JPH11205723A - Video server - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide the expansion of the number of simultaneous users economically by independently controlling the recording and reproduction of AV information respectively based on control information from terminals and file arrangement information obtained from a managing part. SOLUTION: AV input-output units 105a and 105b independently receive control information that is sent from terminals from control information communication networks 102a and 102b respectively, acquire file arrangement information from a management unit 104 by using a file arrangement information communication line 107 as necessary and control recording and reproduction of AV information. In both cases of the recording and reproduction, a control information inputting and outputting part is useful when temporal restriction between control information and AV information of a broadcasting station, etc., because it exists in each unit 105a and 105b and short time response and fixed time response designs are easy. Relating to a video server with such a configuration, each AV input-output unit can share and utilize every storage unit in a storage part channel 108.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a video server which reproduces and provides stored images immediately in response to a request from a plurality of users, and provides a video server which economically realizes the expansion of the number of simultaneous users. Is what you do.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a video server that compresses and encodes information having time continuity, such as moving images and sounds, and stores the information,
A video-on-demand system consisting of a terminal device that connects to the video server via a communication line, expands and decodes the data received from the video server, and reproduces moving images and audio has been developed, and is used in various fields. Is starting to be.

FIG. 8 shows a conventional video server system. The plurality of video servers 1a, 1b, 1c are terminals 2a,
2b, 2c, 3a, 3b, and 3c are connected, and can record and reproduce AV information.

The control information from the terminal is transmitted to the control information communication network 4
a, 4b, 4c, and the AV information,
b, 5c. Here, the control information communication network and the AV information communication network of each terminal are described separately.
It is also possible to unify them with a shared media communication network such as rnet.

The operation of the video server will be described focusing on the video server 1a and the terminals 2a and 3a.

At the time of recording, after the terminals 2a and 3a make a recording preparation request to the video server 1a via the control information communication network 4a, the video server 1a sends a recording preparation response to the terminals 2a and 3a via the control information communication network 4a. return.

In response to this, the terminals 2a and 3a issue a recording start request to the video server 1a via the control information communication network 4a, and simultaneously transmit AV information to the video server 1a via the AV information communication network 5a. I do. Video server 1a
Accumulates the input AV information.

[0008] When the terminal desires to end the recording, the terminal can end the recording in the following procedure. The terminals 2a and 3a issue a recording end request to the video server 1a via the control information communication network 4a, and stop the transmission of the AV information being transmitted to the video server 1a via the AV information communication network 5a.

At the time of reproduction, after the terminals 2a and 3a make a reproduction preparation request to the video server 1a via the control information communication network 4a, the video server 1a sends a reproduction preparation response to the terminals 2a and 3a via the control information communication network 4a. return. In response, when the terminals 2a and 3a issue a reproduction start request to the video server 1a via the control information communication network 4a, the video server 1a
Receives this, and sends out the AV information via the AV information communication network 5a.

When the terminal desires to end the reproduction, the terminal can end the reproduction in the following procedure. When the terminals 2a and 3a issue a reproduction end request to the video server 1 via the control information communication network, the video server 1a
The transmission of the AV information being transmitted to the terminals 2a and 3a via the terminal is stopped.

A video server has an upper limit on the number of simultaneous users due to band restrictions such as a storage unit and an internal path. In a video server using a general-purpose workstation (hereinafter sometimes referred to as WS) or a personal computer (hereinafter sometimes referred to as PC), the limit is about 100 Mbps, and AV information is compressed to 3 Mbps by MPEG2. When it comes to information, the limit is 33 users.

Therefore, for example, when 99 simultaneous users are required, as shown in FIG. 8, three video servers 1a, 1b and 1c each having a bandwidth of 100 Mbps are dealt with.

[0013]

However, in such a configuration, it is necessary to store the same AV information redundantly in each video server. In particular, when the storage capacity of the AV information is large, the cost is high. Has the disadvantage of becoming

For example, the storage unit of a video server usually has a configuration in which hard disks are operated in parallel (referred to as striping).
Assuming bps, a minimum of four hard disks are required for each 100 Mbps video server. At this time, the storage capacity is 16 GB in total as 4 GB per hard disk, which is equivalent to 12 hours in the case of 3 Mbps compression by MPEG2.

In this configuration example, when the AV information is 12 hours or less, even if a plurality of video servers are installed in duplicate to expand the number of simultaneous users, each video server is required to satisfy the bandwidth requirement. Since the number of hard disks can be stored with a minimum of four, there is no extra cost increase.

[0016] However, in the case of 12 hours or more, it is necessary to add a hard disk to each video server.
(Information capacity-12 hours) x Hard disk equivalent to the number of video servers leads to an increase in cost.

An object of the present invention is to solve such a conventional problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a video server which can economically increase the number of simultaneous users.

[0018]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a video server according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a management unit for managing file arrangement information in a storage unit, and an AV between the storage unit and the terminal. At least one AV input / output unit for inputting / outputting information and input / output of control information to / from a terminal, one or more storage units for storing AV information, a management unit, and one or more AV input / output units The connection between the units and the file arrangement information held by the management unit
A file arrangement information communication path that can be commonly used by the input / output unit is connected to one or more AV input / output units and one or more storage units, and the storage unit is commonly used by the AV input / output unit. And a storage unit communication path. With this configuration, one or more A
The V input / output units independently control recording and reproduction of AV information based on control information from the terminal and file arrangement information obtained from the management unit using the file arrangement information communication channel.

A video server according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a management unit that manages file arrangement information in a storage unit, input / output of AV information between the storage unit and the terminal, and input / output of control information between the terminal. And one or more storage units for storing AV information, connecting between the management unit and one or more AV input / output units, and storing the file arrangement information held by the management unit. A file arrangement information communication path that can be shared and used by the AV input / output unit is connected to one or more AV input / output units and one or more storage units, and the storage unit can be shared and used by the AV input / output unit. With this configuration, a file arrangement update management section is provided for each storage section communication path and each AV input / output section, so that when the AV input / output section performs recording in the storage section, the file arrangement update management section operates at regular intervals. Or a combination of a certain amount of recorded information and a certain time Ri, by using the file allocation information channel, and notifies the update of the file allocation information to the management unit, and,
When the AV input / output unit performs playback from the storage unit, the file arrangement update management unit uses the file arrangement information communication path at regular time intervals or a combination of a certain amount of reproduction information amount and a fixed time period, to the management unit. This is for updating the file arrangement information.

A video server according to a third aspect of the present invention includes a management unit for managing file arrangement information in the storage unit and inputting / outputting control information to / from the terminal, and inputting AV information between the storage unit and the terminal. One or more AV input / output units for outputting, one or more storage units for storing AV information, a management unit, and one or more AV units
A file arrangement information communication path that connects the input / output units and enables the AV input / output unit to share the file arrangement information held by the management unit, and between one or more AV input / output units and one or more storage units And a storage unit communication path that allows the AV input / output unit to share and use the storage unit. With this configuration, one or more AV input / output units can independently receive control information from the terminal. Recording and reproduction of AV information are controlled based on the file arrangement information obtained from the management unit using the file arrangement information communication path.

A video server according to a fourth aspect of the present invention includes a management unit for managing file arrangement information in a storage unit and inputting / outputting control information to / from a terminal, and inputting / outputting AV information between the storage unit and the terminal. And one or more storage units for storing AV information, connecting between the management unit and one or more AV input / output units, and storing the file arrangement information held by the management unit. A file arrangement information communication path that can be shared and used by the AV input / output unit, one or more AV input / output units and one or more storage units are connected, and the storage unit is commonly used by the AV input / output unit. In this configuration, when the AV input / output unit performs recording in the storage unit, the file arrangement update management unit is provided at regular time intervals or at fixed intervals. By the combination of the elapsed time of the recorded information amount and the fixed time, The file arrangement update management unit notifies the management unit of the update of the file arrangement information using the file arrangement information communication path, and when the AV input / output unit performs reproduction from the storage unit, the file arrangement update management unit performs the update at regular time intervals or at a constant interval. The file arrangement information is updated by the management unit using the file arrangement information communication channel based on a combination of the elapsed time of the reproduction information amount and the fixed time.

[0022]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a video server according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
Shown in

In FIG. 1, a video server 100 includes terminals 101a and 101b and control information communication networks 102a and 102b.
b, and the AV information communication networks 103a and 103b, and the control information communication networks 102a and 102b transmit the control information for controlling the reproduction and recording to the AV information communication networks 103a and 103b.
103b is used for transmitting AV information.

The video server 100 has a management unit 104 for managing file allocation information in the storage unit,
AV input / output unit 105 for inputting and outputting AV information between the storage unit and the terminal, and for inputting and outputting control information to and from the terminal.
a, 105b and a storage unit 10 for storing AV information
6a and 106b, a file arrangement information communication path 107 for connecting the management unit and the AV input / output unit, and enabling the AV input / output unit to share the file arrangement information held by the management unit, and storing the AV input / output unit The storage unit communication path 108 connects the units and allows the AV input / output unit to share the storage unit. In the present embodiment, the number of AV input / output units, the number of storage units, and the number of terminals are two respectively, but this does not mean a restriction on the configuration of the present invention.

AV input / output units 105a, 105b
Receive the control information from the terminals independently from the control information communication networks 102a and 102b and use the file allocation information communication path 107 to
4 to control recording and reproduction of AV information.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the structure of the file arrangement information for managing the arrangement of the free area and each piece of AV information.

In order to reduce the amount of information related to the arrangement information of the storage unit 104, the recording area of the storage unit shown in FIG. 2 is managed in units of clusters in which a plurality of fixed-length blocks are collected. It is composed of free area information 200 for managing the used cluster and file arrangement information 210 indicating the arrangement for each piece of AV information.

The free area information 200 is 20 free clusters.
1 and a one-dimensional array of unused clusters 202, 203, and 204, and end information 205 is described at the end of the array. The file arrangement information 210 indicates the data length 211 and the location of the cluster where the data is stored in a one-dimensional array in order from the top.

In this example, four clusters 212, 213, 214, 215, and 216 are stored in order from the top. The end is determined by the data length 211.

FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the video server according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Next, the operation during recording and reproduction will be described. Note that the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

The management unit 104 includes a file allocation management unit 112 for controlling the allocation of files to the storage units, a storage unit interface 113, a file allocation information storage unit 114 for storing the file allocation information for the storage units, and an AV file. A file arrangement information communication interface 111 for communicating with the input / output unit, a user interface 115 for performing operation setting and status display of the entire video server, and a control unit 1 for controlling the overall operation
10 and an internal path 116 for realizing communication between the units in the management unit.

AV input / output units 105a, 105b
Are file arrangement information communication interfaces 121a and 121 for communicating the file arrangement information with the management unit.
b, a transfer control unit 120a for controlling transfer of AV information,
120b, control information input / output units 122a and 122b for communicating control information with the terminal, and A for communicating AV information with the terminal.
V information input / output units 123a, 123b and storage unit interfaces 124a, 124 for storing and reading AV information
b and AV paths 125a and 125b for transferring AV information in the AV input / output unit.

The recording / reproducing operation will be described below. Since each AV input / output unit operates independently based on a request from a terminal, here, the AV input / output unit 10
A description will be given focusing on 5a.

At the time of recording, the operation is as follows. The transfer control unit 120a accepts a request from the control information input / output unit 122a according to a request from the terminal 101a. Transfer control unit 120a
Obtains free space information of the storage unit from the file arrangement management unit 112 of the management unit 104 via the file arrangement information communication interface 121a, the file arrangement information communication path 107, and the file arrangement information communication interface 111. The free area information is stored in the file allocation management information storage unit 114 of the management unit 104, and the file allocation management unit 112 accesses through the storage unit interface 113.

The transfer control section 120a transmits the AV information of the terminal 101a to the AV information input / output section 123 according to the free area information.
a, AV path 125a, storage unit interface 124
a, the storage unit 106a via the storage unit communication path 108,
106b, 106a, 106b. . . . . Are sequentially recorded. Note that there are various methods of arranging the storage units, but they are not related to the present invention. Here, a description will be given assuming that the data is striped and sequentially recorded in each storage unit.

For each recording of the AV information, the file arrangement information describing the recording location is updated. Normally, at the time of completion of recording, the transfer control unit 120a transmits the file arrangement information via the file arrangement information communication interface 121a, the file arrangement information communication path 107, the file arrangement information communication interface 111, and the file arrangement management unit 112. It is stored in the file arrangement information storage unit 114.

At the time of reproduction, the operation is as follows. The transfer control unit 120a accepts a request from the control information input / output unit 122a according to a request from the terminal 101a. Transfer control unit 120a
From the file arrangement management unit 112, the file arrangement information communication interface 111, the file arrangement information communication path 10
7. Obtain the file arrangement information generated at the time of recording via the file arrangement information communication interface 121a,
Storage units 106a, 106b, 106a, 106
b. . . . . Are sequentially read and output to the AV information input / output unit 123a via the storage unit communication path 108, the storage unit interface 124a, and the AV path 125a.

In both cases of recording and reproduction, the control information input / output units 122a and 122b are connected to the respective AV input / output units 105a and 105b.
Since it is easy to design a short-time response and a fixed-time response, it is useful when the time relation between control information of a broadcasting station and AV information is severely restricted.

In the video server having such a configuration, each of the AV input / output units can share and use each storage unit via the storage unit communication path 106. Therefore, when the number of simultaneous users is expanded, the AV input / output unit and the simultaneous What is necessary is just to add a necessary minimum storage unit capable of providing the bandwidth for the number of users.

The following advantages will be apparent in comparison with the conventional example. In the case of this embodiment, the bandwidth of the AV input / output unit is 100 Mbps, the bandwidth per hard disk is 25 Mbps, and when 99 simultaneous users are required for information compressed to 3 Mbps by MPEG2, the bandwidth of 300 Mbps in total is required. Thus, three AV input / output units and twelve hard disks are required. In the case of 48 GB in total with 4 GB per hard disk, and 3 Mbps compression with MPEG2, it is not necessary to add a hard disk until 36 hours.

On the other hand, in the case of the conventional example, if the time is 12 hours or less, the data can be stored in four hard disks connected to each video server. In the case of (1), it is necessary to add a hard disk to each video server, which leads to an increase in cost by the amount of (AV information capacity minus 12 hours) * the number of hard disks corresponding to the number of video servers.

In addition, when the AV information is redundantly stored in a plurality of storage units, the registration time becomes n times, and the operation efficiency is low.

Further, in the present embodiment, as compared with the conventional configuration in which a plurality of video servers are redundantly arranged, the overlapping arrangement of the management units for managing the file arrangement and the device operation is unnecessary, and the number of the management units is equivalent. It leads to cost reduction.

Further, conventionally, in the case of overlapping arrangement, each video server needs to cooperate with each other in terms of maintaining consistency of file arrangement information and consistency of device operation, and requires extra cost in both development and operation. Was hanging.

In this embodiment, the storage unit communication path is FC-AL (Fiber Channel).
This can be realized economically by using a storage interface of a shared medium type such as Arbitrated Loop). The shared bandwidth of the storage unit is limited by the bandwidth of the storage unit communication channel, but the effective bandwidth of the FC-AL is 600 Mbps.
By connecting the FC-AL with a switch, the bandwidth of the communication path can be expanded several times, and there is no problem in the practical range.

Also, a personal computer (PC), a workstation (W)
By using the peripheral device interface and general-purpose LAN of S), it can be realized economically and without any distance restrictions.

(Second Embodiment) A schematic configuration of a video server according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 shows the configuration of a video server according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Next, the operation during recording and reproduction will be described. Note that the same components as those in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. Video server 142
Is the terminal 101a, 101b and the control information communication network 102a,
102b and AV information communication networks 103a and 103b
And the control information communication networks 102a and 102b communicate with the AV information communication network 10
3a and 103b are used for transmitting AV information.

The video server 142 manages the file arrangement information in the storage unit and inputs and outputs control information to and from the terminal, and the AV input and output performs input and output of AV information between the storage unit and the terminal. Unit 140a,
140b and a storage unit 106 for storing AV information
a, b, a file arrangement information communication path 107 for connecting the management unit and the AV input / output unit to each other so that the file arrangement information held by the management unit can be shared and used by the AV input / output unit; The storage unit communication path 108 connects the units and allows the AV input / output unit to share the storage unit. In the present embodiment, the number of AV input / output units, the number of storage units, and the number of terminals are two respectively, but this does not mean a restriction on the configuration of the present invention.

AV input / output units 140a, 140b
Receives the control information from the terminal received by the management unit 104 from the file arrangement information communication network 107, and transmits the file arrangement information from the management unit 104 using the file arrangement information communication path 107 as necessary. Then, recording and reproduction of AV information are controlled.

The recording and reproducing operations will be described below. Since each AV input / output unit operates independently based on a request from the terminal, the AV input / output unit 14
0a will be described.

During recording, the operation is as follows. The transfer control unit 120a accepts a request from the control information input / output unit 122a according to a request from the terminal 101a. Transfer control unit 120a
Obtains free space information of the storage unit from the file arrangement management unit 112 of the management unit 104 via the file arrangement information communication interface 121a, the file arrangement information communication path 107, and the file arrangement information communication interface 111.

The free area information is stored in the file allocation management information storage unit 114 of the management unit 104, and the file allocation management unit 112 accesses the storage area information through the storage unit interface 113.

The transfer control section 120a transmits the AV information of the terminal 101a to the AV information input / output section 123 according to the free area information.
a, AV path 125a, storage unit interface 124
a, the storage unit 106a via the storage unit communication path 108,
106b, 106a, 106b. . . . . Are sequentially recorded.

Although there are various methods of arranging the storage units, they are not related to the present invention. Here, a description will be given assuming that the data is striped and sequentially recorded in each storage unit.

The file arrangement update management section 141a transmits the file arrangement information to the management section at regular time intervals or in combination with a fixed recording information amount elapse time and a fixed time via the file arrangement information communication path 121a via the transfer control section 120a. Notify of updates.

Here, the update notification interval is set at regular intervals.
Alternatively, the reason why a combination of a fixed recording information amount elapse point and a fixed time is described below.

First, because the target AV information is often set at a constant bit rate with respect to the time axis, the file arrangement update management unit 141a normally sets the file arrangement information at regular time intervals. Update the transfer control unit 120a
Is sufficient.

However, even when the recording process is not performed due to a pause or the like, time management is required, so that the processing load is increased.

Accordingly, the update notification interval is based on a combination of a fixed recording information amount elapse point and a fixed time, that is, a notification every time a fixed recording information amount passes through the file allocation update management unit 141a, and the recording is interrupted. It is effective to notify once only after a certain period of time elapses.

At the time of reproduction, the operation is as follows. The transfer control unit 120a accepts a request from the control information input / output unit 122a according to a request from the terminal 101a. Transfer control unit 120a
From the file arrangement management unit 112, the file arrangement information communication interface 111, the file arrangement information communication path 10
7. Obtain the file arrangement information generated at the time of recording via the file arrangement information communication interface 121a,
Storage units 106a, 106b, 106a, 106
b. . . . . Are sequentially read and output to the AV information input / output unit 123a via the storage unit communication path 108, the storage unit interface 124a, and the AV path 125a.

The file arrangement update management section 141a transmits the file arrangement information communication channel 12 through the transfer control section 120a at regular intervals or in combination with the amount of reproduction information and time.
Request the update of the file arrangement information to the management unit via 1a.

Here, the update notification interval is set to
Alternatively, the reason why a combination of a point in time when a certain amount of reproduction information has elapsed and a certain time is described below.

First, because the target AV information is often at a constant bit rate with respect to the time axis, the file arrangement update management unit 141a normally sets the file arrangement information at regular intervals. Update the transfer control unit 120a
Is sufficient.

However, even when the recording process is not performed due to a pause or the like, time management is required, so that the processing load is increased.

Therefore, the update notification interval is based on a combination of a fixed reproduction information amount elapse point and a fixed time, that is, a notification every time a predetermined reproduction information amount passes through the file arrangement update management unit 141a, and the reproduction is interrupted. It is effective to notify once only after a certain period of time elapses.

As described above, the file arrangement information corresponding to the recorded AV information is transmitted to the AV input / output unit reproducing the same AV information after a certain time or a time interval corresponding to a certain amount of information. Thus, the consistency of the file arrangement information can be quickly maintained across a plurality of AV input / output units.

(Third Embodiment) FIGS. 5 and 6 show the configuration of a video server according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Next, the operation during recording and reproduction will be described. Note that the same components as those in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

The management unit 131 controls the file allocation to the storage unit, the file allocation management unit 112, the storage unit interface 113, and the storage units 106a and 106a.
The file arrangement information storage unit 114 for accumulating the file arrangement information in the 06b, the file arrangement information communication interface 111 for communicating the file arrangement information with the AV input / output unit, the operation setting of the entire video server, the status display, and the like. The control unit 110 includes a user interface 115, a control unit 110 that controls the entire operation, an internal path 116 that realizes communication between the units in the management unit, and a control information input / output unit 133 that communicates control information with terminals.

AV input / output units 132a, 132b
Are file arrangement information communication interfaces 121a and 121 for communicating the file arrangement information with the management unit.
b, a transfer control unit 120a for controlling transfer of AV information,
120b, AV information input / output units 123a and 123b for communicating AV information with the terminal, storage unit interfaces 124a and 124b for storing and reading AV information, and an AV path 125a for transferring AV information in the AV input / output unit. , 1
25b.

The recording and reproducing operations will be described below. Since each AV input / output unit operates independently based on a request from the terminal, the AV input / output unit 13 is used here.
Description will be given focusing on 2a.

At the time of recording, the operation is as follows. The transfer control unit 120a receives a request from the control information input / output unit 133 via the file arrangement information communication path 107 in accordance with a request from the terminal 101a via the control information communication network 150. The transfer control unit 120 a
1a, via the file location information communication path 107 and the file location information communication interface 111, the free area information of the storage unit is obtained from the file location management unit 112 of the management unit 104. The free area information is stored in the file allocation management information storage unit 114 of the management unit 104, and the file allocation management unit 112 accesses through the storage unit interface 113.

The transfer control section 120a transmits the AV information of the terminal 101a to the AV information input / output section 123 in accordance with the free area information.
a, AV path 125a, storage unit interface 124
a, the storage unit 106a via the storage unit communication path 108,
106b, 106a, 106b. . . . . Are sequentially recorded. Note that there are various methods of arranging the storage units, but they are not related to the present invention. Here, a description will be given assuming that the data is striped and sequentially recorded in each storage unit.

For each recording of the AV information, the file arrangement information describing the recording location is updated. Normally, at the time of completion of recording, the transfer control unit 120a transmits the file arrangement information via the file arrangement information communication interface 121a, the file arrangement information communication path 107, the file arrangement information communication interface 111, and the file arrangement management unit 112. It is stored in the file arrangement information storage unit 114.

At the time of reproduction, the operation is as follows. The transfer control unit 120a receives a request from the control information input / output unit 133 via the file arrangement information communication path 107 in accordance with a request from the terminal 101a via the control information communication network 150. The transfer control unit 120a sends the file allocation information communication interface 111, the file allocation information communication path 107, and the file allocation information communication interface 1 from the file allocation management unit 112.
21a, the file arrangement information generated at the time of recording is obtained, and the storage units 106a, 106b, 106
a, 106b. . . . . , The storage unit communication path 108, the storage unit interface 124a, the AV path 12
5a, and outputs it to the AV information input / output unit 123a.

In either case of recording or reproduction, the control information input / output unit 133 is in the management unit 131. The management unit is a general-purpose personal computer (PC), workstation (W
Since S) is often used, it is advantageous in terms of development cost when a computer network is used as a control information communication network or when a communication network interface is flexibly changed for each target system.

As an advantage, in addition to the above, there is an advantage in terms of economy when the number of simultaneous users is expanded. However, since this is basically the same as that of the first invention, the description is omitted here.

However, each of the first invention and the third invention has an inherent advantage, and can be properly used depending on the application.
That is, the first invention is easy to design a short-time response and a fixed-time response to the control information, and is useful when the time relation between the control information of the broadcasting station and the AV information is severely restricted.

On the other hand, the third invention is useful in terms of development cost when a computer network is used as a control information communication network or when a communication network interface is flexibly changed for each target system.

(Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 7 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
The configuration of the video server according to the embodiment will be described, and subsequently, the operation at the time of recording and reproduction will be described. FIG.
The same reference numerals are given to the same components as those described above, and the description will be omitted.

The recording and reproducing operations will be described below. Since each AV input / output unit operates independently based on a request from the terminal, the AV input / output unit 15
0a will be described.

At the time of recording, the operation is as follows. The transfer control unit 120a receives a request from the control information input / output unit 133 via the file arrangement information communication path 107 in accordance with a request from the terminal 101a via the control information communication network 150. The transfer control unit 120 a
1a, via the file location information communication path 107 and the file location information communication interface 111, the free area information of the storage unit is obtained from the file location management unit 112 of the management unit 104. The free area information is stored in the file allocation management information storage unit 114 of the management unit 104, and the file allocation management unit 112 accesses through the storage unit interface 113.

The transfer control section 120a transmits the AV information of the terminal 101a to the AV information input / output section 123 according to the free area information.
a, AV path 125a, storage unit interface 124
a, the storage unit 106a via the storage unit communication path 108,
106b, 106a, 106b. . . . . Are sequentially recorded. Note that there are various methods of arranging the storage units, but they are not related to the present invention. Here, a description will be given assuming that the data is striped and sequentially recorded in each storage unit.

The file arrangement update management section 151a sends the file arrangement information to the management section at regular time intervals or in combination with a fixed recording information amount elapse time and a fixed time via the file arrangement information communication path 121a via the transfer control section 120a. Notify of updates.

Since the target AV information often has a constant bit rate with respect to the time axis, the method of notifying the file arrangement update management unit 151a at regular intervals is usually sufficient. Even when processing is not performed, time management is required, which causes an increase in processing load.

Therefore, it is effective to combine the time when a certain amount of recording information has elapsed and the certain time, and based on the notification for each certain amount of recording information, and to notify once only after the elapse of a certain time after the recording is interrupted. , (Second embodiment).

At the time of reproduction, the operation is as follows. The transfer control unit 120a receives a request from the control information input / output unit 133 via the file arrangement information communication path 107 in accordance with a request from the terminal 101a via the control information communication network 150. The transfer control unit 120a sends the file allocation information communication interface 111, the file allocation information communication path 107, and the file allocation information communication interface 1 from the file allocation management unit 112.
21a, the file arrangement information generated at the time of recording is obtained, and the storage units 106a, 106b, 106
a, 106b. . . . . , The storage unit communication path 108, the storage unit interface 124a, the AV path 12
5a, and outputs it to the AV information input / output unit 123a.

The file arrangement update management section 151a sends the file arrangement update management section 151a to the management section via the transfer control section 120a via the file arrangement information communication path 121a at regular time intervals or in combination with a fixed time when a certain amount of reproduction information has elapsed. Request information updates.

Since the target AV information often has a constant bit rate with respect to the time axis, usually, the file arrangement update management section 151a notifies the transfer control section 120a of the update of the file arrangement information at regular time intervals. Is sufficient, but when the reproduction process is not performed due to a pause or the like, time management is required, so that the processing load is increased. Therefore, it is effective to combine the time when a certain amount of reproduction information has elapsed and the certain time, and based on the notification for each certain amount of reproduction information, and to notify once only after the elapse of a certain time after the recording is interrupted.
This is the same as in the second embodiment.

In this way, the file arrangement information corresponding to the recorded AV information is transmitted to the AV input / output unit reproducing the same AV information after a certain time or a time interval corresponding to a certain information amount. Thus, the consistency of the file arrangement information can be quickly maintained across a plurality of AV input / output units.

[0091]

As described above, the conventional video server is
The video server of the present invention has the disadvantages of increasing the number of simultaneous users, increasing the number of storage units, reducing registration efficiency, and duplicating the management unit. This has the effect of eliminating the above drawbacks and economically achieving scale expansion.

Further, the first invention is easy to design a short-time response and a fixed-time response to the control information, and is useful when the time relation between the control information of the broadcasting station and the AV information is severely restricted. The present invention is useful in terms of development cost when a computer network is used as a control information communication network or when a communication network interface is flexibly changed for each target system.

As another effect, according to the second and fourth aspects of the present invention, even in the case where the storage unit is shared and the management unit is unified, the recorded or played AV
The interval at which the file arrangement information corresponding to the information is updated with respect to the AV input / output unit reproducing the same AV information is set at fixed time intervals, or a combination of a fixed recording information amount elapsed time and a fixed time, that is, In principle, the notification is performed every time a certain amount of recording information has passed through the file arrangement update management unit.If the recording is interrupted, the update is performed by a method of notifying only once after a certain period of time has elapsed after the recording is stopped, or A combination of a certain amount of reproduction information and a certain period of time, that is, a certain amount of reproduction information is stored in the file allocation update management unit 141.
a, the playback is interrupted, and if the playback is interrupted, the update is performed by a method of notifying only once after a lapse of a predetermined time after the playback is interrupted. File consistency information can be maintained.

As described above, the video server of the present invention
This is very useful because the number of simultaneous users can be expanded economically.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a video server system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a structural diagram of file allocation management information according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a video server according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a video server according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a video server system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a video server according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a video server according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of a conventional video server system.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 100 Video server 101 Terminal 102, 103 Communication network 104 Management unit 105 AV input / output unit 106 Storage unit 107 File arrangement information communication path 108 Storage section communication path 110 Control section 111 File arrangement information communication IF 112 File arrangement management section 113 Storage section IF 114 File allocation information storage unit 115 User IF 116 Internal path 120 Transfer control unit 121 File allocation information communication IF 122 Control information input / output unit 123 AV information input / output unit 124 Storage unit 125 AV path 130 Video server 131 Management unit 132 AV input / output Unit 133 Control information input / output unit 140 AV input / output unit 141 File allocation update management unit 142 Video server 150 AV input / output unit 151 File allocation update management unit 152 Video Server 200 free space information 210 file allocation information 220 low resolution file allocation related information 230 low resolution file allocation information

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. One or more storage units for storing AV information, one input / output of AV information between the storage unit and a terminal, and one input / output of control information between the storage unit and the terminal The above-mentioned AV input / output unit, a management unit for managing file arrangement information of the storage unit, a connection between the management unit and one or more of the AV input / output units, and file arrangement information held by the management unit And a file allocation information communication path that can be shared and used by the AV input / output unit, and connects one or more of the AV input / output units and one or more of the storage units, and connects the storage unit to the AV input / output unit. And a storage unit communication path that can be shared and used. One or more of the AV input / output units each independently use the control information from the terminal and the file arrangement information communication path to manage the management unit. AV information based on the file arrangement information obtained from A video server for controlling recording and playback of video. 2. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein a peripheral device interface such as a personal computer or a workstation is used as a file arrangement information communication channel, and a storage-sharing type storage unit interface is used as a storage unit communication channel.
A video server according to. 3. A file arrangement update management section is provided in each AV input / output section, and when the AV input / output section performs recording in the storage section, the file arrangement update management section is provided at regular time intervals or at a constant time interval. The management unit is notified of the update of the file arrangement information by using the file arrangement information communication channel by a combination of the recording information amount elapsed time and the fixed time, and
When the V input / output unit reproduces from the storage unit, the file arrangement update management unit uses the file arrangement information communication channel at regular time intervals or in combination with a fixed time when a certain amount of reproduction information has elapsed and a constant time. 2. The video server according to claim 1, wherein the management unit updates the file arrangement information. 4. One or more storage units for storing AV information; one or more AV input / output units for inputting / outputting AV information between the storage unit and a terminal; A management unit for performing management and input / output of control information between the storage unit and the terminal; connecting the management unit and one or more of the AV input / output units;
Connecting a file allocation information communication channel that allows the AV input / output unit to share and use the file allocation information held by the management unit, and one or more of the AV input / output units and one or more of the storage units; A storage unit communication path that enables the storage unit to be shared and used by the AV input / output unit, wherein one or more of the AV input / output units each independently use the file arrangement information communication path, Based on the control information from the terminal and the file allocation information obtained from the management unit, A
A video server which controls recording and reproduction of V information. 5. A video server according to claim 3, wherein a personal computer and a peripheral device interface of a workstation are used as a file arrangement information communication path, and a storage unit interface of a medium sharing type is used as a storage unit communication path. . 6. A file arrangement update management section is provided in each AV input / output section, and when the AV input / output section performs recording in the storage section, the file arrangement update management section performs the recording at regular time intervals or at a fixed recording time. The management unit is notified of the update of the file arrangement information by using the file arrangement information communication channel, and the AV input / output unit reproduces the data from the storage unit by a combination of the information amount elapsed time and the fixed time. At this time, the file arrangement update management unit updates the file arrangement information to the management unit by using the file arrangement information communication channel at regular time intervals, or by a combination of a fixed time when a certain amount of reproduction information has elapsed and a fixed time. The video server according to claim 3, wherein: