JP4513788B2 - Content distribution system and method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a content distribution system, and more particularly to a system for distributing content in response to a request from a user.

  In recent years, with the improvement of processing performance of mobile phones and the development of communication technology, various contents such as images, videos and music can be downloaded to mobile phones and played back. In addition, because of the ease of operation with a mobile phone, there is a service for downloading content in conjunction with other mass media such as a TV program. For example, in a TV program, by introducing the homepage address of the TV program or displaying a two-dimensional bar code or the like, the viewer can access the program homepage, thereby downloading content related to the program. The method is performed.

  However, in the content distribution service linked with the program as described above, immediately after being introduced in the program, access can be excessively concentrated on the web server that distributes the content. Then, there is a problem that the processing capacity of the distribution system is exceeded, and in order to avoid it, it is necessary to make an excessive capital investment.

  In addition, in order to avoid access concentration, there is a means of using a wide area distributed cache to cache static contents. However, it cannot be applied to necessary processes such as program processing such as member authentication of a user who has requested distribution, terminal type determination, and database access. Therefore, there is still a problem that access concentration occurs in the server that performs the model determination and the like.

  And, if the provider providing the content has a system configuration commensurate with cost effectiveness, if there is an access from a user exceeding the allowable number of systems, an error such as a timeout will occur. was there. Then, since the user who has become an error repeats access, access concentration further occurs, and a vicious circle in which more errors occur may occur.

  Further, for users, timeout due to concentration of access feels very stressful, so such users may cease access, and there is also a problem that operators lose the opportunity to acquire users.

  Here, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for realizing load distribution of a distribution server. The system described in this document is a system for distributing game software, accepting reservations for content distribution from users, obtaining data traffic analysis information indicating the degree of data transmission on the network, and at a time when traffic is low The technique of delivering is taken. However, in the above-described conventional example, even when the content to be distributed is not congested, processing such as the above-described reservation distribution and network traffic congestion status is performed for each reservation. The problem arises that it can increase. Further, since it is a reserved distribution, there may be a case where the user cannot immediately acquire the content even when the traffic is low, and further, there is a problem that it takes time and effort for the reservation.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-23956

  For this reason, in the present invention, while realizing normal content distribution and suppressing the burden on the server and the user, the content distribution processing is distributed only when access concentration is predicted, and the capital investment cost of the operator is suppressed. Meanwhile, an object of the present invention is to provide a system that can achieve user satisfaction.

Therefore, a content distribution system according to one aspect of the present invention is
A content distribution system that stores content for distribution and distributes the content to user terminals via a network,
A distribution request receiving means for receiving a content distribution request from a user terminal;
Normal distribution means for executing processing for distributing content to the user terminal that has made the distribution request immediately after receiving the distribution request;
Reservation distribution means for storing information for identifying the user terminal that has made the distribution request when the distribution request is received, and executing processing for distributing content to the user terminal at a preset timing thereafter And comprising
A switching means for switching to operate when either one of the normal delivery means and the reservation delivery means receives a delivery request;
It is characterized by that.

  According to the above invention, first, at the time of normal content distribution, when a content distribution request is received from the user terminal, the content is immediately distributed to the user terminal that has requested the content. On the other hand, when switching to reserved delivery, information on the user terminal that has accepted the delivery request is stored, and the content is delivered to the user terminal at a later predetermined timing. Thus, by switching the content distribution method when access concentration is likely to occur, load concentration due to content distribution processing can be distributed, and smooth content distribution can be realized.

  The switching means performs switching at a preset date and time. At this time, the preset date and time when the switching is performed by the switching means is a date and time based on the date and time when the action related to the content for distribution is performed. For example, the date and time based on the broadcast date and time of the program related to the content It is characterized by that.

  According to the above configuration, when an action such as broadcasting of a program related to the content is started, it is predicted that distribution requests for the content will be concentrated. Therefore, it is possible to set the date and time and switch to the above-described reserved distribution. it can. As a result, since normal distribution is performed at the time of normal distribution before switching, the user can immediately acquire the content, improve the convenience of the user, and make reservations when access is likely to concentrate. Since switching to distribution is possible, load distribution of the distribution system can be realized, and smoother distribution can be realized.

  Further, the reservation distribution means is characterized in that it executes a process of distributing content at a preset date and time as a preset timing. In addition, the reservation distribution unit may monitor the load status of the content distribution system itself, and execute a process of distributing the content when the load status is predetermined as a preset timing. Furthermore, the reservation distribution means performs a pre-distribution confirmation process for determining whether or not the content can be distributed based on the user terminal serving as a distribution destination or information unique to the user when distributing the content. It is a feature.

  In this way, smoother content distribution can be realized by performing the content distribution processing and the pre-distribution confirmation processing when the date and time when access is expected to be low or when the load is actually measured and the load is low.

  In addition, the content distribution processing by the reservation distribution means, for example, notifies the e-mail transmitted to the user terminal by describing the address of the content download page and distributes the content in response to a request from the user terminal accordingly. To do. Alternatively, the content may be attached to the electronic mail transmitted to the user terminal and distributed.

Moreover, the program which is the other form of this invention is:
To a computer that distributes content for distribution to user terminals via a network,
A distribution request receiving means for receiving a content distribution request from a user terminal;
Normal distribution means for executing processing for distributing content to the user terminal that has made the distribution request immediately after receiving the distribution request;
Reservation distribution means for storing information for identifying the user terminal that has made the distribution request when the distribution request is received, and executing processing for distributing content to the user terminal at a preset timing thereafter When,
A switching means for switching to operate when either one of the normal delivery means and the reservation delivery means receives a delivery request;
It is characterized by realizing.

Furthermore, a content distribution method according to another aspect of the present invention includes:
A method of distributing content for distribution to a user terminal via a network on a computer,
A distribution request reception step of receiving a content distribution request from the user terminal, and one of the two is executed after being switched;
A normal distribution step of executing a process of distributing content immediately after receiving a distribution request;
A reservation distribution step of storing information for identifying a user terminal that has made the distribution request when the distribution request is received, and executing a process of distributing content to the user terminal at a preset timing thereafter; ,
It is characterized by having.

  Even the program and content distribution system having the above-described configuration operate in the same manner as the content distribution system, and thus the above-described object of the present invention can be achieved.

  Since the present invention is configured and functions as described above, according to this, when content is normally delivered as soon as there is access, the load on the server and the user is suppressed, and access concentration is predicted. Only by switching the content distribution method, the load concentration due to the content distribution processing can be distributed, and the user's satisfaction can be achieved while suppressing the capital investment cost of the business operator. Has an effect.

  The present invention is characterized in that the content distribution method is switched depending on the situation between normal distribution that distributes as soon as a distribution request is received and reserved distribution that reserves the request and distributes it later. Hereinafter, the configuration and operation thereof will be described in detail in Examples. In addition, although the example illustrates the case where the content distribution system is configured by a plurality of computers, it is not limited to being configured by the number of computers to be described, but other numbers of computers, for example, A single computer may be used.

  A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the content distribution system, and FIGS. 2 to 5 are functional block diagrams showing the configuration of each computer constituting the content distribution system. 6 to 10 are flowcharts or sequence diagrams showing content distribution operations.

[Constitution]
As shown in FIG. 1, the content distribution system is a system managed by an operator that provides a program related to the content to be distributed or an operator entrusted by the operator that provides the program, as will be described later. The content distribution server 1, the request processing server 2, the database server 3, the mail distribution server 4, and the public setting server 5 are configured. These servers 1 to 5 operate under program control and are connected to each other via the network 1. Further, a user terminal 7 operated by a user 7a who requests content distribution is connected to the content distribution server 1 and the mail distribution server 4 via the Internet network N2. Further, the public setting server 5 is connected to a public setting terminal 6 operated by a business operator. Hereinafter, each configuration will be described in detail.

<User terminal>
The user terminal 7 is an information processing apparatus such as a mobile phone operated by a user 7a who views a TV program transmitted from a radio tower on the TV 8, and has an Internet connection function. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the user 7a desires to acquire content introduced in the program from the homepage of the TV program being viewed. Therefore, the user terminal 7 has a function of accessing a program homepage provided by the content distribution server 1, displaying the program homepage on the screen, and making a content request. Examples of the content include an incoming melody and a standby image. Here, the user 7a inputs, for example, a URL displayed in a program viewed on the television 8 to the user terminal 7 or captures and displays the displayed two-dimensional barcode on the user terminal 7. The program homepage is accessed based on the URL that can be created.

<Public setting terminal>
The public setting terminal 6 is an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer installed in a business provider who provides a program, and accesses the public setting server 5 to perform setting such as content disclosure. For example, as will be described later, the specification of the switching date and time of the content distribution method (normal distribution and reserved distribution) on the program homepage set in conjunction with the broadcast start time of the program and the notification time of content distribution in the program, When the distribution request is received and distributed (at the time of reserved distribution), the content distribution date / time designation is entered and registered in the public setting server 5. In addition, it simply sets the release date and time that allows access to the program home page and content.

<Public setting server>
The public setting server 5 is an information processing apparatus such as a server for setting a control for the content distribution 1, the request processing server 2, the database server 3, and the mail distribution server 4 by a provider who provides a program. Has the function of setting. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, a public program registration processing unit 51, a public setting designation instruction processing unit 52, a mail setting registration processing unit 53, a mail are installed by incorporating a predetermined program into an arithmetic device such as a CPU. A distribution instruction processing unit 54 is constructed. Also, a public setting storage unit 55 and a mail setting storage unit 56 are formed in a storage device such as a hard disk drive.

  The public setting registration processing unit 51 receives input of setting information of the program homepage and the content date and time from the public setting terminal 6 and registers the information in the public setting storage unit 55. The setting information of the release date / time is, for example, the date / time information that makes it possible to access the program homepage or the date / time information that makes content distribution possible. Date / time information to be switched in conjunction with the program. Then, when the date and time registered in the disclosure setting storage unit 55 is reached, the disclosure setting instruction processing unit 52 instructs the content distribution server 1 to that effect. Here, in this embodiment, it is set to switch from normal distribution to reserved distribution on the date and time immediately before the date and time when content is introduced in the program, and when this date and time is reached, a switching instruction is sent to the content distribution server 1. Against.

  In addition, the mail setting registration processing unit 53 inputs the information for setting the date and time for transmitting an e-mail serving as a notification for distributing the content to the user terminal 7 that has received the content distribution request at the time of the reserved distribution. Are stored in the mail setting storage unit 56. Here, the reserved distribution is a system for distributing contents not only immediately after the content distribution server 1 receives a distribution request from the user terminal 7 but when the subsequent concentration of access is canceled. Accordingly, the user terminal 7 to which the e-mail is notified after making the distribution request can receive the content distribution, but at this time, of course, the mail is distributed to the plurality of user terminals 7 so that access concentration does not occur. The interval, the number to be distributed simultaneously, and the like are also specified from the public setting terminal 6, and such settings are stored in the mail setting storage unit 56. Then, when the date and time registered in the mail setting storage unit 56 comes, the mail delivery instruction processing unit 54 instructs the request processing server 2 to that effect. For example, the date and time for delivering the mail is set immediately after the program that introduced the content ends or after several hours. In addition, as the mail delivery setting, the number of users who simultaneously deliver mail is set to 10, or the mail delivery is sequentially performed at different intervals every 30 minutes. However, the above setting is an example.

<Content distribution server>
The content distribution server 1 is an information processing apparatus such as a server in which a content distribution function is implemented, and has a function of receiving a content request transmitted from the user terminal 7. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, a predetermined program is incorporated into an arithmetic device such as a CPU, thereby enabling the public setting processing unit 11, the HP public processing unit 12, the distribution request reception processing unit 13, and the content distribution processing unit. 14 is constructed. A content storage unit 15 is formed in a storage device such as a hard disk drive.

  The content storage unit 15 stores information representing the program homepage itself and contents such as an incoming melody distributed from the homepage. However, the content storage unit 15 itself may be formed in another computer.

  The public setting processing unit 11 receives a public setting instruction from the public setting server 5 as described above, and based on this, performs public setting so that the program homepage and content can be accessed, and the content distribution method is normally set. Set to switch between distribution and reserved distribution. For example, when the above-described public setting server 5 gives an instruction to switch from normal distribution to reserved distribution immediately before the date and time when the content is introduced in the program, the distribution method is sent to the HP public processing unit 12 accordingly. To switch between.

  The HP publishing processing unit 12 sets the HP and content to be accessible according to an instruction from the publishing setting server 5, and switches and sets the content distribution method between normal distribution and reserved distribution (switching unit). , Has a function of publishing a program homepage.

  Here, in the case of normal distribution, when a content distribution request is made from the user terminal 7 via the program homepage, this is notified to the distribution request reception processing unit 13 and received (distribution request reception means), immediately thereafter. In addition, the content distribution processing unit 14 executes processing for distributing content to the user terminal 7 (normal distribution means). Immediately after receiving the distribution request, the distribution request reception processing unit 13 performs member authentication in cooperation with the request processing server 2 and the database server 3 as will be described later. The process of determining whether or not download is possible, such as providing a screen for prompting the user to register as a member, calculating the number of remaining downloads that can be downloaded for each user, and determining the model of the user terminal 7 is performed. . Note that these detailed processes will be described when the operation is described.

  In the case of reserved distribution, when a content distribution request is made from the user terminal 7 via the program homepage, the distribution request reception processing unit 13 receives this content distribution request (distribution request reception means) and requests this distribution. Reservation of content distribution to the user terminal 7 is made. That is, as will be described later, in cooperation with the request processing server 2 and the database server 3, processing for registering request information of the user terminal 7 in the database server 3 is performed. After that, when the mail delivery date / time set in the public setting server 5 is reached as described above, an email notifying that the content can be delivered is delivered to the user terminal 7. In response, the final content distribution request transmitted from the user terminal 7 is received by the distribution request reception processing unit 13, and the content distribution processing unit 14 executes processing for distributing content to the user terminal 7 (reserved distribution means). Note that when the distribution request reception processing unit 13 receives a final distribution request transmitted from the user terminal 7 in response to an e-mail, the member cooperates with the request processing server 2 and the database server 3 in the same manner as described above. Processing for determining whether or not download is possible (pre-delivery confirmation processing) such as authentication, calculation of the number of remaining downloads that can be downloaded for each user, and model determination of the user terminal 7 is performed. Note that these detailed processes will be described when the operation is described.

<Request processing server>
The request processing server 2 is an information processing apparatus such as a server on which a database connection function, a transaction management function, and a business logic processing function are mounted. Then, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, a predetermined program is incorporated into an arithmetic device such as a CPU, so that an authentication processing unit 21, a request information registration instruction processing unit 22, a mail delivery instruction processing unit 23, a content A delivery determination processing unit 24 is constructed.

  The authentication processing unit 21 has a function of authenticating whether or not the user 7 a who has transmitted the content distribution request received by the content distribution server 1 is a member registered in the member database of the database server 3. Moreover, when the user 7a is a nonmember, it has the function to perform member registration. Further, the content distribution determination processing unit 24 refers to the member database of the database server 3 in response to a request from the content distribution server 1 to confirm the remaining number of downloads for each user 7a and the model of the user terminal 7, It is determined whether or not distribution is possible.

  The request information registration processing unit 22 receives the content distribution request at the time of reserved distribution, and if the member authentication is successful, the user information for specifying the user terminal 7, the content requested for distribution, the model of the mobile phone that is the user terminal 7 It has a function of registering in the database server 3 as content request information for associating information and the like and reserving content distribution.

  When there is a mail distribution instruction from the public setting server 5, the mail distribution instruction processing unit 23 refers to the content request information registered in the database server 3 and sends an e-mail to the user terminal 7 that has reserved content distribution. The mail delivery server 4 is instructed to deliver.

<Database server>
The database server 3 is an information processing apparatus such as a server that manages a database. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, a user information provision processing unit 31 and a request registration processing unit 32 are constructed by incorporating a predetermined program into an arithmetic device such as a CPU. A user database (DB) 33 is formed in a storage device such as a hard disk drive.

  The user DB 33 stores information on users who are members, and stores information such as the period and number of times content can be downloaded. In addition, model information of the user terminal 7 is also stored.

  In response to an authentication request from the request processing server 2, the user information provision processing unit 31 is information for determining whether the user 7a who made the content request is a member, whether the content can be downloaded, or the like. Is provided from the user DB 33. In addition, the request registration processing unit 32 stores content request information indicating a content distribution reservation of the user 7a who has requested the content distribution in the database in association with the corresponding content, user information, portable model information, and the like at the time of reserved distribution. It has the function to do. Note that the data registered in association with the content request information at this time may be data registered in advance in the user DB 33 as described above, or data transmitted from the user terminal 7 when a distribution request is made. May be.

<Mail delivery server>
The mail delivery server 4 is an information processing apparatus such as a server having a mail delivery function. And according to the instruction | indication from the public setting server 5 mentioned above, based on the content request information showing the delivery reservation of the content stored in the database server 3, it has the function to deliver an email. Specifically, the e-mail is notified by describing the address of the content download page. Then, the content is distributed from the content distribution server 1 by the user terminal 7 accessing this address.

[Operation]
Next, the operation of the content distribution system configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an outline of the operation of the system. Of these, the normal content distribution operation is shown in FIG. 7, and the reserved distribution operation is shown in FIG. 9 to 10 are sequence diagrams showing the overall operation of the system. Hereinafter, description will be made mainly with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.

  First, a business providing a program prepares a program homepage and content to be provided in conjunction with the program. Further, the business operator accesses the public setting server 5 from the public setting terminal 6 to set the program homepage and the content public date and time (step S101). For example, setting the time (date and time) at which websites and content can be accessed according to the program start time, automatic publication setting / manual setting at this date and time, and normal distribution and reservation of content linked to the broadcast time of the program There is a setting date and time for switching to delivery.

  At the same time, the business operator accesses the public setting server 5 from the public setting terminal 6 and sets the time for starting the mail distribution for the user 7a who has requested the content distribution at the time of reserved distribution (step S101). ). At this time, in order to prevent concentration of access at the time of reservation distribution, for example, even when there are a plurality of reservations, a mail distribution interval that shifts the content distribution time to each user, and download requests from many users The number of simultaneous distributions is also set so as not to concentrate. The above corresponds to step S1 shown in FIG.

  Then, when the date and time specified to publish the homepage is reached by the above publishing date and time setting, the homepage publishing setting instruction is issued from the publishing setting server 5 to the content distribution server 1 (step S102). At this time, assuming that the content distribution method is designated as normal distribution, the content distribution server 1 arranges the program homepage and content in an area accessible from the Internet network N2, and the content is distributed by the normal distribution method. Distribution is set (step S103, step S2 in FIG. 6).

  Here, the normal distribution is performed according to the procedure shown in FIG. First, when the content distribution server 1 receives a content distribution request from the user terminal 11 (step S11, distribution request reception step), user authentication is executed in cooperation with the request processing server 2 and the database server 3 (step S12). ). If the user is a member, the user's possible download count information is acquired from the user DB 33 of the database server 3, the model of the user terminal 7 is checked, and whether or not content can be distributed to the user. Is determined (steps S13 and S14). Thus, when it is determined that download is possible, the content distribution server 1 distributes the content to the user terminal 7 (step S15, normal distribution step). In this way, in normal distribution, when a content distribution request is received from the user terminal 7, processing necessary for distributing content such as authentication processing is performed immediately, and content distribution is executed.

  Thereafter, when the time at which the provision of the corresponding program is started approaches, the public setting server 5 determines the content distribution server 1 based on the time set by the operator (Yes in step S3 in FIG. 6). An instruction is given to switch the content distribution method from normal distribution to reserved distribution (step S111). In response to this, the content distribution server 1 sets the content distribution method on the program homepage by switching to reservation distribution (step S112, step S4 in FIG. 6). As a result, content reservation delivery is performed (step S5 in FIG. 6). The reservation delivery operation is also shown in FIG.

  Thereafter, when information indicating that content distribution is to be started is displayed by means of telop notification or the like in conjunction with the contents of the program, the user 7a who is viewing the program on the television 8 uses the information on the user terminal 7 Thus, the program homepage established by the provider providing the program is accessed (step S113). In response to this, the content distribution server 1 transmits a program homepage to the user terminal 7 (not shown). In the user terminal 7, information relating to various programs is displayed on the screen, and the user 7a refers to the information relating to the program and makes a content request on the screen if the content is desired (step S113).

  When the user makes a content distribution request, in response to this, the content distribution server 1 transmits information transmitted from the user terminal 7 to the request processing server 2 to request authentication (step S114, step of FIG. 8). S21). In response to this, the request processing server 2 inquires of the database server 3 and authenticates whether the user 7a who requested the download is a member or a non-member (step S115, step S22 in FIG. 8). As a result of authentication, if the user 7a is a member, the corresponding content, user information, portable device information, etc. are associated with the content distribution request from the user terminal 7 and stored in the database server 3 as content request information. The storage is instructed (step S116). Then, the database server 3 stores the content request information in response to the instruction from the request processing server 2 (step S117, step S23 in FIG. 8). If the user 7a is a non-member as a result of authentication by the request processing server 2, the content distribution server 1 is instructed to display a screen for prompting member registration on the user terminal 7 (not shown).

  Thereafter, when the mail delivery time set by the provider providing the program in the public setting server 5 is reached (Yes in step S24 in FIG. 8), the public setting server 5 makes a content request to the request processing server 2. The user 7a is instructed to prepare for mail to be distributed (step S121). In response to this, the request processing server 2 extracts the content request information stored in the database server 3 and transmits information such as the user's name, e-mail address, and URL for content download to the e-mail distribution server 4. (Step S122). In response to this, the mail distribution server 4 creates the contents of the mail from the transmitted information and distributes the mail to the user terminal 7 (step S123, step S25 in FIG. 8). At this time, the public setting server 5 is set with a delivery interval that avoids concentration of access to a plurality of user terminals 7 and the number of deliveries within a predetermined time, and mail is delivered according to such settings. The

  Then, the user terminal 7 receives the mail distributed from the mail distribution server 4. Then, the user 7a accesses the URL described in the mail text on the user terminal 7 (step S124). In response to this, the content distribution server 1 transmits a page for content download to the user terminal 7. Then, since a content download screen is displayed on the user terminal 7, the user 7a makes a content download request (step S124). When the user makes a content request, the content distribution server 1 accepts this (step S26 in FIG. 8), and in response to this, transmits information transmitted from the user terminal 7 to the request processing server 2 (step S125). ).

  In response to this, the request processing server 2 inquires of the database server 3 and performs member authentication of the user 7a who has requested download (step S126, step S27 in FIG. 8), and determines the remaining downloadable number of the corresponding user 7a. The result is transmitted to the content distribution server 1 (step S127, step S28 in FIG. 8). In response to this, the content distribution server 1 transmits a download confirmation page including the remaining downloadable number to the user terminal 7 (step S128). Then, since a download confirmation screen is displayed on the user terminal 7, the user 7a confirms the download (step s129). When the user 7a confirms the download, in response to this, the content distribution server 1 transmits the information transmitted from the user terminal 7 to the request processing server 2 (step S130).

  In response to this, the request processing server 2 inquires of the database server 3 and re-authenticates the user who requested the download (step S131), calculates the remaining downloadable number of the corresponding user 7a, and executes the database server. 3 (step S132). Further, the model of the user terminal 7 is determined, and the result is transmitted to the content distribution server 1 (step S133, step S29 in FIG. 8). In response to this, the content distribution server 1 transmits content corresponding to the user terminal 7 to the user terminal 7 (step S134, step S30 in FIG. 8). Thereby, the user terminal 7 receives the content transmitted from the content distribution server 1, and stores the received content in the storage area of the user terminal 7 (step S135).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, at the time of concentrated access linked with a program, the mobile terminal model determination processing and content distribution processing that burden the system (content distribution server 1, request processing server 2, etc.) are performed. Therefore, since it can be executed after access concentration is avoided, access from more users can be received within a predetermined time. In particular, when access from the user results in an error due to timeout due to excessive access concentration, there may be a situation where the access is more concentrated because the user performs access many times. In the example, such a situation can be suppressed and the effect is remarkable.

  In addition, for users, timeouts due to concentration of access feel very stressful, so users may cease access, but by concentrating access, users who previously abandoned access are also expected. It is possible to acquire new users. In addition, since the mail that conveys the URL for download is distributed and distributed, there is also an effect that it is possible to avoid concentration of access at the time of actual content distribution after mail distribution.

  To summarize the above, the load on the server is usually low, so content can be delivered immediately when requested, improving user satisfaction, and reserved delivery when access is likely to be concentrated Therefore, load distribution of the distribution system can be realized and smooth distribution can be realized. Therefore, it is possible to provide a content distribution service with high user satisfaction while suppressing facility costs.

  Here, the case where content linked to a program is distributed has been exemplified above, but the content may be related to a predetermined product, for example, in such a case, a product release or a product announcement event Corresponding to the date and time such as, a switching date and time between normal distribution and reserved distribution may be set. As a result, even if content distribution requests are concentrated due to the sale or event, the subsequent actual content distribution processing can be distributed, so that the same effect as described above can be exhibited.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a content distribution operation at the time of reserved distribution in the content distribution system.

[Constitution]
The content distribution system according to the present embodiment employs substantially the same configuration as that of the first embodiment described above, but there is a method for actually distributing content to a user who has received a content distribution request at the time of reserved distribution. Different.

  Specifically, the content is attached to the electronic mail distributed from the mail distribution server 4 described above and distributed. Therefore, the mail distribution server 4 has a function of acquiring content requested by the user from the content distribution server 1 and the like, attaching it to an e-mail, and transmitting it to the address of the user terminal 7 of the user. In other words, in the first embodiment, the mail distribution server 4 distributes the mail for notifying the URL for content download, but instead has a function of distributing the content attached thereto.

[Operation]
First, the content distribution method by the content distribution server 1 has been switched to reservation distribution, and the operation from receiving a content distribution request from the user terminal 7 to registering distribution request information in the database server 3 is the same as in the first embodiment. (Steps S201 to S203).

  Thereafter, when the date and time when the reserved content is distributed, that is, the mail distribution time set by the provider providing the program in the public setting server 5 (Yes in step S204), the public setting server 5 receives the request processing server. 2 is instructed to prepare a mail to be distributed to the user 7a who has requested the content. In response to this, the request processing server 2 extracts the content request information stored in the database server 3 and transmits information such as the user's name, e-mail address, and portable model information to the e-mail distribution server 4. In response to this, the mail delivery server 4 creates mail contents from the transmitted information. If the setting for unlimited number of downloads is set in advance in the public setting server 5, the model of the user terminal 7 is determined based on the portable model information, and the content corresponding to the user terminal 7 is received from the content distribution server 1 or the like. The mail is taken out and attached to the mail, and the mail is distributed to the user terminal 7 (step S205). However, in order to avoid load concentration, distribution is performed at the distribution interval and the number of distributions set in advance by the public setting server 5. As a result, the user terminal 7 can receive the mail transmitted from the mail delivery server 4 and store the content attached to the received mail in the storage area of the user terminal 7.

  Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a content distribution operation at the time of reserved distribution in the content distribution system.

[Constitution]
The content distribution system according to the present embodiment employs substantially the same configuration as that of the first embodiment described above, but the first embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that content is actually provided to a user who has received a content distribution request at the time of reserved distribution. The delivery timing is different.

  Specifically, the content distribution server 1 or the request processing server 2 monitors the load status of its own server or the content distribution system, and executes the content distribution processing when a predetermined load status is reached. Has the function of At this time, as in the case of the first embodiment, the content is distributed by transmitting an electronic mail describing the URL of the download page to the user terminal and distributing the content in response to the access to the URL. However, as described in the second embodiment, the content may be distributed with the e-mail attached, and the distribution method is arbitrary.

[Operation]
The operation at the time of reservation delivery processing in the present embodiment is substantially the same as that of FIG. First, a content distribution request is received from the user terminal 7 and distribution request information is registered in the database server 3 (steps S301 to S303).

  Thereafter, the content distribution server 1 or the request processing server 2 monitors the load status of the server or the entire content distribution system, and determines whether or not the load status is a predetermined low load (step S304). For example, the number of processes such as a decrease in load due to a decrease in the number of accesses to the content distribution server 1, an authentication process by the request processing server 2, a calculation of the number of remaining downloads of the user terminal that requested the download, and a model determination Monitor load drop due to drop in When the load is equal to or less than the preset load status (Yes in step S304), the mail distribution server 4 is instructed to transmit the e-mail to the mail distribution server 4 as described above, and the e-mail is transmitted. (Step S305). Thereafter, a download request is made from the user terminal 7 that has received the mail, and a content distribution process is executed (steps S306 to S310).

  In this way, when the actual load on the system is low, smoother content distribution can be realized by performing the content distribution process and the pre-distribution confirmation process.

  In the above, at the time of reserved delivery, a content delivery request is received from the user terminal 7 and then the time when the content is delivered comes when the date and time set in the public setting server 5 is reached, or the system load status is predetermined. Although the case where the value is equal to or less than the above value is exemplified, other timing may be used.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be used when distributing contents related to a program distribution by broadcasting / communication, etc., or holding an event by a shopping site, and has industrial applicability.

It is the schematic which shows the whole structure of a content delivery system. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of a public setting server. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of a content delivery server. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of a request processing server. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of a database server. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the whole system. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the normal delivery process by a system. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the reservation delivery process by a system. It is a sequence diagram which shows operation | movement of the whole system. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an operation of the entire system, and shows a continuation of FIG. 9. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a reservation distribution process in the second embodiment. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a reservation distribution process in the third embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Content distribution server 2 Request processing server 3 Database server 4 Mail distribution server 5 Public setting server 6 Public setting terminal 7 User terminal 8 Television 11 Public setting processing part 12 HP public processing part 13 Distribution request reception processing part 14 Content distribution processing part 15 Content storage unit 21 Authentication processing unit 22 Request information registration instruction processing unit 23 Mail distribution instruction processing unit 24 Content distribution determination processing unit 31 User information provision processing unit 32 Request registration processing unit 33 User database 51 Public setting registration processing unit 52 Public setting instruction Processing unit 53 Mail setting registration processing unit 54 Mail distribution instruction processing unit 55 Public setting storage unit 56 Mail setting storage unit

Claims (10)

A content distribution system that stores content for distribution and distributes the content to user terminals via a network,
A distribution request receiving means for receiving a distribution request for the content from the user terminal;
Normal distribution means for executing processing for distributing the content to the user terminal that has made the distribution request immediately after receiving the distribution request;
When the distribution request is received, information for specifying the user terminal that has made the distribution request is stored, and the content is distributed to the user terminal at a preset timing thereafter. Reservation delivery means,
Of the said reservation distributing means and the normal distribution means, Bei example a switching means for switching to operate when either one accepts the distribution request,
The switching means performs switching at a preset date and time;
A content distribution system characterized by that. Date the preset switching is performed by the switching means is a time based on the date and time when the content for the delivery associated action is performed, the content distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the . Wherein the preset time, the content is time based on the broadcast date and time of the relevant program, content distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the switching is performed by the switching means. Said reservation distribution means, said the preset time as a preset timing, performs a process of distributing the content, according to claim 1, wherein the content distribution system, characterized in that. The reservation delivery unit monitors the load status of the content delivery system itself, and executes processing for delivering the content when the preset load timing is reached as the preset timing. The content distribution system according to claim 1, 2, 3, or 4 . The reservation distribution means performs a pre-distribution confirmation process for determining whether or not the content can be distributed based on information specific to the user terminal serving as a distribution destination or the user when the content is distributed. 6. The content distribution system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein: In the content distribution processing by the reservation distribution means, the address of the download page of the content is described in an e-mail transmitted to the user terminal and notified to the user terminal, and a request from the user terminal is received accordingly. content delivery system according to claim 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, wherein distributing the content, it is characterized by Te. It said reservation distribution means the content distribution processing by the claims 1,2,3,4,5 or 6 wherein the electronic mail sent to the user terminal by attaching the content distributed to the user terminal, characterized in that The content distribution system described. To a computer that distributes content for distribution to user terminals via a network,
A distribution request receiving means for receiving a distribution request for the content from the user terminal;
Normal distribution means for executing processing for distributing the content to the user terminal that has made the distribution request immediately after receiving the distribution request;
When the distribution request is received, information for specifying the user terminal that has made the distribution request is stored, and the content is distributed to the user terminal at a preset timing thereafter. Reservation delivery means;
Switching means for switching to operate when either one of the normal delivery means and the reservation delivery means receives the delivery request;
Is a program for realizing,
The switching means performs switching at a preset date and time;
program. A method of distributing content for distribution to a user terminal via a network on a computer,
As a process that can be switched so that either one is executed after having a distribution request reception process for receiving a distribution request for the content from the user terminal,
A normal distribution step of executing a process of distributing the content immediately after receiving the distribution request;
Reservation for storing information for identifying the user terminal that has made the distribution request when the distribution request is received, and executing processing for distributing the content to the user terminal at a preset timing thereafter Delivery process;
I have a,
Switch at a preset date and time so that either one of the normal distribution process and the reservation distribution process is executed.
A content distribution method characterized by the above.

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