current value calculating means A step of calculating a combined value of use bands of content information being distributed by the content distribution server device via the network, and a threshold storage unit in association with threshold identification information for identifying a predetermined threshold; And a guaranteed delivery value that is a threshold of a use band that guarantees distribution of content information, and a best effort value that indicates a threshold of a use band that permits distribution of content information to an information terminal when there is a surplus in the network A step and a best effort value determination unit read out the reproduction time corresponding to the content information requested by the content distribution request from the use band storage unit, and correspond to the threshold identification information included in the content distribution request from the threshold storage unit. And the corresponding time zone between the current time and the time obtained by adding the playback time to the current time. The minimum guaranteed delivery value and the minimum best effort value are read out from the assigned guaranteed delivery value and the best effort value, and the use bandwidth value corresponding to the content information requested by the content delivery request is minimized. When it is determined that the value is greater than the guaranteed delivery value, the step of determining whether or not the value of the used bandwidth is smaller than the minimum best effort value, and the content distribution determining means request the content distribution request by the best effort value determining means. When the value of the used bandwidth corresponding to the content information is determined to be smaller than the minimum best effort value, a remainder that is the difference between the system common value and the sum of the used bandwidth calculated by the current value calculating means Calculates the bandwidth usage value, the calculated surplus bandwidth value, and the content requested by the content distribution request And a step of determining whether or not to distribute the content information based on the value of the use band corresponding to the information.

  As described above, according to the present invention, since it is determined whether or not the content information is distributed based on a predetermined guaranteed value and a best effort value, a minimum guaranteed usage band, By setting the bandwidth to be used when there is a surplus in the distribution facility, it becomes possible to use the bandwidth according to the provision status of the content distribution service.

  In addition, according to the present invention, the guaranteed value and the best effort value can be set for each time zone, so that it is possible to determine whether or not the content distribution can be performed in accordance with the temporal variation of the content distribution service. Can do.

  Further, according to the present invention, since the threshold value of the bandwidth used is the number of simultaneous distributions of content information and the number of simultaneous distribution capacities, the server device has different types of simultaneous distribution numbers and distribution capacity numbers. Even when there is a limit value, it is possible to determine whether or not content distribution is possible by setting an appropriate threshold value for each.

  Further, according to the present invention, the content information is information that can continue to be distributed within a predetermined use band during a predetermined playback time, and the determination is made in consideration of the playback time. Even when content is distributed over a predetermined time period, it is possible to control whether or not content distribution can be performed so that content distribution exceeding a threshold value is not performed.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the content delivery platform by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of data memorize | stored in the separate contract value table by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a data item memorize | stored in the system common value table by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a data item memorize | stored in the content information table by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of data memorize | stored in the common present value table by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of data memorize | stored in the separate present value table by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the content delivery determination process by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the present value subtraction process by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a sequence diagram which shows the content delivery process by one Embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a content distribution platform 10 according to the present embodiment.
The content distribution platform 10 according to the present embodiment is connected to an information terminal 400 such as an information terminal 400-1, an information terminal 400-2,... A server device 200, a distribution line 210, a content distribution control device 100, and a storage device 300 such as a storage device 300-1, a storage device 300-2,. Here, N is an arbitrary number.

  Information terminals such as the information terminal 400-1, the information terminal 400-2,..., The information terminal 400-N are information terminals used by users, and perform information communication with other information devices via the network 500. It is possible. A plurality of information terminals may be connected to the network 500. Hereinafter, the information terminal 400 will be described when there is no need to identify an individual information terminal. Specifically, the information terminal 400 is applied to a computer device including an input unit, an output unit, a control unit, a calculation unit, and a storage unit such as a PC (personal computer), a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), and a mobile phone terminal. Is done. In the present embodiment, a display unit, an audio output unit, and the like are applied as the output unit. In the present embodiment, the information terminal 400 has an Internet browser function for accessing a website via the Internet.

  Further, the information terminal 400 receives information related to the content information distributed by the content distribution server device 200 from the content distribution control device 100, and transmits a content distribution request to the content distribution control device 100 in response thereto. At this time, the content distribution request transmitted by the information terminal 400 includes a user ID for identifying a user who uses the information terminal 400, a service type for identifying a service predetermined for the user who uses the information terminal 400, and requested content. One or a plurality of pieces of information such as a content ID for identifying information may be included.

  The network 500 is an information communication network that connects the information terminal 400 and the content distribution platform 10. The network 500 may be any communication network capable of transmitting and receiving information. In the present embodiment, the network 500 is an IP (Internet Protocol) network, and the Internet is assumed.

  The storage device 300, such as the storage device 300-1, the storage device 300-2,..., The storage device 300-N, is a content disk that stores content information. Hereinafter, when there is no particular need to identify the individual storage device 300, the storage device 300 will be described. In the present embodiment, description will be given assuming moving image information such as a movie as such content information.

  The content distribution server device 200 reads content information corresponding to the content distribution request transmitted from the information terminal 400 from the storage device 300 and distributes it to the information terminal 400 that is the request source. In the present embodiment, distribution is performed in which moving image information, which is content information, is continuously streamed and transmitted during the reproduction time according to the reproduction time. Although FIG. 1 illustrates one content distribution server device 200 as an example, a plurality of content distribution server devices 200 are prepared so as to increase capacity, load distribution, and improve safety. Also good.

  The distribution line 210 is a communication line that connects the content distribution server apparatus 200 and the network 500. The content information requested to be distributed from the information terminal 400 to the content distribution server device 200 is transmitted to the network 500 via the distribution line 210 and reaches the information terminal 400 via the network 500.

The content distribution control device 100 controls content distribution from the content distribution server device 200 to the information terminal 400, and includes a communication unit 110, a content distribution control unit 120, a determination unit 130, a storage unit 140, and a current value update unit. 150.
The communication unit 110 communicates with the information terminal 400 via the network 500 and performs information communication with the content distribution server device 200 and the storage device 300.
The content distribution control unit 120 performs control processing of each functional unit of the content distribution control device 100.

  The storage unit 140 is a storage unit that stores information necessary for content distribution control processing, and includes a system common value table, a content information table 142, a common current value table 143, an individual contract value table 144, and a contract information table. 146 and an individual current value table 147.

  The contract information table 146 stores information on users (users) of content distribution services provided by the content distribution server device 200. The contract information table 146 stores a service type (for example, any one of the A service, the B service, and the C service) that identifies the service contracted by the user in association with the user ID that identifies the user. . The contract information table 146 may further store information such as a password corresponding to the user ID and a contract period. Here, the user ID may be information (for example, an IP address) for identifying an information terminal used by a contracted user.

  In the individual contract value table 144, a threshold value of the bandwidth used by the distribution facility included in the content distribution platform 10 is stored for each service type provided by the content distribution server device 200. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in the individual contract value table 144. In the individual contract value table 144, the guaranteed number of simultaneous connections (CG1), the guaranteed value of simultaneous distribution capacity (CG2), the best effort value of simultaneous connections (CB1), and the simultaneous distribution capacity are associated with the service type. Information such as the best effort value (CB2), the day of the week, the start time, and the end time are stored. In this embodiment, the service type is used as the threshold identification information for identifying the threshold as described above.

The service type is information indicating the type of content distribution service using the content distribution server device 200.
The guaranteed value (CG1) of the number of simultaneous connections is a threshold value indicating the number of connections with the information terminal 400 with which the content distribution server device 200 can communicate. CG1 is a value as the number of connections guaranteed at least for each service type.
The guaranteed value (CG2) of the simultaneous distribution capacity is a threshold value indicating the capacity of content information that can be distributed by the content distribution server apparatus 200. CG2 is a capacity value guaranteed at least for each service type.

The best effort value (CB1) of the number of simultaneous connections is a best effort value for CG1, and a threshold indicating the number of connections with the information terminal 400 with which the content distribution server device 200 can communicate when there is a surplus in the distribution facility It is. A value larger than CG1 is set in CB1.
The best effort value (CB2) of the simultaneous delivery capacity is a best effort value for CG2, and is a threshold indicating the capacity of content information that can be delivered by the content delivery server device 200. A value larger than CG2 is set in CB2.

The day of the week, the start time, and the end time indicate time zones in which the corresponding threshold values are valid. As the day of the week, any day of the week is stored. In the present embodiment, the start time and the end time are set to values divided every hour.
Each item stored in the individual contract value table 144 is determined based on a contract between an operator who operates the content distribution service using the content distribution server device 200 and the provider of the content distribution platform 10. Values are stored in advance.

  The system common value table 141 stores a threshold value of a use band of distribution facilities that can be provided as the content distribution platform 10. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of data items stored in the system common value table 141. The system common value table 141 includes a threshold for the number of simultaneous connections of the content distribution server device 200 (S1), a threshold for the simultaneous distribution capacity of the content distribution server device 200 (S2), and a threshold for the simultaneous distribution capacity of the distribution line 210 (S3). Have items.

The threshold value (S1) of the number of simultaneous connections of the content distribution server device 200 is a threshold value indicating the total value of the number of connections with the information terminal 400 with which all the content distribution server devices 200 included in the content distribution platform 10 can communicate. It is. The unit is “book”.
The threshold value (S2) of the simultaneous distribution capacity of the content distribution server device 200 is a threshold value indicating the total value of the capacity of content information that can be distributed by all the content distribution server devices 200 included in the content distribution platform 10. The unit is “bps”.
The threshold (S3) of the simultaneous distribution capacity of the distribution line 210 is a threshold indicating the capacity of content information that can be relayed from the content distribution server apparatus 200 to the network 500 by the distribution line 210. The unit is “bps”.

  The content distribution platform 10 determines each distribution facility based on the value of the total sum of the used bandwidths of all the guaranteed time values of all the content distribution services stored in the individual contract value table 144. Is constructed. Here, it is desirable that each distribution facility is constructed assuming a use band in which a sum of guaranteed values of the content distribution service has a margin. In the system common value table 141, a threshold value of a use band of each distribution facility of the content distribution platform 10 constructed in this way is stored in advance.

  The content information table 142 stores metadata of each content information stored in the storage device 300. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of data items stored in the content information table 142. The content information table 142 has items such as a usage band (hereinafter also referred to as R) and a reproduction time in association with the content ID.

  The content ID is information for identifying content information stored in the storage device 300. The usage band is information indicating the usage band of the content information indicated by the corresponding content ID. The use band is represented by a value such as 10 Mbps, for example. The reproduction time is information indicating the reproduction time of the content information indicated by the corresponding content ID. In the present embodiment, the content information is movie information, and the reproduction time is represented by a value such as 120 minutes.

  For example, the storage device 300 distributes a data file such as an XML (Extensible Markup Language) file including metadata of the content information stored in the content information table 142. The content distribution control apparatus 100 may acquire this. Further, in this embodiment, content information is taken in the content delivery control device 100 in advance, but when a content delivery request from the information terminal 400 is received, the storage device 300 is inquired about metadata of the content information. You may do it.

  In the common current value table 143, information on the bandwidth used for the content information being distributed by the content distribution server device 200 included in the content distribution platform 10 is updated and stored in real time by the current value update unit 150 described later. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in the common current value table 143. The common current value table 143 includes the current value of the number of simultaneous connections of the content distribution server device 200 (S1 ′), the current value of the simultaneous distribution capacity of the content distribution server device 200 (S2 ′), and the current value of the simultaneous distribution capacity of the distribution line 210. It has an item of value (S3 ′).

In the individual current value table 147, information on the bandwidth used for the content information being distributed by the content distribution server device 200 included in the content distribution platform 10 is updated and stored in real time for each service type. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in the individual current value table 147. The individual current value table 147 is associated with the service type, the current value of the simultaneous connection number (CG1 ′), the current value of the simultaneous distribution capacity (CG2 ′), and the current value of the best effort value of the simultaneous connection number (CB1 ′). And the item of the current value (CB2 ′) of the best effort value of the simultaneous delivery capacity.
The data stored in the individual current value table 147 is updated and stored by the current value update unit 150 for each service type according to the distribution status of the content in accordance with the distribution permission and the distribution stop of the content information.

  When the communication unit 110 receives a content distribution request transmitted from the information terminal 400, the determination unit 130 reads the information of each table stored in the storage unit 140 and sends it to the information terminal 400 that is the request source of the content distribution request. Processing for determining whether or not to distribute the content is performed. The determination unit 130 includes a system common value determination unit 131, a guaranteed value determination unit 132, a best effort value determination unit 133, and a remainder determination unit 134. The determination unit 130 has a clock function for measuring time. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing content distribution determination processing performed by the determination unit 130. Hereinafter, the processing operation of the determination unit 130 will be described with reference to FIG.

  When communication unit 110 receives a content distribution request including a user ID and a content ID from information terminal 400 (step S101), system common value determination unit 131 of determination unit 130 is included in the received content distribution request. Information (R) indicating the bandwidth used for the content information corresponding to the content ID is read from the content information table 142. Further, the determination unit 130 reads the service type corresponding to the user ID included in the content distribution request from the individual contract value table 144. Further, the system common value determination unit 131 acquires the values of S1, S2, and S3 from the system common value table 141, and the values of S1 ′, S2 ′, and S3 ′ from the common current value table 143. By determining the true / false value, system common value determination processing is performed (step S201). Hereinafter, “A OR B” in the expression in the description of the present embodiment indicates a logical sum of the condition A and the condition B. “A = B” indicates that B is substituted for A. “If A, B” indicates that the calculation process B is performed when the condition A is true.

(S1 <S1 ′ + 1)
OR (S2 <S2 '+ R)
OR (S3 <S3 '+ R)

  If the determination result of the system common threshold determination process is true, the system common value determination unit 131 determines that the content distribution request has exceeded the limit value of the usable bandwidth that can be distributed by the distribution facility of the content distribution platform 10 (step S201). -YES), the determination part 130 outputs the determination result which shows that content distribution is refused (step S207). On the other hand, if the result of the system common value determination process in step S201 is false (NO in step S201), the guaranteed value determination unit 132 indicates that the content usage requested bandwidth is within the guaranteed value of the corresponding service. A guaranteed value determination process for determining whether or not there is is performed (step S202).

  In the guaranteed value determination process, the guaranteed value determination unit 132 reads information indicating the reproduction time of the content information corresponding to the content ID included in the received content distribution request from the content information table 142. Then, the guaranteed value determination unit 132 is the value of CG1 and CG2 associated with the service type corresponding to the user ID included in the content distribution request from the individual contract value table 144, and is reproduced at the current time and the current time. All the values of CG1 and CG2 corresponding to the time obtained by adding the time are read out, and the minimum values of CG1 and CG2 are detected as MCG1 and MCG2, respectively.

  Here, the process in which the guaranteed value determination unit 132 detects MCG1 and MCG2 will be described using the data in the individual contract value table 144 shown in FIG. 2 as an example. For example, when the content distribution control device 100 receives a content information distribution request including a user ID corresponding to the A service and a content information distribution request having a reproduction time of 120 minutes at 11:30, the reproduction time Is 120 minutes, it can be expected that the content reproduction will continue from 11:30 to 13:30. The determination unit 130 uses the guaranteed bandwidth stored in the individual contract value table 144 for the bandwidth used for reproducing the content, from 11:00 to 12:00, 12:00 to 13:00, 13 It is determined whether or not it is equal to or less than all guaranteed values with CG1 and CG2 in each time zone from 1:00 to 14:00. Therefore, the determination unit 130 detects CG1 and CG2 in the time zone indicating the minimum value among these time zones as MCG1 and MCG2, respectively. In this example, MCG1 is 20 and MCG2 is 100. And the guarantee value determination part 132 performs a guarantee value determination process by determining the truth value of the following formula.

(MCG1 <CG1 ′ + 1)
OR (MCG2 <CG2 '+ R)

  If the determination result of the guaranteed value determination process is false, the determining unit 130 determines that the received content distribution request is equal to or less than the guaranteed value of the use band of the distribution facility that is the contract value of the service (step S202—NO). ) And a determination result indicating that content distribution is permitted is output (step S205). On the other hand, if the determination result of the individual contract value determination process in step S202 is true (step S202—YES), the best effort value determination unit 133 determines that the content usage requested bandwidth is the best effort of the corresponding service. A best effort value determination process for determining whether or not the value is within the value is performed (step S203).

  In the best effort value determination process, as in the minimum value detection process in the guaranteed value determination process, the minimum values of the values of CB1 and CB2 during the playback time are detected as MCB1 and MCB2, respectively. MCB1 is 40 and MCB2 is 200 under the same conditions as described in the guarantee value determination process. And the best effort value determination part 133 performs a best effort value determination process by determining the truth value of the following formula | equation.

(MCB1 <CB1 ′ + 1)
OR (MCB2 <CB2 '+ R)

  If the determination result of the best effort value determination process is true, the determination unit 130 determines that the received content distribution request exceeds the best effort value of the distribution facility usage band, which is the contract value of the service (step S203— YES), a determination result indicating that content distribution is rejected is output (step S207). On the other hand, if the determination result of the best effort value determination process in step S203 is false (step S203—NO), the remainder determination unit 134 uses the content usage requested bandwidth for the content distribution platform 10. A surplus determination process for determining whether there is a surplus bandwidth is performed (step S204). The remainder determination process is performed by determining the true / false value of the following equation.

(S1- (S1 ′ + 1) <total value of (CG1-CG1 ′) of all services)
OR (S2- (S2 '+ R) <total value of (CG2-CG2') for all services)
OR (S3- (S3 '+ R) <total value of (CG2-CG2') for all services)

  That is, in the residue determination process, the residue determination unit 134 subtracts the system common current value from the system common threshold value to calculate the system residual bandwidth, and obtains the individual current value from the individual guaranteed value for all service types. The surplus bandwidth for each subtracted service is calculated and summed, and it is determined whether or not the sum of the surplus bandwidth for each service is larger than the surplus bandwidth of the system. If the determination result of the remainder determination process is true (step S204—YES), the determination unit 130 outputs a determination result indicating that content distribution is rejected (step S207). On the other hand, if the result of the remainder determination process in step S204 is false (step S204—NO), the determination unit 130 outputs a determination result indicating that content distribution is permitted (step S205).

  Further, when the determination unit 130 outputs a determination result permitting content distribution in step S205, the current value update unit 150 described later uses the respective usage values stored in the common current value table 143 and the individual current value table 147. A current value addition process is performed in which information indicating the current value of the band is added and stored with the use band of the content information to be distributed. The current value update unit 150 performs the following processes in the current value addition process.

S1 ′ = S1 ′ + 1
S2 ′ = S2 ′ + R
S3 ′ = S3 ′ + R
if CG1 ′ <CG1, CG1 ′ = CG1 ′ + 1
if CG2 ′ <CG2, CG2 ′ = CG2 ′ + R
CB1 ′ = CB1 ′ + 1
CB2 '= CB2' + R

  The current value update unit 150 updates the information stored in the common current value table 143 and the individual current value table 147 of the storage unit 140 based on the content distribution request and the content distribution stop request received from the information terminal 400. Remember. In addition to the above-described current value addition processing, the current value update unit 150 receives a content distribution stop request from the information terminal 400 as shown in FIG. 8 (step S801), and the common current value table 143 and the individual current value table Current value subtraction processing for subtracting and storing the use band of the content information whose distribution is to be stopped is performed on the information indicating the current value of each use band stored in 147 (step S1201). The current value update unit 150 performs the following processes in the current value subtraction process.

S1 '= S1'-1
S2 '= S2'-R
S3 '= S3'-R
if CG1 '<= CG1, CG1' = CG1'-1
if CG2 '<= CG2, CG2' = CG2'-R
CB1 '= CB1'-1
CB2 '= CB2'-R

  In the present embodiment, the storage device 300 is a plurality of storage devices 300-1, storage devices 300-2, etc., but it is not necessary to be physically separate devices. The content information may be stored in a storage unit included in the content distribution server device 200, or the content information may be stored in a storage unit included in the content distribution control device 100.

  In the present embodiment, in the individual contract value table 144 of the storage unit 140, the time zone is set in association with the day of the week, but it may be associated with items such as date and year. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 2 according to the present embodiment, the time zone is divided every hour and each threshold value is set. However, the time zone for dividing the threshold value may be a unit of 30 minutes or a unit of 2 hours. The time distribution may be irregular, and may be freely determined by a contract between the content distribution service operator and the content distribution platform 10 provider. Here, a plurality of services may be set to be divided into different time zones.

  In the best effort value determination process performed by the best effort value determination unit 133 in the above-described step S203, in addition to the determination of MCB1 and MCB2, the following determination is performed so that a band used as the best effort value is not secured more than necessary. The expression may be further determined. That is, the system common threshold value is estimated to be low so that an actual bandwidth is given a margin. Here, N is a number from 0 to 1. Hereinafter, if the determination formula is true, the determination unit 130 outputs a determination result indicating that the distribution is rejected.

(S1 × N <S1 ′ + 1)
OR (S2 × N <S2 ′ + R)
OR (S3 × N <S3 ′ + R)

In the remainder determination process performed by the remainder determination unit 134 in the above-described step S204, it has been determined that the remainder determination process already performed for a content distribution request to another service is used within the range of the best effort value. The determination may be made in consideration of the bandwidth used.
Note that the functional units described in this embodiment do not need to be physically arranged as described above, and take into account the number of users of the service, the maintenance system of the service, the existing hardware resources of the administrator, and the like. And can be configured flexibly.

Next, an operation example of the content distribution platform 10 according to the present invention will be described.
FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation in which the content distribution platform 10 distributes content in accordance with information transmitted from the information terminal 400-1.
Here, the user who uses the information terminal 400-1 has subscribed to a video distribution service that provides video distribution from the content distribution server device 200 in advance, and a user ID and a password for using the video distribution service, etc. Account information is issued for each service type.

  For example, the content distribution server device 200 publishes a website as a portal site of the content distribution service via the network 500. The information terminal 400-1 accesses the content distribution portal site, and transmits account information of a user ID and a password input from the user to the content distribution server device 200.

  If the content distribution server device 200 determines that the account information transmitted from the information terminal 400-1 matches the account information stored in advance, the content distribution server device 200 permits the information terminal 400-1 to log in to the content distribution service site. Then, the content distribution server device 200 transmits to the information terminal 400-1 a content introduction web page including information related to a movie capable of distributing content and information such as a content ID indicating the content.

  The information terminal 400-1 displays the content introduction web page received from the content distribution server device 200 on the display unit. The information terminal 400-1 receives a user ID and a content ID corresponding to the selected content information when information on which any content information is selected from among the content introduction information displayed on the display unit is input by the user. The content distribution request including the information is transmitted to the content distribution control apparatus 100 (step S100).

  When the communication unit 110 of the content distribution control device 100 receives the content distribution request, the determination unit 130 performs the content distribution determination process described above (step S200). When the determination unit 130 outputs a determination result indicating that distribution is permitted in the content distribution determination process, the current value update unit 150 performs a current value update process for updating the current value information stored in the storage unit 140. (Step S300).

  Then, the content distribution control unit 120 transmits information indicating that distribution is permitted to the information terminal 400-1 via the communication unit 110 (step S400). Here, for example, the content distribution control unit 120 may transmit key information as distribution permission information. Then, the information terminal 400-1 sends the permitted content distribution request including the key information transmitted in step S400 to the content distribution server device 200 and the content ID indicating the content information requesting the distribution, to the content distribution server device. 200 (step S500).

  When the content distribution server device 200 analyzes the key information included in the received permitted content distribution request using a predetermined algorithm and determines that the key information is valid, the content distribution server device 200 stores the content information requested for distribution. Read from the device 300-1 (step S600). Then, the content distribution server device 200 establishes a connection with the information terminal 400-1 via the distribution line 210, and receives the content information read from the storage device 300-1 via the distribution line 210 as the information terminal 400-1. (Step S700). Here, the content information is moving image information, and the content distribution server device 200 receives the content information from the storage device 300-1 until the reproduction of the moving image is completed or a content distribution stop request is received from the information terminal 400-1. And the process of delivering to the information terminal 400-1 via the delivery line 210 is continued.

  The information terminal 400-1 displays the received content information on the display unit and outputs audio from the audio output unit. When information indicating a content distribution stop request is input, the information terminal 400-1 transmits the content distribution stop request information to the content distribution control device 100 (step S800). When the content distribution control device 100 transfers the content distribution stop request information to the content distribution server device 200, the content distribution server device 200 reads the content information from the storage device 300-1 and information via the distribution line 210. Information distribution processing to the terminal 400-1 is stopped (step S1000).

  When the content distribution server device 200 notifies the content distribution control device 100 that the content distribution stop processing has been completed (step S1100), the current value update unit 150 of the content distribution control device 100 performs the above-described current value subtraction processing. (Step S1200).

  In the present embodiment, the example in which the content distribution server device 200 distributes the content information to the information terminal 400 in a streaming manner has been described. However, the storage device 300 collects frames of moving image content information in one file every few seconds. The file may be stored and distributed in a flow in which the file is periodically acquired from the information terminal 400 to the content distribution server device 200. For example, in the case of moving image content information having frames 1 to 10, frames 1 to 5 are grouped in units of files such as file A1, frames 6 to 10 are files A2, and the like are stored in the storage device 300. The information is sequentially transmitted to the information terminal 400 in units. The information terminal 400 receives the moving image content information in file units, reads and stores the frames 1 to 5 from the received file A1, and then requests and receives the file A2.

  In this embodiment, in step S100, the information terminal 400-1 transmits a content distribution request including the user ID and the content ID to the content distribution control apparatus 100. However, the information terminal 400-1 May acquire information indicating the service type at the time of login to the content distribution server device 200 and transmit the service type. Thus, the content distribution request transmitted by the information terminal 400 includes threshold identification information that allows the content distribution control device 100 to specify the guaranteed value and the best effort value set for the service type corresponding to the content distribution request. That is, the content distribution request may include a service type, or the content distribution request may include a user ID so that the content distribution control apparatus 100 can identify the service type based on the user ID. Alternatively, the content distribution request may include a content ID so that the content distribution control device 100 can specify the service type based on the content ID. In order to specify the service type from the user ID or content ID, the content distribution control apparatus 100 may store information in which the user ID or content ID and the service type are associated in advance, or the user ID or content ID. Information indicating the service type may be included in a part of. To include information indicating the service type in a part of the user ID or the content ID is, for example, a predetermined number of characters in the character string information indicating the user ID or the content ID, and information that can identify the service type To do. Specifically, when the character string information of 12 characters indicating the content ID is used, the first 4 characters are used as the service type, and the remaining 8 characters are used as information for identifying the user or content corresponding to the service type. Can be considered. Alternatively, the user ID or content ID may be set as threshold identification information, and a threshold may be set for each user ID or each content ID instead of the service type.

  As described above, according to the present invention, two threshold values, a guaranteed value and a best effort value, can be set as contract threshold values. Specifically, for each service type, a guarantee value for the number of simultaneous connections (CG1), a guarantee value for the simultaneous delivery capacity (CG2), a best effort value for the number of simultaneous connections (CB1), and a best effort value for the simultaneous delivery capacity (CB2). ).

  Further, such a threshold value is provided for each time zone. Such time zones may be classified into large items such as morning and afternoon, or may be classified into small items such as minutes and hours, days of the week, and holidays. A guaranteed value, a best effort value, and a threshold value can be designated for each time zone classified in this way. Here, time is defined in advance as a minimum unit (1 hour, 4 hours, etc.) on the system, and all content distribution services are uniformly managed for each time zone of the minimum unit. When the system is constructed, the provider of the content distribution platform is such that the condition + α (the margin on the system) having the highest sum of the guaranteed values of all the services throughout the entire time zone becomes the threshold (S1, S2, S3). To construct.

When a content distribution control device receives a content distribution request from an information terminal, the content distribution control device determines each threshold value in a time zone necessary for distributing the content, and determines whether to permit or reject the content distribution I do.
Also, in the content distribution request, based on the scheduled reproduction time (scale of the moving image) of the content information, the determination unit 130 reads the moving image distribution time (start time (current time) from the individual contract value table 144 as described above. ) -Scheduled end time (current time + scheduled viewing time (moving image scale))), the minimum value (MCG1, MCG2, MCB1, MCB2) is obtained. This minimum value is for controlling in consideration of future guaranteed values and the like so that moving image distribution does not have a great influence over the future.

  Then, the content distribution control device (1) whether or not the system-common threshold values (S1, S2, S3) are exceeded (rejected when exceeded), (2) individual contract value data (MCG1, MCG2, CG1, CG2) (When exceeding, go to (3). If not exceeding, allow), (3) Whether exceeding individual contract value data (MCB1, MCB2, CB1, CB2) (reject when exceeding), It is determined whether or not content distribution is permitted.

  Further, as an optional function, threshold control may be performed so that excessive equipment is not delivered more than necessary by a best effort request. Specifically, a threshold value N (a number between 0 and 1) is provided to determine whether or not the threshold value of system common value data (S1, S2, S3) × N is exceeded, and system common value data If the threshold value (S1, S2, S3) × N is exceeded, the best effort request may be rejected. In this case, (4) if the number of surplus connections and surplus connection bandwidth of the current system common value exceed the unused portion of the guaranteed value, the surplus number of connections and connection bandwidth are within the best effort value. Share. Specifically, it is determined whether the value obtained by subtracting the common current value from the threshold value (S1, S2, S3) of the system common value data exceeds the total unused value of the guaranteed values of all services. (If it does not exceed it, it will be denied for each service to secure a guaranteed demand in the future, and if it exceeds, it will be allowed.)

  When content distribution is permitted, the value of the current value (S1 ′, S2 ′, CG1 ′, CG2 ′, CB1 ′, CB2 ′) of each usage band is added based on each parameter of the content being distributed. Conversely, when a distribution stop request is received, the current value is subtracted. As the current value of each service, a value corresponding to each of the guaranteed value and the best effort value is managed, and the guaranteed value is controlled so as not to be added beyond a threshold value.

  Further, in actual moving image distribution, since the reproduction time takes a long time, a plurality of threshold values classified by time zone may be crossed. In this case, when the requests are concentrated in a specific time zone and the reproduction is extended to the next time zone, the actual number of reproductions exceeds the guaranteed threshold value of the next time zone. Therefore, in order to charge the surplus as a surcharge, a mechanism for storing the number of views and the viewing capacity in each time zone may be prepared. When the specified value is exceeded, as in the case of an Internet line wholesale service, an excess fee is separately collected, and a system is built with a margin so that the guaranteed value will not be affected even if the overage occurs. In addition, when the content playback time often continues in a plurality of time zones, the service provider may be requested and obligated to increase the guaranteed value and the best effort value for the time zone. . In this way, by analyzing the viewing tendency of each service from the stored information, it is possible to consult the appropriate contract guarantee value and best effort value for each customer, and automatically set the threshold value of the video distribution service. It is possible to set.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to change the contract value of the content distribution depending on the time zone, and to set two values, a guaranteed value and a best effort value that can be effectively used at the time of surplus. Become.
According to this, flexible viewing control based on service characteristics (variation of load peak due to time zone and necessity of guarantee) becomes possible. Further, by reducing the content distribution rejection due to the contract value, the actual number of distributions in a system having the same distribution capability can be improved.

  In addition, the usage fee for content distribution can be changed according to the time zone and the degree of guarantee. For example, in a time zone with a high load peak, it is possible to set the guaranteed value to a charge that is a multiple of the best effort value, or to reduce the delivery unit price depending on the time zone and conditions. This not only increases the possibility of new content distribution services using cheap unit prices joining the platform, but for services with heavy load peaks, the guarantees are increased at peak times and other parts are guaranteed. It is possible to reduce the viewing cost as a whole by reducing the thickness.

  In addition, in video distribution, not only changes in content distribution depending on the time of day, but also cases where there is a content distribution request higher than expected due to new content distribution or campaigns, etc. By setting up a campaign, and specifying a large best effort value rather than a guaranteed value, it is possible to set up an event that effectively uses surplus equipment.

  The program for realizing the function of the processing unit in the present invention is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium is read into the computer system and executed to execute content distribution control. You may go. Here, the “computer system” includes an OS and hardware such as peripheral devices. The “computer system” includes a WWW system having a homepage providing environment (or display environment). The “computer-readable recording medium” refers to a portable medium such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, and a CD-ROM, and a storage device such as a hard disk built in the computer system. Further, the “computer-readable recording medium” refers to a volatile memory (RAM) in a computer system that becomes a server or a client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. In addition, those holding programs for a certain period of time are also included.

  The program may be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by a transmission wave in the transmission medium. Here, the “transmission medium” for transmitting the program refers to a medium having a function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line. The program may be for realizing a part of the functions described above. Furthermore, what can implement | achieve the function mentioned above in combination with the program already recorded on the computer system, and what is called a difference file (difference program) may be sufficient.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Content delivery platform 100 Content delivery control apparatus 110 Communication part 120 Content delivery control part 130 Judgment part 131 System common value judgment part 132 Guarantee value judgment part 133 Best effort value judgment part 134 Remainder judgment part 140 Storage part 141 System common value table 142 Content information table 143 Common current value table 144 Individual contract value table 146 Contract information table 147 Individual current value table 150 Current value update unit 200 Content distribution server device 210 Distribution line 300 Storage device 400 Information terminal 500 Network

Claims (4)

In response to a content distribution request from an information terminal connected via a network, a content distribution server device that continuously distributes pre-stored content information during the playback time of the content information, the content distribution request A content distribution control device that determines whether or not to distribute the content information to the content distribution server device and controls distribution,
A system common value storage means for storing a system common value that is a threshold value of a usable band in which content can be distributed from the content distribution server device;
A use band storage means for storing a use band necessary for distributing the content information and a reproduction time of the content information in association with the information indicating the content information;
A current value calculating means for calculating a total value of the used bandwidth of the content information being distributed by the content distribution server device via the network;
In association with threshold identification information for identifying a predetermined threshold, the information terminal when there is a surplus in the time zone, a delivery guarantee value that is a threshold of a use band that guarantees delivery of the content information, and the network Threshold storage means for storing a best effort value indicating a threshold value of a bandwidth used to permit distribution of the content information;
Read the playback time corresponding to the content information requested by the content distribution request from the usage band storage means, correspond to the threshold identification information included in the content distribution request from the threshold storage means, and The minimum delivery guarantee value which is the minimum value among the delivery guarantee value and the best effort value associated with the time zone corresponding to the current time and the time obtained by adding the playback time to the current time. And the minimum best effort value, and when it is determined that the use band value corresponding to the content information requested by the content distribution request is greater than the minimum distribution guarantee value, the use band value is A best effort value judging means for judging whether or not it is smaller than the minimum best effort value;
When the best effort value determination means determines that the value of the used bandwidth corresponding to the content information requested by the content distribution request is smaller than the minimum best effort value, the system common value and the current value calculation Calculating a surplus use band value which is a difference from the sum of the use band calculated by the means, and calculating the surplus use band value and the value of the use band corresponding to the content information requested by the content distribution request. Content distribution determination means for determining whether to distribute the content information based on
A content distribution control device comprising: The delivery guarantee value stored by the threshold storage unit guarantees the number of simultaneous delivery of the content information delivered by the content delivery server device and the number of simultaneous delivery capacities of the content information delivered by the content delivery server device. Threshold,
The best effort value stored by the threshold value storage means is a threshold value that guarantees the number of simultaneous distributions of content information that permits distribution of the content information and the number of simultaneous distribution capacities of the content information when there is surplus in the network. The content distribution control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: In response to a content distribution request from an information terminal connected via a network, a content distribution server device that continuously distributes pre-stored content information during the playback time of the content information, the content distribution request The content distribution control device determines whether or not the content distribution server device distributes the content information and controls distribution,
Of the content distribution control device
A system common value storage means for storing a system common value that is a threshold value of a usable bandwidth in which content can be distributed from the content distribution server device;
A step of storing a value indicating a use band required for distributing the content information and a reproduction time of the content information in association with information indicating the content information;
A present value calculating means calculating a combined value of a use band of the content information being distributed by the content distribution server device via the network;
The threshold storage means associates with threshold identification information for identifying a predetermined threshold, and there is a surplus in the time zone, a delivery guarantee value that is a threshold of a use band that guarantees delivery of the content information, and the network A step of storing a best effort value indicating a threshold value of a bandwidth to be used to permit distribution of the content information to the information terminal,
Best effort value determination means reads out the reproduction time corresponding to the content information requested by the content distribution request from the usage band storage means, and the threshold identification included in the content distribution request from the threshold storage means Corresponding to the information and the minimum of the delivery guarantee value and the best effort value associated with the time zone corresponding to the current time and the time obtained by adding the reproduction time to the current time. When the minimum delivery guarantee value and the minimum best effort value, which are values, are read and it is determined that the value of the use band corresponding to the content information requested by the content delivery request is greater than the minimum delivery guarantee value, Determining whether the value of the bandwidth used is less than the minimum best effort value;
When the content distribution determination unit determines that the value of the use band corresponding to the content information requested by the content distribution request is smaller than the minimum best effort value by the best effort value determination unit, the system Calculates a surplus use band value that is a difference between a common value and a sum of use bands calculated by the current value calculation means, and calculates the surplus use band value and content information requested by the content distribution request. Determining whether or not to distribute the content information based on the value of the bandwidth used corresponding to:
A content delivery control method comprising: In response to a content distribution request from an information terminal connected via a network, a content distribution server device that continuously distributes pre-stored content information during the playback time of the content information, the content distribution request To the computer as a content distribution control device that determines whether to distribute the content information to the content distribution server device and controls distribution,
A system common value storage means for storing a system common value that is a threshold value of a usable bandwidth in which content can be distributed from the content distribution server device;
A step of storing a value indicating a use band necessary for distributing the content information and a reproduction time of the content information in association with information indicating the content information;
A current value calculating means calculating a combined value of a use band of the content information being distributed by the content distribution server device via the network;
The threshold storage means associates with threshold identification information for identifying a predetermined threshold, and there is a surplus in the time zone, a delivery guarantee value that is a threshold of a use band that guarantees delivery of the content information, and the network A step of storing a best effort value indicating a threshold value of a bandwidth used for permitting the information terminal to distribute the content information,
Best effort value determination means reads out the reproduction time corresponding to the content information requested by the content distribution request from the usage band storage means, and the threshold identification included in the content distribution request from the threshold storage means Corresponding to the information and the minimum of the delivery guarantee value and the best effort value associated with the time zone corresponding to the current time and the time obtained by adding the reproduction time to the current time. When the minimum delivery guarantee value and the minimum best effort value, which are values, are read and it is determined that the value of the use band corresponding to the content information requested by the content delivery request is greater than the minimum delivery guarantee value, Determining whether the value of the bandwidth used is less than the minimum best effort value;
When the content distribution determination unit determines that the value of the use band corresponding to the content information requested by the content distribution request is smaller than the minimum best effort value by the best effort value determination unit, the system Calculates a surplus use band value that is a difference between a common value and a sum of use bands calculated by the current value calculation means, and calculates the surplus use band value and content information requested by the content distribution request. Determining whether or not to distribute the content information based on the value of the bandwidth used corresponding to:
A content distribution control program for executing

Images