JP6248497B2 - Content distribution control system, transfer device, distribution control device, viewing control device, transfer program, distribution control program, and viewing control program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a content distribution control system, a transfer device, a distribution control device, a viewing control device, a transfer program, a distribution control program, and a viewing control program, for example, content distribution control for limiting the distribution band of a stream flowing on a content distribution network. It can be applied to the system.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for limiting a distribution band of a packet including content data in order to guarantee content quality such as music and video.

  In the technology described in Patent Literature 1, when the distribution server receives a distribution request from a client, the load distribution server calculates a transition of a predicted use band when the requested content is distributed from each distribution server. Then, in order to prevent the content distribution bandwidth on the distribution network at the time of the content request from exceeding the upper limit bandwidth, the load distribution server determines the predicted use bandwidth of each distribution server and the upper limit bandwidth that can be used by each distribution server. In comparison, distribution servers whose predicted use bandwidth exceeds the upper limit bandwidth are excluded.

  In addition, the content distribution is not limited by directly monitoring the data amount of the packet flowing on the network, but based on the value of the TOS (Type Of Service) field set in the header of the packet flowing on the network, There are switches that preferentially process specific packets (see Non-Patent Document 1). For example, if the TOS in the header of the video distribution packet is “1” and the TOS in the header of the VoIP packet is “2”, the technology described in Non-Patent Document 1 gives priority to emergency voice communication in the event of a disaster. , “TOS: 2” packets are communicated with higher priority than “TOS: 1” packets. In this manner, emergency voice communication can be prioritized and the distribution of video distribution packets can be restricted in the event of a disaster.

JP 2009-163440 A

Nihon Keizai Shimbun, Nihon Keizai Shimbun electronic edition article “NTT DOCOMO uses demonstration experiment and OPENFlow in congestion mitigation technology at the time of disaster”, November 26, 2012 [Search May 28, 2013], URL: http : //www.nikei.com/article/DGXNASFK26020_W2A121C1000000/

  However, the technique described in Patent Document 1 described above adjusts the distribution band based on the predicted use band estimated at the time of the distribution request, and does not monitor the distribution band of the content that is actually distributed.

  The technology described in Patent Document 1 determines a content distribution band based on a predicted use band estimated at the time of a distribution request from a client. That is, a time lag occurs between the time when the distribution is requested and the time when the distribution server actually distributes the content. For this reason, the distribution band of the content that is actually distributed may deviate from that estimated at the time of the distribution request.

  In addition, content distribution systems such as music and video have functional processes such as playback stop and playback restart, and the content distribution band flowing over the network changes according to such functional processes. However, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, the distribution band is adjusted only when a distribution request is made. After the distribution request is made and distribution is actually started, the distribution band is adjusted at each processing stage of the functional processing. No adjustments have been made. As a result, there may be a problem that the bandwidth used for the content that is actually distributed cannot be monitored.

  Although a method of estimating the predicted use band at each processing stage is also conceivable, the system configuration and processing are complicated, for example, from which distribution server to stop playback when stopping playback. In addition, if each distribution server tries to determine whether to cancel the distribution independently, unnecessary distribution may also be stopped.

  Further, since the technology described in Non-Patent Document 1 only performs priority control based on the setting value of the TOS in the packet header, it is possible to monitor or adjust the distribution band of the content that is actually distributed. Can not.

  Therefore, in order to guarantee the content quality, the distribution band of the content that is actually distributed is monitored, and the content is distributed at each stage of the attribute of the content to be distributed, the attribute of the user who is the viewer, the viewing process, etc. There is a need for a content distribution control system, a transfer device, a distribution control device, a viewing control device, a transfer program, a distribution control program, and a viewing control program that can flexibly adjust the bandwidth.

In order to solve this problem, the first aspect of the present invention executes (1) according to processing information indicating the stage of content viewing processing included in service type information set in a header of a packet related to received content distribution. a distribution control information storage means for processing for stores a defined distribution control information, (2) included in the service type information set in the header of the packet according to the received content distribution stage of Turkey content view processing based on the processing information indicating a transfer means for transferring processing defined by the distribution control information about the person the packet, (3) based on the packet communication volume in the transfer means, the delivery for setting the distribution control information transfer means A content distribution control system comprising a control means.

The second of the present invention, (1) processing to be executed according to the processing information that indicates the stage of being included in the received service type information set in the header of the packet according to the content delivery Turkey content view processing provisions a distribution control information storing means for storing the distribution control information, based on processing information which indicates the (2) stage of content viewing process included in the service type information set in the header of the packet according to the received content distribution , and a rolling octenyl stage for transferring processing defined by the distribution control information about the person the packet, the distribution control information, characterized in that the external control is set based on the packet communication volume in the transfer means Is a transfer device.

The third of the present invention is defined processing to be executed according to the processing information that indicates the stage of the contained Turkey content view processing the service type information set in the header of the packet according to the content distribution received (1) A distribution control information storage means for storing the distribution control information, and a process to be executed in accordance with the process information indicating the stage of the content viewing process included in the service type information set in the header of the packet related to the received content distribution accordance with the defined distribution control information, a transfer device, a delivery control device connected to perform transfer processing of the packet according to the received content distribution, based on the packet traffic in the transfer apparatus, the distribution control of the transfer device A distribution control apparatus comprising distribution control rule setting means for setting information .

The fourth of the present invention, the received header configured service type information included in Turkey content view processing stage process executed in accordance with the processing information indicating the defined distribution control of the packet according to the content delivery A distribution control information storage unit for storing information is provided, and a process to be executed according to processing information indicating a stage of content viewing processing included in service type information set in a header of a packet related to received content distribution is defined according delivery control information, it performs the transfer processing of the packet according to the received content distribution, the distribution control information, by an external control, viewing control apparatus connected to a transfer device, which is set based on the packet communication volume in the transfer process When receiving a packet related to the limitation of the distribution band from the transfer device, the viewing terminal and / or distribution of the packet Against over bar, a viewing control apparatus characterized in that it comprises a message notifying means for notifying a packet including the delivered band limitation message corresponding to the processing information included in the packet.

The fifth of the present invention, the distribution of processing to be executed according to the processing information that indicates the stage of the contained Turkey content view processing the service type information set in the header of the packet according to the content delivery was received is defined a computer comprising a distribution control information storage means for storing control information, based on the received content included in the service type information set in the header of the packet according to the distribution Turkey content processing information indicating the stage of the viewing process, those the packet allowed to function as a transfer means for transferring processing defined by the distribution control information about the distribution control information, functions as the external control, is set based on the packet communication volume in the transfer means a transfer program, characterized by letting.

Sixth invention of the received header configured service type information included in Turkey content view processing stage process executed in accordance with the processing information indicating the defined distribution control of the packet according to the content delivery A device including distribution control information storage means for storing information, and a process executed according to processing information indicating a stage of content viewing processing included in service type information set in a header of a packet related to received content distribution A transfer control program for a computer connected to a transfer device that performs transfer processing of a packet related to received content distribution in accordance with prescribed distribution control information , wherein the computer is transferred based on the amount of packet communication in the transfer device It is characterized in that function as distribution control rule setting means for setting the distribution control information of the device A distribution control program.

Seventh invention of the received header configured service type information included in Turkey content view processing stage process executed in accordance with the processing information indicating the defined distribution control of the packet according to the content delivery A distribution control information storage unit for storing information is provided, and a process to be executed according to processing information indicating a stage of content viewing processing included in service type information set in a header of a packet related to received content distribution is defined according delivery control information, a device which performs transfer processing of the packet according to the received content distribution, the distribution control information, by an external control, is connected to the transfer device, which is set based on the packet communication volume in the transfer process a computer viewing control program, a computer, a packet related to the delivery bandwidth limitation from the transfer device When signal a viewing control program, characterized in that with respect to the viewing terminal and or distribution server of the packet, to function as a message notification unit packets including delivery bandlimited message corresponding to the processing information included in the packet.

According to the present invention, in order to ensure content quality, actually monitors the delivery zone of the delivered the content, in the processing information indicating the stage of visual hearing process, the flexibility to adjust the distribution band of the content Can do.

1 is an overall configuration diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a content distribution system according to a first embodiment. It is explanatory drawing explaining the structure of an IP packet. It is explanatory drawing explaining the content group code which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing explaining the user group code which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing explaining the process code which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is an internal block diagram which shows the internal structure of the packet control switch apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is an internal block diagram which shows the internal structure of the viewing-and-listening control server which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is an internal block diagram which shows the internal structure of the switch control apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows the whole flow of the basic operation | movement in the content delivery system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process in the viewing terminal which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process in the delivery server which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing explaining the packet control rule set to the packet control switch apparatus before an update. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating packet traffic monitoring and packet control rule update processing according to the first embodiment. It is explanatory drawing explaining the packet control rule set to the packet control switch apparatus after an update. It is a sequence diagram explaining the detail of the update process of the packet control rule of 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process in the viewing-and-listening control server which concerns on 1st Embodiment. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating a processing procedure for packet transfer from the packet control switch device to the viewing control server according to the packet control rule in the first embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the addition process of the total bit rate in the stop by the viewing control server which concerns on 1st Embodiment. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a distribution band limiting process at the time of a viewing request according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a distribution band limiting process at the time of a reproduction request according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a distribution band restriction process when reproduction is stopped according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a distribution band restriction process when reproduction is stopped according to the first embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the packet control rule of 2nd Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram explaining monitoring of the traffic of packets according to a modified embodiment.

(A) First Embodiment Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a content distribution control system, a transfer device, a distribution control device, a viewing control device, a transfer program, a distribution control program, and a viewing control program according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Details will be described with reference to FIG.

  The first embodiment exemplifies a case where the present invention is applied to a content distribution system that distributes content such as music and video.

(A-1) Configuration of First Embodiment FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an overall configuration of a content distribution system according to the first embodiment.

  1, the content distribution system 1 according to the first embodiment includes a viewing terminal 100 (100-1 to 100-3), a user and content management server 300, a viewing request processing server 400, and a distribution server 500 (500-1 to 500-1). 500-3), a packet control switch device 600, a viewing control server 700, and a switch control device 800. The number of viewing terminals 100 and distribution servers 500 is three, but is not particularly limited.

  The viewing terminals 100-1 to 100-3 select the content that the user desires to view, access the portal site 200 in response to a user operation, select the desired content, and acquire content access information of the content To do.

  Here, the content access information is, for example, information including address information (for example, IP address) of a content viewing request destination, a content group code, and the like. Although the detailed description of the content group code will be described later, the content group code is identification information indicating an attribute of the content.

  The viewing terminals 100-1 to 100-3 transmit viewing request packets to the viewing request processing server 400 based on the acquired content access information in order to view content. Furthermore, the viewing terminals 100-1 to 100-3 make a request for starting playback, stopping playback, restarting playback, or ending playback to the distribution server 500, which is a distribution destination, based on the content access information. Note that the viewing terminals 100-1 to 100-3 are terminals that allow users who are viewers to view content, for example, personal computers (including laptop computers, tablet computers, desktop computers, etc.), smartphones, mobile phones, and the like. A telephone, a television receiver, a set top box, or the like can be applied.

  The portal site 200 is a portal site operated by a content distribution company on a server, and is a portal site that provides content that a user can view. When content is selected by the viewing terminal 100, the portal site 200 transmits content access information indicating an access destination of the selected content to the viewing terminal 100. The portal site 200 is connected to the user and the content management server 300.

  The user and content management server 300 is a server that manages information about users and information about contents. The user and content information management server 300 may be a server that operates the portal site 200, and provides information related to the user and information related to the content to the portal site 200 when the viewing terminal 100 accesses the portal site 200. In addition, when content is selected by the viewing terminal 100, the user and content information management server 300 provides the viewing request processing server 400 with information regarding the user and information regarding the content. The user and content management server 300 is connected to the packet control switch device 600.

  Information about the user includes, for example, information such as the user's name, address, gender, age, log-in information, contract details related to content distribution, user group code, and history information of content viewed in the past. Information related to content includes information such as content ID, content data amount, distribution bit rate, and content group code.

  When the viewing request processing server 400 obtains a viewing request from the viewing terminal 100, the viewing request processing server 400 obtains information about the user and information about the content from the user and the content management server 300, and determines whether the content can be distributed to the viewing terminal 100. . When viewing request processing server 400 determines that distribution is possible, viewing request processing server 400 allocates distribution server 500 that distributes the content, and transmits allocation information including address information of distribution server 500 to viewing terminal 100. The viewing request processing server 400 is connected to the distribution server 500 (distribution servers 500-1 to 500-3).

  When the distribution server 500 (distribution servers 500-1 to 500-3) obtains a reproduction request packet from the viewing terminal 100, the distribution server 500 (distribution servers 500-1 to 500-3) transmits content stream data to the viewing terminal 100. As described above, after the content is played back, the viewing terminal 100 can stop playback, resume playback, end playback, and the like. Therefore, when a playback stop packet, playback restart packet, or playback end packet is acquired from the viewing terminal 100, the distribution server 500 (distribution servers 500-1 to 500-3) performs playback stop, playback restart, playback end, or the like. .

  The packet control switch device 600 is connected to the viewing terminal 100, portal site 200, user and content management server 300, viewing request processing server 400, distribution server 500, viewing control server 700, and switch control device 800. Distribution server 500 (distribution servers 500-1 to 500-3) is connected to viewing control server 700.

  When the packet control switch device 600 receives a packet related to content distribution, the packet control switch device 600 performs transfer control of the received packet based on TOS (Type Of Service) included in the header of the packet and a packet control rule described later. is there.

  Here, as will be described later, a content group code, a user group code, and a processing code are added to the TOS of the header of a packet that passes through the packet control switch device 600. The packet control switch device 600 monitors a packet communication amount (content distribution band) for each content group code in order to monitor a distribution band related to content distribution. Then, the packet control switch device 600 periodically transmits the monitored packet communication amount to the viewing control server 700.

  The viewing control server 700 requests the packet control switch device 600 for the packet communication amount for each content group code, and acquires the packet communication amount for each content group code from the packet control switch device 600. The viewing control server 700 compares the acquired packet communication amount for each content group code with a threshold value, and determines whether or not the distribution band for each content group code should be limited based on the comparison result. When it is determined that the distribution band should be limited, the viewing control server 700 requests the switch control device 800 to write the packet control rule to the packet control switch device 600. The viewing control server 700 is connected to the switch control device 800.

  When the distribution band for each content group code exceeds the threshold and band limiting is performed, the packet to be limited is transferred from the packet control switch device 600. At this time, the viewing control server 700 transmits a viewing impossible message to the viewing terminal 100 based on the header of the packet transferred from the packet control switch 600, or enters the processing stage determined from the processing code assigned to the TOS. A corresponding distribution control related message is transmitted to the distribution server 500.

  The switch control device 800 makes a request to write a packet control rule to the packet control switch device 600 in order to perform transfer control of the packet control switch. The switch control device 800 writes the packet control rule to the packet control switch device 600 based on the packet control rule write request from the viewing control server 700.

  In the content distribution system 1 of the first embodiment described in FIG. 1, the following connection configurations (A) to (B) are not only directly connected configurations, but also, for example, the packet control switch device 600. It may be connected via. At that time, as will be described later, in the following connection configuration, the TOS included in the header of the transmitted packet is “processing code: 9”. As will be described later, when the TOS included in the header of the transmitted packet is “processing code: 9”, the packet control switch device 600 designates the transmitted packet as a “non-control packet (control target). Packet) ”is transmitted to the destination as it is, so that packet transmission can be realized through the packet control switch device 600 during the next connection configuration.

  (A) Connection between the portal site 200 and the user and content management server 300.

  (B) Connection between the viewing request processing server 400 and the distribution server 500 (distribution servers 500-1 to 500-3).

  (C) Connection between distribution server 500 (distribution servers 500-1 to 500-3) and viewing control server 700.

  (2) The viewing control server 700 is connected to the switch control device 800.

(A-1-2) Packet Structure FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the structure of an IP packet. As shown in FIG. 2, the header of the IP packet has a service type (TOS) field of the packet.

  In the first embodiment, a content group code, a processing code, and a user group code are assigned to the TOS in the header of a packet related to content distribution that passes through the packet control switch device 600. As described above, when TOS is not used as the standard priority, the packet control switch device 600 can perform transfer control such as openflow by using TOS.

  If TOS is used for other purposes, or if 8-bit TOS is not sufficient, the option part (option field; at least 32 bits) in FIG. A user group code may be assigned. In this case, it becomes an extension of openflow, and the packet control switch device 600 realizes an action such as packet transfer by looking at the option part.

  The content group code is identification information indicating an attribute of content to be distributed. Content attributes can be classified according to content price range, content resolution (image quality), distribution method such as compression method, etc., and the content group code is an identification assigned to the classified group Indicates information. The method of classifying the content attributes is not limited to the distribution price and the distribution method, and may be classified according to the distribution data amount, the distribution time, and the like.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating content group codes according to the first embodiment. In the example of FIG. 3, the case where content is classified according to the content distribution price and the content distribution method is illustrated. For example, in FIG. 3, “content group code: 0” is a code indicating “HD (High Definition) newly arrived content”, that is, content distributed at a high distribution price and with high resolution. Similarly, “content group code: 1” is a code indicating “SD (Standard Definition) newly arrived content”, that is, content distributed at a high distribution price and with standard image quality. It is also possible to classify content based only on the distribution price, where “content group code: 2” is a code indicating “old content” and “content group code: 3” is a code indicating “free content”. .

  The user group code is identification information for identifying an attribute to which a user who is a viewer belongs. The user attribute is information related to a group in which users are classified according to contract contents. For example, user attributes can be classified according to the amount of money to be charged. For example, “Premier members” that allow all content to be viewed regardless of content type, viewing time, etc., and contracted specific content can be viewed There are “normal members”, “limited-time members” that allow content to be viewed only during a viewable period, for example, “guest members (hereinafter referred to as guests)” that are not charged for viewing. The user attributes are not classified as limited to the billing amount as in the above example, but can be set as appropriate according to the viewing time, content type, genre, etc., and the number of user attributes classified is also particularly limited. Is not to be done.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a user group code according to the first embodiment. In the case of the example of FIG. 4, “Premier Member” is “User Group Code: 0”, “Regular Member” is “User Group Code: 1”, “Limited Member” is “User Group Code: 2”, “Guest”. Is set as “user group code: 3” or the like.

  The processing code is identification information indicating the type of packet related to content distribution. For example, there are various packet types such as a viewing request, a response to the viewing request, a content reproduction request, a response to the reproduction request, and the like as the types of packets used in connection with content distribution. In particular, after content playback, there are specific packet types related to content viewing, such as content playback stop / restart request, playback end, and responses thereof.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the processing code according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, “processing code: 0” indicates “viewing request packet from viewing terminal 100 to viewing request processing server 400”, and “processing code: 1” indicates “viewing request packet from viewing request processing server 400”. "Response packet to terminal 100", "processing code: 2" indicates "playback request packet from viewing terminal 100 to distribution server 500", and "processing code: 3" indicates "reproduction server from distribution terminal 100 to distribution server 500" "Reproduction stop request packet to 500", "Processing code: 4" represents "Reproduction stop request response packet from distribution server 500 to viewing terminal 100", and "Processing code: 5" represents "Viewing terminal 100". "Processing code: 6" indicates "Reproduction end request packet from distribution server 500 to viewing terminal 100". , “Processing code: 7” indicates “Reproduction resume request packet from viewing terminal 100 to distribution server 500”, and “Processing code: 8” indicates “Stream packet from distribution server 500 to viewing terminal 100”. , “Processing code: 9” indicates “non-control packet (packet not to be controlled)”.

(A-1-3) Detailed Configuration of Packet Control Switch Device 600 FIG. 6 is an internal configuration diagram showing an internal configuration of the packet control switch device 600 according to the first embodiment. 6, the packet control switch device 600 according to the first embodiment includes a switch control unit 601, a communication interface unit 602, and a communication interface unit 603.

  The communication interface unit 602 is a communication interface that exchanges information with the network to which the viewing terminal 100 is connected. The communication interface unit 603 is a communication interface that exchanges information with the network to which the distribution server 500 or the like is connected.

  The switch control unit 601 performs transfer control of the entire packet control switch device 600 and is controlled by software processing by the CPU.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the switch control unit 601 includes, as main functional units, a packet analysis unit 611, a traffic monitoring unit 612, a traffic statistics information notification unit 613, a transfer control unit 614, a packet control rule acquisition unit 615, A packet control rule update unit 616 and a packet control rule storage unit 617 are included.

  The packet analysis unit 611 analyzes the header of the received packet in order to monitor packet transfer control and packet traffic. In particular, the packet analysis unit 611 checks the setting value given to the TOS in the packet header and recognizes the content group code of the received packet in order to monitor the traffic of packets passing through for each content group code. It is.

  When the packet analysis unit 611 recognizes the content group code based on the TOS in the header of the received packet, the traffic monitoring unit 612 monitors the traffic for each content group code. As a result, the distribution band for each content group that is actually distributed can be monitored. It should be noted that various methods can be applied as a method by which the traffic monitoring unit 612 calculates the traffic statistics for each content group. Specifically, the traffic monitoring unit 612 obtains the number of received packets per unit time, the total number of bytes, and the like.

  The communication amount statistical information notification unit 613 provides the viewing control server 700 with the monitoring result of the communication amount for each content group code obtained by the communication amount monitoring unit 612 as statistical information. As a result, regarding the packet that actually passes through the packet control switch device 600, it is possible to notify the viewing control server 700 of the communication amount (number of packets per unit time, total number of bytes, etc.) for each content group. Note that various methods can be widely applied as a method of notifying statistical information to the viewing control server 700. For example, a method in which the packet control switch device 600 responds in response to a periodic request from the viewing control server 700. Alternatively, regardless of a request from the viewing control server 700, a method based on command processing in which the packet control switch device 600 periodically notifies may be applied.

  The transfer control unit 614 determines the transfer destination of the received packet by referring to the analysis information of the received packet analyzed by the packet analysis unit 611 and the packet control rule stored in the packet control rule storage unit 617. Is to do. In the packet control rule, the transfer process of the received packet is defined corresponding to the content group code, the user group code, and the processing code. Therefore, the transfer control unit 614 refers to the packet control rule based on the content group code, user group code, and processing code assigned to the TOS in the header of the received packet, and performs corresponding transfer processing. is there.

  The packet control rule acquisition unit 615 acquires information related to the packet control rule from the switch control device 800 in order to set or update the packet control rule. Here, in the packet control switch device 600, if the packet control rule can be set or updated, the packet control rule acquisition unit 615 may acquire the packet control rule itself, or the update rule in the packet control rule. Only (difference data before and after update) may be acquired. That is, when the packet control rule is updated when the packet control rule default is set in the packet control switch device 600, the packet control rule acquisition unit 615 may acquire only the data to be updated.

  The packet control rule update unit 616 updates the content of the packet control rule in the packet control rule storage unit 617 based on the information acquired by the packet control rule acquisition unit 615.

  The packet control rule storage unit 617 stores a packet control rule that defines transfer processing of a received packet based on a content group code, a user group code, and a processing code included in the received packet.

(A-1-4) Detailed Configuration of the Viewing Control Server 700 FIG. 7 is an internal configuration diagram showing the internal configuration of the viewing control server 700 according to the first embodiment.

  In FIG. 7, the viewing control server 700 according to the first embodiment includes a control unit 701 and a communication unit 702 that performs communication processing with a connected network.

  The control unit 701 controls the overall functions of the viewing control server 700. For example, the control unit 701 realizes various functions by software processing when the CPU executes a processing program. It can be constructed by installing the processing program of the viewing control server 700, and even in this case, the configuration of the processing program can be shown as shown in FIG.

  The control unit 701 includes a traffic statistics information request unit 711, a traffic statistics information acquisition unit 712, a bandwidth limitation determination unit 713, a packet control rule update request unit 714, a packet analysis unit 715, a viewing terminal message transmission unit 716, a distribution server. Message transmission unit 717.

  In order to recognize the packet traffic for each content group passing through the packet control switch device 600, the traffic statistics information request unit 711 periodically transmits the traffic amount statistical information for each content group to the packet control switch device 600. The acquisition request is made.

  The traffic amount statistical information acquisition unit 712 acquires the traffic amount statistical information for each content group from the packet control switch device 600 in response to an acquisition request from the traffic amount statistical information request unit 711.

  The bandwidth limitation determination unit 713 determines the bandwidth limitation for each content group based on the traffic amount statistical information for each content group passing through the packet control switch device 600 acquired by the traffic amount statistical information acquisition unit 712. .

  Here, the bandwidth limitation determination unit 713 compares the communication amount statistical information for each content group acquired from the packet control switch device 600 with a preset threshold value, and if the communication amount exceeds the threshold value, It is determined that the distribution band of the content group is limited. When the band limitation determination unit 713 determines to limit the distribution band, the contents of the packet control rule of the packet control switch device 600 are updated, and control is performed to change the transfer destination of the packet passing through the packet control switch device 600.

  The threshold for limiting the distribution bandwidth may be common to all content groups, or set individually for each content group in order to control the packet transfer destination for each content group. It may be a thing. Further, the threshold may be one, or a plurality of thresholds may be used in order to finely control the transfer destination according to the communication amount for each content group. When a plurality of threshold values are provided, for example, when the first threshold value and the second threshold value (values greater than the first threshold value) are used, the traffic volume is less than the first threshold value, and the traffic volume is greater than or equal to the first threshold value. Since the traffic volume for each content group can be classified in multiple stages such that the traffic volume is less than the second threshold and the traffic volume is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the packet control rule is set to perform transfer processing suitable for each stage. Can be set.

  The packet control rule update request unit 714 requests the switch control device 800 to update the packet control rule related to the content group that the band limitation determination unit 713 determines to limit the distribution band.

  When a packet whose distribution band is to be limited is received from the packet control switch device 600, the packet analysis unit 715 performs packet analysis based on the header of the received packet. That is, when a packet whose distribution bandwidth is to be limited is received by the packet control switch device 600, the packet control switch device 600 does not transfer the packet to the viewing terminal 100 or the distribution server 500 in order to limit the distribution bandwidth. And transfer to the viewing control server 700. In this case, the packet analysis unit 715 performs packet analysis of the received packet via the packet control switch device 600.

  The viewing terminal message transmission unit 716 transmits a viewing terminal message to the viewing terminal 100 indicating that the content cannot be viewed in order to limit the distribution band when the distribution band limitation target packet is received. It is.

  When a distribution server message transmission unit 717 receives a distribution band restriction target packet, the distribution server message transmission unit 717 transmits a distribution server message indicating that the distribution band of the content is to be limited to the distribution server 500.

  The packet control rule 718 stores the packet control rule of the packet control switch device 600.

(A-1-5) Detailed Configuration of Switch Control Device 800 FIG. 8 is an internal configuration diagram showing an internal configuration of the switch control device 800 according to the first embodiment.

  In FIG. 8, the switch control apparatus 800 according to the first embodiment includes a control unit 801 and a communication unit 802 that performs communication processing with a network to be connected.

  The control unit 801 controls the overall functions of the switch control device 800. For example, the control unit 801 realizes various functions by software processing when the CPU executes a processing program. It can be constructed by installing the processing program of the switch control device 800, and even in this case, the configuration of the processing program can be shown as in FIG.

  The control unit 801 includes a packet control rule update request acquisition unit 811, a packet control rule update request unit 812, and a packet control rule storage unit 813.

  The packet control rule update request acquisition unit 811 acquires a packet control rule update request from the viewing control server 700.

  When the packet control rule update request unit 812 obtains a packet control rule update request from the viewing control server 700, the packet control rule update request unit 812 gives information for updating the contents of the packet control rule to the packet control switch device 600.

  The packet control rule storage unit 813 stores packet control rules. As described above, when the communication amount for each content group passing through the packet control switch device 600 exceeds the threshold, the packet control rule stored in the packet control switch device 600 is updated.

  Therefore, for example, the packet control rule storage unit 813 stores the packet control rule before update, the packet control rule after update, and the content group for each content group, and when the packet control rule update request is acquired from the viewing control server 700. The updated packet control rule may be transmitted to the packet control switch device 600.

  As another method, the packet control rule storage unit 813 stores only the updated packet control rule, and when the packet control rule update request is acquired from the viewing control server 700, the updated packet control rule is stored. The rule may be transmitted to the packet control switch device 600. That is, only the difference between the default packet control rule and the updated packet control rule is set in the packet control rule storage unit 813, and only the update information is transmitted to the packet control switch device 600 as the difference. Anyway.

  When a plurality of thresholds related to distribution bandwidth control are set, a packet control rule for performing transfer control step by step using a plurality of thresholds is stored in the packet control rule storage unit 813 and the corresponding step is performed. The packet control rule may be transmitted to the packet control switch device 600.

(A-2) Operation of First Embodiment Next, the operation of the content distribution control method in the content distribution control system 1 of the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  In the first embodiment, for example, in a system that distributes digital contents such as music and moving images, in order not to exceed the available distribution bandwidth of the distribution network, (a) the contents to be distributed are grouped (distributed) Depending on the price, distribution method, etc., limit the distribution band of some content groups as necessary, or (b) or each stage of processing required for distribution (for example, viewing request acceptance processing, reproduction processing) In the playback stop processing, playback restart processing, etc.), the subsequent processing is interrupted, or (c) or the clients are grouped, and distribution to some user groups is restricted as necessary.

(A-2-1) Overall Flow of Basic Operation FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing the overall flow of the basic operation in the content distribution system 1 according to the first embodiment.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing processing in the viewing terminal 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing processing in the distribution server 500 according to the first embodiment.

  In the following, a detailed operation flow in the viewing terminal 100 and the distribution server 500 will be described as necessary while explaining the overall flow of the content viewing request process and the playback process using the sequence diagram of FIG. 9.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating packet control rules set in the packet control switch device 600 before update. In the packet control rule, a combination of “content group code”, “user group code”, and “processing code” is associated with “processing” indicating the content of transfer processing performed by the packet control switch device 600. In FIG. 12, “processing” for “processing code: 9” is not defined, but “processing” in this case can be defined as appropriate. For example, “processing: send to destination as it is” is preferable. , “Process: Transfer to viewing control server” may be used.

  The packet control switch device 600 has a packet control rule for each content group code, and the example of FIG. 12 is a packet control rule whose content group code is “3”.

  First, in response to an operation of a user who desires to view content, the viewing terminal 100 accesses a web page of the portal site 200. A list of contents that can be viewed is presented on the web page of the portal site 200, and the contents desired to be viewed can be selected by browsing the viewing terminal 100.

  Here, when the user is registered or when the registration content is updated, the users are classified into user groups according to the contract content related to content distribution, and the user group code is set in the viewing terminal 100.

  The user selects content desired to be viewed from the web page of the portal site 200. Since the viewing terminal 100 acquires the access information of the content selected by the user, a content access information request is transmitted from the viewing terminal 100 to the packet control switch 600 (S101).

  At this time, the user group code and the processing code are set in the TOS of the header of the packet related to the content access information request. This user group code can be set in the viewing terminal 100 at the time of user registration, registration content update, etc. (in the description of “(A-2-1) Overall flow of basic operation” In the viewing terminal 100, for example, it is assumed that the user group code is set to “x” (an example is a code of x = 0, 1, 2, 3 based on FIG. 12). . Further, since the processing code relates to a request for content access information and does not relate to control of a content distribution band, “processing code: 9” in FIG. 5 is set. Since this processing stage is a stage for acquiring content access information, the viewing terminal 100 has not acquired a content group code. Therefore, no content group code is set in TOS.

  When the packet control switch 600 receives a packet related to the content access information request from the viewing terminal 100, the packet header analysis is performed. The packet control switch 600 checks the content group code, user group code, and processing code set in the TOS of the header of the received packet.

  At this time, since the content group code is not set to TOS and the processing code is “processing code: 9”, it is determined that the received packet is a non-control packet in the distribution band. The packet related to the access information request is transmitted as it is to the portal site 200 that is the transfer destination (S102).

  When the portal site 200 receives a packet related to the content access information request, the portal site 200 returns a packet related to the content access information response including the access destination of the selected content and the content group code (S103).

  Here, the address information of the viewing terminal 100 that is the request source of the packet related to the content access information request is given to the transmission destination of the packet related to the content access information response. The TOS in the header of the packet related to the content access information response includes “user group code: x” and “processing code: 9” included in the TOS of the header of the packet related to the content access information request, and the selected content. In the description of “(A-2-1) Overall flow of basic operation”, for example, the content group code is “y” (an example is y = 3 based on FIG. 12). ) And set as a).

  When a packet related to the content access information response from the portal site 200 is received, the packet control switch device 600 receives “content group code”, “user group code”, “processing” set in the TOS of the header of this packet. Check the code. Since the processing code is “processing code: 9”, the packet control switch device 600 transmits the packet related to the content access information response to the viewing terminal 100 as it is (S104).

  When the user selects a viewing request on the web page of the portal site 200 (F101 in FIG. 10), the viewing terminal 100 views the viewing request processing server 400 based on the access information included in the received content access information response. A packet related to the request is transmitted (S105).

  Note that the user group code set in the viewing terminal 100 (“user group code: x”) is assigned to the TOS in the header of the packet related to the viewing request, and the content group code is included in the content access information response. Things ("content group code: 3") are given. Processing steps in the sequence diagram of FIG. 9: Processing after S105, which will be described later: In S111 and S115, the TOS user group code and content group code in the header of the packet transmitted by the viewing terminal 100 are processing steps: The same thing as S105 is set. In the processing step: S105, “processing code: 0” is set in the TOS of the header of the packet at the time of the viewing request.

  When the packet related to the viewing request is received from the viewing terminal 100, the packet control switch device 600 confirms the “content group code”, “user group code”, and “processing code” set in the TOS of the header of the received packet. Further, the packet control switch device 600 confirms the packet control rule corresponding to the content group code.

  For example, when the content group code is “content group code: 3”, the packet control switch device 600 supports “content group code”, “user group code”, and “processing code” in accordance with the packet control rule of FIG. Perform the attached process. In this case, when “content group code: 3”, “user group code: x”, and “processing code: 0” are set, it is defined as “processing: send as it is to the destination”. The device 600 transmits a packet related to the viewing request to the viewing request processing server 400 that is the transfer destination (S106).

  When the viewing request processing server 400 receives the packet related to the viewing request, the user group code and the content group code set in the TOS of the header of the packet related to the viewing request are extracted, and the content distribution determination is made. The distribution server 500 that distributes the content is assigned.

  Various processing methods can be widely applied to the determination regarding the implementation of content distribution and the allocation of the distribution server 500, and existing processes can be applied.

  For example, in the user and content management server 300, information related to the content (for example, which content group belongs, playback time, resolution, license, etc.) and information related to the user (which user group belongs, which content can be played back) Whether it belongs to a content group or the like)). Therefore, the viewing request processing server 400 acquires information about the content and information about the user from the user and the content management server 300, confirms the legitimacy of the viewing request source user and the user group code, and the content group code of the requested content. Confirmation of whether or not the content can be provided to the user. If the requested content is viewable to the user, the viewing request processing server 400 assigns a distribution server 500 that distributes the content, and the viewing request processing server 400 distributes the content to the distribution server 500. An allocation request is made (S107), and a response of allocation information is acquired from the distribution server 500 (S108).

The viewing request processing server 400 determines the distribution server 500 that distributes the content in response to the viewing request, and assigns information to the content (for example, address information of the distribution server 500 that is the reproduction request destination, ID required at the time of request, contract details, etc. ) To the viewing terminal 100 (S109, S110).
Here, when the packet related to the viewing request response from the viewing request processing server 400 is received, the packet control switch device 600 receives the “content group code” and “user group code” set in the TOS of the header of this packet. ”,“ Process code ”. Since the packet control switch device 600 is “content group code: 3”, “user group code: x”, and “processing code: 1”, the packet related to this content access information response is in accordance with the packet control rule (FIG. 12). Is transmitted to the viewing terminal 100 as it is.

  Note that the address information of the viewing terminal 100 that is the request source of the packet related to the content access information request is given in the viewing request processing server 400 to the transmission destination of the packet related to the viewing request response in the processing steps S109 and S110. Further, in the TOS of the header of the packet related to the viewing request response, “content group code: 3” and “user group code: 0” included in the TOS of the header of the packet related to the viewing request in the viewing request processing server 400. As a processing code, “processing code: 1” indicating “response packet from viewing request processing server 400 to viewing terminal 100” is set.

  In the viewing terminal 100, a playback request packet in which “processing code: 2” is set in TOS is transmitted with the address information of the playback request destination distribution server 500 included in the allocation information of the viewing request response packet as the destination (FIG. 10). F102, S111).

  When receiving the reproduction request packet from the viewing terminal, the packet control switch device 600 confirms the “content group code”, “user group code”, and “processing code” set in the TOS as described above. . In this case, since “content group code: 3”, “user group code: x”, and “processing code: 2” are set in the TOS of the header of the packet, the packet control switch 600 directly uses the reproduction request packet as the destination. Transfer to a certain distribution server 500 (S112).

  Upon receiving the reproduction request packet from the viewing terminal 100, the distribution server 500 sets “content group code: 3”, “user group code: x”, “processing code: 8” in the TOS of the header of the packet, A packet including the stream data of the content is transmitted to the viewing terminal 100 (S113).

  Here, the address information of the viewing terminal 100 that is the request source of the packet related to the reproduction request is given to the transmission destination of the packet including the stream data of the content in the processing step: S113. In addition, “content group code: 3” and “user group code: x” included in the TOS of the header of the packet related to the reproduction request are set in the TOS of the header of the packet including the stream data of the content. “Processing code: 8” indicating “stream packet from distribution server 500 to viewing terminal 100” is set.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 11, when the distribution server 500 receives a reproduction request from the viewing terminal 100 (F201), the distribution server 500 starts a content reproduction process (F202), and sends a stream data packet of the requested content to the viewing terminal 100. (F203).

  When the packet control switch device 600 receives a packet including the stream data of the content from the distribution server 500, the “content group code”, “user group code”, and “processing code” set in the TOS of the header of the packet are received. Check. The packet control switch device 600 confirms that “content group code: 3”, “user group code: x”, and “processing code: 8” are set, and the received stream according to the packet control rule of FIG. The packet including the data is transferred to the viewing terminal 100 (S114).

  That is, as shown in FIG. 10, the viewing terminal 100 starts a content reproduction process (F103) after the content reproduction request to the distribution server 500 via the packet control switch device 600 (F102). The stream data packet is received via the packet control switch device 600, and the reproduction of the content is started (F104). Thereby, the user can view the content to be reproduced.

  Further, the content played back on the viewing terminal 100 can be temporarily stopped by the user. If a content pause request is not made by a user operation (F105), the content is played back on the viewing terminal 100 until it ends (F113).

  Further, in response to the processing steps F105 and F113, the distribution server 500 receives a pause request packet from the user as shown in FIG. 11 (F204), until the content ends. The stream packet is transmitted, and the content reproduction process is terminated (F212).

  On the other hand, when a content pause request is made by a user operation (F105), the viewing terminal 100 adds “content group code: 3”, “user group code: x”, “processing code: 3” to the TOS in the header of the packet. Is transmitted to the distribution server 500 via the packet control switch device 600 (F106, S115). At this time, the “content group code” acquired from the portal site 200 and the “user group code” held in the viewing terminal 100 are set in the TOS in the header of the playback stop request packet.

  As shown in FIG. 9, when the packet control switch device 600 receives a playback stop request packet from the viewing terminal 100 via the packet control switch device 600, the “content group code”, “user” set in the TOS Check “Group Code” and “Process Code”. The packet control switch device 600 confirms that “content group code: 3”, “user group code: x”, and “processing code: 3” are set, and stops playback according to the packet control rule (FIG. 12). The request packet is transferred to the distribution server 500 as it is (S116).

  Upon receiving the reproduction stop request packet from the viewing terminal 100, the distribution server 500 sets “content group code: 3”, “user group code: x”, and “processing code: 4” in the TOS of the header of the packet. Then, a response packet to the reproduction stop request packet (hereinafter also referred to as a reproduction stop request response packet) is transmitted to the viewing terminal 100 via the packet control switch device 600 (S117).

  Here, the address information of the viewing terminal 100 that is the request source of the packet related to the content access information request is given to the transmission destination of the packet related to the reproduction stop request response. Further, the user group code included in the TOS of the header of the packet related to the playback stop request and the content group code of the selected content are set in the TOS of the packet related to the playback stop request response. “Processing code: 4” indicating “playback stop request response packet from server 500 to viewing terminal 100” is set.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 11, when the distribution server 500 receives a reproduction stop request packet from the viewing terminal 100 (F204), the distribution server 500 performs a pause process for the content currently distributed to the viewing terminal 100 (F205, F206). ).

  When the packet control switch device 600 receives the reproduction stop request response packet from the distribution server 500, it checks the “content group code”, “user group code”, and “processing code” set in the TOS of the header of this packet. Then, it is confirmed that “content group code: 3”, “user group code: x”, and “processing code: 4” are set, and according to the packet control rule (FIG. 12), the reproduction stop request response packet is The data is transferred as it is to the viewing terminal 100 (S118).

  In addition, in response to the processing steps F204, F205, and F206, the viewing terminal 100 receives a pause request by a user operation and transmits a pause request packet to the distribution server 500 as shown in FIG. In the case (F105, F106), the reception of the content stream packet is stopped, and the pause process is started (F212).

  As described above, when the viewing terminal 100 makes a reproduction stop request to the distribution server 500, the distribution server 500 temporarily stops transmission of packets of stream data of content distributed to the viewing terminal 100, and the viewing terminal 100 Playback of content at is paused.

  After the content is paused, it is possible to make a content resumption request or a content reproduction end request by a user operation. Although the viewing terminal 100 transmits the reproduction restart request packet and the reproduction end request packet to the distribution server 500 in different values of the “processing code” set in the TOS of the packet header, basically, the viewing terminal 100 of FIG. This is performed in the procedure corresponding to S115 to S118.

  Therefore, in FIG. 9, the procedures of the content resumption request and the reproduction end request are omitted, but the operations of the reproduction resumption request and the reproduction end request in the viewing terminal 100 and the distribution server 500 are described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. Is briefly explained.

In F107 of FIG. 10, after the content playback stop is started, when a user operation causes a reproduction request again by the user operation (F108), the viewing terminal 100 transmits the distribution server 500 via the packet control switch device 600. The reproduction restart request packet is transmitted to (F109). At this time, the viewing terminal 100 sets the reproduction restart request packet in which “content group code: 3”, “user group code: x”, “processing code: 3”, and “processing code: 7” are set in the TOS of the header of the packet. Send.
The packet control switch device 600 transmits the reproduction restart request packet received from the viewing terminal 100 to the distribution server 500 according to the packet control rule (FIG. 12).

On the other hand, when the distribution server 500 receives the reproduction restart request packet from the viewing terminal 100 after the reproduction stop of the content starts in F206 of FIG. 11 (F207), the distribution server 500 passes through the packet control switch device 600. Then, the reproduction restart processing of the content to the viewing terminal 100 is performed (F208).
The distribution server 500 sets “content group code: 3”, “user group code: x”, and “processing code: 8” in the TOS of the header of the packet, and via the packet control switch device 600, the viewing terminal 100 The stream data packet is transmitted to (F203).

  The packet control switch device 600 transmits the stream data packet received from the distribution server 500 to the viewing terminal 100 according to the packet control rule (FIG. 12).

  As a result, the viewing terminal 100 receives the stream data packet from the distribution server 500 and reproduces the content again (F104).

  When there is no reproduction request again by the user operation (F108) and there is an end request by the user operation (F110), the viewing terminal 100 sends a reproduction end request packet to the distribution server 500 via the packet control switch device 600. Transmit (F111). At this time, the viewing terminal 100 transmits a reproduction restart request packet in which “content group code: 3”, “user group code: x”, and “processing code: 5” are set in the TOS of the header of the packet.

  The packet control switch device 600 transmits the reproduction end request packet received from the viewing terminal 100 to the distribution server 500 according to the packet control rule (FIG. 12).

  On the other hand, in F207 of FIG. 11, when the distribution server 500 does not receive the reproduction restart request packet from the viewing terminal 100 and receives the reproduction end packet from the viewing terminal 100 (F209), the distribution server 500 displays the packet header. “Content group code: 3”, “user group code: x”, and “processing code: 6” are set in the TOS, and a playback end response packet is transmitted to the viewing terminal 100 via the packet control switch device 600.

  The distribution server 500 performs a reproduction end process for the content distributed to the viewing terminal 100 and ends the reproduction process (F210).

  The packet control switch device 600 transmits the reproduction end request response packet received from the distribution server 500 to the viewing terminal 100 according to the packet control rule (FIG. 12).

  Thereby, the content reproduction process in the viewing terminal 100 ends.

  Further, when there is no replay request due to user operation (F108) and there is no end request due to user operation (F110), that is, when no user operation is performed even after a predetermined time elapses after a playback stop request, for example, At 100, it is considered that the content pause and the content reproduction are also finished, and the viewing terminal 100 finishes the content pause processing (F112) and finishes the content reproduction processing (F113).

  Further, in FIG. 11, the distribution server 500 does not receive the playback restart request packet from the viewing terminal 100 (F207) and does not receive the playback end packet from the viewing terminal 100 (F209). If the user operation is not performed even after the predetermined time has elapsed, the distribution server 500 regards that the content terminal pauses and the content reproduction is finished at the viewing terminal 100, and ends the content pause processing (F211). The reproduction process is terminated (F212).

(A-2-2) Regarding Traffic Monitoring and Packet Control Rule Update Processing in Packet Control Switch Device 600 Next, in the content distribution system 1 according to the first embodiment, the traffic amount in the packet control switch device 600. Monitoring and packet control rule update processing will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram illustrating monitoring processing of packet traffic and update processing of packet control rules according to the first embodiment.

  First, the viewing control server 700 periodically requests the packet control switch device 600 for packet traffic statistics information for each content group (S201). At this time, the content group code of the requested content group is set in the request packet of the traffic amount statistical information transmitted from the viewing control server 700 to the packet control switch device 600. That is, the viewing control server 700 makes a request for the traffic statistics information for each content group.

  The packet control switch device 600 confirms the “content group code”, “user group code”, and “processing code” set in the TOS of the header of the packet that passes. Then, the packet control switch device 600 obtains statistical information on the number of received packets and the total number of bytes per unit time (that is, bit rate) for each “content group code”, and uses these statistics for the traffic amount statistics for each content group. Manage as information.

  In the packet control switch device 600, the “content group code” set in the request packet of the communication statistics information from the packet control switch device 600 is extracted. Based on the extracted “content group code”, the packet control switch device 600 reads the corresponding traffic volume statistical information (the number of packets and the total number of bytes per unit time), and the response packet including the read traffic volume statistical information Is returned to the viewing control server 700 (S202).

  When the viewing control server 700 obtains the traffic amount statistical information for each content group from the packet control switch device 600, the traffic amount statistical information for each content group is compared with a threshold value to limit the distribution band of the content group. Determine whether or not.

  That is, the viewing control server 700 compares the number of packets per unit time and the total number of bytes included in the traffic amount statistical information with the threshold, and if the number of packets and the total number of bytes exceed the threshold, The packet control rule set in the packet control switch device 600 is updated in order to limit the distribution band related to the content group. On the other hand, if the number of packets and the total number of bytes per unit time are below the threshold, it is determined that there is no need to limit the distribution band related to the content group, and the packet control rule is not updated.

  The threshold value may be different for each content group. For example, by setting the threshold for free content smaller than the threshold for old content, the distribution band of free content can be preferentially limited over the old content, etc. Band limiting according to the type is possible.

  For example, when the traffic statistics information exceeds the threshold value, as shown in FIG. 13, the viewing control server 700 sends the packet control rule update request packet of the corresponding content group in the packet control switch device 600 to the switch control device. It transmits to 800 (S203). At this time, in the update request packet, the “content group code” of the corresponding content group, the result of comparing the traffic statistics information and the threshold, or the control content based on the comparison result is set.

  When the packet control rule update request packet is given to the switch control device 800, the switch control device 800 transmits a packet control rule update (write) request packet to the packet control switch device 600 (S204). .

  The switch control device 800 updates (writes) the packet control rule, that is, corresponds to the corresponding “content group code” based on the result of comparing the traffic amount statistical information and the threshold with the packet control switch device 600. Update (write) the processing contents related to “user group code”, “processing code”, and “processing”.

  In the packet control switch device 600, based on the “packet control rule” set in the packet control rule update (write) request packet, the “user group code” and “process” corresponding to the “content group code” to be updated Update (write) the processing contents related to “code” and “processing”.

  When updating of the packet control rule is completed in the packet control switch device 600, an update end packet of the packet control rule indicating the end of update (write) of the packet control rule is given to the switch control device 800 (S205), and further, packet control An end packet control rule update request response packet indicating a response to the rule update (write) request is returned to the viewing control server 700 (S206).

  FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the packet control rules set in the packet control switch device 600 after the update. FIG. 14 shows an updated packet control rule for the pre-update packet control rule of FIG.

  For example, in FIG. 14, when a packet in which “content group code: 3”, “user group code: 0”, and “processing code: 0 to 8” are set in TOS is received, the packet is sent to the destination as it is. "Send".

  For example, in FIG. 14, when a packet in which “content group code: 3”, “user group code: 1”, and “processing code: 0, 1, 2” are set in TOS is received, “Transfer to the viewing control server”. In addition, when a packet in which “content group code: 3”, “user group code: 1”, and “processing code: 3 to 8” are set in TOS is received, the packet is “sent directly to the destination”. Is.

  When a packet in which “content group code: 3”, “user group code: 2”, and “processing code: 0 to 7” are set in TOS is received, the packet is “transferred to the viewing control server”. That's it. In addition, when a packet in which “content group code: 3”, “user group code: 2”, and “processing code: 8” are set in TOS is received, the packet is “sent to the destination as it is”. is there.

  When a packet in which “content group code: 3”, “user group code: 3”, and “processing code: 0 to 8” are set in TOS is received, the same as in FIG. “Send directly to the destination”.

  As will be described later, when a packet is transmitted to the viewing transfer server 700, the viewing transfer server 700 basically functions to limit the distribution band.

  Here, examples of the user group code are “user group code: 0 (premier member)”, “user group code: 1 (normal member)”, “user group code: 2 (member for a limited time) [for example, PPV (pay) [Per-view) including members, etc.] ”,“ User group code: 3 (free member) ”.

  That is, in the case of “user group code: 0 (premier member)” and “processing code: 2 (playback request)”, since the packet is “sent as it is”, the viewing terminal 100 sends the message to the distribution server 500. Thus, a playback request can be made and the playback of the content can be started. In other words, the Premier member user can view the content to be reproduced. On the other hand, even if the content groups are the same, if “user group code: 1 (normal member)” and “processing code: 2 (playback request)”, the packet is “transferred to the viewing control server”. Thus, the distribution band of the content is limited. That is, the viewing terminal 100 cannot make a reproduction request to the distribution server 500 and cannot reproduce the content. Normally, a user who is a member cannot view the content requested to be played. Thus, even in the same content group, the distribution band of content can be flexibly limited by the difference in the type of user group.

  Also, the distribution band can be limited flexibly depending on the processing code. That is, in the case of “content group code: 3”, “user group code: 1 (normal member)”, and “processing code: 2 (playback request)”, the packet is “transferred to the viewing control server” as described above. Therefore, the distribution band of the content is limited. That is, the viewing terminal 100 cannot make a reproduction request to the distribution server 500, and a normal member user cannot view the content requested to be reproduced. On the other hand, in the case of “content group code: 3”, “user group code: 1 (normal member)”, and “processing code: 3 (reproduction stop request)”, the packet is “sent to the destination as it is”. The viewing terminal 100 can make a reproduction stop request to the distribution server 500. In this way, even in the same content group and the same user group, the distribution band can be flexibly limited according to the difference in the processing code.

  FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram illustrating details of the packet control rule update process according to the first embodiment.

  In FIG. 15, for example, when the total bit rate of “content group code: x” exceeds the threshold, as described above, the switch control device 800 sets “content group code: x” and “total bit rate to the threshold. A packet control rule update request packet having “exceeded information” is transmitted to the packet control switch device 600 (S301). In response to this, after updating the packet control rule, the packet control switch device 600 returns a packet control rule update request response packet to the packet control rule update request packet to the switch control device 800 (S302).

  On the other hand, for example, when the total bit rate of the “content group code: x” exceeds the threshold and the total bit rate falls below the threshold, the switch control device 800 returns the “content” to return to the original packet control rule. A packet control rule update request packet having the control contents of “group code: x” and “information whose total bit rate is lower than the threshold (or return to the original packet control rule)” is transmitted to the packet control switch device 600. (S303). Thereby, after the distribution band is limited, when the distribution band becomes low and it is not necessary to limit the band, it is possible to return to the packet control rule that does not limit the distribution band. In order to prevent repeated restriction of the distribution bandwidth, the threshold value of S301 (threshold value for restricting the distribution bandwidth) and the threshold value of S303 (threshold value for releasing the bandwidth restriction) are set to different values, and the threshold value of S303 (bandwidth) It is good also as a value which can judge that the threshold value which cancels | releases a restriction | limiting can provide the stable delivery band.

  Then, after updating the packet control rule, the packet control switch device 600 returns a packet control rule update response packet to the packet control rule update request packet to the switch control device 800 (S304).

(A-2-3) Processing in Viewing Control Server 700 FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing processing in the viewing control server 700 according to the first embodiment.

  FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram illustrating a processing procedure of packet transfer from the packet control switch device 600 to the viewing control server 700 according to the packet control rule in the first embodiment.

  In FIG. 17, the packet control switch device 600 confirms the “content group code”, “user group code”, and “processing code” set in the TOS of the header of the received packet, and follows the packet control rule of the content group code. The process of transferring the packet to the viewing control server 700 is shown. In FIG. 17, in order to facilitate the description of the processing of the viewing control server 700, the processing codes set in the TOS are shown separately.

  Here, the viewing control server 700 is connected to a specific layer 2 port of the packet control switch device 600. Therefore, when the packet control switch device 600 transfers the packet to the viewing control server 700 according to the packet control rule, the packet control switch device 600 can be realized by transferring the received packet to a specific layer 2 port and sending it out.

  Further, the packet control switch device 600 transfers the received packet as it is to the viewing control server 700 without changing the information included in the header of the received packet (for example, information included in the destination, transmission source, TOS, etc.). . Thereby, the viewing control server 700 can recognize the packet information (information included in the header) of the packet received by the control switch device 600 as it is.

  Furthermore, in the packet control switch device 600, “processing code: 3 to 7” is set in the TOS of the header of the received packet, and “processing” defined in the packet control rule becomes “send to destination” as it is. Even when the received packet is received, the received packet is transmitted to the destination as it is, and also transferred to the viewing control server 700. This may be calculated by adding the transmission bit rate related to the content distribution even during the reproduction stop because the content whose reproduction is stopped may be started again after that. Therefore, in the first embodiment, even when the received packet of “processing code: 3 to 7” is “processed: sent to the destination as it is”, the packet control switch device 600 transfers the packet to the viewing control server 700. Also, the viewing control server 700 manages by adding up the total bit rate of the content even if the content group is stopped. Details of the method of adding the total bit rate during the stop by the viewing control server 700 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  FIGS. 16 and 17 show processing of the viewing control server 700 with “content group code: y (an example is y = 3 based on FIG. 14, y = 0, 1, 2, 3) "," user group code: x (an example is x = 0, 1, 2, 3 based on FIG. 14, x = 2 based on FIG. 23 described later) "," processing code: 0-8 ”And“ processing code: 9 ”(“ non-control packet (packet not to be controlled) ”).

  FIGS. 16 and 17 show processing codes “0 to 1, 2, 3 to 4, 7, 8 (viewing request, playback request, playback stop, playback restart, stream packet processing” in the processing of the viewing control server 700. The processing for restricting the viewing request of the viewing terminal 100 is described in “Code, processing code of non-control packet)”.

  FIGS. 16 and 17 describe “processing codes: 5 to 6 (processing codes related to the end of reproduction), 9 (processing codes for non-control packets (not shown))” in the processing of the viewing control server 700. .

  16 and 17, when the packet control rule of the packet control switch device 600 is set as follows, the packet received by the packet control switch device 600 is transmitted to the viewing control server 700. Here, the packet control rule is a case where “content group code: y”, “user group code: x”, and “processing code: 0 to 9” in the TOS of the header of the received packet.

  In S401, S402-1, and S402-2 of FIG. 17, the TOS in the header of the packet received by the packet control switch device 600 includes “content group code: y”, “user group code: x”, and “processing code: 0”. , 1, 2 ”is set.

  The packet control switch device 600 confirms the content group code, user group code, and processing code set in the TOS of the header of the received packet, and “content group code: y” according to the packet control rule of the content group code. , “User group code: x” and “processing code: 0, 1, 2” packets are transferred to the viewing control server 700 (S401).

The viewing control server 700 confirms the processing code set in the TOS in the header of the transferred packet. In the viewing control server 700, when “content group code: y”, “user group code: x”, and “processing code: 0, 1, 2” (F301 in FIG. 16), the viewing control server 700 cannot reproduce. Is transmitted to the viewing terminal 100 via the packet control switch device 600 (F302, S402-1, S402-2 in FIG. 16).
Here, the viewing control server 700 does not set the “content group code”, “user group code”, and “processing code” in the TOS in the header of the playback impossible response packet. And transmitted to the viewing terminal 100 via the packet control switch device 600.

  That is, at the stage of “processing code: 0, 1, 2”, since the reproduction of the content has not started, the viewing control server 700 does not transmit the delivery server message to the delivery server 500, and only the viewing terminal 100 is sent. For example, a non-reproducible response packet including a message such as “cannot be replayed due to congestion” is transmitted.

  In S403, S404, S405-1, and S405-2 of FIG. 17, “content group code: y”, “user group code: x”, and “processing code” are added to the TOS in the header of the packet received by the packet control switch device 600. : 4,7 "is set.

  The packet control switch device 600 confirms the content group code, user group code, and processing code set in the TOS of the header of the received packet, and “content group code: y” according to the packet control rule of the content group code. , Packets of “user group code: x” and “processing code: 4, 7” are transferred to the viewing control server 700 (S403).

  The viewing control server 700 confirms the processing code set in the TOS in the header of the transferred packet. In the viewing control server 700, when “content group code: y”, “user group code: x”, and “processing code: 4, 7” (F301, F304 in FIG. 16), the viewing control server 700 displays the viewing terminal. Since distribution of the stream packet to 100 is stopped, an end request packet including a message indicating an end request is transmitted to the distribution server 500 (F304 and S404 in FIG. 16). Furthermore, the viewing control server 700 transmits a playback impossible response packet including a message indicating that playback is impossible to the viewing terminal 100 via the packet control switch device 600 (F305, S405-1, and S405 in FIG. 16). 2).

  Here, the viewing control server 700 does not set the “content group code”, “user group code”, and “processing code” in the TOS in the header of the playback impossible response packet. And transmitted to the viewing terminal 100 via the packet control switch device 600.

  That is, at the stage of “processing code: 4, 7”, since the reproduction is stopped after the content reproduction request, the viewing control server 700 needs to transmit an end request to the distribution server 500 as well. At the same time, the viewing control server 700 transmits, for example, a message such as “End as it is because it is crowded” as a non-playable response to the viewing terminal 100.

  In S406, S407, S408, S409-1, and S409-2 of FIG. 17, “content group code: y”, “user group code: x”, “TOS” in the header of the packet received by the packet control switch device 600 are displayed. The case where “processing code: 3, 8” is set is shown.

  The packet control switch device 600 confirms the content group code, user group code, and processing code set in the TOS of the header of the received packet, and according to the packet control rule of the content group code, “processing code: 3, 8 "Is transferred to the viewing control server 700 (S406).

  The viewing control server 700 confirms the processing code set in the TOS in the header of the transferred packet. In the viewing control server 700, when “content group code: y”, “user group code: x”, “processing code: 3, 8” (F301, F304, F306 in FIG. 16), the viewing control server 700 A packet including a message indicating a stop request is transmitted to distribution server 500 (F307 and S407 in FIG. 16). Further, the viewing control server 700 transmits an end request packet including a message indicating the end request (F308 and S408 in FIG. 16). Also, the viewing control server 700 transmits a playback impossible response packet including a message indicating that playback is impossible to the viewing terminal 100 via the packet control switch device 600 (F309, S409-1, and S409- in FIG. 16). 2).

  Here, since “content group code”, “user group code”, and “processing code” in the TOS in the header of the non-playable response packet are not set, the non-playable response packet is sent from the viewing control server 700 to the packet control switch device 600. Is transmitted to the viewing terminal 100.

  That is, at the stage of “processing code: 3, 8”, it is necessary to stop the stream data packet of the content first, and after making a stop request to the distribution server 500, the end request is transmitted to the distribution server 500. In addition, as a response to the viewing terminal 100, the viewing control server 700 gives, for example, a “processing code: 3” message indicating that “it is crowded and will end as it is”, and if “processing code: 8”. For example, a response packet including a message stating that “the playback is terminated because it is crowded” is transmitted.

  In S410, S411-1, S411-2, S412, and S413 of FIG. 17, when “processing code: 5, 6, 9” is set in the TOS of the header of the packet received by the packet control switching device 600 ( That is, when the processing code is other than 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, or 8.

  The packet control switch device 600 confirms the content group code, user group code, and processing code set in the TOS of the header of the received packet, and “content group code: y” according to the packet control rule of the content group code. The packets of “user group code: x” and “processing code: 5, 6, 9” are transferred to the viewing control server 700 (S410).

  The viewing control server 700 confirms the processing code set in the TOS in the header of the transferred packet. In the viewing control server 700, when “content group code: y”, “user group code: x”, and “processing code: 5, 6, 9” (F301, F304, F306 in FIG. 16), the viewing control server 700 Transmits the received packet according to the destination address of the packet (F310, S411-1, S411-2 in FIG. 16).

  Here, when the received packet is transmitted to the destination as it is, the settings of “content group code”, “user group code”, and “processing code” in the TOS in the header of the received packet are erased, so that the reproduction impossible response The packet is transmitted from the viewing control server 700 via the packet control switch device 600 according to the destination address of the packet.

  At this time, when the processing code of the TOS in the header of the received packet is “processing code: 5, 6, 9” (that is, when the processing code is other than 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8). When “processing: transfer to viewing control server” is defined in the packet control rule, the viewing control server 700 instructs the switch control device 800 to “process code: 5, 6” of the packet control rule of the content group. , 9 ”is instructed to modify the contents of“ processing ”to“ process: send according to packet destination ”(F311 and S412 in FIG. 16). Thereafter, the switch control device 800 makes an update request for the packet control switch (S413). As a result, the reproduction end request packet, the reproduction end request response packet, and the non-control packet can be communicated without going through the viewing control server 700.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the addition processing of the total bit rate that is stopped by the viewing control server 700 according to the first embodiment.

  As described above, the viewing control server 700 manages the total bit rate of the content group by adding the total bit rate of the content group for which playback is stopped even when the playback of content is stopped.

  FIG. 18 shows a method of adding processing in the viewing control server 700 for the content group whose playback is stopped. In the case of “processing code: 0, 1, 2, 8”, the packet control switch device 600 It manages the total bit rate of content groups based on statistical information.

  FIG. 18 shows the processing of the viewing control server 700 with “content group code: y (an example is y = 3 based on FIG. 14, y = 0, 1, 2, 3 based on FIG. 23 described later). ””, “User group code: x (an example is x = 0, 1, 2, 3 based on FIG. 14, x = 2 based on FIG. 23 described later)”, “Processing code: 0 to 8” And “processing code: 9” (“non-control packet (packet not to be controlled)”) will be described.

  In FIG. 18, the viewing control server 700 checks the content group code, user group code, and processing code set in the TOS of the header of the transferred packet.

  In the case of “content group code: y”, “user group code: x”, “processing code: 7 (reproduction resume request)” (F401), the viewing control server 700 monitors the distribution band of the content that actually flows. Therefore, the added amount of the total bit rate of the content group added by itself is deleted (F402).

  When “content group code: y”, “user group code: x”, and “processing code: 3, 4” (F403), the viewing control server 700 sets the address of the viewing terminal 100 included in the header of the received packet. The recorded bit rate is added to the total bit rate of the content group (F404).

  Since the stopped content can be started again, the stop bit is added to the total bit rate even during the stop. As described above, the packet control switch device 600, for example, in the case of “content group code: y”, “user group code: x”, and “processing code: 3 to 7”, the processing of the packet control rule is “processing: destination”. The packet is transferred to the viewing control server 700 at the same time even if “send as is”. Thereby, the total bit rate of the content for the stop can be added and managed.

  Further, as the bit rate to be added, the maximum value (fixed value) of the content bit rate in the corresponding content group may be used, or a value obtained by inquiring the distribution server 500 may be used. Also good. It is not always necessary to add the total bit rate of the content group whose playback is stopped, but it is necessary in a system in which there is absolutely no forced stop or stop during playback by the viewing control server 700. It becomes.

  In the case of “content group code: y”, “user group code: x”, “processing code: 5, 6” (F405), the viewing control server 700 adds the total bit rate of the content group added by itself. Minutes are deleted (F407).

(A-2-4) Distribution Band Limiting Process Next, a specific example of the content distribution band limiting process in the content distribution system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  In the following description, it is assumed that the packet control switch device 600 is set with the packet control rule of FIG. 12 before update or the packet control rule of FIG. 14 after update.

  In the following, a case where “content group code: 3” and “user group code: 3” are set in the TOS will be exemplified.

(A) Processing Example when Viewing Request of Viewing Terminal 100 FIG. 19 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing for restricting the distribution band when viewing is requested according to the first embodiment.

  The user selects a viewing request on the web page of the portal site 200, and the viewing terminal 100 transmits a viewing request packet to the viewing request processing server 400 (S601). At this time, “content group: 3”, “user group code: 3”, and “processing code: 0” are set in the TOS of the header of the viewing request packet.

  When a viewing request packet is received from the viewing terminal 100, the packet control switch device 600 confirms the TOS in the header of the viewing request packet and refers to the packet control rule (FIG. 12) of “content group code: 3”. The viewing request packet is transmitted to the viewing request processing server 400 in accordance with “Processing: Send to destination as it is” corresponding to “User group: 3” and “Processing code: 0” (S602).

  Here, the communication amount (total bit rate) of the content group “content group code: 3” exceeds the threshold, and the packet control rules set in the packet control switch device 600 are changed from those in FIG. 12 to those in FIG. It is assumed that it has been updated (S201 to S206). Note that the processing in S201 to S206 in FIG. 19 is the same as the processing in S201 to S206 in FIG. 13, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  In the viewing request processing server 400, processing such as allocation of the distribution server 500 to the viewing request is performed, and a response packet to the viewing request packet is given to the packet control switch device 600 (S603). At this time, “content group: 3”, “user group code: 3”, and “processing code: 1” are set in the TOS of the header of the viewing request response packet.

  When the response packet for the viewing request packet is received, the packet control switch device 600 confirms the TOS in the header of the viewing request response packet and refers to the packet control rule (FIG. 14) of “content group code: 3”. In accordance with “process: transfer to viewing control server” corresponding to “user group: 3” and “processing code: 1”, the viewing request response packet is transmitted to viewing control server 700 (S604).

  Then, as shown in the flowchart (F301 to F302) in FIG. 16, the viewing control server 700 includes “content group code: 3”, “user group: 3”, and “processing code: 1” in the TOS of the header of the received packet. When it is confirmed that the setting is made, a packet including a message that cannot be viewed is transmitted to the viewing terminal 100 (S605, S606).

  Note that the processing in S604 to S606 in FIG. 19 corresponds to the processing in S401, S402-1, and S402-2 in FIG.

  Further, in the packet control switch device 600, when the viewing terminal 100 makes a viewing request after the packet control rule is updated to FIG. 14, the following operation is performed.

  The user selects a viewing request on the Web page of the portal site 200, and the viewing terminal 100 transmits a viewing request packet to the viewing request processing server 400 (S607). At this time, “content group: 3”, “user group code: 3”, and “processing code: 0” are set in the TOS of the header of the viewing request packet.

  When a viewing request packet is received from the viewing terminal 100, the packet control switch device 600 confirms the TOS in the header of the viewing request packet and refers to the packet control rule (FIG. 14) of “content group code: 3”. The viewing request packet is transmitted to the viewing control server 700 in accordance with “processing: transfer to viewing control server” corresponding to “user group: 3” and “processing code: 0” (S608).

  Then, as shown in the flowchart (F301, F302) in FIG. 16, the viewing control server 700 has “content group code: 3”, “user group: 3”, and “processing code: 0” in the TOS of the header of the received packet. When it is confirmed that the setting is made, a packet including a message that cannot be viewed is transmitted to the viewing terminal 100 (S609, S610).

  Note that the processing in S608 to S610 in FIG. 19 corresponds to the processing in S401, S402-1, and S402-2 in FIG.

(B) Processing example at the time of playback request of the viewing terminal 100 FIG. 20 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing for restricting a distribution band at the time of a playback request according to the first embodiment.

  In the viewing terminal 100, the playback request packet is transmitted with the address information of the playback request destination distribution server 500 included in the viewing request response packet as the destination (S701). At this time, “content group code: 3”, “user group code: 3”, and “processing code: 2” are set in the TOS of the header of the reproduction request packet.

  When the packet control switch device 600 receives a reproduction request packet from the viewing terminal 100, it checks the TOS in the header of the reproduction request packet and refers to the packet control rule of “content group code: 3” (FIG. 12). Then, the reproduction request packet is transmitted to the distribution server 500 in accordance with “processing: send to destination as it is” corresponding to “user group: 3” and “processing code: 2” (S702).

  Here, the communication amount (total bit rate) of the content group “content group code: 3” exceeds the threshold, and the packet control rules set in the packet control switch device 600 are changed from those in FIG. 12 to those in FIG. It is assumed that it has been updated (S201 to S206). Note that the processing in S201 to S206 in FIG. 20 is the same as the processing in S201 to S206 in FIG. 13, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  In response to the playback request packet received from the viewing terminal 100, the distribution server 500 transmits a packet including content stream data to the viewing terminal 100 (S703). At this time, “content group code: 3”, “user group code: 3”, and “processing code: 8” are set in the TOS of the header of the stream data packet.

  When the packet control switch device 600 receives a packet including stream data from the distribution server 500, the packet control switch device 600 checks the TOS of the header of the packet of the stream data and refers to the packet control rule (FIG. 14) of “content group code: 3”. Then, the stream data packet is transmitted to the viewing control server 700 according to “processing: transfer to viewing control server” corresponding to “user group: 3” and “processing code: 8” (S704).

  Then, as shown in the flowchart (F306 to F309) in FIG. 16, the viewing control server 700 adds “content group code: 3”, “user group code: 3”, and “processing code: 8” to the TOS in the header of the received packet. Is confirmed, a stop request and an end request are transmitted to the distribution server 500 (S705), and a packet including a message that cannot be viewed is transmitted to the viewing terminal 100 (S706, S707).

  Note that the processing in S704 to S706 in FIG. 20 corresponds to the processing in S406 to S409 in FIG.

  Further, in the packet control switch device 600, when the viewing terminal 100 makes a reproduction request after the packet control rule is updated to FIG. 14, the following operation is performed.

  In the viewing terminal 100, the playback request packet is transmitted with the address information of the playback request destination distribution server 500 included in the viewing request response packet as the destination (S708). At this time, “content group code: 3”, “user group code: 3”, and “processing code: 2” are set in the TOS of the header of the reproduction request packet.

  When a playback request packet is received from the viewing terminal 100, the packet control switch device 600 checks the TOS in the header of the playback request packet and refers to the packet control rule (FIG. 14) of “content group code: 3”. In accordance with “process: transfer to viewing control server” corresponding to “user group: 3” and “processing code: 2”, a reproduction request packet is transmitted to viewing control server 700 (S709).

  Then, as shown in the flowchart (F301 to F302) in FIG. 16, the viewing control server 700 adds “content group code: 3”, “user group code: 3”, and “processing code: 2” to the TOS in the header of the received packet. Is confirmed, a packet including an unviewable message is transmitted to the viewing terminal 100 (S710, S711).

  Note that the processing in S709 to S711 in FIG. 20 corresponds to the processing in S401 to S402 in FIG.

(C) Processing when playback of the viewing terminal 100 is stopped (part 1)
FIG. 21 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a distribution band limiting process at the time of a reproduction stop request according to the first embodiment.

  After the content is played back, when the content operation is requested to be paused by the user operation, the viewing terminal 100 transmits a playback stop request packet to the distribution server 500 (S801). At this time, “content group code: 3”, “user group code: 3”, and “processing code: 3” are set in the TOS of the header of the reproduction stop request packet.

  When the packet control switch device 600 receives a playback stop request packet from the viewing terminal 100, the packet control rule of “content group code: 3” is confirmed by checking the TOS in the header of the playback stop request packet (FIG. 12). Referring to “User group: 3” and “Processing code: 3”, a reproduction stop request packet is transmitted to distribution server 500 in accordance with “Processing: transmitted to destination as is” (S802).

  Here, the communication amount (total bit rate) of the content group “content group code: 3” exceeds the threshold, and the packet control rules set in the packet control switch device 600 are changed from those in FIG. 12 to those in FIG. It is assumed that it has been updated (S201 to S206). Note that the processing in S201 to S206 in FIG. 21 is the same as the processing in S201 to S206 in FIG. 13, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  In response to the playback stop request packet from the viewing terminal 100, the distribution server 500 transmits a playback stop request response packet to the viewing terminal 100 (S803). At this time, “content group code: 3”, “user group code: 3”, and “processing code: 4” are set in the TOS of the header of the reproduction stop request packet.

  When the packet control switch device 600 receives the reproduction stop request response packet from the distribution server 500, the packet control switch device 600 checks the TOS in the header of the reproduction stop request response packet and sets the packet control rule (FIG. 14) of “content group code: 3”. Referring to FIG. 4, a playback stop request response packet is transmitted to the viewing control server 700 according to “processing: transfer to viewing control server” corresponding to “user group: 3” and “processing code: 4” (S804).

  When receiving the reproduction stop request response packet, the viewing control server 700 recognizes the reproduction stop of the content in the content group. As shown in the flowchart (F403, F404, F405) in FIG. 18, the viewing control server 700 adds the total bit rate of the content stop to the total bit rate of the content group even when the content reproduction is stopped (S805). .

  In addition to the above total bit rate addition processing, the viewing control server 700 sets “content group code: 3”, “user group code: 3”, and “processing code: 4” in the TOS of the header of the received packet. If it is confirmed that this is done, a packet including a playback stop response message is transmitted to the viewing terminal 100 (S806, S807).

  Further, in the packet control switch device 600, when the viewing terminal 100 makes a reproduction stop request after the packet control rule is updated to FIG. 14, the following operation is performed.

  The viewing terminal 100 transmits a reproduction stop request packet to the distribution server 500 (S808). At this time, “content group code: 3”, “user group code: 3”, and “processing code: 3” are set in the TOS of the header of the reproduction stop request packet.

  When the packet control switch device 600 receives the playback stop request packet from the viewing terminal 100, the packet control switch device 600 checks the TOS in the header of the playback stop request packet and refers to the packet control rule (FIG. 14) of “content group code: 3”. Then, according to “process: transfer to viewing control server” corresponding to “user group: 3” and “processing code: 3”, a playback stop request packet is transmitted to viewing control server 700 (S809).

  When receiving the reproduction stop request packet, the viewing control server 700 recognizes the reproduction stop of the content of the content group. As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 18, the viewing control server 700 adds the total bit rate of the content group to the total bit rate of the content group even when the content reproduction is stopped (S810).

  In addition to the above-described total bit rate addition processing, the viewing control server 700, as shown in the flowcharts (F406, F407) of FIG. 18, includes “content group code: 3”, “user group” When it is confirmed that “code: 3” and “processing code: 4” are set, a packet including a playback stop response message is transmitted to the viewing terminal 100 (S811, S812).

(D) Processing when playback of the viewing terminal 100 is stopped (part 2)
FIG. 22 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a distribution band limiting process when reproduction is stopped according to the first embodiment.

  Here, a case where the user group of the viewing terminal 100 belongs to “user group code: 1” is illustrated.

  The communication amount (total bit rate) of the content group “content group code: 3” exceeds the threshold, and the packet control rule set in the packet control switch device 600 is updated from that in FIG. 12 to that in FIG. (S201 to S206). Note that the processing in S201 to S206 in FIG. 21 is the same as the processing in S201 to S206 in FIG. 13, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  The viewing terminal 100 transmits a reproduction stop request packet to the distribution server 500 (S901). At this time, “content group code: 3”, “user group code: 1”, and “processing code: 3” are set in the TOS of the header of the reproduction stop request packet.

  When the packet control switch device 600 receives the playback stop request packet from the viewing terminal 100, the packet control switch device 600 checks the TOS in the header of the playback stop request packet, and “content group code: 3”, “user group code: 1”, “ With reference to the packet control rule (FIG. 14) of “content group code: 3”, the reproduction stop request packet is transmitted according to “process: send to destination as is” corresponding to “user group: 1” and “processing code: 3”. It transmits to the distribution server 500 (S902).

  At this time, the packet control switch device 600 transmits a reproduction stop request packet to the distribution server 500 for the packet of “processing code: 3 to 8” even in the case of “processing: transmission to the destination as it is”, and the viewing control server. It transmits to 700 (S903).

  When receiving the reproduction stop request packet, the viewing control server 700 recognizes the reproduction stop of the content of the content group. As shown in the flowchart (F403, F404, F405) in FIG. 18, the viewing control server 700 adds the total bit rate of the content stop to the total bit rate of the content group even when the content reproduction is stopped (S904). .

  When receiving the reproduction stop request response packet for the reproduction stop request packet from the distribution server 500, the packet control switch device 600 transmits the reproduction stop request response packet to the viewing terminal 100 (S905). Note that the packet control switch device 600 also transmits the received reproduction stop request response packet to the viewing control server 700.

  The viewing control server 700 sets a timeout, and forcibly terminates when a predetermined time elapses after the reproduction is stopped.

  When receiving the playback stop request packet, the viewing control server 700 starts the timer. When a predetermined time elapses after the playback is stopped, the viewing control server 700 transmits a playback end request to the distribution server 500 and notifies the viewing terminal 100 of a timeout (S907).

  In this way, the viewing control server 700 can forcibly end the distribution of content to the distribution server 500 after the time-out period after the reproduction stops.

(A-3) Effects of the First Embodiment As described above, according to the first embodiment, the packet control switch device directly monitors the traffic of packets passing through for each content group and actually passes the packets. Based on the communication amount for each content group to be performed, the communication amount of packets flowing through the packet control switch device can be adjusted.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, the distribution bandwidth is not limited based on the estimated value at the time of viewing request as in the conventional case, but is distributed based on the actual packet traffic monitored by the packet control switch device. Since the bandwidth is limited, there is no time lag, a quicker reaction than before is possible, and a margin necessary for the threshold of the delivery amount is small.

  In the case of the conventional method, only the viewing request processing server controls the distribution amount. If control is performed at each stage of distribution processing, it is necessary to know the distribution status at each of the portal site, viewing request processing server, and distribution server, and if there are multiple distribution servers, which distribution server limits how much. It becomes necessary to coordinate between distribution servers. On the other hand, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to cope with each stage of the distribution processing with one module (viewing control server), so that complicated processing that requires control of a plurality of modules is unnecessary. It becomes. That is, for example, the processing of the packet control switch device and the switch control device is a monotonous process that does not require information sharing with other modules.

(B) Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the content distribution control system, transfer device, distribution control device, viewing control device, transfer program, distribution control program, and viewing control program of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Details will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the second embodiment, the distribution band is not controlled based on the packet traffic statistics information for each content group, but is controlled based on the traffic statistics information for each user group.

  The configuration of the second embodiment basically includes the same or corresponding components as those of the first embodiment. In other words, the second embodiment can also be described with reference to FIGS.

  The packet control switch device 600 according to the second embodiment monitors the communication amount for each user group, and transmits the monitored communication amount statistical information to the viewing control server 700.

  FIG. 23 is a configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of a packet control rule according to the second embodiment.

  In FIG. 23, the packet control rule of the second embodiment is a packet control rule of “user group: 2”, and “processing” corresponding to “content group code” and “processing code” is defined.

  Thereby, the packet control switch apparatus 600 can perform packet transfer control for each user group in accordance with the packet control rule of the second embodiment.

  The viewing control server 700 does not aggregate the traffic statistics information for each content group, but aggregates the traffic statistics information for each user group. If the communication statistics information for each user group exceeds the threshold, the user group The contents of each packet control rule are updated.

(B-2) Effects of the Second Embodiment As described above, according to the second embodiment, in addition to the same effects as those of the first embodiment, the restriction on the content group is restricted by the user group. Can be replaced with restrictions.

(C) Other Embodiments Also in the first and second embodiments described above, various modified embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, the present invention can also be applied to the following modified embodiments.

(C-1) In the first and second embodiments described above, the case where the traffic control statistical information monitored by the packet control switch device 600 is acquired from the packet control switch device 600 is exemplified.

  However, in the modified embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 24, the switch control device 800 makes a statistical information request to the packet control switch device 600, and acquires the communication amount statistical information for each content group or each user group. You may do it. In this case, the switch control device 800 may compare the traffic volume statistical information with the threshold value and request rewriting of the packet control rule.

  That is, either the viewing control server 700 or the switch control device 800 may determine whether or not to control the distribution band based on the amount of communication that the packet control switch device 600 actually passes.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Content distribution system, 100-1 to 100-3 ... Viewing terminal, 200 ... Portal site, 300 ... User and content management server, 400 ... Viewing request processing server, 500-1 to 500-3 ... Distribution server, 600 ... Packet control switch device, 700... Viewing control server.

Claims (10)

Distribution control information storage means for storing distribution control information that defines processing to be executed in accordance with processing information indicating a stage of content viewing processing included in service type information set in a header of a packet related to received content distribution; ,
Based on the received content included in the service type information set in the header of the packet according to the distribution Turkey content processing information indicating the stage of the viewing process, a transfer process for those the packet defined by the distribution control information Transfer means to perform;
Based on the packet communication volume in the transfer means, the content distribution control system, comprising a distribution control means for setting the distribution control information of the transfer means. The processing information indicating the stage of content viewing processing included in the service type information set in the header of the packet is processing information related to the playback stop processing.
The content distribution control system according to claim 1. The distribution control unit updates the distribution control information so as to limit the packet communication amount in the transfer unit when the packet communication amount in the transfer unit exceeds a threshold value. 2. The content distribution control system according to 2. Comprising a viewing control means that will be connected to the transfer means,
The transfer unit transfers a packet related to the limitation of the content distribution band to the viewing control unit according to the distribution control information ;
When the viewing control unit receives the packet from the transfer unit, the viewing control unit notifies the viewing terminal of the packet and / or the distribution server of a packet including a distribution band restriction message corresponding to the processing information included in the packet. The content distribution control system according to claim 3 . Distribution control for storing the distribution control information process executed in accordance with the received content included in the service type information set in the header of the packet according to the distribution Turkey content processing information indicating the stage of the viewing process is defined Information storage means;
Based on the processing information of an operation of the content viewing process included in the service type information set in the header of the packet according to the received content distribution, performs transfer processing for those the packet defined by the distribution control information rolling and a oct stage,
The transfer apparatus, wherein the distribution control information is set based on a packet communication amount in the transfer means by external control . Distribution control information storing distribution control information processing to be executed is defined in accordance with the received content included in the service type information set in the header of the packet according to the distribution Turkey content processing information indicating the stage of the viewing process Receiving in accordance with the above distribution control information that includes a storage means and that defines processing to be executed in accordance with processing information indicating a stage of content viewing processing included in service type information set in a header of a packet related to received content distribution A distribution control device connected to a transfer device that performs packet transfer processing related to the content distribution ,
Based on the packet traffic in the transfer apparatus, the distribution control apparatus, characterized in that it comprises a distribution control rule setting means for setting the distribution control information of the transfer device. Distribution control information storing distribution control information processing to be executed is defined in accordance with the received content included in the service type information set in the header of the packet according to the distribution Turkey content processing information indicating the stage of the viewing process Receiving in accordance with the above distribution control information that includes a storage means and that defines processing to be executed in accordance with processing information indicating a stage of content viewing processing included in service type information set in a header of a packet related to received content distribution It performs the transfer processing of the packet according to the content distribution, the distribution control information, by an external control, a viewing control device connected transfer device, and which is set based on the packet communication volume in the transfer process,
When receiving a packet related to the limitation of the distribution band from the transfer device, a message for notifying the viewing terminal of the packet and / or the distribution server of the packet including the distribution band limitation message corresponding to the processing information included in the packet A viewing control apparatus comprising a notification means. Distribution control for storing the distribution control information process executed according to the received content is included in the service type information set in the header of the packet according to the distribution Turkey content processing information indicating the stage of the viewing process is defined A computer comprising information storage means;
Based on the received content included in the service type information set in the header of the packet according to the distribution Turkey content processing information indicating the stage of the viewing process, a transfer process for those the packet defined by the distribution control information to function as a transfer means for performing,
A transfer program for causing the distribution control information to function so as to be set based on a packet communication amount in the transfer means by external control . Distribution control information storing distribution control information processing to be executed is defined in accordance with the received content included in the service type information set in the header of the packet according to the distribution Turkey content processing information indicating the stage of the viewing process The distribution control information that is an apparatus including a storage unit and that defines processing to be executed in accordance with processing information indicating a stage of content viewing processing included in service type information set in a header of a packet related to received content distribution According to a transfer device that performs transfer processing of a packet related to received content distribution , and a distribution control program for a computer connected to the transfer device,
The above computer
Based on the packet communication volume in the transfer apparatus, the distribution control program for causing to function as distribution control rule setting means for setting the distribution control information of the transfer device. Distribution control information storing distribution control information processing to be executed is defined in accordance with the received content included in the service type information set in the header of the packet according to the distribution Turkey content processing information indicating the stage of the viewing process Receiving in accordance with the above distribution control information that includes a storage means and that defines processing to be executed in accordance with processing information indicating a stage of content viewing processing included in service type information set in a header of a packet related to received content distribution A packet transfer process related to distributed content distribution , wherein the distribution control information is set based on the amount of packet communication in the transfer process by external control , and viewing control of a computer connected to the transfer apparatus A program,
The above computer
When receiving a packet related to the limitation of the distribution band from the transfer device, the packet notification means sends a packet including the distribution band limitation message corresponding to the processing information included in the packet to the viewing terminal of the packet or the distribution server As a viewing control program.

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