JP5195794B2 - Information communication system, information processing apparatus, and information communication method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technical field of a peer-to-peer (P2P) communication system including a plurality of node devices that can communicate with each other via a network.

  In recent years, a peer-to-peer communication system as disclosed in Patent Document 1 has attracted attention. In this peer-to-peer communication system, when a node device acquires content, for example, any node device that stores the requested content transmits the content to the requested node device.

JP 2006-197400 A

  However, for example, a node device that stores popular content frequently receives content requests from other node devices, and therefore must transmit content each time. Thus, there are cases where a specific node device concentrates content transmission. As a result, the amount of data transmitted from a specific node device increases. In order to cope with such a situation, a communication carrier such as ISP (Internet Service Provider) that provides a network connection service needs to make a capital investment such as line enhancement.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above points. An object of the present invention is to provide an information communication system, an information processing apparatus, and an information communication method capable of preventing content from being transmitted excessively by a specific node device.

In order to solve the above-described problem, the invention according to claim 1 is characterized in that an overlay network in which a plurality of node devices connected to a network are connected to each other causes each of the plurality of node devices to be a content transmission source, and An information communication system for transmitting content to a device, wherein location information indicating a location of one or more content holding node devices that store content distributed and stored in the plurality of node devices, and where the location information is located The content holding node device shown in the information communication system stores first information indicating the extent to which content can be uploaded in association with each content, and stores the content stored by the node device. A disclosure message indicating disclosure, the location information of the node device, and the no A second receiving means for receiving a public message including a second information indicating a room for uploading the content to another node device based on the amount of data uploaded by the device, and received by the second receiving means Information comprising updating means for updating the first information stored in the first storage means in association with the location information contained in the public message based on the second information contained in the public message Based on the processing device and the first information stored in the first storage means, the uploadable data amount in which the content can be uploaded is greater than or equal to a predetermined predetermined data amount among the content holding node devices. first acquisition means for acquiring the content from the content holding node apparatus, stores content Second storage means, and the public message indicating the disclosure of the content stored by the second storage means, and transmitting the public message including the location information and the second information to the information processing apparatus And a node device comprising a second transmission means .

According to this invention, the information processing apparatus can manage the extent to which content can be uploaded as an information communication system. Therefore, based on the extent to which content can be uploaded, the node device can acquire content from a content holding node that has a sufficient amount of data that can be uploaded. Therefore, it is possible to prevent excessive transmission of content by a specific node device. In addition, the information processing apparatus can manage, for each content, the extent to which the content can be uploaded as an information communication system based on the room for uploading the content in each node device. Therefore, it is possible to prevent content transmission from being performed excessively by a node device that stores specific content.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, the information processing apparatus is configured such that the location information stored by the first storage unit indicates the location based on the first information stored by the first storage unit. Of the holding nodes, a first determining unit that determines the location information of the content holding node device whose uploadable data amount is equal to or greater than the predetermined data amount, and the content holding node device determined by the first determining unit A first transmission unit that transmits the location information to the node device, and the node device further includes a first reception unit that receives the location information transmitted from the information processing device. The first acquisition means of the device includes a content from the content holding node device in which the location information received by the first receiving means indicates the location. The and acquiring.

  According to the present invention, a content holding node having a sufficient amount of data that can be uploaded can be determined as a content acquisition destination by the information processing apparatus.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, the information processing apparatus further includes first transmission means for transmitting the location information and the first information stored in association with each other by the first storage means to the node device, The node device has a first receiving means for receiving the location information and the first information transmitted from the information processing device, and the location information is based on the first information received by the receiving means. A second determining unit that determines the content holding node whose uploadable data amount is greater than or equal to the predetermined data amount, and wherein the first acquisition unit of the node device includes: The content is acquired from the content holding node device determined by the second determining means.

  According to the present invention, a content holding node having a sufficient amount of data that can be uploaded can be determined as a content acquisition destination by a node device that acquires content.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the first storage unit of the information processing apparatus stores the location information and the second information in association with content identification information, and the information processing apparatus Third receiving means for receiving an inquiry message including the identification information from the node device, and stored by the first storage means corresponding to the identification information included in the inquiry message received by the third receiving means. Based on the second information, the content holding node in which the uploadable data amount is greater than or equal to the predetermined data amount among the location information stored in the first storage unit corresponding to the identification information Third determination means for determining the location information of the device, and fourth transmission for transmitting the location information determined by the third determination means to the node device The node device further includes: a third transmission unit that transmits the inquiry message including the identification information of the content to be acquired; and a fourth unit that receives the location information transmitted from the information processing device. Receiving means, wherein the first acquisition means of the node device acquires content from the content holding node device where the location information received by the fourth receiving means indicates the location. .

  According to the present invention, since the node device whose uploadable data amount is equal to or greater than the predetermined data amount uploads the content, it is possible to prevent the content transmission by the specific node device from being performed excessively. In addition, the information processing apparatus can determine a content holding node having a sufficient amount of data that can be uploaded as a content acquisition source.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the first storage unit of the information processing apparatus stores the location information and the second information in association with content identification information, and the information processing apparatus The third receiving unit that receives the inquiry message including the identification information from the node device, and the location information and the second information stored in association with each other by the first storage unit, are received by the third receiving unit. And a fourth transmission means for transmitting the location information and the second information corresponding to the identification information included in the received inquiry message to the node device, wherein the node device includes the content to be acquired. A third transmitting means for transmitting the inquiry message including identification information; and a second transmitting means for receiving the location information and the second information transmitted from the information processing apparatus. Based on the second information received by the receiving means and the fourth receiving means, the uploadable data amount out of the location information received by the fourth receiving means is greater than or equal to the predetermined data amount And a fourth determining unit that determines the location information of the content holding node device, wherein the first acquisition unit is configured to receive the location information determined by the fourth determining unit from the content holding node device indicating the location. The content is acquired.

  According to the present invention, since the node device whose uploadable data amount is equal to or greater than the predetermined data amount uploads the content, it is possible to prevent the content transmission by the specific node device from being performed excessively. Also, a content holding node having a sufficient amount of data that can be uploaded can be determined as a content acquisition destination by a node device that acquires content.

In the invention according to claim 6 , the information processing apparatus determines whether or not the transmittable level of the content indicated by the first information stored in the first storage unit is equal to or less than a predetermined level. A transmission instruction message including identification information of content determined by the determination unit and the content that has been determined to be less than or equal to the predetermined level by the determination unit by the first storage unit corresponding to the content And a fifth transmission means for transmitting the stored location information to the content holding node device indicating the location, wherein the node device receives the transmission instruction message transmitted from the information processing device. 5 receiving means and the content indicated by the identification information included in the transmission instruction message received by the fifth receiving means from the second storage means A sixth transmitting means for transmitting to the other of the node device to obtain, and further comprising a.

  According to the present invention, the node device that has received the content from the content holding node device that has received the transmission instruction message stores the received content, thereby becoming a new content holding node device for the content. Therefore, the number of content holding node devices that can upload content whose degree of uploading is low increases. Therefore, the extent to which content can be uploaded as an information communication system can be increased.

The invention according to claim 7 is characterized in that the second transmission means of the node device transmits the public message about the uploaded content when the content is uploaded to another node device. To do.

  According to the present invention, since the public message is transmitted every time the uploadable data amount changes, the first information stored in the information processing apparatus accurately reflects the room for uploading the content of the content holding node device. Can do.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the uploadable data amount at which the second transmission unit of the node device can upload the content stored in the second storage unit at the present time is less than the predetermined data amount. The public message about the content whose uploadable data amount is less than the predetermined data amount is transmitted.

  According to the present invention, since the public message can be transmitted when the content cannot be uploaded, the number of public messages transmitted and received can be reduced.

The invention according to claim 9 is an information communication in which each of the plurality of node devices serves as a content transmission source and transmits the content to other node devices by an overlay network in which the plurality of node devices connected to the network are connected to each other. In the system, an information processing device that provides location information indicating a location of one or more content holding node devices that store content distributed and stored in the plurality of node devices to a node device that acquires the content the a location information indicating a location of the content holding node apparatus, the location information is the content holding node device indicating a location is, the first information and the each content of degree upload that can content as the information communication system first storage means for storing in association with, by said node device A public message indicating the release of the stored content, and a second message indicating the location information of the node device and the room for uploading the content to another node device based on the amount of data to which the node device has uploaded the content And corresponding to the location information included in the public message based on the second information included in the public message received by the second reception unit. And updating means for updating the first information stored in the first storage means, and based on the first information stored in the first storage means, the content of the content holding node device The amount of uploadable data that can be uploaded is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount of data A first acquisition unit that acquires content from the content holding node device; a second storage unit that stores content; and the release message that indicates the release of the content stored by the second storage unit, the location information and the It said second transmission means for transmitting a public message to the information processing apparatus, is connected to the node device provided with characterized Rukoto and a second information.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, based on the first information stored by the first storage unit, the location information stored by the first storage unit includes the content holding node indicating the location. A first determination unit that determines the location information of the content holding node device whose uploadable data amount is equal to or greater than the predetermined data amount; and the location information of the content holding node device determined by the first determination unit, First transmission means for transmitting content to the node device for acquiring content.

The invention according to claim 11 is an information communication in which each of the plurality of node devices serves as a content transmission source and transmits the content to other node devices by an overlay network in which the plurality of node devices connected to the network are connected to each other. In the information communication method in an information communication system comprising an information processing device and the plurality of node devices, the information processing device stores at least one content distributed and stored in the plurality of node devices and location information indicating a location of the content holding node apparatus, the location information is the content holding node device indicating a location, a first information indicating the degree upload that can content as the information communication system, the every content a first storage step of storing in the first storage means in association with said information processing A device is a public message indicating the disclosure of content stored by the node device, and the location information of the node device and the content information to other node devices based on the amount of data uploaded by the node device. A second reception step of receiving a public message including second information indicating a room for upload; and the information processing apparatus based on the second information included in the public message received in the second reception step. An updating step of updating the first information stored in the first storage unit in association with the location information included in the public message, and the node device stored in the first storage unit. The content can be uploaded from among the content holding node devices based on one information. A first obtaining step of over-de data amount retrieve content from the content holding node apparatus to a predetermined data amount greater than or equal to a predetermined content a node device, which is stored by the second storage means for storing content And a second transmission step of transmitting the public message including the location information and the second information to the information processing apparatus .

According to the present invention, the information processing apparatus can manage the extent to which content can be uploaded as an information communication system. Therefore, based on the extent to which content can be uploaded, the node device can acquire content from a content holding node that has a sufficient amount of data that can be uploaded. Therefore, it is possible to prevent excessive transmission of content by a specific node device. In addition, the information processing apparatus can manage, for each content, the extent to which the content can be uploaded as an information communication system based on the room for uploading the content in each node device. Therefore, it is possible to prevent content transmission from being performed excessively by a node device that stores specific content.

It is a figure which shows an example of the connection aspect of each node apparatus in the content distribution storage system S in one Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the operation | movement outline | summary of the content distributed storage system S in one Embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of outline composition of center server SA. It is a figure which shows the example of an outline structure of the node Nn. It is a flowchart which shows the process example of the node Nn in one Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process example of the node Nn in one Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiment described below is an embodiment when the present invention is applied to a content distributed storage system.

[1. Outline structure and operation outline of distributed content storage system]
First, with reference to FIG. 1, the structure and operation | movement outline | summary of the content distribution preservation | save system in this embodiment are demonstrated. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a connection mode of each node device in the content distributed storage system S according to the present embodiment. FIG. 1 includes a specific configuration diagram 101 of the content distributed storage system S and a conceptual configuration diagram 100. Specific Configuration of Content Distributed Storage System S As shown in FIG. 101, the content distributed storage system S includes a large number of node devices Nn (n = 1, 2, 3,...).

  As shown in the specific configuration diagram 101 of FIG. 1, the distributed content storage system S is configured by connecting a plurality of node devices Nn via the Internet. Further, as shown in the lower frame 101 of FIG. 1, IX (Internet eXchange) 3, ISP (Internet Service Provider) 4a, 4b, DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) apparatus 5a, 5b, FTTH (Fiber To A network 8 such as the Internet is constructed by the device 6 of the line provider, the communication line 7 and the like. The network 8 is a real-world communication network. Note that a router for transferring data packets is appropriately inserted in the network 8 in the example of FIG. 1, but is not shown in FIG. 1. As the communication line 7, for example, a telephone line or an optical cable is used.

  A plurality of node devices Nn (n = 1, 2, 3,...) Are connected to such a network 8. Hereinafter, the node device is referred to as a “node”. Each node Nn is assigned a unique manufacturing number and an IP (Internet Protocol) address. The distributed content storage system S according to the present embodiment is a peer-to-peer network formed by connecting any of a plurality of nodes Nn, as shown in the conceptual configuration diagram 100 of FIG. It is a system.

  The network 9 shown in the conceptual configuration diagram 100 of FIG. 1 is an overlay network 9 that configures a virtual link formed using the existing network 8. The overlay network 9 which is a logical network is realized by a specific algorithm, for example, an algorithm using DHT. Each node Nn connected to the content distributed storage system S is assigned a node ID, which is unique identification information having a predetermined number of digits.

  In connection with the content distributed storage system S, a node Nn that is not connected, for example, the node N8 transmits a participation message indicating a request to participate in the content distributed storage system to any connected node Nn. Is done by doing. Participation in the content distributed storage system S means that the node device Nn is connected to the content distributed storage system S and can acquire content data from the content distributed storage system S. The arbitrary node Nn is, for example, a contact node that is always connected to the system S.

  Each node Nn holds a routing table using DHT. This routing table defines the transfer destinations of various messages on the content distributed storage system S. Specifically, in this routing table, a plurality of nodes including node IDs, IP addresses, and port numbers of nodes Nn that are moderately separated in the ID space are registered. One node connected to the content distributed storage system S stores the minimum necessary node information of the node Nn as a routing table. By transferring various messages between the nodes Nn, node information about the node Nn that does not store node information is acquired. The IP address and port number are examples of location information of the present invention.

  The content distributed storage system S stores various content data replicas having different contents in a predetermined file format in a distributed manner in a plurality of nodes Nn. Hereinafter, the content data is referred to as “content”. A replica can be used between the nodes Nn. The original of each content is stored in the center server SA. The node N where the content replica is stored is referred to as a “content holding node”. In the following description, the original content and the replica are referred to as content without particular distinction. Information such as a content name and content ID, which is unique identification information for each content, is added to each content described above. The content ID is an example of identification information of the present invention.

  The location of the content that is distributed and stored is stored as index information by the node Nn that manages (stores) the location of the content. Hereinafter, the node Nn that manages (stores) the location of the content is referred to as a “root node”. The index information includes a set of node information of the node Nn that stores the content, content ID of the content, and the like. Such a root node is determined to be a node Nn having a node ID closest to the content ID, for example. The node ID closest to the content ID is, for example, the node ID with the highest number of upper digits that match. The root node is an example of an information processing device.

  When a user of a certain node Nn wants to acquire desired content, the node Nn that desires to acquire the content generates a message. Hereinafter, the node Nn that the user desires to acquire content is referred to as a “user node”. This message is a search message including the content ID of the content desired to be acquired and the IP address of the user node. The search message is a message for searching for a content holding node. The search message described above is sent to other nodes Nn according to the DHT routing table acquired by the user node. That is, the user node sends a search message toward the root node. As a result, the search message finally arrives at the root node by DHT routing using the content ID as a key. The search message is an example of an inquiry message according to the present invention.

  In each node Nn, attribute information such as content name and content ID of the content is described in the content catalog information. The content catalog information is created by the center server SA and distributed to all nodes Nn. The DHT routing is known in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-197400 and the like, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The root node that has received the search message obtains index information corresponding to the content ID included therein from the index information cache. The acquired index information is returned to the user node that is the source of the search message. The user node that has acquired the index information in this way can download (acquire) the content based on the index information. The user node transmits a content request message to the content holding node based on the IP address and port number of the content holding node included in the index information. The content request message includes the content ID of the content desired to be acquired. The content holding node that has received the content request message transmits (uploads) the content corresponding to the content ID included in the content request message to the user node. In this way, the user node can download the content. The index information may include node information of a plurality of content holding nodes. In this case, the user node selects one content holding node from among the plurality of content holding nodes. The user node can connect to the selected content holding node and download the content.

  Note that the root node may transmit a content transmission request message to the content holding node indicated by the IP address or the like included in the index information. Thereby, the user node can also download the content from the content holding node. Further, the user node can also acquire the index information from a cache node that caches the same index information as the root node until the search message reaches the root node.

  Further, when the user node acquires and stores the content from the content holding node, the stored user node generates a publish message. The publish message is a message for informing the root node that the content has been saved. The publish message includes the content ID of the content and node information of the node device that stores the content. The publish message is sent toward the root node. As a result, the publish message arrives at the root node by DHT routing using the content ID as a key, like the search message. Then, the root node receives the publish message. The root node stores index information including a set of node information and content ID included in the publish message in the index information cache area. Thus, the user node becomes a new content holding node that holds the content. The publish message is an example of a public message according to the present invention.

[2. Limiting the amount of data uploaded]
The content distributed storage system S is configured so that each node Nn does not upload content excessively to other nodes. More specifically, a content holding node whose uploadable amount within the counting period is equal to or greater than a first threshold that is a predetermined threshold is controlled to upload the content.

  The uploadable amount is a data amount indicating how much content can be uploaded within the counting period. This uploadable amount is a value obtained by subtracting the total upload amount within the total period from the allowable upload amount per one total period. As the first threshold, for example, a value unified in the entire system is set in advance, or is set in advance for each content. The total upload amount is a total value of the data amount uploaded to other nodes Nn. The allowable upload amount is set in advance for each node Nn, for example. For example, when there is an absolute upper limit value that the amount of data more than this should not be uploaded, the allowable upload amount is set to a value smaller than the absolute upper limit value. The aggregation period is a period that is a unit for calculating the uploadable amount. The total value of the amount of data for which content has been uploaded during a certain aggregation period is the total upload amount for that aggregation period. As the total period, for example, a value unified in the entire system is set in advance, or is set in advance for each content.

  The uploadable amount of each node Nn is stored by the root node in association with the index information of the content holding node for each content. The total uploadable amount for each content is information indicating the extent to which the content can be uploaded as a whole of the content storage system S. A content holding node for uploading content is determined based on node information included in the index information stored in the root node and the uploadable amount. This uploadable amount is included in the publish message transmitted from the content holding node together with the node information. The uploadable amount is an example of second information of the present invention. The total uploadable amount is an example of the first information of the present invention. The first threshold is an example of the predetermined data amount according to the present invention. Moreover, the total period is an example of a predetermined period of the present invention.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, as a user node, for example, the node N3 transmits a search message to, for example, the node N1 that is the root node of the content to be downloaded (FIG. 2 (1)). The node N1 that has received the search message determines a predetermined number of pieces of index information corresponding to the content ID included in the search message and whose corresponding uploadable amount is equal to or greater than the first threshold. Then, the node N1 transmits the determined index information to the node N3 (FIG. 2 (2)). The node N3 that has received the index information selects any index information from the received index information. Then, the node 3 downloads the content from the content holding node indicated by the selected index information, for example, the node N6 (FIG. 2 (3)).

  In addition, each node Nn periodically transmits a publish message of content stored therein, for example. For example, nodes N3 and N6, which are content holding nodes of a certain content, transmit a publish message (FIG. 2 (4)). The publish message includes the uploadable amount of the content holding node at that time. The publish message is received by, for example, the node N1, which is the root node. Then, the node Nn changes the uploadable amount stored in association with the index information of the nodes N3 and N6 to the uploadable amount included in the received publish message.

  Also, the node N1, for example, periodically calculates the total uploadable amount for each content (FIG. 2 (5)). If the calculated sum is equal to or less than a second threshold that is a predetermined threshold, the node N1 instructs content delegation. Content transfer refers to increasing the number of content holding nodes that can upload target content. Content delegation is performed by transmitting the target content to another node Nn and storing it. For the second threshold, for example, a value unified for the entire system is set in advance, or is set in advance for each content. When instructing content delegation, the node N1 transmits a content delegation instruction message to each content holding node (FIG. 2 (6)). The delegation instruction message includes the content ID of the content whose total uploadable amount is equal to or less than the second threshold as the content to be delegated. The second threshold value is an example of a predetermined degree of the present invention. The delegation instruction message is an example of the transmission instruction message of the present invention.

  The node N3 that has received the content delegation instruction message transmits the content to be delegated to, for example, the node N4. In addition, the node N6 that has received the content delegation instruction message transmits the delegation target content to, for example, the node N5 (FIG. 2 (7)). Thereafter, a publish message is transmitted from each of the nodes N4 and N5 that have become content holding nodes to the node N1. Therefore, the number of index information and uploadable amount stored in the node N1 increases. Also, the total uploadable amount increases.

  Note that when the counting period has elapsed, a new counting period is started again. Then, the node Nn resets the total upload amount to zero. This increases the uploadable amount. Also at this timing, the node Nn may transmit a publish message.

[3. Configuration and function of each device]
Next, the configuration and function of each device will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of the center server SA. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of the node Nn.

[3.1 Configuration of Center Server SA]
As shown in FIG. 3, the center server SA includes a control unit 11 including a CPU having a calculation function, a working RAM, a ROM for storing various data and programs, and the like. Further, the center server SA includes a storage unit 12 composed of an HD or the like for storing and storing various data and various programs. Furthermore, the center server SA includes a communication unit 13 for controlling communication of information with the node Nn through the network 8 or the like. Furthermore, the center server SA includes a display unit 14 such as a CRT or a liquid crystal display that displays various types of information. Furthermore, the center server SA includes an input unit 15 (for example, a keyboard, a mouse, etc.) that receives an instruction from the operator and gives an instruction signal corresponding to the instruction to the control unit 11. The control unit 11, the storage unit 12, the communication unit 13, the display unit 14, and the input unit 15 are connected to each other via a bus 16.

  The storage unit 12 stores the node ID, IP address, port number, and the like of each node Nn. The control unit 11 performs overall control of the entire center server SA when the CPU reads and executes a program stored in the storage unit 12 or the like.

[3.2 Configuration of Node Nn]
As shown in FIG. 4, each node Nn includes a control unit 21 as a computer that includes a CPU having a calculation function, a working RAM, a ROM that stores various data and programs, and the like. Each node Nn includes a storage unit 22 composed of an HD (hard disk) or the like for storing and storing various data and various programs, and a buffer memory 23 for temporarily storing a replica of the received content. ing. Further, each node Nn includes a decoder unit 24 that decodes encoded video data (video information), audio data (audio information), and the like included in the content replica. Further, each node Nn performs a predetermined drawing process on the decoded video data and the like, and outputs it as a video signal, and displays a video based on the video signal output from the video processor 25. And a display unit 26 such as a CRT or a liquid crystal display. Further, each node Nn converts the decoded audio data into an analog audio signal by D (Digital) / A (Analog) conversion, and then amplifies this by an amplifier and outputs the audio processing unit 27, and this audio processing unit And a speaker 28 that outputs the audio signal output from the sound wave 27 as a sound wave. Furthermore, each node Nn includes a communication unit 29 for controlling communication of information between other nodes Nn and the like through the network 8. Furthermore, each node Nn includes an input unit 30 (for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a remote controller, an operation panel, or the like) that receives an instruction from the user and gives an instruction signal corresponding to the instruction to the control unit 21. Yes. The control unit 21, the storage unit 22, the buffer memory 23, the decoder unit 24, the communication unit 29, and the input unit 30 are connected to each other via a bus 31.

  The storage unit 22 constitutes an example of a first storage unit and a second storage unit. The storage unit 22 stores a routing table using DHT, address information of a contact node as an access destination when participating in the distributed content storage system S, address information of the center server SA, and the like. The storage unit 22 stores index information and the uploadable amount in association with each other. The storage unit 22 stores the downloaded content in association with the content ID. The storage unit 22 stores information such as an allowable upload amount, a current total upload amount, a first threshold value, a second threshold value, and a content transmission history.

  Further, the storage unit 22 stores various programs such as an operating system and P2P software (including the information communication program of the present invention). The P2P software is software for connecting to the overlay network 9 and performing communication with other nodes Nn. Note that the P2P software may be downloaded from, for example, the center server SA. The P2P software may be recorded on a recording medium and read from the recording medium via a drive, for example.

  The control unit 21 reads and executes a program stored in the storage unit 22 or the like, so that the first acquisition unit, the first determination unit, the first transmission unit, the first reception unit, the second determination unit, the second determination unit, 2 transmission means, 2nd reception means, update means, 2nd acquisition means, 3rd reception means, 3rd determination means, 4th transmission means, 3rd transmission means, 4th reception means, 4th determination means, determination means, It functions as a fifth transmission means, a fifth reception means, and a sixth transmission means.

[4. Content Distributed Storage System Operation]
Next, with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the operation of the distributed content storage system S in the present embodiment will be described. 5 and 6 are flowcharts showing a processing example of the node Nn in the present embodiment. In FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, illustrations of processes that are not necessary for the description of the present embodiment are omitted.

  The process illustrated in FIG. 5 is started, for example, when the user causes the node Nn to execute the P2P software. First, the control unit 21 determines whether or not there is a request for terminating the P2P software by a user operation (step S1). At this time, when there is no termination request (step S1: NO), the control unit 21 determines whether a content request message has been received from another node Nn (step S2). At this time, when the content request message is received (step S2: YES), the control unit 21 uploads the content stored in the storage unit 22 to the node Nn that has transmitted the content request message ( Step S3). Next, the control unit 21 adds the data amount of the uploaded content to the current total upload amount, and updates the total upload amount (step S4). Next, the control unit 21 updates the content transmission history (step S5). For example, the control unit 21 records the content ID and the current date and time of the uploaded content in the content transmission history stored in the storage unit 22. After finishing the process of step S5, the control part 21 transfers to step S1.

  In step S2, if the content request message has not been received (step S2: NO), the control unit 21 determines whether a search message has been received from another node Nn (step S6). At this time, when the control unit 21 receives the search message as the third receiving unit (step S6: YES), the node Nn itself is the root node of the content indicated by the content ID included in the received search message. It is determined whether or not there is (step S7). At this time, when the node Nn itself is the root node (step S7: YES), the control unit 21 sorts the index information stored in the storage unit 22 (step S8). Specifically, the control unit 21 sorts the index information corresponding to the content ID included in the received search message in descending order of the uploadable amount stored in the storage unit 22 in association with each of the index information. Next, the control unit 21 selects, as the first determination unit and the third determination unit, a predetermined number of pieces of index information whose uploadable amount is equal to or greater than the first threshold among the sorted index information. When there is no predetermined number of index information whose uploadable amount is equal to or greater than the first threshold, all index information whose uploadable amount is equal to or greater than the first threshold is selected. And the control part 21 transmits the selected index information with respect to the node Nn which transmitted the search message as a 1st transmission means and a 4th transmission means (step S9). After completing the process of step S9, the control unit 21 proceeds to step S1.

  In step S7, when the node Nn itself is not the root node (step S7: NO), the control unit 21 relays the search message to another node Nn using the routing table (step S10). After completing the process of step S9, the control unit 21 proceeds to step S1.

In step S6, when the control unit 21 has not received the search message (step S6: NO), as shown in FIG. 6, the timing for transmitting the publish message for all the contents stored in the storage unit 22 as shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not (step S11). For example, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous publish message was transmitted, the control unit 21 determines that it is time to transmit the publish message (step S11: YES). In this case, the control unit 21 calculates the current uploadable amount as the second acquisition unit (step S12). Specifically, the control unit 21 calculates the following formula.
Uploadable amount = Allowable upload amount-Total upload amount

  Next, the control unit 21 selects one content from the content stored in the storage unit 22 (step S13). Next, the control unit 21 transmits a publish message of the selected content toward the root node of the content as second transmission means (step S14). At this time, the control unit 21 includes the content ID of the selected content, the node information of the node Nn itself, and the uploadable amount in the publish message. Next, the control unit 21 waits for a preset specified time (step S15).

  Next, the control unit 21 determines whether all the contents stored in the storage unit 22 have been selected (step S16). At this time, if there is content that has not been selected (step S16: NO), the control unit 21 selects one content from the content that has not been selected (step S17). Next, the control unit 21 proceeds to step S14. On the other hand, when all the contents stored in the storage unit 22 are selected (step S16: YES), the control unit 21 proceeds to step S1.

  In step S11, for example, when a predetermined time has not yet elapsed since the previous publish message was transmitted, the control unit 21 determines that it is not the timing to transmit the publish message (step S11: NO). In this case, the control unit 21 determines whether or not it is time to instruct content delegation (step S18). For example, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the last content delegation was instructed, the control unit 21 determines that it is time to instruct the content delegation (step S18: YES). In this case, the control unit 21 selects one content from the content managed by the node Nn itself as the root node (step S19). Next, the control unit 21 calculates the sum of the uploadable amounts stored in the storage unit 22 in association with the content ID of the selected content (step S20). Next, the control unit 21 determines whether the calculated sum is equal to or less than a second threshold value as a determination unit (step S21). At this time, when the calculated sum is equal to or smaller than the second threshold (step S21: YES), the control unit 21 serves as a fifth transmission unit for each content holding node of the selected content. An instruction message is transmitted (step S22). At this time, the control unit 21 includes the content ID of the selected content in the content delegation instruction message. Each node Nn that has received the content delegation instruction message transmits the content corresponding to the content ID included in the content delegation instruction message to the other node Nn. For example, the node Nn randomly selects a delegation destination node Nn from among the nodes Nn whose node information is set in the routing table. Then, the node Nn transmits the content to be transferred to the selected transfer destination node Nn. Then, the node Nn that has received the content stores the received content in the storage unit 22 and transmits a publish message.

  Next, the control unit 21 determines whether or not all the contents managed by the node Nn itself as the root node have been selected (step S23). When the calculated sum is larger than the second threshold value in step S21 (step S21: NO), or in step S23, content not selected exists (step S23: NO). One content is selected from the unselected content (step S24). Next, the control unit 21 proceeds to step S20.

  In Step S23, when all the contents managed by the node Nn itself as the root node are selected (Step S23: YES), the control unit 21 proceeds to Step S1.

  In step S18, the control unit 21 determines that it is not the timing to instruct the previous content delegation if the predetermined time has not yet elapsed since the previous content delegation was instructed (step S18: NO). In this case, the control unit 21 proceeds to step S1.

  In step S1, when there is an end request (step S1: YES), the control unit 21 ends the processes shown in FIGS.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the storage unit 22 of the root node stores the index information including the node information of each content holding node in the storage unit 22. Further, the storage unit 22 of the root node stores the uploadable amount of each content holding node as the entire content distributed storage system S in association with the index information. Then, the user node acquires the content from the content holding node whose uploadable amount stored in the root node is greater than or equal to the unit threshold value. Therefore, the root node can manage the extent to which content can be uploaded as the content distributed storage system S. Therefore, the user node can acquire the content from the content holding node that has a surplus in the uploadable amount. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the content from being transmitted excessively by the specific node Nn.

  The root node storage unit 22 stores the index information and the uploadable amount in association with each content. Accordingly, the root node can manage the extent to which content can be uploaded for each content.

  Further, the root node stores the index information included in the received publish message and the uploadable amount in association with each other in the storage unit 22. Therefore, the extent to which the root node uploads content to the node Nn can be further managed for each node Nn. Therefore, the degree of upload of specific content can be distributed to a plurality of nodes Nn.

  In addition, the root node selects index information having a corresponding uploadable amount equal to or greater than the first threshold among the index information stored in the storage unit 22 corresponding to the content ID included in the search message received from the user node. Determine and send to user node. Then, the user node acquires content from the content holding node indicated by the received index information. Therefore, a content storage node that uploads content can be determined based on the uploadable amount included in the publish message and transmitted. In addition, a content holding node that has a surplus in the uploadable amount can be determined as a content acquisition destination by the root node.

  Further, the root node determines whether or not the sum of the uploadable amounts stored in the storage unit 22 is equal to or less than the second threshold value. In addition, the root node transmits a delegation instruction message including the content ID of the content for which the total uploadable amount is determined to be equal to or less than the second threshold to each content holding node of the content. Then, the content holding node acquires the content indicated by the content ID included in the received delegation instruction message from the storage unit 22 and transmits it to the other node Nn. Therefore, the node Nn that has received the content from the content holding node stores the received content and becomes a new content holding node for the content. For this reason, the number of content holding nodes that can upload content whose uploadable level is low increases. Therefore, the extent to which content can be uploaded as the content distributed storage system S can be increased.

  Further, since the content holding node periodically transmits the publish message, the actual uploadable amount of the content holding node can be reliably reflected in the uploadable amount stored in the root node.

  In the above embodiment, when the user node downloads content, the root node determines a content holding node whose uploadable amount is equal to or greater than the first threshold. However, the determination may be made on the user node side. For example, when receiving the search message, the root node associates the index information corresponding to the content ID included in the search message with the uploadable amount and transmits it to the user node. The user node that has received the index information and the uploadable amount determines the index information whose uploadable amount is equal to or greater than the unit threshold. Then, the user node downloads the content from the content holding node indicated by any of the determined index information.

  In the above-described embodiment, when the node Nn transmits a publish message, the uploadable amount is included in the publish message. However, information indicating whether or not there is room for content transmission may be included in the publish message. For example, the node Nn includes flag information indicating whether the current content can be uploaded or not in the publish message. In this case, when the uploadable amount is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the node Nn transmits a publish message including flag information indicating that uploading is possible. On the other hand, when the uploadable amount is less than the first threshold, the node Nn transmits a publish message including flag information indicating that uploading is not possible. The root node that has received the publish message stores the node information and the content ID included in the publish message in the storage unit 22 as index information, and stores the flag information included in the publish message in the storage unit 22.

  Even when the flag information is included in the publish message, the node that determines the content holding node whose uploadable amount is equal to or greater than the first threshold may be a root node or a user node. When the root node makes a determination, the root node selects index information indicating that the corresponding flag information can be uploaded from the index information corresponding to the content ID included in the received search message. Then, the root node transmits the selected index information to the user node. On the other hand, when the user node makes a determination, the root node associates the index information corresponding to the content ID included in the received search message with the flag information and transmits the information to the user node. The user node that receives the index information and the flag information selects index information indicating that the flag information can be uploaded. Then, the user node downloads the content from the content holding node indicated by any of the selected index information.

  Also, when flag information is included in a publish message, the method for determining the content to be delegated by the root node is different from the case where the uploadable amount is used. For example, the root node calculates the total number of flag information indicating that uploading is possible among the flag information stored in the storage unit 22 in association with the content ID of the content of interest. This total is information indicating the extent to which the content can be uploaded as a whole of the content distributed storage system S. Then, the root node instructs delegation of the content of interest when the calculated total number is equal to or less than a predetermined value. That is, content delegation is performed when the number of content holding nodes to which content can be uploaded falls below a predetermined value.

  In the above embodiment, each node Nn periodically transmits a publish message in addition to the case where the content is downloaded and stored. However, the publish message may be transmitted at a timing different from the periodic timing. For example, every time the node Nn uploads content, the uploadable amount is calculated. The node Nn may transmit a publish message when uploading content. In this case, each time the uploadable amount changes, a publish message including the latest uploadable amount is transmitted. Therefore, the current situation can be accurately reflected in the uploadable amount stored by the root node. The node Nn may transmit a publish message when the uploadable amount becomes less than the unit threshold. In this case, the number of publish messages transmitted can be reduced.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the peer to peer network using DHT was applied to the overlay network, it is not restricted to this. For example, another peer-to-peer system or a system using an overlay network may be applied. As a peer-to-peer system that does not use DHT, for example, there is a hybrid peer-to-peer system. In the case of a hybrid peer-to-peer system, for example, a predetermined server device manages index information of all contents. In this case, this server apparatus can be applied as the information processing apparatus of the present invention.

3 IX
4a, 4b ISP
5a, 5b DSL line dealer apparatus 6 FTTH line dealer apparatus 7 communication line 8 network 9 overlay network 11 control section 12 storage section 13 communication section 14 display section 15 input section 16 bus 21 control section 22 storage section 23 buffer memory 24 decoder Unit 25 video processing unit 26 display unit 27 audio processing unit 28 speaker 29 communication unit 30 input unit 31 bus Nn node SA center server S content distributed storage system

Claims (11)

An information communication system in which each of the plurality of node devices serves as a content transmission source and transmits the content to other node devices by an overlay network in which a plurality of node devices connected to the network are connected to each other.
Location information indicating the location of one or more content holding node devices that store content distributed and stored in the plurality of node devices, and the content holding node device indicating the location of the location information are the information communication system. First storage means for storing first information indicating the extent to which content can be uploaded , in association with each content ;
A disclosure message indicating the disclosure of content stored by the node device, and room for uploading the content to another node device based on the location information of the node device and the amount of data to which the node device has uploaded the content Second receiving means for receiving a public message including:
Based on the second information included in the public message received by the second reception unit, the first information stored in the first storage unit in association with the location information included in the public message is stored. An information processing apparatus comprising an updating means for updating ;
Based on the first information stored in the first storage means, the content holding node that is capable of uploading content among the content holding node devices is equal to or greater than a predetermined predetermined data amount. First acquisition means for acquiring content from the device ;
Second storage means for storing content; and
A node device comprising: a second transmission unit that transmits the public message including the location information and the second information, which is the public message indicating the disclosure of the content stored by the second storage unit, to the information processing apparatus. When,
An information communication system comprising: The information processing apparatus includes:
Based on the first information stored in the first storage unit, the uploadable data amount of the content holding node device in which the location information stored in the first storage unit indicates the location is the predetermined data. First determination means for determining the location information of the content holding node device that is greater than or equal to an amount;
First transmitting means for transmitting the location information of the content holding node apparatus determined by the first determining means to the node apparatus;
Further comprising
The node device is
A first receiving means for receiving the location information transmitted from the information processing apparatus;
The information communication according to claim 1, wherein the first acquisition unit of the node device acquires content from the content holding node device in which the location information received by the first reception unit indicates a location. system. The information processing apparatus includes:
A first transmission means for transmitting the location information and the first information stored in association with each other by the first storage means to the node device;
The node device is
First receiving means for receiving the location information and the first information transmitted from the information processing apparatus;
Based on the first information received by the receiving unit, the content holding node whose uploadable data amount is equal to or greater than the predetermined data amount is determined among the content holding node devices whose location information indicates the location. A second determining means;
Further comprising
The information communication system according to claim 1, wherein the first acquisition unit of the node device acquires content from the content holding node device determined by the second determination unit. The first storage unit of the information processing apparatus stores the location information and the second information in association with content identification information,
The information processing apparatus includes:
Third receiving means for receiving an inquiry message including the identification information from the node device;
Based on the second information stored in the first storage means corresponding to the identification information included in the inquiry message received by the third receiving means, the first information corresponding to the identification information Third determination means for determining the location information of the content holding node device in which the uploadable data amount is greater than or equal to the predetermined data amount from among the location information stored by a storage unit;
Fourth transmitting means for transmitting the location information determined by the third determining means to the node device;
Further comprising
The node device is
Third transmitting means for transmitting the inquiry message including the identification information of the content to be acquired;
Fourth receiving means for receiving the location information transmitted from the information processing apparatus;
Further comprising
The first acquisition unit of the node device acquires content from the content holding node device in which the location information received by the fourth reception unit indicates the location. The information communication system according to item 1. The first storage unit of the information processing apparatus stores the location information and the second information in association with content identification information,
The information processing apparatus includes:
Third receiving means for receiving an inquiry message including the identification information from the node device;
Of the location information and the second information stored in association with each other by the first storage unit, the location information corresponding to the identification information included in the inquiry message received by the third reception unit, and Fourth transmission means for transmitting second information to the node device;
Further comprising
The node device is
Third transmitting means for transmitting the inquiry message including the identification information of the content to be acquired;
A fourth receiving means for receiving the location information and the second information transmitted from the information processing apparatus;
Based on the second information received by the fourth receiving means, the content holding node device wherein the uploadable data amount is greater than or equal to the predetermined data amount among the location information received by the fourth receiving means Fourth determining means for determining the location information of
Further comprising
The said 1st acquisition means acquires content from the said content holding node apparatus in which the said location information determined by the said 4th determination means shows a location, The said any one of Claim 1 thru | or 3 characterized by the above-mentioned. Information communication system. The information processing apparatus includes:
Determination means for determining whether or not the transmittable degree of the content indicated by the first information stored in the first storage means is equal to or less than a predetermined degree;
The transmission instruction message including the identification information of the content determined by the determining means as being less than or equal to the predetermined degree is stored in the first storage means corresponding to the content Fifth transmission means for transmitting the location information to the content holding node device indicating the location;
Further comprising
The node device is
Fifth receiving means for receiving the transmission instruction message transmitted from the information processing apparatus;
Sixth transmission means for acquiring the content indicated by the identification information included in the transmission instruction message received by the fifth reception means from the second storage means and transmitting the content to the other node device;
The information communication system according to claim 1, further comprising: The said 2nd transmission means of the said node apparatus transmits the said public message about the uploaded content, when content is uploaded to the other said node apparatus. The information communication system according to item 1. The second transmission means of the node device, when the uploadable data amount capable of uploading the content stored in the second storage means at the present time is less than the predetermined data amount, The information communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the public message about content whose amount is less than the predetermined data amount is transmitted. In an information communication system in which each of the plurality of node devices serves as a content transmission source and transmits the content to other node devices by an overlay network in which a plurality of node devices connected to the network are connected to each other. An information processing device that provides location information indicating the location of one or more content holding node devices that store content stored in a distributed manner to a node device that acquires the content,
For each content, location information indicating the location of the content holding node device and first information indicating the extent to which the content holding node device indicating the location of the location information can be uploaded as the information communication system. First storage means for storing in association with each other;
A disclosure message indicating the disclosure of content stored by the node device, and room for uploading the content to another node device based on the location information of the node device and the amount of data to which the node device has uploaded the content Second receiving means for receiving a public message including:
Based on the second information included in the public message received by the second reception unit, the first information stored in the first storage unit in association with the location information included in the public message is stored. Update means for updating;
With
Based on the first information stored in the first storage means, the content holding node that is capable of uploading content among the content holding node devices is equal to or greater than a predetermined predetermined data amount. A first acquisition unit for acquiring content from the device; a second storage unit for storing content; and the disclosure message indicating the disclosure of the content stored by the second storage unit, wherein the location information and the second information An information processing apparatus connected to a node apparatus comprising: a second transmission unit configured to transmit the public message including: to the information processing apparatus. Based on the first information stored by the first storage unit, the uploadable data amount is the predetermined data amount among the content holding nodes in which the location information stored by the first storage unit indicates the location. First determination means for determining the location information of the content holding node device as described above;
First transmitting means for transmitting the location information of the content holding node apparatus determined by the first determining means to the node apparatus that acquires content;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising: An information communication system in which each of the plurality of node devices is a content transmission source and transmits the content to other node devices by an overlay network in which a plurality of node devices connected to the network are connected to each other. In an information communication method in an information communication system comprising the plurality of node devices,
Location information indicating the location of one or more content holding node devices in which the information processing device stores content that is distributed and stored in the plurality of node devices; and the content holding node device indicating the location of the location information. A first storage step of storing, in the first storage means, first information indicating the extent to which content can be uploaded as the information communication system;
The information processing device is a disclosure message indicating the disclosure of the content stored by the node device, to the other node device based on the location information of the node device and the amount of data uploaded by the node device A second receiving step of receiving a public message including: second information indicating a room for uploading the content;
Based on the second information included in the public message received by the second reception step, the information processing apparatus is stored in the first storage unit in association with the location information included in the public message. An updating step for updating the first information;
Based on the first information stored in the first storage unit, the node device can upload an amount of data that can be uploaded from the content holding node device to a predetermined data amount or more. A first acquisition step of acquiring content from the content holding node device;
The node device is the disclosure message indicating the disclosure of the content stored by the second storage unit that stores the content, and transmits the disclosure message including the location information and the second information to the information processing device. A second transmission step;
An information communication method comprising:

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