JP6627619B2 - Delivery control program, information processing apparatus, and delivery control method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a distribution control program, an information processing device, and a distribution control method.

  In recent years, in educational sites of elementary and junior high schools, it has begun to distribute tablet PCs (Personal Computers) to students and utilize tablet PCs in classes. For example, electronic learning materials previously shown on a large display in front of a classroom have been downloaded to each student's tablet PC and can be viewed at hand. In addition, test questions that have been distributed and executed in the past on paper media can now be downloaded to each student's tablet PC and answered.

  As prior art, for example, a distribution server receives a content distribution and, in a subsequent stage, transmits to a terminal device connected to another terminal device, a content server which owns the content to another terminal device. There is something that instructs distribution. In addition, there is a technique that, when a request for acquiring the content of a lecture from a client terminal is received, distribution of the content to the client terminal is controlled based on the time at which the request was received and the attendance status of the lecture by the user.

JP 2014-16906 A JP 2014-115936 A

  However, in the related art, the time required for distributing the content to a plurality of terminals may increase. For example, an increase in the time required for distributing electronic learning materials and test questions to the tablet PCs of the students in the classroom leads to delays in starting classes and returning home.

  In one aspect, an object of the present invention is to efficiently distribute content to a plurality of terminals.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, in response to receiving a content distribution request from a first terminal among a plurality of terminals, the plurality of terminals can transfer the content via an access point to which the plurality of terminals can be wirelessly connected. It is determined whether or not the number of terminals being distributed is greater than or equal to a threshold. Determining a second terminal to be a wireless connection destination of the first terminal from among the terminals to which the distribution of the content has been completed, and determining the content from the determined second terminal to the first terminal. A distribution control program, an information processing device, and a distribution control method for instructing the distribution of a program are proposed.

  Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, in response to receiving a content distribution request from a first terminal among a plurality of terminals specified on a class basis, an access point to which the plurality of terminals are connected It is determined whether or not the number of terminals that are distributing the content via the content server is equal to or greater than a threshold value. A terminal that has completed distribution of the received content is specified, and from among the specified terminals, a storage unit that stores the position information of each of the plurality of terminals is referred to, and a wireless connection destination of the first terminal is determined. A distribution control program is proposed which determines two terminals and instructs the determined second terminal to distribute the content for which the distribution request has been received from the second terminal to the first terminal.

  According to an aspect of the present invention, content can be efficiently distributed to a plurality of terminals.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a distribution control method according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a system configuration example of the information distribution system 200. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the information processing apparatus 100. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the terminal Ti. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the stored contents of the student DB 220. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the content DB 230. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the storage contents of the download status DB 240. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the wireless LAN environment DB 250. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the information processing apparatus 100. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) of a first download example of the content C. FIG. 11 is a diagram (part 2) illustrating a first download example of the content C. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram (part 3) of the first download example of the content C. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) illustrating an example of updating the download status DB 240. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) illustrating an example of updating the download status DB 240. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) of the second download example of the content C. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) of the second download example of the content C. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram (part 3) of the second download example of the content C. FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a distribution control processing procedure of the information processing apparatus 100. FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a specific processing procedure of the first connection destination determination processing. FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a specific processing procedure of the second connection destination determination processing. FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a download processing procedure of the terminal Ti. FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the distribution processing procedure of the terminal Ti.

  Embodiments of a distribution control program, an information processing device, and a distribution control method according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a distribution control method according to an embodiment. In FIG. 1, an information processing apparatus 100 is a computer that controls distribution of content. The content is, for example, digital data including a document, a sound, a photograph, a moving image, a diagram, software, and the like.

  Here, in a school educational setting, tablet PCs are distributed to students, and tablet PCs are used for classes and home study. When a lesson using a tablet PC is performed in a classroom of a school, teachers and students perform Internet communication using access points installed in the classroom.

  For example, a student may send an answer from a teacher's own tablet PC for an assignment given by a teacher, or a student may download lesson materials and homework data to his tablet PC. However, electronic teaching materials such as class materials and homework are often downloaded according to instructions from the teacher. For this reason, the students may access the server all at once and the communication may be temporarily congested.

  The electronic learning materials may be large-capacity data such as educational materials including moving images and homework for a long vacation. In such a case, if about 40 students in a class try to download the electronic learning materials using the access point at the same time, not only will the download time increase, but also the download will fail, This will cause delays in starting and returning home.

  Also, here, the explanation has been given by taking the educational site of a school as an example. However, a similar problem may occur in a situation where many people who have gathered for some purpose start downloading content all at once. For example, a similar problem may occur when a participant downloads a large amount of materials all at once in a rally, conference, or lecture.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, when distributing content to a plurality of terminals, not only the content is distributed via an access point, but also the content is efficiently distributed using an ad hoc connection between the terminals. The control method will be described. Hereinafter, a processing example of the information processing apparatus 100 will be described.

  In the example of FIG. 1, it is assumed that contents such as teaching materials and homework for a lesson are downloaded from the information processing apparatus 100 to the terminals 101 to 109 via an access point AP installed in a classroom. The access point AP is an access point to which the terminals 101 to 109 can wirelessly connect. The terminals 101 to 109 are specified, for example, on a class basis. Each of the terminals 101 to 109 is, for example, a tablet PC used by a student. 1, the positions of the terminals 101 to 109 correspond to the positions of the seats of the students using the terminals 101 to 109.

  (1) The information processing apparatus 100 receives a content distribution request from a first terminal among the terminals 101 to 109. In the example of FIG. 1, it is assumed that the information processing apparatus 100 receives a content distribution request from the terminal 101 via the access point AP.

(2) In response to receiving the content distribution request from the first terminal, the information processing apparatus 100 determines whether the number N of terminals distributing the content via the access point AP is equal to or _larger than a threshold _Nmax. Judge. Here, the threshold value N _max can be set arbitrarily, and for example, an upper limit of the number of simultaneous connections that can download content at the maximum speed via the access point AP is set.

In the example of FIG. 1, it is assumed that the terminals 104 to 106 are downloading content via the access point AP. Further, it is assumed that the threshold value _Nmax is set to “3”. In this case, the information processing apparatus 100 determines that the number of terminals N “3” currently distributing the content via the access point AP is equal to or greater than the threshold _Nmax .

(3) When the number of terminals N is equal to or greater than the threshold value _Nmax , the information processing apparatus 100 refers to the storage unit 110 and selects, from among terminals for which content distribution has been completed, a wireless connection destination of the first terminal. Terminal 2 is determined. Here, the storage unit 110 stores the position information of each of the terminals 101 to 109 and the distribution status of the content. The position information indicates, for example, the position of a seat corresponding to each of the terminals 101 to 109.

  Specifically, for example, the information processing apparatus 100 refers to the storage unit 110 and, among the terminals for which the distribution of the content is completed, the terminal corresponding to another seat adjacent to the seat corresponding to the first terminal. , The second terminal. That is, the information processing apparatus 100 may determine a terminal that is closer in distance from the first terminal to the second terminal.

  In the example of FIG. 1, it is assumed that distribution of content to the terminals 102, 107, and 109 among the terminals 101 to 109 has been completed. In this case, for example, the information processing apparatus 100 sets the terminal 102 corresponding to another seat adjacent to the seat corresponding to the first terminal 101 to the second terminal 102, 107, 109 among the terminals 102, 107, and 109 for which the distribution of the content is completed. Terminal.

  (4) The information processing apparatus 100 instructs distribution of the content from the determined second terminal to the first terminal. In the example of FIG. 1, the information processing apparatus 100 transmits, for example, a content distribution instruction from the second terminal 102 to the first terminal 101 to both the first and second terminals 101 and 102. . As a result, the first terminal 101 and the second terminal 102 are connected in an ad hoc manner, and the content is distributed from the second terminal 102 to the first terminal 101.

As described above, according to the information processing apparatus 100, when the number N of terminals distributing content via the access point AP reaches the threshold value _Nmax , the content distribution is performed using the ad hoc connection between the terminals. The content can be distributed from the completed second terminal to the first terminal. Thus, the content can be efficiently distributed to the terminals 101 to 109.

  In the example of FIG. 1, instead of the information processing apparatus 100, the content can be distributed from the second terminal 102 to which the content distribution has been completed to the first terminal 101. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the communication via the access point from being congested and increasing the time required for distributing the content to the terminals 101 to 109. For this reason, for example, when distributing large-volume electronic learning materials to students such as educational materials including moving images and homework for a long vacation, it is possible to download to all terminals 101 to 109 in a short time, It is possible to avoid delays in starting classes and returning home.

(Example of system configuration of information distribution system 200)
Next, an information distribution system 200 according to the embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a system configuration example of the information distribution system 200. 2, the information distribution system 200 includes an information processing apparatus 100, access points AP1 to APm (m: a natural number of 1 or more), and terminals T1 to Tn (n: a natural number of 2 or more). In the information distribution system 200, the information processing apparatus 100 and the access points AP1 to APm are connected via a wired or wireless network 210. The network 210 is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), or the Internet.

  Here, the information processing apparatus 100 includes a student DB (Database) 220, a content DB 230, a download status DB 240, and a wireless LAN environment DB 250, and controls distribution of content to the terminals T1 to Tn. The information processing device 100 is, for example, a server. The storage contents of the various DBs 220, 230, 240, and 250 will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  The access points AP1 to APm are wireless LAN access points that can be wirelessly connected to the terminals T1 to Tn. For example, the access points AP1 to APm are installed in a classroom of a school and can be wirelessly connected to terminals T1 to Tn existing in the classroom.

  The terminals T1 to Tn are computers used by students for classes and home study, and are, for example, tablet PCs, notebook PCs, and smartphones. Further, each of the terminals T1 to Tn can perform short-range wireless communication with each of the access points AP1 to APm or another terminal by a wireless LAN. The terminals 101 to 109 shown in FIG. 1 correspond to, for example, the terminals T1 to Tn.

  In the following description, an arbitrary terminal among the terminals T1 to Tn may be described as “terminal Ti” (i = 1, 2,..., N). Further, among the terminals T1 to Tn, another terminal different from the terminal Ti may be described as “another terminal Tj” (j ≠ i, j = 1, 2,..., N). An arbitrary access point among the access points AP1 to APm may be described as “access point APk” (k = 1, 2,..., M).

(Example of hardware configuration of information processing apparatus 100)
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the information processing apparatus 100. 3, the information processing apparatus 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 301, a memory 302, an I / F (Interface) 303, a disk drive 304, and a disk 305. The components are connected by a bus 300.

  Here, the CPU 301 controls the entire information processing apparatus 100. The memory 302 includes, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a flash ROM, and the like. Specifically, for example, a flash ROM or a ROM stores various programs, and a RAM is used as a work area of the CPU 301. The program stored in the memory 302 is loaded into the CPU 301 to cause the CPU 301 to execute a coded process.

  The I / F 303 is connected to the network 210 via a communication line, and is connected to external computers (for example, the access points AP1 to APm and the terminals T1 to Tn shown in FIG. 2) via the network 210. The I / F 303 manages an interface between the network 210 and the inside of the apparatus, and controls input and output of data from an external computer. As the I / F 303, for example, a modem or a LAN adapter can be adopted.

  The disk drive 304 controls reading / writing of data from / to the disk 305 under the control of the CPU 301. The disk 305 stores data written under the control of the disk drive 304. Examples of the disk 305 include a magnetic disk and an optical disk.

  The information processing apparatus 100 may include, for example, an SSD (Solid State Drive), a keyboard, a mouse, a display, and the like, in addition to the components described above. Further, the information processing apparatus 100 may be connectable with an auxiliary storage device such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. Also, the access points AP1 to APm can be realized by the same hardware configuration as the information processing apparatus 100.

(Example of hardware configuration of terminal Ti)
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the terminal Ti. 4, the terminal Ti has a CPU 401, a memory 402, an I / F 403, a display 404, and an input device 405. Each component is connected by a bus 400.

  Here, the CPU 401 controls the overall control of the terminal Ti. The memory 402 has, for example, a ROM, a RAM, a flash ROM, and the like. Specifically, for example, a flash ROM or a ROM stores various programs, and a RAM is used as a work area of the CPU 401. The program stored in the memory 402 is loaded into the CPU 401 to cause the CPU 401 to execute a coded process.

  The I / F 403 has a wireless communication circuit and an antenna, is connected to the network 210 via the access point APk, and is connected to another computer (for example, the information processing device 100) via the network 210. The I / F 403 manages an interface between the network 210 and the inside of its own device, and controls input and output of data from another computer.

  The display 404 displays data such as documents, images, function information, etc., in addition to a cursor, icons, or tool boxes. As the display 404, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display, or the like can be employed.

  The input device 405 has keys for inputting characters, numerals, various instructions, and the like, and inputs data. The input device 405 may be a keyboard, a mouse, or the like, or may be a touch panel-type input pad, a numeric keypad, or the like.

  Note that the terminal Ti may include, for example, a disk drive, a disk, an SSD, and the like, in addition to the components described above. The terminal Ti may be connectable to an auxiliary storage device such as a USB memory.

(Storage contents of various DBs 220, 230, 240, 250)
Next, the storage contents of the various DBs 220, 230, 240, and 250 of the information processing apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. The storage contents of the various DBs 220, 230, 240, and 250 are realized by, for example, a storage device such as the memory 302 and the disk 305 illustrated in FIG.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the stored contents of the student DB 220. In FIG. 5, the student DB 220 has fields of a student ID, a name, a seat position, a terminal ID, and attendance status. By setting information in each field, student information (for example, student information 500-1 to 500- 3) is stored as a record.

  Here, the student ID (identification) is an identifier that uniquely identifies the student. The name is the student's name. The seat position indicates the position of the student's seat. Here, the seat position is a coordinate that specifies one point (one point in the classroom) in the plane orthogonal coordinate system including the x axis and the y axis. The terminal ID is an identifier for uniquely identifying the terminal Ti used by the student. The attendance status is the attendance status of the student. Attendance or absence is set in the attendance status.

  For example, the student information 500-1 indicates the name “Ichiro Yamada”, the seat position “7, 1”, the terminal ID “T1”, and the attendance status “attendance” of the student S1.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the content DB 230. In FIG. 6, the content DB 230 has fields of a content ID, a content name, a subject name, a unit name, and a size. By setting information in each field, content information (for example, content information 600-1 to 600- 4) is stored as a record.

  Here, the content ID is an identifier for uniquely identifying the content to be distributed (hereinafter, referred to as “content C”). The content name is the name of the content C. The subject name is the name of the subject using the content C. The unit name is the name of a unit related to the content C. The size is the data size of the content C.

  For example, the content information 600-1 indicates the content name of the content C1 "Let's devise a method of obtaining the area", the subject name "arithmetic", the unit name "unit 3 (figure)", and the size "3.5 MB". Although not shown, the content DB 230 stores a content body in association with a content ID.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the storage contents of the download status DB 240. In FIG. 7, the download status DB 240 has fields of a terminal ID, a content ID, a download status, and a connection destination ID. By setting information in each of the fields, download status information (for example, download status information 700-1 to 700-1) is set. 700-3) is stored as a record.

  Here, the terminal ID is an identifier for uniquely identifying the terminal Ti. The content ID is an identifier for uniquely identifying the content C. The download status indicates a download status of the content C in the terminal Ti. Here, the download status is “empty” in the initial state, and “completed” is set when the download of the content C is completed.

  The connection destination ID is an identifier that uniquely identifies the access point APk or another terminal Tj that is wirelessly connected to the terminal Ti. For example, the download status information 700-1 indicates that the terminal T1 is downloading the content C2 via the access point AP1.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the wireless LAN environment DB 250. In FIG. 8, the wireless LAN environment DB 250 has fields of an access point ID, an upper limit of the number of simultaneous connections, and the number of connected terminals, and by setting information in each field, the wireless LAN environment information 800-1 and 800-2. Is stored as a record.

  Here, the access point ID is an identifier for uniquely identifying the access point APk. The upper limit of the number of simultaneous connections is an upper limit of the number of simultaneous connections of the terminal Ti that can download the content C at the maximum speed (the maximum communication speed) via the access point APk. The number of connected terminals is the number of terminals that are downloading the content C via the access point APk.

  For example, the wireless LAN environment information 800-1 indicates the upper limit “4” for the simultaneous connection number of the access point AP1 and the number of connected terminals “4”.

(Example of functional configuration of information processing apparatus 100)
FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the information processing apparatus 100. 9, the information processing apparatus 100 has a configuration including a receiving unit 901, a determining unit 902, a determining unit 903, an instruction unit 904, and a distribution unit 905. The receiving unit 901 to the distribution unit 905 function as a control unit. Specifically, for example, by causing the CPU 301 to execute a program stored in a storage device such as the memory 302 and the disk 305 illustrated in FIG. Alternatively, the function is realized by the I / F 303. The processing result of each functional unit is stored in a storage device such as the memory 302 and the disk 305, for example.

  The receiving unit 901 receives a distribution request for the content C from any one of the terminals T1 to Tn (hereinafter, referred to as “first terminal Ti”). Here, the content C is content to be distributed, and is, for example, an electronic learning material such as a teaching material for a lesson designated by a teacher or a homework. Further, the distribution request for the content C is a request for downloading the content C to the first terminal Ti.

  Specifically, for example, the receiving unit 901 receives a distribution request for the content C from the first terminal Ti via the access point APk, and thereby receives the distribution request for the content C. The distribution request for the content C includes, for example, the terminal ID of the first terminal Ti, the content ID of the content C, and the access point ID of the access point APk that relayed the distribution request.

The determining unit 902 determines whether or not the number N of terminals that are distributing the content C via the access point APk is equal to or greater than a threshold _Nmax . The threshold value _Nmax corresponds to, for example, the upper limit of the number of simultaneous connections at which the content C can be downloaded at the maximum speed (the maximum communication speed) via the access point APk.

Specifically, for example, first, the determination unit 902 refers to the wireless LAN environment DB 250 illustrated in FIG. 8 and refers to the upper limit of the number of simultaneous connections corresponding to the access point ID included in the distribution request of the content C and the connecting terminal. Determine the number. The upper limit of the number of simultaneous connections corresponds to the threshold _Nmax , and the number of connected terminals corresponds to the number N of terminals.

  Then, the determination unit 902 determines whether the specified number of connected terminals is equal to or greater than the upper limit of the number of simultaneous connections. The fact that the number of terminals connected to the access point APk becomes the upper limit of the number of simultaneous connections means that if the number of connections to the access point APk further increases, communication becomes congested and the content C cannot be downloaded at the maximum speed. I do.

In the following description, the upper limit of the number of simultaneous connections of the access point APk may be described as “the upper limit of the number of simultaneous connections N _max ”, and the number of connected terminals may be described as “the number of connected terminals N”.

When the number N of connected terminals is equal to or greater than the upper limit _{Nmax of} simultaneous connections, the determination unit 903 determines the wireless connection destination of the first terminal Ti based on the position information of each of the terminals T1 to Tn and the distribution status of the content C. The other terminal Tj (hereinafter, referred to as “second terminal Tj”) is determined. Specifically, for example, among the terminals T for which the distribution of the content C has been completed, the determining unit 903 sets the terminal T corresponding to another seat adjacent to the seat corresponding to the first terminal Ti to the second terminal Tj may be determined.

  More specifically, for example, the determination unit 903 specifies the seat position of the seat corresponding to the first terminal Ti with reference to the student DB 220 illustrated in FIG. Further, the determining unit 903 refers to the student DB 220 and specifies the terminal T corresponding to another seat adjacent to the seat corresponding to the first terminal Ti based on the specified seat position. The other adjacent seats include, for example, seats before and after the seat corresponding to the first terminal Ti, left and right seats, left and right oblique front seats, and left and right oblique rear seats.

  Next, the determination unit 903 extracts, for example, a terminal T for which the distribution of the content C has been completed and which is not in a wireless connection, among terminals T corresponding to the identified other adjacent seats. Here, being wirelessly connected corresponds to being wirelessly connected between terminals or between a terminal and an access point.

  That is, the determination unit 903 refers to, for example, the download status DB 240 illustrated in FIG. 7 and, among the terminals T corresponding to other adjacent seats, the download status is “completed” and the connection destination ID is An unset terminal T is extracted. Then, the determining unit 903 may determine the extracted terminal T as the second terminal Tj.

  Thus, a terminal T that is closer in distance from the first terminal Ti can be determined as the second terminal Tj. When there are a plurality of extracted terminals T, the determining unit 903 selects any one of the extracted plurality of terminals T in accordance with, for example, a predetermined selection rule, and selects the selected terminal T. T may be determined as the second terminal Tj.

  When another seat adjacent to the seat corresponding to the first terminal Ti is vacant, the determination unit 903 determines the terminal T corresponding to another seat adjacent to the other seat by the second terminal Tj. May be determined. Specifically, for example, the determination unit 903 refers to the student DB 220 and determines that the other seat is vacant if the attendance status corresponding to another adjacent seat is “absent”.

  The other seats adjacent to the other seats may include, for example, seats before and after the other seat, left and right seats, left and right oblique front seats, and left and right oblique rear seats. The seat corresponding to the terminal Ti is excluded.) Further, another seat adjacent to the other seat may include, for example, only the seat ahead of the other adjacent seat as viewed from the seat corresponding to the first terminal Ti. For example, when another adjacent seat is the seat immediately to the right of the first terminal Ti, another seat adjacent to the other seat is a seat two to the right of the first terminal Ti.

  Thereby, it is possible to prevent the terminal T of the absent student from being a wireless connection destination. An example of determining the terminal T corresponding to another seat adjacent to the seat corresponding to the first terminal Ti as the second terminal Tj will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  In addition, the determination unit 903 determines that among the terminals T that have completed the distribution of the content C and that are not wirelessly connected, there are no other terminals wirelessly connected between the terminal T and the first terminal Ti. T may be determined to be the second terminal Tj.

  Specifically, for example, the determination unit 903 refers to the download status DB 240 and specifies the terminal T for which the distribution of the content C has been completed and which is not in a wireless connection. Next, the determination unit 903 refers to the student DB 220 and determines whether or not another terminal exists between the specified terminal T and the first terminal Ti. Here, when there is no other terminal, the determination unit 903 determines the specified terminal T as the second terminal Tj.

  On the other hand, when there is another terminal, the determination unit 903 refers to the download status DB 240 and determines whether the other terminal is in a wireless connection. Here, when another terminal is not in a wireless connection, the determination unit 903 determines the specified terminal T as the second terminal Tj. On the other hand, when another terminal is in a wireless connection, the determination unit 903 does not determine the specified terminal T as the second terminal Tj.

  Thereby, even if wireless communication is performed with the first terminal Ti, a terminal T that does not interfere with wireless communication between other terminals can be determined as the second terminal Tj. Note that a determination example of determining a terminal T in which no other terminal wirelessly connected to the first terminal Ti exists as the second terminal Tj will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  In addition, the determination unit 903 determines that a line connecting the terminal T and the first terminal Ti among the terminals T that have completed the distribution of the content C and are not in the wireless connection is between the terminals in the wireless connection or A terminal T that does not intersect or contact a line segment connecting the terminal and the access point may be determined as the second terminal Tj.

  Specifically, for example, the determination unit 903 refers to the download status DB 240 and specifies the terminal T for which the distribution of the content C has been completed and which is not in a wireless connection. Next, the determination unit 903 refers to the student DB 220 and calculates a line segment L1 connecting the seat position corresponding to the specified terminal T and the seat position corresponding to the first terminal Ti.

  Further, the determination unit 903 refers to the download status DB 240 and connects the line segment L2 connecting the seat position between the wirelessly connected terminals or the seat position between the wirelessly connected terminal / access point and the installation position. The line segment L2 is calculated. The information indicating the installation positions of the access points AP1 to APm is stored in a storage device such as the memory 302 and the disk 305, for example. When there are a plurality of wirelessly connected terminals or terminal / access point pairs, the determining unit 903 calculates a line segment L2 for each wirelessly connected pair, for example.

  Then, the determination unit 903 determines whether the calculated line segment L1 intersects or touches the calculated line segment L2. Here, when the line segment L1 does not cross or contact the line segment L2, the determination unit 903 determines the specified terminal T as the second terminal Tj. On the other hand, when the line segment L1 crosses or touches the line segment L2, the determining unit 903 does not determine the specified terminal T as the second terminal Tj.

  Thereby, even if wireless communication is performed with the first terminal Ti, a terminal T that does not interfere with wireless communication between other terminals can be determined as the second terminal Tj.

  The instruction unit 904 instructs distribution of the content C from the determined second terminal Tj to the first terminal Ti. Specifically, for example, the instruction unit 904 transmits a distribution instruction of the content C from the second terminal Tj to the first terminal Ti to both the first and second terminals Ti and Tj. Here, the distribution instruction of the content C is an instruction to download the content C from the second terminal Tj to the first terminal Ti.

  The distribution instruction of the content C includes, for example, the content ID of the content C, the terminal ID of the first terminal Ti as the download destination (distribution destination), and the terminal ID of the second terminal Tj as the download source (distribution source). Is included. As a result, the first terminal Ti and the second terminal Tj are connected in an ad hoc manner, and the download (distribution) of the content C from the second terminal Tj to the first terminal Ti is started.

  When the instruction unit 904 transmits the distribution instruction of the content C to the first and second terminals Ti and Tj, for example, the instruction unit 904 sets the connection destination ID corresponding to the first terminal Ti in the download status DB 240 to The terminal ID of the second terminal Tj is set. In addition, the instruction unit 904 sets the terminal ID of the first terminal Ti to the connection destination ID corresponding to the second terminal Tj in the download status DB 240. In addition, when receiving the download completion notification from the first terminal Ti, the instruction unit 904 sets “completed” in the download status of the content C corresponding to the first terminal Ti in the download status DB 240, and sets the connection destination. Reset the ID. The download completion notification is information indicating that the download of the content C has been completed.

The distribution unit 905 distributes the content C to the first terminal Ti via the access point AP when the number N of connected terminals is less than the upper limit _{Nmax of} simultaneous connections. Specifically, for example, the distribution unit 905 transmits an instruction to download the content C via the access point to the first terminal Ti. Here, the download instruction of the content C is an instruction to download the content C via the access point APk. The content C download instruction includes, for example, the access point ID included in the content C distribution request.

  Thereafter, for example, upon receiving a download request from the first terminal Ti, the distribution unit 905 acquires the content C from the content DB 230 illustrated in FIG. 6 and distributes the acquired content C to the first terminal Ti. . As a result, the download of the content C from the information processing device 100 to the first terminal Ti via the access point APk is started.

  When distributing the content C to the first terminal Ti, the distribution unit 905 increments the number N of connected terminals corresponding to the access point APk in the wireless LAN environment DB 250. The distribution unit 905 also sets the access point ID of the access point APk as the connection destination ID corresponding to the first terminal Ti in the download status DB 240. Further, upon receiving the download completion notification from the first terminal Ti, the distribution unit 905 sets “completed” in the download status of the content C corresponding to the first terminal Ti in the download status DB 240, and sets the connection destination Reset the ID.

  In the present embodiment, the information processing apparatus 100 distributes the content C, but is not limited to this. For example, a distribution server provided separately from the information processing device 100 may distribute the content C to the first terminal Ti. In this case, the distribution unit 905 transmits a download instruction to download the content C from the distribution server to the first terminal Ti via the access point APk, for example.

(Example of downloading content C)
Next, an example of downloading the content C will be described. Here, the number of terminals T1 to Tn is "42 (n = 42)", and the number of access points AP1 to APm is "2 (m = 2)". Also, the upper limit N _max of the number of simultaneous connections of the access points AP1 and AP2 is set to “N _max = 4”. The content C to be distributed is referred to as “content C2”.

First Download Example First, a first download example of the content C will be described with reference to FIGS. The first download example is a download example in which the terminal T corresponding to another seat adjacent to the seat corresponding to the first terminal Ti is determined as the second terminal Tj.

  10 to 12 are explanatory diagrams illustrating a first download example of the content C. 10 to 12, the seating chart 1000 shows the seat positions of the students who use the terminals T1 to T42. Hereinafter, the download status of the content C of each of the terminals T1 to T42 will be described in the first to third phases.

In the first phase shown in FIG. 10, it is assumed that the information processing device 100 sequentially receives distribution requests for the content C2 from the terminals T1, T14, T15, and T26 via the access point AP1. In this case, when each distribution request is received, the number N of connected terminals of the access point AP1 is less than the upper limit _{Nmax of the} number of simultaneous connections.

  For this reason, the information processing device 100 distributes the content C2 to the terminals T1, T14, T15, and T26 via the access point AP1. As a result, in each of the terminals T1, T14, T15, and T26, the download of the content C2 via the access point AP1 is started.

Further, it is assumed that the information processing apparatus 100 sequentially receives distribution requests for the content C2 from the terminals T5, T6, T34, and T40 via the access point AP2. In this case, at the time of receiving each distribution request, the number N of connected terminals of the access point AP2 is less than the simultaneous connection number upper limit _Nmax .

  Therefore, the information processing device 100 distributes the content C2 to the terminals T5, T6, T34, and T40 via the access point AP2. As a result, in each of the terminals T5, T6, T34, and T40, the download of the content C2 via the access point AP2 is started.

  In this case, the content stored in the download status DB 240 is updated as shown in FIG.

  13 and 14 are explanatory diagrams illustrating an example of updating the download status DB 240. In FIG. 13, in the first phase, access points AP1 and AP2 that are wirelessly connected to connection destination IDs corresponding to the terminals T1, T14, T15, T26, T5, T6, T34, and T40 in the download status DB 240 are accessed. A point ID is set.

Then, the number N of connected terminals of each of the access points AP1 and AP2 is “N = 4”, which is equal to or more than the upper limit _{Nmax of the} number of simultaneous connections. At this point, no terminal T has completed downloading the content C2. For this reason, even if the information processing apparatus 100 receives the distribution request of the content C2 from the terminal T31, the terminal T31 waits.

  Thereafter, when the download of the content C2 in each of the terminals T1, T14, T15, T26, T5, T6, T34, and T40 is completed, the process proceeds to the second phase shown in FIG. In addition, “completed” is set in the download status of the content C2 corresponding to each terminal T1, T14, T15, T26, T5, T6, T34, T40 in the download status DB 240.

  In the following description, an example of downloading the content C2 will be described, focusing on the access point AP1.

In the second phase shown in FIG. 11, first, it is assumed that the information processing apparatus 100 sequentially receives distribution requests for the content C2 from the terminals T20, T27, T31, and T38 via the access point AP1. In this case, when each distribution request is received, the number N of connected terminals of the access point AP1 is less than the upper limit _{Nmax of the} number of simultaneous connections.

  Therefore, the information processing device 100 distributes the content C2 to the terminals T20, T27, T31, and T38 via the access point AP1. As a result, in each of the terminals T20, T27, T31, and T38, the download of the content C2 via the access point AP1 is started.

Thereafter, it is assumed that the information processing apparatus 100 sequentially receives distribution requests for the content C2 from the terminals T8, T13, T19, and T39 via the access point AP1. In this case, when each distribution request is received, the number N of connected terminals of the access point AP1 is equal to or _larger than the upper limit _{Nmax of the} number of simultaneous connections.

  Therefore, the distribution of the content C2 via the access point AP1 is not performed to the terminals T8, T13, T19, and T39. On the other hand, at this time, there are terminals T (terminals T1, T14, T15, T26, T5, T6, T34, T40) for which the download of the content C2 has been completed.

  For this reason, the information processing apparatus 100 determines the terminal T to which each of the terminals T8, T13, T19, and T39 is wirelessly connected, from the terminals T from which the download of the content C has been completed. As an example, taking the terminal T8 as an example, the information processing apparatus 100 transmits the content C2 to the other seat adjacent to the seat corresponding to the terminal T8 among the terminals T that are not wirelessly connected. The corresponding terminal T, for example, the terminal T1 is determined as the terminal T of the wireless connection destination.

  In this case, the information processing apparatus 100 transmits a distribution instruction of the content C2 from the terminal T1 to the terminal T8 to the terminals T1 and T8. As a result, the terminal T1 and the terminal T8 are connected in an ad hoc manner, and the download of the content C2 from the terminal T1 to the terminal T8 is started. In this case, as shown in the second phase of FIG. 13, the storage content of the download status DB 240 is updated.

  Specifically, for example, in the second phase, the terminal ID of the terminal T <b> 8 in the ad hoc wireless connection is set as the connection destination ID corresponding to the terminal T <b> 1 in the download status DB 240. In addition, the terminal ID of the terminal T1 that is in the ad hoc wireless connection is set as the connection destination ID corresponding to the terminal T8 in the download status DB 240.

  Thereafter, when the download of the content C2 in the terminal T8 is completed, the process proceeds to a third phase shown in FIG. In addition, “completed” is set in the download status of the content C2 corresponding to the terminal T8 in the download status DB 240.

In the third phase shown in FIG. 12, first, it is assumed that the information processing apparatus 100 sequentially receives distribution requests for the content C2 from the terminals T21, T25, T28, and T32 via the access point AP1. In this case, when each distribution request is received, the number N of connected terminals of the access point AP1 is less than the upper limit _{Nmax of the} number of simultaneous connections.

  For this reason, the information processing apparatus 100 distributes the content C2 to the terminals T21, T25, T28, and T32 via the access point AP1. As a result, in each of the terminals T21, T25, T28, and T32, the download of the content C2 via the access point AP1 is started.

Thereafter, it is assumed that the information processing apparatus 100 sequentially receives distribution requests for the content C2 from the terminals T2, T7, T9, T33, and T37 via the access point AP1. In this case, when each distribution request is received, the number N of connected terminals of the access point AP1 is equal to or _larger than the upper limit _{Nmax of the} number of simultaneous connections.

  Therefore, the distribution of the content C2 via the access point AP1 is not performed to the terminals T2, T7, T9, T33, and T37. On the other hand, at this point, there is a terminal T for which the download of the content C2 has been completed. For this reason, the information processing apparatus 100 determines the terminal T to which each of the terminals T2, T7, T9, T33, and T37 is to be wirelessly connected, from the terminals T from which the download of the content C has been completed.

  As an example, taking the terminal T2 as an example, the information processing apparatus 100 may, for example, select another terminal T adjacent to the seat corresponding to the terminal T2 among the terminals T for which distribution of the content C2 has been completed and wireless connection is not being performed. The terminal T corresponding to the seat is determined as the terminal T of the wireless connection destination. Here, another seat adjacent to the seat corresponding to the terminal T2 is a seat on the right. In this case, the other seat adjacent to the seat corresponding to the terminal T2 is “vacant seat (absent seat)”. Therefore, the information processing apparatus 100 determines, for example, a terminal T4 corresponding to another seat adjacent to another seat adjacent to the seat corresponding to the terminal T2 as the terminal T of the wireless connection destination.

  Then, the information processing apparatus 100 transmits a distribution instruction of the content C2 from the terminal T4 to the terminal T2 to the terminals T2 and T4. As a result, the terminal T2 and the terminal T4 are connected in an ad hoc manner, and the download of the content C2 from the terminal T4 to the terminal T2 is started. In this case, as shown in the third phase of FIG. 14, the storage content of the download status DB 240 is updated.

  Specifically, for example, in the third phase, the terminal ID of the terminal T4 that is currently connected to the ad hoc wireless connection is set as the connection destination ID corresponding to the terminal T2 in the download status DB 240. In addition, the terminal ID of the terminal T2 that has been connected by ad hoc wireless communication is set as the connection destination ID corresponding to the terminal T4 in the download status DB 240.

  For example, it is assumed that the actual speed of the wireless LAN between the terminal and the access point is 100 Mbps, and the actual speed decreases when five or more terminals T simultaneously download the content C via the access point. It is also assumed that each terminal Ti downloads 100 MB of content C.

  In this case, in the first phase shown in FIG. 10, eight terminals T among the terminals T1 to T42 download the content C via the access point. Therefore, the time required for the eight terminals T to download the content C is “8 sec (= 800 Mbit / 100)”.

  In the second phase shown in FIG. 11, eight terminals T download the content C via the access point, and eight terminals T download the content C from the other terminals through ad hoc connection. In this case, the time required for the 16 terminals T to download the content C is “8 sec (= 800 Mbit / 100)”. However, the actual speed of the wireless LAN between the terminals is assumed to be 100 Mbps.

  In the third phase shown in FIG. 12, eight terminals T download the content C via the access point, and ten terminals T download the content C from the other terminals by ad hoc connection. In this case, the time required for the 18 terminals T to download the content C is “8 sec (= 800 Mbit / 100)”.

  Therefore, the time required for downloading the content C of all the terminals T1 to T42 is “24 sec (= 8 sec × 3)”. On the other hand, assuming that the wireless LAN has an average speed of 800 Mbps in the entire environment, the time required for all the terminals T1 to T42 to simultaneously download the content C via the access point is “42 sec (= 100 MB × 42/800 Mbps). ) ". In this case, according to the present distribution control method, the time required to download the content C of all the terminals T1 to T42 can be reduced by 34 seconds.

Second Download Example Next, a second download example of the content C will be described with reference to FIGS. The second download example is a download example in which a terminal T in which there is no other terminal wirelessly connected to the first terminal Ti is determined as the second terminal Tj.

  15 to 17 are explanatory diagrams illustrating a second example of downloading the content C. In FIGS. 15 to 17, the seating table 1500 shows the seating positions of the students using the terminals T1 to T42. Hereinafter, the download status of the content C2 of each of the terminals T1 to T42 will be described in the first to third phases. However, here, an example of downloading the content C2 will be described focusing on the access point AP1.

In the first phase shown in FIG. 15, it is assumed that the information processing apparatus 100 sequentially receives distribution requests for the content C2 from the terminals T1, T14, T15, and T26 via the access point AP1. In this case, when each distribution request is received, the number N of connected terminals of the access point AP1 is less than the upper limit _{Nmax of the} number of simultaneous connections.

  For this reason, the information processing device 100 distributes the content C2 to the terminals T1, T14, T15, and T26 via the access point AP1. As a result, in each of the terminals T1, T14, T15, and T26, the download of the content C2 via the access point AP1 is started.

In this case, for example, as shown in the first phase of FIG. 13, the storage content of the download status DB 240 is updated. Then, the number N of connected terminals of each of the access points AP1 and AP2 is “N = 4”, which is equal to or more than the upper limit _{Nmax of the} number of simultaneous connections. At this point, no terminal T has completed downloading the content C2. For this reason, even if the information processing apparatus 100 receives the distribution request of the content C2 from the terminal T31, the terminal T31 waits.

  Thereafter, when the download of the content C2 in each of the terminals T1, T14, T15, and T26 is completed, the process shifts to the second phase shown in FIG. In addition, “complete” is set in the download status of the content C2 corresponding to each terminal T1, T14, T15, T26 in the download status DB 240.

In the second phase shown in FIG. 16, first, it is assumed that the information processing apparatus 100 sequentially receives distribution requests for the content C2 from the terminals T20, T27, T31, and T38 via the access point AP1. In this case, when each distribution request is received, the number N of connected terminals of the access point AP1 is less than the upper limit _{Nmax of the} number of simultaneous connections.

  Therefore, the information processing device 100 distributes the content C2 to the terminals T20, T27, T31, and T38 via the access point AP1. As a result, in each of the terminals T20, T27, T31, and T38, the download of the content C2 via the access point AP1 is started.

Thereafter, it is assumed that the information processing apparatus 100 sequentially receives distribution requests for the content C2 from the terminals T8, T13, T19, and T39 via the access point AP1. In this case, when each distribution request is received, the number N of connected terminals of the access point AP1 is equal to or _larger than the upper limit _{Nmax of the} number of simultaneous connections.

  Therefore, the distribution of the content C2 via the access point AP1 is not performed to the terminals T8, T13, T19, and T39. On the other hand, at this time, there are terminals T (for example, terminals T1, T14, T15, and T26) for which the download of the content C2 has been completed.

  For this reason, the information processing apparatus 100 determines the terminal T to which each of the terminals T8, T13, T19, and T39 is wirelessly connected, from the terminals T from which the download of the content C has been completed. As an example, taking the terminal T8 as an example, the information processing apparatus 100 determines that, among the terminals T that have completed the distribution of the content C2 and that are not in a wireless connection, other terminals that are wirelessly connected to the terminal T8 The terminal T that does not exist, for example, the terminal T1 is determined as the terminal T of the wireless connection destination.

  In this case, the information processing apparatus 100 transmits a distribution instruction of the content C2 from the terminal T1 to the terminal T8 to the terminals T1 and T8. As a result, the terminal T1 and the terminal T8 are connected in an ad hoc manner, and the download of the content C2 from the terminal T1 to the terminal T8 is started. In this case, the contents stored in the download status DB 240 are updated as shown in the second phase of FIG.

  Thereafter, when the download of the content C2 in the terminal T8 is completed, the process shifts to the third phase shown in FIG. In addition, “completed” is set in the download status of the content C2 corresponding to the terminal T8 in the download status DB 240.

In the third phase shown in FIG. 17, first, it is assumed that the information processing device 100 sequentially receives distribution requests for the content C2 from the terminals T21, T25, T28, and T32 via the access point AP1. In this case, when each distribution request is received, the number N of connected terminals of the access point AP1 is less than the upper limit _{Nmax of the} number of simultaneous connections.

  For this reason, the information processing apparatus 100 distributes the content C2 to the terminals T21, T25, T28, and T32 via the access point AP1. As a result, in each of the terminals T21, T25, T28, and T32, the download of the content C2 via the access point AP1 is started.

Thereafter, it is assumed that the information processing apparatus 100 sequentially receives distribution requests for the content C2 from the terminals T2, T7, T9, T33, and T37 via the access point AP1. In this case, when each distribution request is received, the number N of connected terminals of the access point AP1 is equal to or _larger than the upper limit _{Nmax of the} number of simultaneous connections.

  Therefore, the distribution of the content C2 via the access point AP1 is not performed to the terminals T2, T7, T9, T33, and T37. On the other hand, at this point, there is a terminal T for which the download of the content C2 has been completed. For this reason, the information processing apparatus 100 determines the terminal T to which each of the terminals T2, T7, T9, T33, and T37 is to be wirelessly connected, from the terminals T from which the download of the content C has been completed.

  As an example, when the terminal T2 is taken as an example, the information processing apparatus 100 may, for example, perform a wireless connection between the terminal T2 and the terminal T that has completed the distribution of the content C2 and is not wirelessly connected. The terminal T having no terminal, for example, the terminal T4 is determined as the terminal T of the wireless connection destination.

  Then, the information processing apparatus 100 transmits a distribution instruction of the content C2 from the terminal T4 to the terminal T2 to the terminals T2 and T4. As a result, the terminal T2 and the terminal T4 are connected in an ad hoc manner, and the download of the content C2 from the terminal T4 to the terminal T2 is started. In this case, as shown in the third phase of FIG. 14, the storage content of the download status DB 240 is updated.

(Delivery control processing procedure of information processing apparatus 100)
Next, a distribution control processing procedure of the information processing apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a distribution control processing procedure of the information processing apparatus 100. In the flowchart of FIG. 18, first, the information processing apparatus 100 determines whether a distribution request for the content C has been received from the first terminal Ti among the terminals T1 to Tn (step S1801). Here, the information processing apparatus 100 waits to receive a distribution request for the content C (step S1801: No).

Then, when the information processing apparatus 100 receives the distribution request of the content C (step S1801: Yes), the information processing apparatus 100 refers to the wireless LAN environment DB 250 to determine the upper limit N _max of the simultaneous connection number of the access point APk and the number N of connected terminals. It is specified (step S1802). The access point APk is specified from the access point ID included in the content C distribution request.

Next, the information processing apparatus 100 determines whether or not the specified number of connected terminals N is equal to or _larger than the simultaneous connection number upper limit _Nmax (step S1803). If the number N of connected terminals is less than the upper limit _{Nmax of} simultaneous connections (step S1803: No), the information processing apparatus 100 increments the number N of connected terminals of the access point APk (step S1804).

  Next, the information processing apparatus 100 transmits an instruction to download the content C via the access point to the first terminal Ti (step S1805). Then, the information processing apparatus 100 sets the access point ID of the access point APk as the connection destination ID corresponding to the first terminal Ti in the download status DB 240 (Step S1806).

  Next, when receiving the download request from the first terminal Ti, the information processing apparatus 100 acquires the content C from the content DB 230, and starts distribution of the acquired content C to the first terminal Ti (step). S1807).

  Next, the information processing apparatus 100 determines whether a download completion notification has been received from the first terminal Ti (step S1808). Here, the information processing apparatus 100 waits to receive a download completion notification from the first terminal Ti (Step S1808: No).

  Then, when receiving the download completion notification (step S1808: YES), the information processing apparatus 100 decrements the number N of connected terminals of the access point APk (step S1809). Next, the information processing apparatus 100 sets “completed” in the download status of the content C corresponding to the first terminal Ti in the download status DB 240 (step S1810).

  Then, the information processing apparatus 100 resets the connection destination ID corresponding to the first terminal Ti in the download status DB 240 (step S1811), and ends a series of processing according to the flowchart.

Also, in step S1803, if the number of connected terminals N is equal to or greater than the simultaneous connection number upper limit _Nmax (step S1803: Yes), the information processing apparatus 100 sets the second terminal Tj to be the wireless connection destination of the first terminal Ti. Is executed (step S1812). The specific processing procedure of the connection destination determination processing will be described later with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20.

  Next, the information processing apparatus 100 transmits an instruction to distribute the content C from the second terminal Tj to the first terminal Ti by the ad hoc connection to the first and second terminals Ti and Tj (step S1813). ). Then, the information processing apparatus 100 sets the terminal ID of the second terminal Tj to the connection destination ID corresponding to the first terminal Ti in the download status DB 240, and sets the connection destination ID corresponding to the second terminal Tj to the connection destination ID. The terminal ID of the first terminal Ti is set (step S1814).

  Next, the information processing apparatus 100 determines whether a download completion notification has been received from the first terminal Ti (step S1815). Here, the information processing apparatus 100 waits to receive a download completion notification from the first terminal Ti (Step S1815: No).

  Then, when receiving the download completion notification (step S1815: Yes), the information processing apparatus 100 sets “completed” to the download status of the content C corresponding to the first terminal Ti in the download status DB 240 (step S1816). ).

  Next, the information processing apparatus 100 resets the connection destination IDs corresponding to the first and second terminals Ti and Tj in the download status DB 240 (step S1817), and ends a series of processing according to this flowchart.

Accordingly, when the number N of connected terminals of the access point APk reaches the upper limit _Nmax of the number of simultaneous connections, the second terminal Tj from which the distribution of the content C is completed to the first terminal T using the ad hoc connection between the terminals. The content C can be downloaded to the terminal Ti.

<Specific processing procedure of connection destination determination processing>
Next, a specific processing procedure of the connection destination determination processing in step S1812 shown in FIG. 18 will be described. Here, first and second connection destination determination processes will be described as connection destination determination processes. Further, it is possible to arbitrarily set which of the first and second connection destination determining processes is to be executed.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a specific processing procedure of the first connection destination determination processing. In the flowchart of FIG. 19, first, the information processing apparatus 100 specifies the seat position of the seat corresponding to the first terminal Ti with reference to the student DB 220 (step S1901).

  Next, the information processing device 100 refers to the student DB 220 and selects a terminal T corresponding to another seat adjacent to the seat corresponding to the first terminal Ti (Step S1902). Then, the information processing apparatus 100 refers to the student DB 220 and determines whether or not the attendance status corresponding to the selected terminal T is “absent” (step S1903).

  Here, when the attendance status is “attendance” (step S1903: No), the information processing apparatus 100 sets the terminal T selected in step S1902 as a connection destination candidate (step S1904), and proceeds to step S1907.

  On the other hand, when the attendance status is “absent” (step S1903: YES), the information processing apparatus 100 refers to the student DB 220 and sees another seat adjacent to the seat corresponding to the first terminal Ti. The terminal T corresponding to the next seat is selected (step S1905).

  Then, the information processing device 100 refers to the student DB 220 and determines whether the attendance status corresponding to the selected terminal T is “absence” (step S1906). Here, when the attendance status is “attendance” (step S1906: No), the information processing apparatus 100 proceeds to step S1904 and sets the terminal T selected in step S1905 as a connection destination candidate.

  On the other hand, when the attendance status is “absent” (step S1906: Yes), the information processing apparatus 100 has an unselected terminal T corresponding to another seat adjacent to the seat corresponding to the first terminal Ti. It is determined whether or not this is the case (step S1907). If there is an unselected terminal T (step S1907: YES), the information processing apparatus 100 returns to step S1902.

  On the other hand, when there is no unselected terminal T (step S1907: No), the information processing apparatus 100 selects, from among the connection destination candidates, any one of the terminals T for which the distribution of the content C has been completed and the wireless connection is not being performed Is extracted (step S1908). Then, the information processing apparatus 100 determines whether or not the terminal T has been extracted (Step S1909).

  Here, if the terminal T has not been extracted (step S1909: No), the information processing apparatus 100 returns to step S1802 shown in FIG. On the other hand, when the terminal T is extracted (step S1909: Yes), the information processing apparatus 100 determines the extracted terminal T as the second terminal Tj to be the wireless connection destination of the first terminal Ti (step S1909). S1910), and returns to the step that called the connection destination determination process.

  Thereby, the distribution of the content C can be performed between terminals that are close to each other in distance. In addition, in step S1905, when there is no seat next to another adjacent seat, the information processing apparatus 100 proceeds to step S1907.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a specific processing procedure of the second connection destination determination processing. In the flowchart of FIG. 20, first, the information processing apparatus 100 refers to the download status DB 240 and selects any terminal T for which distribution of the content C has been completed and which is not in a wireless connection (step S2001).

  Next, the information processing device 100 refers to the student DB 220 and determines whether or not another terminal exists between the selected terminal T and the first terminal Ti (Step S2002). Here, when there is no other terminal (Step S2002: No), the information processing apparatus 100 sets the selected terminal T as a first connection destination candidate (Step S2003), and shifts to Step S2006.

  On the other hand, when there is another terminal (step S2002: Yes), the information processing apparatus 100 determines whether or not the other terminal is in a wireless connection with reference to the download status DB 240 (step S2004). Here, when the other terminal is in a wireless connection (step S2004: Yes), the information processing apparatus 100 proceeds to step S2006.

  On the other hand, when another terminal is not in a wireless connection (step S2004: No), the information processing apparatus 100 sets the selected terminal T as a second connection candidate (step S2005). Then, the information processing apparatus 100 determines whether the distribution of the content C is completed and there is an unselected terminal T that is not selected among the terminals T that are not wirelessly connected (step S2006).

  Here, when there is an unselected terminal T (step S2006: Yes), the information processing apparatus 100 returns to step S2001. On the other hand, when there is no unselected terminal T (step S2006: No), the information processing apparatus 100 determines whether there is a first connection destination candidate (step S2007).

  Here, when there is a first connection destination candidate (step S2007: Yes), the information processing apparatus 100 sets any one of the terminals T as the first connection destination candidate to the second terminal to be the wireless connection destination of the first terminal Ti. (Step S2008), and returns to the step of calling the connection destination determination processing.

  On the other hand, when there is no first connection destination candidate (step S2007: No), the information processing apparatus 100 determines whether there is a second connection destination candidate (step S2009). Here, when there is no second connection destination candidate (Step S2009: No), the information processing apparatus 100 returns to Step S1802 shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when there is a second connection destination candidate (step S2009: Yes), the information processing apparatus 100 sets any of the terminals T as the second connection destination candidates to the second terminal to be the wireless connection destination of the first terminal Ti. The terminal Tj is determined (step S2010), and the process returns to the step of calling the connection destination determination processing.

  As a result, it is possible to realize an ad hoc connection in which the wirelessly connected terminals do not interfere with each other as much as possible. Also, by giving priority to the first connection destination candidate over the second connection destination candidate, it is possible to distribute the content C between terminals as close as possible to each other. When there are a plurality of first connection destination candidates, for example, a terminal T randomly selected from the first connection destination candidates is determined as the second terminal Tj.

(Download procedure of terminal Ti)
Next, a download procedure of the terminal Ti will be described.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a download processing procedure of the terminal Ti. In the flowchart of FIG. 21, first, the terminal Ti transmits a distribution request for the content C to the information processing apparatus 100 via the access point APk (step S2101).

  Next, the terminal Ti determines whether or not an instruction to download the content C via the access point has been received from the information processing apparatus 100 (step S2102). Here, when receiving the download instruction (step S2102: Yes), the terminal Ti transmits a download request to the information processing apparatus 100 and starts downloading the content C via the access point (step S2103).

  Then, it is determined whether or not the download of the content C has been completed (step S2104). Here, the terminal Ti waits for the download of the content C to be completed (step S2104: No). Then, when the download of the content C is completed (Step S2104: Yes), the terminal Ti transmits a download completion notification to the information processing apparatus 100 (Step S2105), and ends a series of processes according to the flowchart.

  Also, in step S2102, if a download instruction has not been received (step S2102: No), terminal Ti determines whether or not distribution instruction of content C from second terminal Tj to its own terminal has been received from information processing apparatus 100. Is determined (step S2106).

  Here, when the instruction to distribute the content C from the second terminal Tj to the terminal itself has not been received (step S2106: No), the terminal Ti returns to step S2102. On the other hand, when the distribution instruction of the content C is received (step S2106: Yes), the terminal Ti performs an ad hoc connection with the second terminal Tj (step S2107).

  Then, the terminal Ti starts downloading the content C from the second terminal Tj (step S2108), and proceeds to step S2104. Thereby, the content C can be downloaded via an access point or by an ad hoc connection with the second terminal Tj according to an instruction from the information processing device 100.

(Distribution processing procedure of terminal Ti)
Next, a distribution processing procedure of the terminal Ti will be described.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the distribution processing procedure of the terminal Ti. In the flowchart of FIG. 22, first, the terminal Ti determines whether or not an instruction to distribute the content C from the own terminal to the other terminal Tj has been received from the information processing apparatus 100 (step S2201). Here, the terminal Ti waits to receive the distribution instruction of the content C (Step S2201: No).

  Then, when the distribution instruction of the content C is received (Step S2201: Yes), the terminal Ti establishes an ad hoc connection with another terminal Tj (Step S2202). Next, the terminal Ti reads the content C to be distributed from the memory 402 (for example, see FIG. 4) (step S2203).

  Then, the terminal Ti distributes the read content C to the other terminal Tj (step S2204), and ends a series of processing according to the flowchart. Thus, the downloaded content C can be delivered to another terminal Tj instead of the information processing device 100.

As described above, according to the information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment, in response to receiving the distribution request of the content C from the first terminal Ti, the number of connected terminals N increases to the simultaneous connection number upper limit N It can be determined whether or not it is greater than or _{equal to max} . Further, according to the information processing apparatus 100, when the number N of connected terminals is equal to or larger than the upper limit _{Nmax of} simultaneous connections, the second terminal serving as the wireless connection destination of the first terminal Ti is referred to by referring to the student DB 220 and the download status DB 240. Of the terminal Tj can be determined. Then, according to the information processing apparatus 100, the distribution of the content C from the determined second terminal Tj to the first terminal Ti can be instructed.

Accordingly, when the number N of connected terminals of the access point APk reaches the upper limit _Nmax of the number of simultaneous connections, the second terminal Tj from which the distribution of the content C is completed to the first terminal T using the ad hoc connection between the terminals. Content C can be distributed to the terminal Ti. Therefore, the content C can be efficiently distributed to the terminals T1 to Tn. For example, when distributing large-volume electronic learning materials, such as teaching materials including moving images and homework for a long vacation, to students, it is possible to download to all the terminals T1 to Tn in a short time, and to start a lesson. It is possible to avoid a delay in returning home.

  Further, according to the information processing apparatus 100, among the terminals T for which the distribution of the content C has been completed, the terminal T corresponding to another seat adjacent to the seat corresponding to the first terminal Ti is set to the second terminal Tj. Can be determined. As a result, ad hoc connections can be made between terminals that are close to each other in distance, and ad hoc connections can be realized in which terminals that are wirelessly connected do not interfere with each other as much as possible in a small space such as a classroom.

  Further, according to the information processing apparatus 100, the terminal T corresponding to another seat adjacent to the seat corresponding to the first terminal Ti among the terminals T for which distribution of the content C is completed and wireless connection is not being performed. Can be determined as the second terminal Tj. This makes it possible to download the content C from the second terminal Tj to which the content C is not being distributed to the first terminal Ti, thereby preventing an increase in download time.

  According to the information processing apparatus 100, when another seat adjacent to the seat corresponding to the first terminal Ti is vacant, the terminal T corresponding to another seat adjacent to the other seat is set to the second seat. Of the terminal Tj. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the terminal T of the absent student from being selected as the wireless connection destination. Even when there is no student next to the student due to absence, ad hoc connection can be established between terminals as close as possible in distance.

  Further, according to the information processing apparatus 100, among the terminals T that have completed the distribution of the content C and are not in the wireless connection, another terminal that is in a wireless connection between the terminal T and the first terminal Ti The nonexistent terminal T can be determined as the second terminal Tj. As a result, it is possible to realize an ad hoc connection in which the wirelessly connected terminals do not interfere with each other as much as possible.

  Further, according to the information processing apparatus 100, among the terminals T that have completed the distribution of the content C and are not in the wireless connection, the line segment connecting the terminal T and the first terminal Ti is in the wireless connection. A terminal T that does not intersect or touch a line segment connecting terminals or a terminal / access point can be determined as the second terminal Tj. As a result, it is possible to realize an ad hoc connection in which the wirelessly connected terminals do not interfere with each other as much as possible.

Further, according to the information processing apparatus 100, when the number N of connected terminals is less than the upper limit _{Nmax of} simultaneous connections, the content C can be distributed to the first terminal Ti via the access point AP. Thus, when the number N of connected terminals of the access point APk does not reach the upper limit _Nmax of the number of simultaneous connections, the content C can be downloaded via the access point.

  The distribution control method described in the present embodiment can be realized by executing a prepared program on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. The distribution control program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, a CD (Compact Disc) -ROM, a MO (Magneto-Optical Disk), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), and a USB. It is executed by being read from the recording medium. Further, the present distribution control program may be distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  Regarding the embodiment described above, the following supplementary notes are further disclosed.

(Appendix 1)
In response to receiving a content distribution request from a first terminal among a plurality of terminals connected via the access point, the number of terminals distributing the content via the access point is equal to or greater than a threshold. Judge whether or not
When the number of terminals is equal to or greater than the threshold, referring to a storage unit that stores the distribution status of the content, from among the terminals for which distribution of the content for which the distribution request has been received is completed, location information of each of the plurality of terminals. With reference to a storage unit that stores a second terminal, a second terminal to be a wireless connection destination of the first terminal is determined,
Instructing the distribution of the content that has received the distribution request from the determined second terminal to the first terminal;
A distribution control program for executing a process.

(Supplementary Note 2) The position information indicates a position of a seat corresponding to each of the plurality of terminals,
The process of determining
A terminal corresponding to another seat adjacent to the seat corresponding to the first terminal among the terminals for which the distribution of the content for which the distribution request has been received has been completed is determined as the second terminal. The distribution control program according to Supplementary Note 1.

(Supplementary Note 3) The process for determining
A terminal corresponding to another seat adjacent to a seat corresponding to the first terminal among terminals that have completed distribution of the content for which the distribution request has been received and are not in a wireless connection state, 3. The distribution control program according to claim 2, wherein:

(Supplementary Note 4) The storage unit stores a vacancy status of a seat corresponding to each of the plurality of terminals,
The process of determining
The distribution control program according to claim 2 or 3, wherein when the other seat is vacant, a terminal corresponding to another seat adjacent to the other seat is determined as the second terminal. .

(Supplementary Note 5) The processing to be determined includes:
The terminal for which distribution of the content for which the distribution request has been received is completed, and among the terminals that are not wirelessly connected, the terminal in which another terminal that is wirelessly connected between the terminal and the first terminal does not exist is the first terminal. The distribution control program according to any one of supplementary notes 1 to 4, wherein the distribution control program causes the second terminal to execute the process.

(Supplementary Note 6) The process for determining
Among the terminals that have completed the distribution of the content for which the distribution request has been received and are not in a wireless connection, a line segment connecting the terminal and the first terminal is a terminal segment or a terminal / access point between the wirelessly connected terminals. The distribution control program according to any one of Supplementary notes 1 to 5, wherein the second terminal is configured to determine a terminal that does not intersect or contact with a line segment connecting the two, and to execute a process.

(Supplementary Note 7) In the computer,
The method according to any one of Supplementary notes 1 to 6, wherein when the number of terminals is less than the threshold value, a process of distributing the content to the first terminal is executed via the access point. The distribution control program described in the first.

(Supplementary Note 8) In response to receiving a content distribution request from a first terminal among a plurality of terminals connected via the access point, the number of terminals distributing the content via the access point is increased. Judge whether it is more than the threshold,
When the number of terminals is equal to or greater than the threshold, referring to a storage unit that stores the distribution status of the content, from among the terminals for which distribution of the content for which the distribution request has been received is completed, location information of each of the plurality of terminals. With reference to a storage unit that stores a second terminal, a second terminal to be a wireless connection destination of the first terminal is determined,
Instructing the distribution of the content that has received the distribution request from the determined second terminal to the first terminal;
An information processing device comprising a control unit.

(Supplementary note 9)
In response to receiving a content distribution request from a first terminal among a plurality of terminals connected via the access point, the number of terminals distributing the content via the access point is equal to or greater than a threshold. Judge whether or not
When the number of terminals is equal to or greater than the threshold, referring to a storage unit that stores the distribution status of the content, from among the terminals for which distribution of the content for which the distribution request has been received is completed, location information of each of the plurality of terminals. With reference to a storage unit that stores a second terminal, a second terminal to be a wireless connection destination of the first terminal is determined,
Instructing the distribution of the content that has received the distribution request from the determined second terminal to the first terminal;
A distribution control method, characterized by performing a process.

(Appendix 10)
In response to receiving a content distribution request from the first terminal among the plurality of terminals specified in the class unit, the number of terminals distributing the content via the access point to which the plurality of terminals are connected increases. Judge whether it is more than the threshold,
If the number of terminals is equal to or greater than the threshold, the terminal refers to the storage unit that stores the distribution status of the content, identifies a terminal that has completed distribution of the content for which the distribution request has been received, and selects the plurality of terminals from among the identified terminals. A second terminal to be a wireless connection destination of the first terminal is determined with reference to a storage unit that stores position information of each of the terminals.
Instructing the distribution of the content that has received the distribution request from the determined second terminal to the first terminal;
A distribution control program for executing a process.

Reference Signs List 100 information processing device 110 storage unit 101 to 109, T1 to Tn, Ti, Tj terminal 200 information distribution system 220 student DB
230 Content DB
240 Download Status DB
250 Wireless LAN environment DB
901 reception unit 902 determination unit 903 determination unit 904 instruction unit 905 distribution unit AP, AP1 to APm, APk access point

Claims (9)

On the computer,
In response to receiving a content distribution request from a first terminal among a plurality of terminals connected via the access point, the number of terminals distributing the content via the access point is equal to or greater than a threshold. Judge whether or not
When the number of terminals is equal to or greater than the threshold, referring to a storage unit that stores the distribution status of the content, from among the terminals for which distribution of the content for which the distribution request has been received is completed, location information of each of the plurality of terminals. With reference to a storage unit that stores a second terminal, a second terminal to be a wireless connection destination of the first terminal is determined,
Instructing the distribution of the content that has received the distribution request from the determined second terminal to the first terminal;
A distribution control program for executing a process. The position information indicates a position of a seat corresponding to each of the plurality of terminals,
The process of determining
A terminal corresponding to another seat adjacent to the seat corresponding to the first terminal among the terminals for which the distribution of the content for which the distribution request has been received has been completed is determined as the second terminal. The distribution control program according to claim 1. The process of determining
A terminal corresponding to another seat adjacent to a seat corresponding to the first terminal among terminals that have completed distribution of the content for which the distribution request has been received and are not in a wireless connection state, The distribution control program according to claim 2, wherein: The storage unit stores the vacancy status of the seat corresponding to each of the plurality of terminals,
The process of determining
4. The distribution control according to claim 2, wherein when the other seat is empty, a terminal corresponding to another seat adjacent to the other seat is determined as the second terminal. 5. program. The process of determining
The terminal for which distribution of the content for which the distribution request has been received is completed, and among the terminals that are not wirelessly connected, the terminal in which another terminal that is wirelessly connected between the terminal and the first terminal does not exist is the first terminal. The distribution control program according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the distribution control program causes a second terminal to execute a process. To the computer,
The method according to claim 1, wherein when the number of terminals is less than the threshold value, a process of distributing the content to the first terminal via the access point is performed. A distribution control program according to one of the above. In response to receiving a content distribution request from a first terminal among a plurality of terminals connected via the access point, the number of terminals distributing the content via the access point is equal to or greater than a threshold. Judge whether or not
When the number of terminals is equal to or greater than the threshold, referring to a storage unit that stores the distribution status of the content, from among the terminals for which distribution of the content for which the distribution request has been received is completed, location information of each of the plurality of terminals. With reference to a storage unit that stores a second terminal, a second terminal to be a wireless connection destination of the first terminal is determined,
Instructing the distribution of the content that has received the distribution request from the determined second terminal to the first terminal;
An information processing device comprising a control unit. Computer
In response to receiving a content distribution request from a first terminal among a plurality of terminals connected via the access point, the number of terminals distributing the content via the access point is equal to or greater than a threshold. Judge whether or not
When the number of terminals is equal to or greater than the threshold, referring to a storage unit that stores the distribution status of the content, from among the terminals for which distribution of the content for which the distribution request has been received is completed, location information of each of the plurality of terminals. With reference to a storage unit that stores a second terminal, a second terminal to be a wireless connection destination of the first terminal is determined,
Instructing the distribution of the content that has received the distribution request from the determined second terminal to the first terminal;
A distribution control method, characterized by performing a process. On the computer,
In response to receiving a content distribution request from the first terminal among the plurality of terminals specified in the class unit, the number of terminals distributing the content via the access point to which the plurality of terminals are connected increases. Judge whether it is more than the threshold,
If the number of terminals is equal to or greater than the threshold, the terminal refers to the storage unit that stores the distribution status of the content, identifies a terminal that has completed distribution of the content for which the distribution request has been received, and selects the plurality of terminals from among the identified terminals. A second terminal to be a wireless connection destination of the first terminal is determined with reference to a storage unit that stores position information of each of the terminals.
Instructing the distribution of the content that has received the distribution request from the determined second terminal to the first terminal;
A distribution control program for executing a process.

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