JP3497370B2 - Transmitting device and transmitting method, and receiving device and receiving method - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

The present invention relates to a transmission apparatus and transmission method, and a receiving apparatus and a receiving method, in particular,
For example, when data is distributed to many databases in a distributed database, or when IP (Internet Pro
tocol) When delivering data by multicast,
Preferred transmission apparatus and transmission method using, for example, to distribute other data to an indefinite number, and to receiving apparatus and receiving method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Various methods have been proposed as data distribution methods. For example, on the current Internet, HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) is used.
TCP / IP (Transmission Control Prot)
A protocol based on ocol / Internet Protocol) is adopted. In TCP / IP, a receiving side receiving data distribution makes a call to the data transmitting side, and a connection is established between the transmitting side and the receiving side every time data is transmitted / received. Since it is established, highly reliable data distribution can be performed. However, on the other hand, the load on the transmission side and the network becomes large, and it may be difficult to perform efficient data distribution.

In other words, if the number of terminals receiving data is increased and the access to the server providing the data is concentrated, a great load is placed on the server and the network, and even if the data is requested, the data is not obtained. , It could take a lot of time.

Therefore, a method has been proposed in which data is distributed using, for example, a satellite line or a CATV network capable of simultaneous broadcasting over a wide area. In this case, the load on the server and the network is not affected by the increase in the number of terminals.

[0005]

By the way, when data is distributed using a satellite line or the like, on the receiving side, the desired data is transmitted in which channel (in the case of a satellite line, in which frequency band of which transponder. In addition, since it is not known when it will be broadcast, it is necessary to constantly monitor all channels, which increases the burden on the receiving side.

The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and is to enable efficient data distribution while suppressing an increase in the load on the receiving side.

[0007]

The transmitting apparatus of the present invention provides update data for updating when the content registered in the database is updated, the content being updated by the update data. Update data generating means for generating data to which identification information for identification is added, and acquisition data for obtaining the update data, the identification information of the content to be updated by the update data, and via the broadcast network Acquisition data generating means for generating data to which reception necessary information necessary for receiving the update data to be transmitted is added, and first transmitting means for transmitting the update data and the acquisition data via the broadcast network. And the same identification information as the identification information added to the update data is added to the acquired data. Acquired data is further provided with second transmitting means for transmitting the update data via the bidirectional network in response to a request for the update data transmitted via the bidirectional network capable of bidirectional communication. The generating means may include the required information required for requesting the update data in the acquired data via the bidirectional network. Update data is received and stored via a dedicated line, and the update data can be communicated in both directions.
Such when the information processing apparatus is present to transmit via a bidirectional network, obtaining data generating means, the request needed to request the update data to the information processing apparatus through a bidirectional <br/> network Necessary information can be included in the acquired data.

According to the transmission method of the present invention , when the content registered in the database is updated, it is update data for performing the update, and identification information for identifying the content updated by the update data. Is the acquisition data for generating the data to which is added and also for acquiring the update data, and is transmitted via the identification information of the content updated by the update data and the broadcast network.
Must be received to receive the update data
Generates data to which important information is added , updates data and
Acquire and transmit acquired data via the broadcast network
The data is the same as the identification information added to the update data.
It is characterized in that an identification number is added .

The receiving device of the present invention , when the content registered in the database is updated, is the acquisition data for acquiring the update data for performing the update, and the content updated by the update data is Identification information for identification and transmission via broadcast network
The necessary reception information necessary to receive the updated data
First receiving means for receiving a broadcast is additional data, based on the acquired data, obtaining means same identification information to obtain the updated data added with identification information added thereto, the update data And an updating unit for updating the content corresponding to the identification information added thereto. The acquisition method is the broadcast network.
Second to receive the update data sent through the network
The update data is sent to the required reception information
If the received transmission time is included, the second reception
If the communication means is not operational at the time of transmission
The second receiving means in an operable state.
You can While update data can be broadcast simultaneously
Is sent via the local broadcast network and
Both sides capable of two-way communication in response to new data request
Data transmitted through the network
However, the update data sent via the broadcast network
Including the necessary reception information necessary to receive the data,
Requesting updated data over a two-way network
When the required information required by
Via the broadcast network based on the required information received
Get or request update data that is sent over
Based on the required information, the update is performed via the two-way network.
Request new data and respond to the request by bidirectional network
I will get the update data sent via the work
You can Acquisition method is broadcast network
Or sent over any of the two-way networks
The update data support
Is updated, or updated data is sent via the two-way network.
You can choose based on how often it is sent.
Wear. The operation means to be operated when giving a predetermined input
Furthermore, the acquisition means is a broadcast network or both.
Sent through any of the
Based on the operation of the operation method, whether to acquire the update data
You can choose.

The receiving method according to the present invention is an acquisition data for acquiring update data for updating when the content registered in the database is updated. Identification information for identification and transmission via broadcast network
The necessary reception information necessary to receive the updated data
The information added with the information is received, and based on the obtained data, the update data with the same identification information as the identification information added thereto is obtained, and the identification information added to the update data is obtained. The content corresponding to is updated.

[0011]

[0012]

In the transmitting device and the transmitting method of the present invention , when the content registered in the database is updated, it is update data for performing the update, and the content updated by the update data is identified. Data to which update information is added is acquired, which is the acquisition data for acquiring the update data. The identification information and the broadcast information of the content updated by the update data are generated.
To receive update data sent via the network
The data with the necessary reception information necessary for is generated ,
Update data and acquired data are sent via the broadcast network.
And then sent. In addition, in the acquired data, the update data
The same identification information as the added identification information is added.

[0014]

In the receiving device and the receiving method of the present invention , when the content registered in the database is updated, it is the acquisition data for acquiring the update data for performing the update , and is updated by the update data. Identification information and broadcast
Receive update data sent over the network
Data with the necessary reception information necessary for
Then, based on the acquired data, update data having the same identification information as the identification information added thereto is obtained . Then, the update data, the content corresponding to the identification information added thereto is updated.

[0016]

[0017]

[0018]

[0019]

[0020]

[0021]

[0022]

[0023]

[0024]

[0025]

[0026]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG . 1 is a data distribution system to which the present invention is applied (in the present specification, a system means a logical assembly of a plurality of devices, and the devices of the respective configurations have the same housing. It does not matter whether it is in the body or not).

The information providers A to C have databases 1a to 1c in which various data are stored. The databases 1a to 1c include, for example, traffic information, weather information, stock price information, and other data that change in real time, data that does not change in real time, text data, image data, voice data, and a computer. It is made possible to store all kinds of programs and the like (including data in a format provided by pointcast and data constituting a home page provided by WWW (World Wide Web)). Here, for example, a group of information (for example, one file) such as traffic information and weather information will be referred to as contents or objects as appropriate.

When the objects (contents) stored in the databases 1a to 1c are updated, that is, the objects stored in the databases 1a to 1c are changed, or new objects are registered therein, or When the object stored therein is deleted, update object information for updating the object is transmitted to the server 2 constituting the broadcast station, and the server 2 stores the database 3 based on the update object information. Will be updated.

Here, as the update object information,
If the object is changed, for example, the changed object is a new object registered, for example, the new object is deleted, or the object is deleted, for example, Are transmitted to the server 2 from the databases 1a to 1c, respectively. In this case, the updated object information is equal to the changed object when the object is changed and equal to the new object when a new object is registered.

When the server 2 updates the registered contents of the database 3 based on the updated object information, the updated object information is updated to the analog public network or IS.
The data is transmitted to the mirror server 7 via a communication network 6 such as DN (Integrated Services Digital Network), the Internet, or any other network capable of at least two-way communication or a dedicated line. The mirror server 7
The update object information from the server 2 is received, and the database 8 is updated based on the update object information. Therefore, the registered contents of the databases 3 and 8 are always the same.

Further, when the server 2 updates the registered contents of the database 3, data (hereinafter referred to as appropriate) in which the identifier (identification information) for identifying the object updated by the updated object information is added to the updated object information. , Subject) (update data) is generated. That is, the object stored in the database 3 is associated with an identifier for identifying each object, and the identifier of the object to be updated by the update object information is added to the update object information. Is generated.

Further, the server 2 also generates data for obtaining the subject. That is, the subject is from the server 2 to the broadcast network 4 as described later.
In some cases, the subject time and channel are required to obtain the subject. Further, the subject may be associated with a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) or the like and managed by the server 2 or the mirror server 7, as will be described later. In this case, the URL is required to obtain the subject. Becomes So, in server 2,
Such information is generated as data for obtaining the subject.

Further, the server 2 adds the data for acquiring the subject to the data obtained by adding the identifier of the object updated by the subject acquired based on the data (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as event). To generate.

When a subject and an event for acquiring the subject are generated in the server 2, these are generated according to a predetermined transmission schedule, for example, at least a satellite line, a CATV network, a terrestrial wave, or at least another. , Via a broadcast network 4 which is a one-way (or two-way) network capable of simultaneous broadcasting to a large number of users, for example, IRD (Integrated Receever an
It is transmitted to the receiving terminal 5 such as a d Decoder) or STB (Set Top Box).

That is, when a subject is generated and an event for acquiring the subject (an event to which the same identifier as that subject is added) is generated, basically, first, the event is first broadcast network 4. Be sent via. Furthermore, in the event transmitted in this way, if there is a description of the subject's broadcast time, channel, etc., at that broadcast time, the subject will be transmitted via the broadcast network 4 on that channel. Sent.

Here, in the server 2, for example, a transmission schedule of the subject is set (broadcast time and broadcast channel etc. are determined), and according to the transmission schedule, the event broadcast time and broadcast channel of the subject are displayed. Etc. are described. And
The transmission schedule of the event is set up.

When the subject is associated with, for example, a URL and is under the control of the server 2 or the mirror server 7, an event including the URL is generated and transmitted via the broadcast network 4. . That is, when the subject is under the control of the server 2 or the mirror server 7, a URL having the IP address of the server 2 or the mirror server 7 as a domain name, respectively.
An event including is generated and sent.

The event transmitted (distributed) via the broadcasting network 4 as described above is received by the receiving terminal 5 of the user. The receiving terminal 5 selects, from the received events, the one for the object desired by the user, and acquires the subject based on the selected event.

That is, for example, when the event includes the broadcast time and the channel of the subject, the server 2 causes the subject to change the broadcast network 4 at the broadcast time as described above. Since it is transmitted through the receiving terminal 5, the receiving terminal 5 receives the subject thus transmitted.

Further, for example, when the event includes the URL associated with the subject, the receiving terminal 5 sends the server corresponding to the domain name of the URL via the communication network 6. Access and request and receive subjects.

Specifically, if the server corresponding to the domain name of the URL included in the event is, for example, the server 2, the subject is under the control of the server 2, so the receiving terminal 5 is Via the communication network 6,
The server 2 is accessed and the subject is acquired.

Further, if the server corresponding to the domain name of the URL included in the event is, for example, the mirror server 7, the subject is under the control of the mirror server 7, and therefore the receiving terminal 5 communicates. The mirror server 7 is accessed via the network 6 to acquire the subject.

After receiving the subject as described above, the receiving terminal 5 updates the object based on the subject.

The subject is transmitted from the server 2 via the broadcast network 4 and the server 2
It may be placed under the control of the mirror server 7. Further, although only one mirror server 7 is illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 1, a mirror server (information processing device) that performs the same processing as the mirror server 7 is the communication network 6
A plurality of units can be provided above, and in this case, the subject can be under the control of the plurality of mirror servers. In addition, the subject may be transmitted from the server 2 via the broadcast network 4 not only at a certain time on a certain channel but at a plurality of channels or a plurality of times.

As described above, when there are a plurality of methods for acquiring a certain subject, the event includes information (broadcast time, broadcast channel, URL, etc.) for each of the plurality of methods. Which method is used to acquire the subject depends on the receiving terminal 5
Is determined in. That is, for example, when the event includes a plurality of times when the subject is transmitted via the broadcast network 4, the receiving terminal 5
The subject is acquired by receiving the subject that is broadcast at the time closest to the current time. In addition, for example, when the event includes a plurality of URLs, the server of the server closest to the receiving terminal 5 is selected, and the server of the subject is selected via the communication network 6 to the server. Subject is obtained by making the request. Furthermore, for example, in the case where the event includes the time when the subject is transmitted via the broadcast network 4 and the URL,
For example, when the line condition of the broadcasting network 4 is bad (S
/ N (Signal / Noise) is low), the subject is acquired as described above based on the URL. In addition, the method of acquiring the subject may be determined based on the operation of the user of the receiving terminal 5 or the like.

According to the above data distribution system, the event in which the subject acquisition method is described is
The data is distributed via the broadcast network 4, the subject is acquired at the receiving terminal 5 based on the event, and the object is updated. Therefore, efficient data distribution is performed while suppressing an increase in the load on the receiving terminal 5. be able to.

That is, generally, the data amount of the subject including the update object information for updating the object (in particular, changing and newly registering the object) is large, and further, the subject is generated corresponding to the update of the object. Therefore, I do not know when it will occur. Therefore,
If only such a subject that occurs irregularly and has a large amount of data is transmitted via the broadcast network 4 as early as possible, the server 2 uses the currently vacant channel to transmit the subject. Need to send. However, in this case, the receiving terminal 5
Then, it is necessary to wait for the subject who does not know when and on which channel the data will be sent, which increases the burden.

On the other hand, since the event includes the description of the method of acquiring the subject, the data amount thereof is generally much smaller than that of the subject including the update object information. It is possible to transmit at the fixed time of the channel. Therefore, in this case, the receiving terminal 5 only needs to receive an event transmitted at a fixed time on the channel, and the load thereof is much smaller than that when waiting for the transmission of the subject.

Further, in this embodiment, the event is
Broadcast network capable of simultaneous broadcasting over a wide area 4
Therefore, the increase in the number of receiving terminals 5 does not affect the load on the server 2 or the broadcasting network 4.

In the present embodiment, the subject is provided not only via the communication network 6 but also via the broadcast network 4. Therefore, in order to obtain the subject, the server 2 or the mirror. Server 7
The access is rarely concentrated on, and therefore the subject can be efficiently delivered.

The broadcast network 4 and the communication network 6 do not have to be physically separate networks. That is, if the broadcasting network 4 is, for example, CATV
In the case of the network, the CATV network can be used as the communication network 6. Also,
Data distribution by the broadcasting network 4 is performed by, for example, IP (Internet Protocol) using the Internet or the like.
l) In the case of multicasting, the communication network 6 can be configured by the Internet.

Further, the transmission of data (event and subject) from the server 2 to the receiving terminal 5 is performed by scrambling, for example, so that only a specific user (user having a reception contract) can transmit the data. It is also possible to enable reception.

Next, FIG. 2 shows a configuration example of the server 2 of FIG.

The communication control unit 11 is, for example, a modem or a T
It is composed of A (Terminal Adapter) and controls the communication via the communication network 6.
The resource allocation unit 12 is configured to allocate resources for transmitting data via the broadcast network 4.
That is, the resource allocation unit 12 receives the notification of the update of the object from the registration unit 15, and along with the update, allocates the resource for transmitting the event and the subject through the broadcast network 4 (for example, the event and the object). The transmission channel, transmission time (time), data rate, number of transmissions (transmission frequency), etc.) are determined. The resource allocation result by the resource allocation unit 12 for transmitting the event and the subject is supplied to the data configuration unit 17 and the transmission unit 18.

The data retrieving unit 13 is connected to the communication network 6
The request for the subject transmitted from the receiving terminal 5 via the communication terminal 11 is received from the communication control unit 11, and the database 3 is searched for the update object information that constitutes the subject. Then, the data search unit 13 configures the subject in the same manner as the data configuration unit 17 described later,
The data is supplied to the communication control unit 11. The replication management unit 14 manages information for identifying the mirror server 7 (further, a mirror server (not shown) on the communication network 6). That is, the copy management unit 14 stores the IP address of the mirror server 7 when the communication network 4 is the Internet, for example. When the copy management unit 14 receives the notification of the update of the object from the registration unit 15, the copy management unit 14 reads the update object information for the update from the database 3 and controls the communication control unit 11 to update the update object. The information is transmitted to, for example, the mirror server 7 or another server on the communication network 6 having an IP address managed by itself. The replication management unit 14
Is also configured to supply the information managed by itself to the data configuration unit 17 as needed.

The registration unit 15 receives the update object information supplied from the databases 1a to 1c of the information providers A to C, and based on the update object information,
The object (database 3) is updated. That is, the database 1 of the information providers A to C
From a to 1c, the identifier of the object updated by the updated object information is supplied together with the updated object information. Registration department 1
5 receives the updated object information and the identifier, and searches the database 3 for an object corresponding to the identifier. Further, the registration unit 15 updates the object thus searched based on the updated object information, and then notifies the resource allocation unit 12, the copy management unit 14, and the data configuration unit 17 that the object has been updated. Output. The registration unit 15 also registers the updated object information and the identifiers from the databases 1a to 1c in the database 3.

When the data construction unit 17 receives from the registration unit 15 the fact that the object has been updated, the data construction unit 17 reads out the updated object information about the updated object from the database 3, and obtains the subject in which the updated object information is arranged. It is configured to generate and output to the transmission unit 18. Furthermore, the data configuration unit 17
Generates an event for acquiring the subject and outputs the event to the transmission unit 18. In addition,
In the data configuration unit 17, the event is generated using the resource allocation result by the resource allocation unit 12 and the information supplied from the replication management unit 14.
That is, the data configuration unit 17 determines the channel and time at which the subject is transmitted, the data rate, the information about the server that manages the subject, and the like, the resource allocation result by the resource allocation unit 12, and the replication management unit 14 It is designed to be recognized from the information and included in the event.

The transmission unit 18 transmits the event or subject from the data configuration unit 17 according to the resource allocation result of the resource allocation unit 12, that is, for example, on a predetermined channel, at a predetermined time, at a predetermined data rate, or the like. Then, the data is transmitted via the broadcasting network 4.

Next, FIG. 3 shows a configuration example of the mirror server 7 of FIG. In the figure, the same reference numerals are given to the portions corresponding to those in the server 2 of FIG. That is, the mirror server 7 is basically configured similarly to the server 2 except that the resource allocation unit 12, the copy management unit 14, the data configuration unit 17, and the transmission unit 18 are not provided. The registration unit 1 that constitutes the mirror server 7
5, the copy management unit 14 included in the server 2 controls the communication control unit 11 to supply the updated object information transmitted via the communication network 6 or the like.

In the server 2 configured as described above, a registration process of registering data in the database 3 (updating the registration contents of the database), a data transmission process of generating a subject and an event and transmitting the same via the broadcasting network 4. , And when there is a request for a subject from the receiving terminal 5 via the communication network 6, a request data transmitting process for transmitting the subject via the communication network 6 and the like are performed, and the mirror server 7 performs a registration process. Also, request data transmission processing and the like are performed.

First, referring to the flow chart of FIG.
The registration process performed by the server 2 will be described.

In the registration process, first, step S1
In the case where the registration unit 15 determines that the updated object information and the identifier have been distributed from any of the databases 1a to 1c of the information providers A to C, and determines that they have not been distributed. , And returns to step S1. If it is determined in step S1 that the updated object information and the identifier have been distributed, the process proceeds to step S2, in which the registration unit 15
The identifier is added to the updated object information and registered in the database 3.

Here, from the databases 1a to 1c, the update object information and the identifier are, for example, as shown in FIG.
It is designed to be supplied in the format shown in.

Here, the identifier is, for example, a unique ID (Identificati) that is pre-assigned for each type of object such as traffic information, weather information, stock price information, and constituent elements that make up such information.
on) and version information indicating the freshness of the object. As the version information, for example, an integer value that is incremented by 1 each time the object is updated is used, and therefore, for objects to which the same ID is added, the version information is compared. By doing so, the latest object can be recognized.

The ID and version information are both fixed length here, for example.

The registration unit 15 includes databases 1a to 1c.
When the identifiers similarly distributed from the databases 1a to 1c are added (correlated) to the update object information distributed from, the identifier having the same ID as the ID forming the identifiers is further added in step S2. Database 3
And updates based on the updated object information. Then, the registration unit 15 uses the version information of the identifier added to the updated object as, for example,
Increment by 1.

Thereafter, the registration unit 15 notifies the resource update unit 1 that the object has been updated in step S3.
2, output to the duplication management unit 14 and the data configuration unit 17, and return to step S1.

Upon receiving the notification that the supplied object has been updated as described above, the updated object information registered in the database 3 in step S2 and the identifier added thereto are read out,
The server that it manages, ie, here,
It is transmitted to the mirror server 7 via the communication network 6. In addition, the copy management unit 14 specifies information for specifying the server that has transmitted the update object information and the identifier, that is, here, for example, I of the mirror server 7.
The P address is output to the data construction unit 17.

In the mirror server 7, the processing except step S3 of steps S1 to S3 in FIG.
It is performed as a registration process. That is, in the mirror server 7,
In step S1, the registration unit 15 determines whether or not the updated object information and the identifier have been distributed from the server 2, and if it is determined that the updated object information and the identifier have not been distributed, the process returns to step S1. If it is determined in step S1 that the updated object information and the identifier have been distributed, the process proceeds to step S2, and the registration unit 15 of the mirror server 7 adds the identifier to the updated object information and registers it in the database 8. . Further, in step S2, the registration unit 15 of the mirror server 7 searches the database 8 for an object to which an identifier having the same ID as the ID forming the identifier received from the server 2 is added, and retrieves the object. Update based on the update object information received from the server 2.
Then, the registration unit 15 of the mirror server 7 increments the version information of the identifier added to the updated object by 1, skips step S3, and returns to step S1.

The fact that the object output by the registration unit 15 has been updated in step S3 by performing the above-described registration processing in the server 2 is supplied to the copy management unit 14 and the resource allocation unit. 12 and the data configuration unit 17 are also supplied.

Upon receiving the notification that the object has been updated, the resource allocation unit 12 allocates the resource for transmitting the event and the subject related to the update via the broadcast network 4, and the allocation result shows the data configuration. It is output to the unit 17 and the transmission unit 18. Data configuration unit 17
Upon receiving the notification that the object has been updated, reads the updated object information about the updated object from the database 3, generates a subject, and outputs the subject to the transmission unit 18. Furthermore, the data configuration unit 17 sends an event for acquiring the subject to the resource allocation result of the resource allocation unit 12 or the duplication management unit 14.
Information from (for example, the mirror server 7 as described above).
(IP address of) and output to the transmission unit 18. Then, in the transmission unit 18, the event or subject from the data configuration unit 17 is transmitted via the broadcast network 4 according to the resource allocation result of the resource allocation unit 12. That is, the resource allocation unit 12, the data configuration unit 17, and the transmission unit 18 perform data transmission processing as shown in FIG.

That is, in the data transmission process, first of all,
In step S11, resource allocation processing is performed. Specifically, in step S11, when the resource allocation unit 12 receives a notification that an object has been updated, an event related to the update and an object to be broadcast via the broadcast network 4, a broadcast channel, a broadcast time, and the like. Determine the data rate, number of transmissions, etc. These resource allocation results are stored in the data configuration unit 17 and the transmission unit 1.
8 are supplied.

Then, in step S12, the data construction unit 17 generates an event and a subject. That is, the data configuration unit 17 uses the database 3
The updated object information used for updating the object and the identifier added to the updated object information are read, and, for example, a subject as shown in FIG.
In addition, in FIG. 7A (also in FIG. 7B), a discrimination flag is arranged between the identifier and the update object information, and the discrimination flag indicates whether the data is the subject or Indicates whether it is an event.

Further, the data constructing unit 17 constructs an event, for example, as shown in FIG. 7B, in which the same identifier as the identifier added to the subject is added to the subject. That is, the event is configured by sequentially arranging the discrimination flag, the broadcast schedule information, and the server access information in the same identifier as the identifier added to the subject.

The broadcast schedule information is information necessary for receiving the subject when the subject is broadcast via the broadcast network 4 (reception required information), and includes the resource from the resource allocation unit 12. It includes the broadcast channel, broadcast time (time), data rate, number of transmissions, etc. of the subject that is the allocation result. Therefore, by referring to the broadcast schedule information that configures an event, it is possible to recognize the broadcast channel or broadcast time of the subject for updating the object of the identifier that configures the event, and thus receive the subject. It becomes possible to do.

The subject of the server access information is
When transmitted from the server 2 or the mirror server 7 via the communication network 6, via the communication network 6,
Information required to request the subject (request required information), which includes, for example, the IP addresses of the server 2 and the mirror server 7. Then, the IP address and the like are supplied from the replication management unit 14 to the data configuration unit 17 as identification information for identifying the server 2 and the mirror server 7.

That is, the server 2 and the mirror server 7 form the subject shown in FIG. 7A from the updated object information stored in the databases 3 and 8 and the identifier added to the updated object information, and the receiving terminal 5 The subject is transmitted via the communication network 6 in response to the request from the server. In this way, the server access information is referred to when the subject is acquired.

Here, in the server 2 or the mirror server 7, for example, the subject constituted by the update object information and the identifier added thereto is associated with the URL constituted by adding the identifier to the IP address. Therefore, the subject is managed. In this case, the receiving terminal 5 that has received the event can recognize the URL of the subject to which the same identifier as the event is added, from the server access information and the identifier that form the event.

Note that the subject can be provided only via the broadcast network 4, but in this case, the server access information is not placed in the event for that subject. On the contrary, the subject can be provided only via the communication network 6, but in this case, the broadcast schedule information is not placed in the event for the subject.

When the subject is transmitted via the broadcast network 4 to a plurality of channels and a plurality of times, the event for that subject corresponds to each of the plurality of channels and a plurality of times. Broadcast schedule information is set. Similarly, when the subject can be provided from a plurality of servers via the communication network 6, the event for the subject is provided with server access information corresponding to each of the plurality of servers.

When both the broadcast schedule information and the server access information exist, or when only one of the broadcast schedule information and the server access information exists in plural, all of them are included in one event. Alternatively, an event may be generated for each one of them.

Returning to FIG. 6, when the event and the subject as described above are generated in step S12, the event and the subject are stored in the data forming unit 17
Is supplied to the transmission unit 18. In step S13, the transmission unit 18 transmits the event or subject from the data configuration unit 17 via the broadcast network 4 according to the resource allocation result from the resource allocation unit 12.
That is, the event or subject is transmitted through the broadcast network 4 at a predetermined transmission time, at a predetermined transmission time, and at a predetermined data rate, for example, in step S
Proceed to 14.

In step S14, the resource allocating unit 12 transmits the event and the subject from the data forming unit 17 to each other.
The transmission unit 18 determines whether or not the transmission has been repeated the number of times of transmission included in the resource allocation result. If it is determined that the transmission has not been performed, the process returns to step S13, and the transmission of the event or the subject is repeated. That is, since the data transmission by the broadcasting network 4 is performed only in one direction from the server 2 to the receiving terminal 5, between them,
It is not possible to confirm whether the data was sent or received correctly. Therefore, in the server 2, the data transmission is repeated for the number of times of transmission, which is the result of resource allocation by the resource allocation unit 12, and as a result,
The receiving terminal 5 is designed to improve the probability of receiving accurate data.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S14 that the event or subject has been transmitted from the data configuration unit 17 for the number of transmissions included in the resource allocation result from the resource allocation unit 12, the process returns to step S11, Hereinafter, the same processing is repeated.

As described above, in general, an event has a small amount of data and a subject has a large amount of data. Therefore, the resource allocation unit 12 basically increases the number of transmissions for an event and for a subject. Resource allocation is performed so that the number becomes smaller. Therefore, in the receiving terminal 5, the probability of missing an event transmitted via the broadcast network 4 (probability of being unable to receive) becomes small, and if the event can be normally received, for example, the broadcast schedule information included in the event can be received. By referring to, the subject is broadcast network 4
It is possible to recognize the channel, time, and the like transmitted via, and as a result, it is possible to reduce the probability of dropping an event with a small number of transmissions. Further, even if the subject fails to recognize the broadcast channel or broadcast time based on the event, or if the subject is required before the broadcast time, If the event includes server access information, the subject can be acquired early and surely by accessing the server 2 or the mirror server 7 via the communication network 6 based on the server access information. You can

Next, referring to the flow chart of FIG.
The request data transmission process performed by the server 2 and the mirror server 7 will be described.

In this case, in step S21, the communication control unit 11 determines whether or not, for example, a URL as a subject request has been transmitted from the receiving terminal 5 via the communication network 6, and the URL has been transmitted. If it is determined that there is not, the process returns to step S21.
When it is determined in step S21 that the URL has been transmitted, the communication control unit 11 determines that URL.
Is transferred to the data search unit 13. Data search unit 13
When the URL is received, in step S22, the update object information to which the same identifier as the data identifier forming the URL is added is searched (server 2).
Then, the database 2 is searched, and the mirror server 7 is searched from the database 8).

That is, in the present embodiment, as described above, in the receiving terminal 5 that has received an event, the same identifier as the event is determined from the IP address as the server access information that constitutes the event and the identifier. The URL of the added subject is recognized. When the receiving terminal 5 requests the subject via the communication network 6, the receiving terminal 5 transmits the URL. Therefore, the URL from the receiving terminal 5 includes an identifier, and the server 2 or the mirror server 7 searches for the identifier as a file name of the update object information.

When the updated object information is retrieved in step S22, the data retrieval unit 13 constructs the subject by adding the identifier stored together with the updated object to the communication control unit 11. Supply. The communication control unit 11 is the data search unit 1
3 is received, and in step S23, the subject is transmitted to the receiving terminal (here, receiving terminal 5) that has transmitted the URL via the communication network 6, and the process returns to step S21.

Next, FIG. 9 shows a configuration example of the receiving terminal 5 of FIG.

The receiving unit 21 receives data transmitted from the server 2 via the broadcast network 4, that is, an event or a subject in this case, and outputs it to the selecting unit 22. The selection unit 22 includes the reception unit 21.
It is designed to select events and subjects from. Furthermore, the selection unit 22 is also configured to temporarily store the selected event in the database 23. In addition, the selection unit 22 retrieves the object corresponding to the identifier included in the selected subject from the database 2
3 is searched and updated based on the update object information included in the subject.

The database 23 is composed of, for example, a large-capacity hard disk, a magneto-optical disk, or another recording medium, and stores objects and temporarily stores events from the selection unit 22.

The communication control unit 24 is adapted to perform communication control via the communication network 6, whereby the request for the subject from the request unit 25 is sent via the communication network 6 to the server 2 or the mirror server. 7 or the like, or receives a subject transmitted from the server 2 or the mirror server 7 via the communication network 6.

The request unit 25 controls the receiving unit 21 so as to receive the subject transmitted via the broadcast network 4 according to the broadcast schedule information contained in the event stored in the database 23. Has been done. Further, the request unit 25 requests a subject from the server 2 or the mirror server 7 via the communication network 6 according to the server access information included in the event stored in the database 23, and in response to the request, The communication control unit 24 is also controlled so as to receive the subject transmitted from the server 2 or the mirror server 7 via the communication network 6. Further, the request unit 25 is configured to search the database 23 for an object corresponding to the identifier included in the subject received by the communication control unit 24, and update the object based on the update object information included in the subject. There is. The request unit 25 performs the above-described processing, for example, periodically, and also when the read unit 26 requests an object update.

The reading section 26 is adapted to read the data stored in the database 23 and supply it to the output section 27 in response to the operation of the operating section 28. The output unit 27 is composed of, for example, a display and a speaker, and is configured to display the data from the reading unit 26 or the like, or output as data. Operation unit 28
Is operated when a predetermined input is given to the reading unit 26.

In the receiving terminal 5 configured as described above,
Reception processing for receiving data transmitted from the server 2 via the broadcasting network 4, data request processing for requesting a subject based on an event stored in the database 23, and outputting data registered in the database 23 Output processing is performed.

First, the reception process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When the data is transmitted from the server 2 via the broadcast network 4, the receiving unit 21 receives the data, that is, the event or the subject, and supplies the data to the selecting unit 22 in step S31. In step S32, the selection unit 22 determines whether the event or subject from the reception unit 21 is to be selected.

That is, if all the events and subjects transmitted from the server 2 via the broadcast network 4 are received, the database 23 is
It requires a huge amount of memory. Also, the users have preferences, and each user rarely needs all of the objects stored in the server 2 database. Nevertheless, it is not preferable to reflect all the registered contents of the database 3 of the server 2 in the database 23.

Therefore, for example, if the ID of the object desired by the user (the ID constituting the above-mentioned identifier) is registered in the selecting unit 22, the selecting unit 22 will select an event having the same ID as that ID. And it is designed to select only objects. Therefore, the determination in step S32 is performed by comparing the ID registered by the user with the ID constituting the event or subject identifier supplied from the reception unit 21.

If it is determined in step S32 that the event or subject from the receiving unit 21 is not the one to be selected, that is, if the user registered I
If D and the ID described in the event or subject supplied from the receiving unit 21 do not match, wait for the next event or subject to be transmitted via the broadcast network 4, and then proceed to step S31. Return. Therefore, in this case, the event is not stored in the database 23, and the database 23 based on the subject is not updated.

On the other hand, in step S32, the receiving unit 2
When it is determined that the event or subject from 1 is to be selected, that is, when the ID registered by the user and the ID described in the event or subject supplied from the receiving unit 21 match. ,
In step S33, the selection unit 22 determines whether the event or subject relates to a new object.

In step S33, step S32
When it is determined that the event or subject selected in step 1 is related to a new object, that is, I included in the event or subject.
When the object having the same ID as D is not registered in the database 23, step S34 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S35.

If it is determined in step S33 that the event or subject selected in step S32 does not relate to a new object, that is, the object having the same ID as the ID included in the event or subject is detected. Is registered in the database 23, the process proceeds to step S34, and the version information described in the identifier of the object already registered in the database 23 (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as a registered object) in the selection unit 22. Is equal to the version information described in the identifier of the event or subject selected in step S32.

At step S34, the version information described in the registered object is changed to step S3.
When it is not equal to the version information described in the event or subject selected in 2, that is, here, in order to improve reliability, as described in the data transmission processing of FIG. The same subject is repeatedly transmitted through the broadcast network 4, but among the transmissions that are repeatedly performed in this way, the registered object has already been updated by the subject of the transmission that has been performed in the past. , Step S
Steps S3 to S37 are skipped, and next, an event or subject is waited for, and then step S3 is performed.
Return to 1. Therefore, in this case, the event is not stored in the database 23, and the database 23 based on the subject is not updated.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S34 that the version information described in the registered object is equal to the version information described in the event or subject selected in step S32, the process proceeds to step S35. In the selection unit 22, whether the data selected in step S32 is an event or a subject is determined by referring to the determination flag.

In step S35, step S32
When it is determined that the data selected in step 3 is the subject, the process proceeds to step S36, and the selection unit 22 updates the database 23 based on the subject.

That is, when a new object is arranged as update object information in the subject, the new object is associated with the identifier included in the subject and is newly registered in the database 23.

When the updated object is arranged as the updated object information in the subject, the same I as the ID included in the subject is set.
The object associated with the identifier having D is searched from the database 23, and the searched object is changed to the updated object. further,
The version information associated with the object is incremented by 1, for example.

Further, in the case where the object delete command is arranged as the update object information in the subject, the database 23 is searched for an object associated with an identifier having the same ID as the ID included in the subject. Deleted along with the identifier associated with the object.

The updating of the object based on the updated object information, which is performed in step S2 of the registration processing described with reference to FIG. 4, is also performed in the same manner.

After the database 23 has been updated in step S36 as described above, the process waits for the next event or subject to be transmitted, and then the process returns to step S31.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S35 that the data selected in step S32 is an event, then the process proceeds to step S37, in which the selection unit 22 supplies the event to the database 23 for temporary storage. Then, after waiting for an event or subject to be transmitted, the process returns to step S31.

The event stored in the database 23 in step S37 is read from the database 23 by the request unit 25 in the data request process (FIG. 11) or the data output process (FIG. 12) described later. It is designed to be erased later.

Next, the data request processing will be described with reference to FIG. It should be noted that this data request process is periodically performed by the receiving terminal 5. However, the data request process can be performed irregularly.

In the data request process, first, in step S41, the registration content of the database 23 is searched by the request unit 25, and the process proceeds to step S42, in which it is determined whether or not an event is stored in the database 23. . If it is determined in step S42 that the event is not stored, the data request process ends.

If it is determined in step S42 that an event is stored in the database 23, that event is read out (if a plurality of events are stored, one of them is read out. ),
Proceeding to step 43, the request unit 25 determines whether it is advantageous to receive the subject based on the event via the broadcast network 4 capable of broadcasting or the communication network 6 capable of bidirectional communication. To be done.

Here, the determination in step S42 is performed, for example, as follows.

That is, the requesting unit 25 refers to the broadcast schedule information included in the event to refer to the number of transmissions (transmission frequency) at which the subject having the same identifier as the identifier added to the event is transmitted, The transmission time is recognized. Then, for example, when the number of times of transmission is large or when the transmission time is close to the current time, the reception of the subject is performed via the broadcasting network 4 in which the reception time of the subject and other costs for receiving the subject are low. Is determined to be advantageous.

Further, for example, when the number of transmissions is small,
When the transmission time is far from the current time, it is determined that it is advantageous to receive the subject via the bidirectional network 6.

In addition, in addition, for example, when the data amount of the subject is described in the broadcast schedule information included in the event (even if the data amount itself is not described, the data rate and the time required for transmission) Is described, it is possible to recognize the data amount), and which of the broadcast network 4 or the communication network 6 is advantageous to receive the subject based on the data amount? It is also possible to determine

[0122] Furthermore, it is determined by the user whether the subject is advantageously received through the broadcast network 4 or the communication network 6 by the operation unit 28.
It is also possible to have the user operate and to make a decision corresponding to the operation.

When the subject is received via the bidirectional network 6, the bidirectional network 6 supports a plurality of transmission rates and the receiving terminal 5
However, when communication is possible via a line having a plurality of such transmission rates, it is possible to change the line to be used depending on the amount of data of the subject.

As described above, the event includes
In some cases, only one of the broadcast schedule information and the server access information is included. If the event contains only broadcast schedule information,
In step S43, it is determined that it is advantageous to receive the subject via the broadcast network 4.
On the contrary, when the event includes only the server access information, it is determined in step S43 that it is advantageous to receive the subject via the communication network 6.

If it is determined in step S43 that it is advantageous to receive the subject via the broadcast network 4, the process proceeds to step S44 and the request unit 2
5 determines whether the receiving unit 21 is in an operable state (for example, whether power is supplied (whether it is not in a sleep state)). When it is determined in step S44 that the receiving unit 21 is not in an operable state, the process proceeds to step S45, and the requesting unit 25 waits, for example, immediately before the transmission time of the subject arranged in the broadcast schedule information of the event. Then, the receiving unit 21 is brought into an operable state, that is, when the receiving unit 21 is in the sleep state, the supply of power is started, and step S4
Go to 6.

In step S44, the receiving unit 2
When it is determined that No. 1 is in the operable state, the process skips step S45 and proceeds to step S46. The request unit 21 controls the receiving unit 21 to broadcast the event broadcast schedule information read from the database 23. Subject transmitted from the broadcast network 4 at the transmission time also arranged in the broadcast schedule information, that is, the subject having the same identifier as the identifier added to the event. Is received and supplied to the selection unit 22. Then, in step S47, the selection unit 22 causes the selection of FIG.
Similarly to the case of 0 in step S36, the database 23 is updated based on the subject from the receiving unit 21, and the data request process is ended.

Here, in the receiving terminal 5, data is often missed due to the power supply of the receiving unit 21 being off. Therefore, as described above, it is determined whether or not the receiving unit 21 is in an operable state, and if not, the receiving unit 21 is set in an operable state so that the power source of the receiving unit 21 is turned on. It is possible to prevent the subject from being missed due to being in the off state.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S43 that it is advantageous to receive the subject via the bidirectional network 6, the process proceeds to step S48, and the request unit 25 controls the communication control unit 24. Then, the server 2 or the mirror server 7 is requested to request the subject to which the same identifier as the identifier included in the event read from the database 23 is added via the communication network 6.

That is, the request unit 25 identifies the same identifier as the identifier from the identifier included in the event read from the database 23 and the server access information (here, as described above, the IP address) included in the event. By constructing a URL associated with the subject to which the identifier is added and controlling the communication control unit 24, the server 2 and the mirror server 7 are connected via the communication network 6.
To send.

The server 2 or the mirror server 7 to which the URL has been transmitted performs the request data transmission process described in FIG. 8, whereby the subject associated with the URL is transmitted via the communication network 6. Is coming. This subject is received by the communication control unit 24 and supplied to the request unit 25 in step S49. Upon receiving the subject from the communication control unit 24, the request unit 25 proceeds to step S47, updates the database 23 based on the subject as described above, and ends the data request process.

As described above, it is determined whether it is advantageous to receive the subject via the broadcast network 4 or the communication network 36, and the subject transmitted via the advantageous one is received. Therefore, the receiving terminal 5 can efficiently receive the subject and update the object.

When the subject is received via the broadcast network 4, when a plurality of transmission times are arranged in the event broadcast schedule information, for example, the transmission time (the closest to the current time) among them is However, the subject that is transmitted before the present time (excluding the time in the past) is received. However, it is also possible to have the user operate the operation unit 28 and select the transmission time.

When requesting and receiving a subject via the communication network 6, if the server access information of the event includes IP addresses of a plurality of servers, for example, the receiving terminal 5 among them will receive it. The URL is constructed using the IP address of the server closest to the URL. However, it is also possible to have the user operate the operation unit 28 and select the server.

Next, the data output processing will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. Note that the data output process is, for example, similar to the data request process of FIG.
Basically, it is designed to be started on a regular basis.

In the data output process, first, in step S51, the reading unit 26 determines whether or not the operation unit 28 has been operated to output data (object in this embodiment). If it is determined that such an operation has not been performed, the data output process ends.

In step S51, the operation unit 2
When it is determined that 8 is operated to output the object, the process proceeds to step S52, and the event for the object requested to be output, that is, the event to which the same identifier as the identifier of the object is added, The reading unit 26 determines whether the data is stored in the database 23. If it is determined in step S52 that the event for the object requested to be output is not stored in the database 23, that is, the object currently requested to be output is the latest one stored in the database 23. If it is the one (provided that no event is missed), the process proceeds to step S53, and the reading unit 26
Outputs the requested output objects to the database 2
It is read out from the No. 3 and supplied to the output unit 27. In the output unit 27, the object from the reading unit 26 is displayed or output as voice, and the data output process ends.

When it is determined in step S52 that the event for the output-requested object is stored in the database 23, that is, the output-requested object is updated in the server 2. However, in the receiving terminal 5, if it has not been updated, the process proceeds to step S54, and the reading unit 26 determines whether to update the object.

That is, in step S54, the reading unit 2
6 causes the output unit 27 to display a message inquiring whether or not to update the object, and prompts the user to operate the operation unit 28. Then, in step S54,
Depending on the operation of the operation unit 28, whether or not to update the object is determined.

Alternatively, in step S54, the broadcast schedule information of the event about the object whose output is requested is referred to, and the subject for updating the object is transmitted at the transmission time when it is transmitted via the broadcast network 4. Of these, the one closest to the current time is recognized. Then, in step S54, it is determined whether or not the object is updated depending on whether or not the transmission time closest to the current time is within a predetermined time set in advance in the receiving terminal 5 from the current time. (If the transmission time is within a predetermined time from the current time, it is determined to update the object).

When it is determined in step S54 that the object requested to be output is not updated, the process proceeds to step S55, where the reading unit 26 stores the object requested to be output, that is, the object before updating, in the database. Then, the data is output from the output unit 27, and the data output process ends. In this case, the output unit 27
In addition to outputting the object, a message indicating that the object is before the update may be displayed.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S54 that the object requested to be output is updated,
Proceeding to step S56, a database updating process for updating the object is performed. That is, in step S56, the same process as the process in steps S43 to S49 of the data request process of FIG. 11 is performed using the event of the object whose output is requested.
As a result, the object requested to be output is updated. Then, in step S53, the updated object is output from the output unit 27 as described above, and the data output process ends.

By the way, when the IP addresses of a plurality of servers are arranged in the server access information of the event, which server the subject is requested to is, for example, as described above, from the receiving terminal 5. If the determination is made according to the position or the operation of the operation unit 28 by the user, access to a certain server may be concentrated.

Therefore, when there are a plurality of servers which transmit the subject to the receiving terminal 5 via the communication network 6 (for example, when the mirror server 7 exists in addition to the server 2 as shown in FIG. 1). In addition, if there is a mirror server other than the mirror server 7, etc.), in order to disperse the access to the server (in order not to concentrate the access on one server), the receiving terminal 5 or its user is unique ID (hereinafter, as appropriate, user ID
) And associates the IP address of each server with a predetermined user ID and arranges it in the event as server access information (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as load balancing processing). , You can send an event. On the other hand, the receiving terminal 5 is caused to perform a process of recognizing a server having an IP address associated with its own user ID (hereinafter referred to as an access server determining process), and then the server is requested to make a subject. You can

Now, the load balancing process performed by the server 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Note that this load balancing process is performed when there are a plurality of servers that transmit the subject to the receiving terminal 5 via the communication network 6 (in addition to the server 2, the subject should be transmitted via the communication network 6). If there is a server that can do this), it is performed as a part of the process of step S12 in the data transmission process of FIG.

In the load balancing process, first, in step S61, the number N of receiving terminals (hereinafter appropriately referred to as the number of allocations) N to be allocated to one server transmitting a subject is calculated via the communication network 6. . That is,
In step S61, for example, the total number of receiving terminals is divided by the total number of servers that transmit the subject via the communication network 6, and the division value (the fractional part is rounded up, for example) is set as the allocation number N. The server 2
Then, it is assumed that the total number of receiving terminals is managed. In the server 2, the subject is the communication network 6
The total number of servers to be transmitted via the is recognized from the information managed by the copy management unit 14.

After that, in step S62, one of the plurality of servers transmitting the subject is selected via the communication network 6 (this selected server is hereinafter referred to as a selected server as appropriate), and step S63.
Then, for example, the number of assigned terminals N, which is the number of receiving terminals located near the selected server, is detected. Note that the positions of the selection server and the receiving terminal 5 are managed by the server 2.

Then, in step S64, the IP address of the selected server is associated with the user ID of each of the N receiving terminals detected in step S63, and the set of the IP address and the N user IDs ( Requestee information)
Is placed in the event as server access information. After that, the process proceeds to step S65, and it is determined whether or not the processes of steps S62 to S64 have been performed by selecting all of the plurality of servers transmitting the subject via the communication network 6 as the selected servers. When it is determined in step S65 that all of the plurality of servers are not yet selected servers, the process returns to step S62, and the server not yet selected as the selected server is newly selected as the selected server. repeat. On the other hand, when it is determined in step 65 that the processing has been performed with all of the plurality of servers as the selected servers, the load distribution processing ends.

As described above, in the load balancing process, 1
N (or N-1) receiving terminals are allocated to the server.

In the above case, simply, the division value obtained by dividing the total number of receiving terminals by the total number of servers transmitting the subject via the communication network 6 is defined as the number of receiving terminals assigned to one server. However, the number of receiving terminals assigned to each of the plurality of servers may be determined, for example, in consideration of the processing capacity of each server.

Next, the access server determination process performed by the receiving terminal 5 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The access server determination process is performed by the receiving terminal 5 in step S of the data request process of FIG.
This is done before constructing the URL to send at 48.

In the access server determination process, step S
At 71, the receiving terminal 5 selects the user ID assigned to itself from the server access information of the event.
Is searched, and the process proceeds to step S72. In step S72, the IP address associated with its own user ID, that is, the server that should request the subject is recognized, and the access server determination process ends.

Then, in the receiving terminal 5, as described with reference to FIG. 11, in step S48, a URL is constructed and transmitted using the IP address recognized in step S72.

As described above, the server 2 or the receiving terminal 5
In the above, by performing the load distribution process or the access server determination process, respectively, the subject request from the receiving terminal can be distributed to a plurality of servers, and the subject can be efficiently distributed.

In the above case, the user ID of the receiving terminal and the IP address are associated with each other to limit the server to which the receiving terminal should access.
For example, the user ID of the receiving terminal is associated with the time zone (request timing information) accessible to the server via the communication network 6, and the time zone for the receiving terminal to access the server is restricted. It is also possible to distribute access to the server by such means.

The data distribution system to which the present invention is applied has been described above. Such a data distribution system, for example, distributes data to a large number of databases in a distributed database or uses IP multicast to distribute data. It is particularly useful in the case of distribution and other cases in which data is distributed to an unspecified number of people.

In the present embodiment, the event is transmitted via the broadcast network 4, but in addition, the event may be transmitted via the communication network 6 in response to a request from the receiving terminal 5. You can Further, in the present invention, it is not essential to have both the broadcast network 4 and the communication network 6. That is, the present invention can be applied to a system including only one of the broadcast network 4 and the communication network 6.

Further, in the present embodiment, the IP addresses of the server 2 and the mirror server 7 are arranged in the server access information, but other information such as the server 2 and the mirror server 7 is contained in the server access information. URL of the managed subject, server 2 and mirror server 7
It is also possible to place a telephone number or the like for accessing to.

Further, the mirror server 7 can be made to receive an event or a subject and update the database 8 in the same manner as the receiving terminal 5.

Further, in the present embodiment, the updated object itself is arranged as the updated object information to be included in the subject. However, as the updated object information, in addition to this, for example, the object before updating is updated. Data for reflecting the changes made to the subsequent object (for example, an executable computer program that changes the pre-update object to the post-update object, or the difference between the post-update object and the pre-update object) It is also possible to arrange such as.

[0160]

As described above , according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to acquire update data based on the acquired data and update the content based on the updated data.

Further , according to the second aspect of the present invention , it becomes possible to efficiently update the contents.

[0162]

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an embodiment of a data distribution system to which the present invention has been applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a server 2 in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a mirror server 7 of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a registration process performed by the server 2.

5 is a diagram showing a format of data supplied from the databases 1a to 1c of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a data transmission process performed by the server 2.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing formats of a subject and an event.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a request data transmission process performed by the server 2.

9 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a receiving terminal 5 in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a receiving process performed by the receiving terminal 5.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining a data request process performed by the receiving terminal 5.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a data output process performed by the receiving terminal 5.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a load distribution process performed by the server 2.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an access server determination process performed by the receiving terminal 5.

[Explanation of symbols]

1a to 1c database, 2 server, 3 database, 4 broadcasting network, 5 receiving terminal, 6 communication network, 7 mirror server,
8 database, 11 communication control unit, 12 resource allocation unit, 13 data search unit, 14 replication management unit,
15 registration unit, 17 data configuration unit, 18 transmission unit,
21 reception unit, 22 selection unit, 23 database, 24 communication control unit, 25 request unit, 26 read unit, 27 output unit, 28 operation unit

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Kazuo Haraoka 6-735 Kitashinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Inside Sony Corporation (72) Inventor Yasuaki Yamagishi 6-735 Kitashinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo No. Sony Corporation (56) Reference JP-A-10-303983 (JP, A) JP-A-9-81447 (JP, A) JP-A-10-22950 (JP, A) JP-A-8-37506 (JP, A) (58) Fields surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H04L 12/18 G06F 12/00 545 G06F 13/00 540 H04H 1/00

Claims (10)

(57) [Claims] 1. A transmission device for transmitting data for providing content registered in a database via a one-way broadcast network capable of simultaneous broadcast, wherein content registered in the database is updated. In the case of updating, update data generating means for generating update data for adding the identification information for identifying the content updated by the update data, and the update data. Acquisition data for acquisition,
Acquisition data generating means for generating data to which the identification information of the content updated by the update data and the reception necessary information necessary for receiving the update data transmitted via the broadcast network are added. A first transmitting unit that transmits the update data and the acquisition data via the broadcast network, the identification data having the same identification information as the identification information added to the update data is added to the acquisition data. And a transmitter. 2. A second transmission for transmitting the update data via the bidirectional network in response to a request for the update data transmitted via the bidirectional network capable of bidirectional communication. 2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising means, wherein the acquisition data generation means includes request necessary information necessary for requesting the update data via the bidirectional network in the acquisition data. Transmitter. 3. The update data is received and stored via a dedicated line, and the update data can be bidirectionally communicated.
In the case where the information processing apparatus for transmitting over the interactive network is present, the obtained data generating means, to request <br/> the update data to the information processing apparatus through the bidirectional network The transmission device according to claim 1, wherein required request necessary information is included in the acquired data. 4. A data transmission method for providing content registered in a database via a one-way broadcast network capable of simultaneous broadcast, wherein content registered in the database is updated. In the acquisition data for generating the update data, which is the update data for performing the update, and which is added with the identification information for identifying the content to be updated by the update data. And generating data to which the identification information of the content updated by the update data and the reception necessary information necessary for receiving the update data transmitted via the broadcast network are added, The update data and the acquired data are transmitted via a broadcast network, and the acquired data includes the A transmission method characterized in that the same identification number as the identification information added to the update data is added. 5. A receiving device for receiving data for receiving provision of content registered in a database via a one-way broadcast network capable of simultaneous broadcast, wherein content registered in the database is updated. The acquisition data for acquiring the update data for performing the update, the identification information for identifying the content to be updated by the update data, and the transmission via the broadcast network. First receiving means for receiving data to which the necessary reception information necessary for receiving the update data is added, and the same identification information as the identification information added to the first receiving means based on the acquired data Acquisition means for acquiring the update data added with, and the identification information added thereto by the update data. And a updating unit for updating the content corresponding to the information. 6. The acquisition means includes second receiving means for receiving the update data transmitted via the broadcast network, and the update data is transmitted to the reception necessary information. When the transmission time is included, the second receiving means brings the second receiving means into an operable state when it is not in an operable state at the transmission time. The receiving device according to item 5. 7. The update data is transmitted via a one-way broadcast network capable of simultaneous broadcast,
In response to the update data request, the update data is transmitted via a bidirectional network capable of bidirectional communication, and the acquisition data receives the update data transmitted via the broadcast network. While including the necessary reception information necessary for, through the two-way network, when including the required necessary information required to request the update data, the acquisition means, based on the reception necessary information, Acquire the update data transmitted via the broadcast network, or based on the request necessary information, request the update data via the two-way network, in response to the request, The receiving apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the update data transmitted via the bidirectional network is acquired. 8. The size of the update data or the update data determines whether the acquisition unit acquires the update data transmitted via the broadcast network or the bidirectional network. The receiving device according to claim 7, wherein the selection is performed based on a frequency of transmission via the two-way network. 9. The apparatus further comprises an operation unit operated when a predetermined input is given, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the update data transmitted via either the broadcast network or the two-way network. The receiving apparatus according to claim 7, wherein whether to acquire is selected based on an operation of the operation unit. 10. A method of receiving data for receiving provision of content registered in a database via a one-way broadcast network capable of simultaneous broadcast, when content registered in the database is updated. , Acquisition data for acquiring update data for performing the update, identification information for identifying the content updated by the update data, and the update transmitted via the broadcast network Receiving the data to which the necessary reception information necessary for receiving the data is added, and based on the acquisition data, acquiring the update data to which the same identification information as the identification information added to the data is acquired. However, the content corresponding to the identification information added thereto is updated by the update data. Receiving method to collect.