JP4006135B2 - Video on demand support system and web server - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is realized in a network system in which a video server that supplies video data as a moving image to a client and a first server that provides information in response to access by a first browser normally used by the client coexist. The present invention relates to a video on demand support system and a web server used in the system.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, in a video on demand system, when a content list is extracted from a client (client computer) and content is selected, it is necessary to directly access each video server. Furthermore, in order to access the video server, it is not possible to use the WWW browser normally used by the client, and it is necessary to start a title browser for video on demand, which causes troublesome operations. It was.
[0003]
Furthermore, the contents of the title list are usually information such as title names and playback times, and it is difficult to accurately grasp the contents of the contents, and it often takes a lot of time to find the desired contents. . Further, when the video server provides a highlight scene, the WWW browser cannot cope with the client, and a plug-in (special software for viewing images provided by the video server) is necessary.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The present invention has been made as a solution to the problems in the conventional video-on-demand system as described above. The purpose of the present invention is to determine the contents of the content provided by the video server using the browser normally used by the client. To provide a video-on-demand support system that can be appropriately known and a web server used in this system.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
A video-on-demand support system according to the present invention includes a plurality of video servers that provide moving image video data of video content, a web server that provides information on the content of video content provided by the plurality of video servers, and a video server In the video-on-demand support system configured by a client that acquires moving image video data from the web server and acquires information about the content of the video content from the web server, each video server includes a title, a playback time, and a high time of the video content to be provided. A storage device that stores title information including light scene position information, a title information update unit that updates the title information stored in the storage device based on input, and a request for title information from the web server, The title Video / still image conversion means for converting video data of one picture based on a moving image into still image format data based on position information of a highlight scene in the report, and providing the data to a web server together with other title information. The web server makes a request for title information to each video server at a predetermined time, a database for storing the title and playback time of video content provided by each video server, and still image information of highlight scenes. The title information of the obtained video content, the playback time, and the still image information of the highlight scene are stored in the database to update the title information, and stored in the database in response to a request from the client. The information is extracted, and the title, playback time, and The still image information of the Scene, characterized in that it comprises a video information providing unit to be transmitted as information to be displayed on each partition by screen division, the.
[0006]
In the video on demand support system according to the present invention, each video server includes means for detecting its own load status when receiving a request for title information from the web server, and sending the load status information to the web server. ,
The web server includes means for providing congestion degree information together with title information to a client based on load status information obtained at the time of requesting title information from each video server.
[0007]
The web server according to the present invention is a plurality of video servers that provide moving image video data of video content, and a storage device that stores title information including the title, playback time, and highlight scene position information of the video content to be provided A title information updating unit that updates the title information stored in the storage device based on the input, and a request for the title information from the web server, and a moving image based on the position information of the highlight scene in the title information Provided by a plurality of video servers comprising video / still image conversion means for converting video data of one picture according to the above to still image format data and giving it to a web server together with other title information A web server that provides information about the content of the video content Title of video content provided by each video server in the web server of the video-on-demand support system configured by a client that obtains video data from a server and obtains information on the content of video content from the web server And a database for storing the playback time and highlight scene still image information, and requesting title information from each video server at each predetermined time, and the title, playback time, and highlight scene still image obtained. Attribute information acquisition means for storing information in the database and updating the title information, and the information stored in the database in response to a request from the client, and the title and playback time of the video content provided by each video server And highlight scene The Tomega information, characterized in that it comprises a video information providing unit to be transmitted as information to be displayed on each partition by screen division, the.
[0008]
In the web server of the present invention, each video server is provided with means for detecting its own load status when receiving a request for title information from the web server and sending the load status information to the web server. Further, it is characterized by comprising means for providing congestion degree information together with title information to the client based on load status information obtained at the time of requesting title information to each video server.
[0010]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A video on demand support system according to an embodiment of the present invention and a web server used in the system will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a video on demand support system. In this system, a plurality of video servers 2-1 to 2-3, at least one WWW (World Wide Web) server 3, and a plurality of clients 4-1 to 4-n are connected to a network 1. It is a network system. A title information database 5 is attached to the WWW server 3.
[0011]
The video servers 2-1 to 2-3 have the same configuration for supplying video data as moving images to each client. The video server 2-2 will be described as a representative. A moving image supply unit 21 for supplying video data to a moving image to the WWW server 3 by converting the video data of one picture based on the moving image into still image format data based on the position information of the set highlight scene The image conversion means 22 and the attribute information management means 23 for managing and sending attribute information relating to video data and highlight scene information are provided.
[0012]
On the other hand, the WWW server 3 provides attribute information acquisition means 31 for acquiring attribute information and highlight scene information related to video data from the video server, and provides the acquired information in response to access by a WWW browser normally used by the client. Video information providing means 32 is provided.
[0013]
The clients 4-1 to 4-n all have the same configuration, and the client 4-1 will be described as a representative. The client 4-1 includes the WWW browser 41 and the video servers 2-1 to 2-3. A video browser 42 for obtaining a moving image is provided.
[0014]
The video servers 2-1 to 2-3, the WWW server 3, and the clients 4-1 to 4-n have the configuration of a computer system and do not have to include all the configuration requirements. For example, FIG. It is configured as follows. In other words, the computer of FIG. 2 has a CPU 51 that controls the apparatus centrally, and a main storage device 52 that stores information such as programs and data used by the CPU 51 is connected to the CPU 51 via a system bus 53. . Further, a keyboard control unit 54, a display control unit 55, a printer control unit 56, a communication interface 57, a mouse control unit 58, and a magnetic disk control unit 59 are connected to the system bus 53. The keyboard control unit 54 is connected to a keyboard input device 60 capable of inputting various information, the display control unit 55 is connected to a CRT display device 61 for displaying information, and the printer control unit 56 prints information. A printer device 62 for output is connected, a communication processing unit 63 for performing communication via a line is connected to the communication interface 57, a mouse 64 as a pointing device is connected to the mouse control unit 58, and magnetic The disk controller 59 is connected to a magnetic disk device 65 that is an auxiliary storage device. The network server 2 includes at least a CPU 51, a main storage device 52, a magnetic disk control unit 59, a magnetic disk device 65, a communication interface 57, and a communication control unit 63. The magnetic disk device 65 is used as a title information database in the WWW server 3 of FIG. 1, for example. Further, a floppy disk drive, a magnetic card or IC card reader, an MO (magneto-optical disk) drive, etc. are provided as necessary.
[0015]
In the system configured as described above, title information as shown in FIG. 3 is stored in the title information database 5. That is, the title information includes at least a title corresponding to each video content, a reproduction time, highlight scene information, a host name of a video server in which the video content is registered, and an update date and time of the video content. In this state, title information relating to two video contents having title names “title A1” and “title C” is stored.
[0016]
Further, title information as shown in FIG. 4 is stored in the video server 2-1, and title information is not stored in the video server 2-2 as shown in FIG. It is assumed that title information as shown in FIG. For example, the current date and time is 12:00 on July 1, and before that, the title information is updated in the video server 2-1 and the video server 2-3, and the WWW server shown in FIG. Indicates that the title information is different.
[0017]
The title information in each of the video servers 2-1 to 2-3 is updated when each CPU functions as the attribute information management unit 23 based on a program corresponding to the flowchart shown in FIG. In other words, the administrator detects whether the title information has been updated by adding or deleting content, or changing highlight scene information (S1). When it is detected that the title information has been updated, the title name is detected. Etc. and highlight scene information are set (S2). The highlight scene information is set based on time position information from the start of video signal reproduction, for example. When highlight scene information is not set, the time at the center of the playback time is set as highlight scene information.
[0018]
On the other hand, the CPU of the WWW server 3 functions as the attribute information acquisition unit 31 by executing a program corresponding to the flowchart shown in FIG. It is detected whether an inquiry deadline (time, for example, 12:00) for the video servers 2-1 to 2-3 has arrived (S11). When the time limit comes, the identification information (A, B, C) of the video servers 2-1 to 2-3 related to the inquiry is queued (F1 in FIG. 11), and the first inquiry destination is taken out (S12). ). Here, the identification information A of the video server 2-1 in FIG. 11 is extracted.
[0019]
Then, an inquiry is made to the video server 2-1 (S13), and it is detected whether a return indicating that the video server 2-1 is overloaded has been sent (S14). If there is no return of the overload state, the content is reflected in the title information database 5 based on the title information as shown in FIG. 4 which is the incoming update content (S15). As a result, as shown in FIG. 7, title information regarding the video content with the title name “title A2” is additionally stored.
[0020]
Then, it is detected whether there are any remaining inquiry destinations in the queue (S19). Here, since the identification information B and C remain as shown in F2 of FIG. 11, the identification information B of the video server 2-2 of FIG. 11 is extracted (S20).
[0021]
Then, an inquiry is made to the video server 2-2 (S13), and it is detected whether a return indicating that the video server 2-2 is overloaded has been sent (S14). Here, as shown after F2 in FIG. 11, an overload state is returned, and it is detected whether the number of inquiries exceeds the specified value (S16). If it does not exceed the specified value, it is shown in F3 in FIG. In this manner, the identification information B of the video server 2-2 is loaded again at the end of the queue (S17), and it is detected whether there is an inquiry destination left in the queue (S19). Here, since the identification information C and B remain as shown in F3 of FIG. 11, the identification information C of the video server 2-3 of FIG. 11 is extracted (S20).
[0022]
Then, an inquiry is made to the video server 2-3 (S13), and it is detected whether a return indicating that the video server 2-3 is overloaded has been sent (S14). If there is no return of the overload state, the content is reflected in the title information database 5 based on the title information as shown in FIG. 6 which is the incoming update content (S15). As a result, as shown in FIG. 7, information based on “Cnew.jpeg” updated as the highlight scene is updated and stored in the title information regarding the video content with the title name “title C”.
[0023]
Then, it is detected whether there are any remaining inquiry destinations in the queue (S19). Here, since the identification information B remains as shown in F4 of FIG. 11, the identification information B of the video server 2-2 of FIG. 11 is extracted (S20). Here, as shown after F4 in FIG. 11, an overload state is returned, and it is detected whether the number of inquiries exceeds the specified value (S16). If it does not exceed the specified value, it is shown after F4 in FIG. As described above, the identification information B of the video server 2-2 is loaded again at the end of the queue (S17), and it is detected whether there is an inquiry destination left in the queue (S19). If it exceeds the specified value, the process is terminated without loading in the queue (S18). As described above, the title information table shown in FIG. 7 is completed.
[0024]
Corresponding to the operation of the WWW server 3 described above, the CPUs of the video servers 2-1 to 2-3 function as the attribute information management means 23 based on a program corresponding to the flowchart shown in FIG. That is, it is detected whether an inquiry has arrived from the WWW server 3 (S3). When an inquiry arrives, the load status of the server itself is checked (S4), and it is detected whether the inquiry can be handled (S5). If it is detected that the inquiry cannot be handled, an overload response is returned (S6). If it is detected that the query can be handled, the attribute information updated in step S2 in FIG. 8 is transmitted, and one moving picture (I picture in the case of MPEG) is converted into JPEG or the like based on the highlight scene information. The image information is converted into GIF still image format image information (moving image / still image conversion means 22) and sent (S7). This image information is stored in the title information database 5 corresponding to the title information table shown in FIG.
[0025]
When the user makes a menu request regarding video in the clients 4-1 to 4-n, the WWW browser 41 obtains title information from the WWW server 3 based on the program of the flowchart shown in FIG. Displays the menu. That is, when a video menu request is input from the user, the WWW browser 41 accesses the WWW server 3, and in response to this, the video information providing means 32 of the WWW server 3 corresponds to the title information shown in FIG. The still image information of the highlight scene is returned to the WWW browser 41. The WWW browser 41 receives this, arranges it in a layout as shown in FIG. 13, and displays it (S21). In the uppermost column in FIG. 13, a cursor mark for performing a screen operation is represented by an arrow, and an execution key mark for requesting provision of a video image is represented by a square. In addition, an end key mark or the like can be displayed. Further, there are examples of items in the upper left column of the 6-split screen, and the highlight scene corresponding to the actual title information is displayed in the other columns.
[0026]
The WWW browser 41 checks whether or not there is an input (S22), and if there is an input, analyzes the input content (S23) and asks for the provision of a video image (S24) or whether to request a cursor movement (S24). S25) If it is determined whether the end is requested (S25) and the provision of the video image is requested, the video browser 42 is activated, and the selected video server and content information are given to control. Transition (S28). At this time, for example, the video browser 42 accesses the video server 2-2, and the accessed video server 2-2 gives the video information specified by the moving image supply means 21 to the video browser 42. If the cursor movement is requested, a corresponding process is performed (S26), and if the end is requested, the process is terminated.
[0027]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the contents of the video images provided by the video servers 2-1 to 2-3 can be known by accessing the WWW server 3, and access is performed for each video server. Compared with, it is more efficient and can properly acquire information without using special software.
[0028]
In addition to the above, the WWW server 3 obtains load status information from each of the video servers 2-1 to 2-3 every predetermined time, and ranks the degree of congestion from this information, for example, in several stages. Display with information. Various information such as a charge, information on the Japanese version or the English version may be displayed together with the title information.
[0029]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the video-on-demand support system according to the present invention is convenient because the highlight scene can be viewed without using special software .
[0030]
With the video on demand support system according to the present invention, it is possible to view a highlight scene obtained by converting video data of one picture from a moving image into still image format data.
[0031]
According to the video-on-demand support system of the present invention, information on the load state of the video server is obtained and provided to the client as congestion information of the video server. Therefore, the client provides the congestion information of the video server. It is possible to obtain.
[0032]
According to the video-on-demand support system according to the present invention, the contents of content provided by a plurality of video servers can be obtained from one server.
[0033]
The web server according to the present invention can provide a highlight scene related to video data acquired from a plurality of video servers.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a video on demand support system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a server and the like of the video on demand support system according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a view showing a table of title information held in the WWW server in the video on demand support system according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a view showing a table of title information held in the video server in the video on demand support system according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a view showing a table of title information held in the video server in the video on demand support system according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a view showing a table of title information held in the video server in the video on demand support system according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a view showing a table of title information held in the WWW server in the video on demand support system according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the video server in the video on demand support system according to the embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the video server in the video on demand support system according to the embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the WWW server in the video on demand support system according to the embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a change in queue contents for explaining the operation of the WWW server in the video on demand support system according to the embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the client in the video on demand support system according to the embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a video menu screen displayed on the client in the video on demand support system according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Network 2-1 to 2-3 Video server 3 WWW server 4-1 to 4-n Client 5 Title information database 21 Movie supply means 22 Movie / still image conversion means 23 Attribute information management means 31 Attribute information acquisition means 32 Video information Provision means 41 WWW browser 42 Video browser

Claims (4)

A plurality of video servers for providing video data of video content, a web server for providing information on the content of video content provided by the plurality of video servers, and acquiring video data from the video server and the web server In a video-on-demand support system composed of a client that acquires information on the content of video content from
Each video server
A storage device storing title information including the title and playback time of video content to be provided and position information of a highlight scene;
Title information updating means for updating the title information stored in the storage device based on the input;
In response to a request for title information from the web server, the video server converts one-picture video data of a moving image into still image format data based on the position information of the highlight scene in the title information, and the web server together with other title information Video / still image conversion means to be given to
It has
The web server is
A database for storing video content titles and playback times provided by each video server and still image information of highlight scenes;
Attribute information acquisition means for requesting title information to each video server every predetermined time, storing the obtained video content title, playback time, and still image information of highlight scene in the database, and updating the title information When,
In response to a request from the client, the information stored in the database is retrieved, and the video content title, playback time, and highlight scene still image information provided by each video server are divided into screens and displayed in each section. Video information providing means for transmitting as information;
A video-on-demand support system comprising: Each video server includes means for detecting its own load status when receiving a request for title information from the web server, and sending the load status information to the web server,
The said web server is provided with the means to provide congestion degree information with a title information to a client based on the load condition information obtained at the time of the request | requirement of the title information to each video server. Video on demand support system. A plurality of video servers that provide moving image video data of video content, the storage device storing title information including the title, playback time, and highlight scene position information of the video content to be provided, and the storage device based on input Title information updating means for updating the title information stored in the title information, and receiving a request for title information from the web server, the video data of one picture of a moving image is stopped based on the position information of the highlight scene in the title information. A plurality of video servers comprising: video / still image conversion means for converting to image format data and providing to a web server together with other title information; and information regarding contents of video content provided by the plurality of video servers Web server that provides video data from video server In said web server configured video-on-demand support system by a web server and a client to obtain information about the contents of the video content with Tokusuru,
A database for storing video content titles and playback times provided by each video server and still image information of highlight scenes;
Attribute information acquisition means for requesting title information to each video server every predetermined time, storing the obtained video content title, playback time, and still image information of highlight scene in the database, and updating the title information When,
In response to a request from the client, the information stored in the database is retrieved, and the video content title, playback time, and highlight scene still image information provided by each video server are divided into screens and displayed in each section. Video information providing means for transmitting as information; ,
A web server characterized by comprising: Corresponding to each video server provided with means for detecting its own load status when receiving a request for title information from the web server and sending the load status information to the web server. 4. The web server according to claim 3, further comprising means for providing congestion degree information together with title information to the client based on load status information obtained at the time of requesting information.

Images