JPH11219330A - Transmission device/method, reception device/method and transmission/reception system/method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently distribute data while the increase of the burden of a reception side is suppressed. SOLUTION: When an object registered in a data base 3 is updated in a server 2, a subject being data where the updated object and the identifier of the object before update are arranged is generated. In the server 2, an event being data where information required for the acquirement of the subject and an identifier similar to the identifier contained in the subject are arranged is generated, and it is transmuted through the broadcasting network 4 of a satellite line, for example. In a reception terminal 5, the event is received and the subject having the identifier similar to the identifier arranged there is acquired based on the event. The object of the identifier similar to the identifier arranged there is updated based on the subject.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a transmitting apparatus and a transmitting method, a receiving apparatus and a receiving method, and a transmitting / receiving system and a transmitting / receiving method. In particular, for example, when data is distributed to many databases in a distributed database. A transmission device and a transmission method, a reception device and a reception method, and a transmission / reception system and a transmission / reception method suitable for use in a case of distributing data by IP (Internet Protocol) multicast, a case of distributing unspecified number of data, and the like. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Various methods have been proposed as data distribution methods. For example, on the current Internet, HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) is used.
l) TCP / IP (Transmission Control Prot)
ocol / Internet Protocol). In TCP / IP, a call is made from a receiving side receiving data distribution to a data transmitting side, and a connection is established between the transmitting side and the receiving side every time data transmission / reception is performed. Since it is established, highly reliable data distribution can be performed. However, on the other hand, the load on the transmission side and the network increases, and it may be difficult to perform efficient data distribution.

[0003] That is, if the number of terminals receiving data is increased and access to the server that provides the data is concentrated, a heavy load is imposed on the server and the network. In some cases, it took a lot of time.

[0004] Therefore, there has been proposed a method of distributing data using, for example, a satellite line or a CATV network capable of simultaneous broadcasting over a wide area. In this case, an increase in the number of terminals does not affect the load on the server or the network.

[0005]

By the way, when data is distributed using a satellite line or the like, on the receiving side, the desired data is transmitted on which channel (if a satellite line, which transponder, which frequency band, etc.). In addition, since it is not known when the broadcast will take place, it is necessary to constantly monitor all the channels, which increases the load on the receiving side.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and it is an object of the present invention to enable efficient data distribution while suppressing an increase in the load on the receiving side.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a transmission apparatus comprising: update data for updating a content registered in a database when the content is updated;
Update data generation means for generating a content added with identification information for identifying the content to be updated by the update data; and acquisition data for acquiring the update data, the acquisition data being acquired based on the acquisition data. Acquisition data generating means for generating a content to which identification information of the content updated by the update data is added.

[0010] According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, when the content registered in the database is updated, the transmission method is used to identify update data for updating the content, the content being updated by the update data. The acquisition data for acquiring the update data while generating the identification information added with the identification information of the content, and the identification information of the content updated by the update data acquired based on the acquisition data is added. Is generated.

[0011] According to a still further aspect of the present invention, when the content registered in the database is updated, the receiving device obtains update data for updating the content, and obtains the update data based on the obtained data. Receiving means for receiving the content added with the identification information for identifying the content to be updated by the update data obtained by the update data obtained, and adding the same identification information as the identification information added to the content based on the obtained data. Acquisition means for acquiring the updated data, and updating means for updating the content corresponding to the identification information added thereto by the update data.

[0010] In the reception method according to the present invention, when the content registered in the database is updated, the content is acquired data for acquiring update data for performing the update, and the content is registered on the basis of the acquired data. Receiving the content added with the identification information for identifying the content to be updated by the update data obtained by the update data, and based on the obtained data, the update in which the same identification information as the identification information added thereto is added. Data is acquired, and the content corresponding to the identification information added thereto is updated with the update data.

[0011] According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, in the transmission / reception system, when content registered in a database is updated, the content is used to identify update data for updating the content, the content being updated by the update data. Update data generating means for generating the data to which the identification information is added, and identification data of the content which is obtained data for obtaining the update data and which is updated by the update data obtained based on the obtained data. Acquisition data generation means for generating the added data, reception means for receiving the obtained data, and acquisition for acquiring update data based on the acquired data to which the same identification information as that added thereto is added Means for updating the content corresponding to the identification information added thereto with the update data. And wherein the Rukoto.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, in the transmission / reception method, when content registered in a database is updated, the content is update data for updating the content, and the content is updated by the update data. The acquisition data for acquiring the update data while generating the identification information added with the identification information of the content, and the identification information of the content updated by the update data acquired based on the acquisition data is added. Generating the received data, receiving the acquired data, acquiring the updated data to which the same identification information as that added to the acquired data is added, based on the acquired data, and adding the updated data to the identification information added to it. It is characterized in that the corresponding content is updated.

[0013] In the transmission device according to the first aspect, the update data generating means is update data for updating the content registered in the database when the content is updated, and updates the content with the update data. The acquired data generation means generates the data to which the identification information for identifying the content to be added is added, and the acquired data is obtained data for acquiring the updated data, and the acquired data is based on the acquired updated data. A content to which the identification information of the content to be updated is added is generated.

[0014] In the transmission method according to the tenth aspect,
When content registered in the database is updated, update data for performing the update is generated, and identification information for identifying the content updated by the update data is generated, and Acquisition data for acquiring update data, to which identification information of a content updated by the update data acquired based on the acquisition data is added is generated.

[0015] In the receiver according to the eleventh aspect,
The receiving means is, when the content registered in the database is updated, acquired data for acquiring update data for performing the update, and is updated by the update data acquired based on the acquired data. Receiving the identification information for identifying the content to be updated, and obtaining the update data based on the obtained data, the update data having the same identification information as the identification information being added thereto. Has been made. The updating unit is configured to update the content corresponding to the identification information added thereto with the update data.

[0016] In the receiving method according to claim 22,
When content registered in the database has been updated, identify the acquired data for acquiring update data for performing the update, and the content to be updated by the update data acquired based on the acquired data. Receiving the update data with the same identification information as the identification information added thereto, based on the obtained data, and adding the update data with the same identification information to the update data. The content corresponding to the identification information is updated.

In the transmission / reception system according to the twenty-third aspect, the update data generating means is update data for updating the content registered in the database when the content is updated. The acquired data generation means generates the data to which the identification information for identifying the content to be added is added, and the acquired data is obtained data for acquiring the updated data, and the acquired data is based on the acquired updated data. A content to which the identification information of the content to be updated is added is generated. The receiving means receives the obtained data, and the obtaining means obtains, based on the obtained data, update data to which the same identification information as the identification information added thereto is added. The updating unit is configured to update the content corresponding to the identification information added thereto with the update data.

In the transmission / reception method according to the present invention, when the content registered in the database is updated, the update data for updating the content is identified, and the content updated by the update data is identified. And generate identification information for
Generate acquisition data for acquiring update data, to which identification information of a content updated by the update data acquired based on the acquisition data is added, receive the acquisition data, and Based on the update data, update data to which the same identification information is added is acquired, and the update data updates the content corresponding to the identification information added to the update data.

[0019]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described below, but before that, the correspondence between each means of the invention described in the claims and the following embodiments will be clarified. For this reason, the features of the present invention are described as follows by adding the corresponding embodiment (however, an example) in parentheses after each means.

That is, when the content registered in the database is updated in the transmission device for transmitting data for providing the content registered in the database, the update of the content is performed. Update data generating means (e.g., data configuration unit 17 shown in FIG. 2) for generating update data for performing the above-described processing, to which identification information for identifying the content updated by the update data is added. And acquisition data generation means for generating acquisition data for acquiring update data, to which identification information of a content updated by the update data acquired based on the acquisition data is added. And a transmission unit (for transmitting the update data and the acquired data via a predetermined transmission path). Eg to characterized in that it comprises a communication such as the control unit 11 and the transmission portion 18) and shown in FIG.

[0021] In the receiving apparatus according to the eleventh aspect, when the content registered in the database is updated in the receiving apparatus that receives data for receiving provision of the content registered in the database, the update is performed. Receiving means for receiving acquisition data for acquiring update data to be performed, to which identification information for identifying content updated by the update data acquired based on the acquisition data is added ( For example, a receiving unit 21 shown in FIG. 9 and an acquisition unit (for example, a receiving unit shown in FIG. 9) for acquiring update data to which the same identification information is added based on the acquired data. Unit 21 and requesting unit 25, requesting unit 25 and communication control unit 24), and identification information added thereto by the update data. Updating means for updating the corresponding content (e.g., such as selecting section 22 and the request unit 25 shown in FIG. 9), characterized in that it comprises a.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the receiving apparatus, the obtaining means receives the update data transmitted via the broadcast network (for example, the receiving unit 21 shown in FIG. 9).
Etc.), and the reception required information includes the transmission time at which the update data is transmitted,
When the transmitting means is not in an operable state at the transmission time, the receiving means is set in an operable state.

The receiving device according to the nineteenth aspect further comprises an operation means (for example, an operation unit 28 shown in FIG. 9) operated when a predetermined input is given, and the acquisition means is provided with a broadcast network or both. The method is characterized in that it selects which update data to be transmitted via any one of the directional networks based on the operation of the operation means.

According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a transmitting / receiving system comprising: a transmitting device for transmitting data for providing contents registered in a database; and a receiving device for receiving data from the transmitting device. When the transmitting device updates the content registered in the database, the transmitting device updates the updated data to which the identification information for identifying the content updated by the updated data is added. Update data generating means (for example, the data configuration unit 17 shown in FIG. 2)
And the like, and acquired data for acquiring update data, which is obtained by adding identification information of the content updated by the update data acquired based on the acquired data (for example, , A data configuration unit 17 shown in FIG. 2) and transmission means (for example, the communication control unit 11 and the transmission unit 18 shown in FIG. 2) for transmitting update data and acquired data via a predetermined transmission path. The receiving device has a receiving unit (for example, the receiving unit 21 shown in FIG. 9) for receiving the acquired data, and the same identification information as that attached thereto is added based on the acquired data. Acquisition means for acquiring update data (for example, the receiving unit 21 and the request unit 25 shown in FIG. 9 and the request unit 25 and the communication control unit 24) and the update data Updating means for updating the content corresponding to the identification information are (e.g., selection section 22 shown in FIG. 9
And the request unit 25).

Of course, this description does not mean that each means is limited to those described above.

FIG. 1 shows a data distribution system to which the present invention is applied (in the present specification, a system refers to a system in which a plurality of devices are logically aggregated, and each configuration device is in the same housing. It does not matter whether it is or not).

The information providers A to C have databases 1a to 1c in which various data are stored. The databases 1a to 1c include, for example, traffic information, weather information, stock price information, and other data that changes in real time, such data that does not change in real time, text data, image data, audio data, computer data, and the like. It is designed to be able to store all kinds of programs and the like (including data in a format provided by pointcasting and data constituting a homepage provided on the WWW (World Wide Web)). Here, for example, a group of information (for example, one file) such as traffic information and weather information is hereinafter referred to as contents or an object as appropriate.

When the objects (contents) stored in the databases 1a to 1c are updated, that is, the objects stored in the databases 1a to 1c are changed, the objects are newly registered there, or When the object stored therein is deleted, the updated object information for updating the object is transmitted to the server 2 constituting the broadcasting station, and the server 2 executes the database 3 based on the updated object information. Is updated.

Here, as the update object information,
When an object is changed, for example, when the object after the change is registered, when a new object is registered, for example, when the new object is deleted, for example, when the object is deleted, an instruction for deleting the object is issued. Are transmitted from the databases 1a to 1c to the server 2. In this case, the updated object information is equal to the changed object when the object is changed, and is equal to the new object when a new object is registered.

When the server 2 updates the registered contents of the database 3 based on the updated object information, the server 2 transmits the updated object information to, for example, an analog public network, an IS
The data is transmitted to the mirror server 7 via a DN (Integrated Services Digital Network), the Internet, or a communication network 6 which is a network capable of at least two-way communication or a dedicated line. The mirror server 7
The update object information is received from the server 2, and the database 8 is updated based on the update object information. Therefore, the registered contents of the databases 3 and 8 are always the same.

Further, when the server 2 updates the registered contents of the database 3, the server 2 updates the update object information with an identifier (identification information) for identifying an object updated by the update object information (hereinafter referred to as appropriate). , A subject) (update data). That is, the objects stored in the database 3 are associated with identifiers for identifying the respective objects, and the identifiers of the objects updated by the update object information are added to the update object information, so that the subject Is generated.

The server 2 also generates data for acquiring the subject. That is, as described later, the subject is transmitted from the server 2 to the broadcast network 4.
In this case, in order to obtain the subject, the time, channel, etc., at which the subject is broadcasted are required. As will be described later, the subject is associated with a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) or the like, and may be managed by the server 2 or the mirror server 7. In this case, the URL is required to obtain the subject. Becomes Therefore, in server 2,
Such information is generated as data for acquiring the subject.

Further, the server 2 adds data (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as an event) obtained by adding an identifier of an object updated by the subject obtained based on the data to the data for obtaining the subject. Generate.

In the server 2, when a subject and an event for acquiring the subject are generated, these are generated according to a predetermined transmission schedule, for example, at least a satellite line, a CATV network, a terrestrial wave, or the like. For example, via a broadcast network 4 which is a one-way (or may be two-way) network capable of broadcasting to many users simultaneously, for example, an IRD (Integrated Receiver an
d Decoder) or STB (Set Top Box).

That is, when a subject is generated and an event for acquiring the subject (an event to which the same identifier as the subject is added) is generated, basically, the event is first transmitted to the broadcast network 4. Sent via Further, in the event transmitted in this way, if there is an event in which the broadcast time or channel of the subject is described, the subject is transmitted via the broadcast network 4 at that broadcast time at that broadcast time. Sent.

Here, in the server 2, for example, a transmission schedule of the subject is set (broadcast time and a broadcast channel are determined), and the broadcast time and the broadcast channel of the subject are added to the event according to the transmission schedule. Is described. And
A transmission schedule for the event is set.

When a subject is associated with, for example, a URL and is managed by the server 2 or the mirror server 7, an event including the URL is generated and transmitted via the broadcast network 4. . That is, when the subject is under the control of the server 2 or the mirror server 7, the URL having the IP address of the server 2 or the mirror server 7 as the domain name, respectively.
Is generated and transmitted.

The event transmitted (distributed) via the broadcast network 4 as described above is received by the receiving terminal 5 of the user. The receiving terminal 5 selects an object desired by the user from the received events, and obtains a subject based on the selected event.

That is, for example, when the event includes the broadcast time and the channel of the subject, the server 2 transmits the broadcast to the broadcast network 4 at the broadcast time at the broadcast time, as described above. Thus, the subject transmitted in this manner is received by the receiving terminal 5.

For example, when the event includes a URL associated with the subject, the receiving terminal 5 sends a request to the server corresponding to the domain name of the URL via the communication network 6. Access, request and receive subjects.

Specifically, if the server corresponding to the domain name of the URL included in the event is, for example, the server 2, the subject is under the control of the server 2, so that the receiving terminal 5 Via the communication network 6,
Access the server 2 and obtain the subject.

If the server corresponding to the domain name of the URL included in the event is, for example, the mirror server 7, the subject is under the management of the mirror server 7, so that the receiving terminal 5 It accesses the mirror server 7 via the network 6 and acquires the subject.

After acquiring the subject as described above, the receiving terminal 5 updates the object based on the subject.

The subject is transmitted from the server 2 via the broadcast network 4 and the server 2
Or under the management of the mirror server 7. Further, although only one mirror server 7 is illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 1, a mirror server (information processing device) that performs the same processing as the mirror server 7 includes a communication network 6.
A plurality of mirror servers can be provided, and in this case, the subject can be managed by the plurality of mirror servers. In addition, the subject may be transmitted from the server 2 via the broadcast network 4 not only at a certain time on a certain channel but also on a plurality of channels or a plurality of times.

As described above, when there are a plurality of methods for acquiring a certain subject, the event includes information (broadcast time, broadcast channel, URL, etc.) for each of the plurality of methods. The method of acquiring the subject by the receiving terminal 5
Is determined. That is, for example, if the event includes a plurality of times at which the subject is transmitted via the broadcast network 4, the receiving terminal 5
The subject is acquired by receiving the subject broadcast at the time closest to the current time. Further, for example, when the event includes a plurality of URLs, the server closest to the receiving terminal 5 is selected, and the subject is transmitted to the server via the communication network 6. The subject is obtained by making the request. Further, for example, in a case where the event includes a time at which the subject is transmitted via the broadcast network 4 and a URL,
For example, when the line condition of the broadcast network 4 is bad (S
/ N (Signal / Noise) is low), the subject is acquired based on the URL as described above. In addition, which method to acquire the subject may be determined based on the operation of the user of the receiving terminal 5 or the like.

According to the data distribution system described above, an event describing a method of obtaining a subject is
The distribution is performed via the broadcast network 4, and the receiving terminal 5 obtains the subject based on the event and updates the object. Therefore, efficient data distribution is performed while suppressing an increase in the load on the receiving terminal 5. be able to.

That is, in general, the data amount of a subject including updated object information for updating an object (especially, changing an object and newly registering the object) is large, and the subject is generated in response to the update of the object. So you don't know when it will happen. Therefore,
Assuming that such a subject that occurs irregularly and has a large data amount is transmitted as early as possible via the broadcast network 4, the server 2 uses the currently available channel to transmit the subject. Need to send. However, in this case, the receiving terminal 5
In such a case, it is necessary to wait for a subject who does not know when and on which channel the signal is transmitted, which increases the burden.

On the other hand, since an event includes a description of a method of acquiring a subject, its data amount is generally much smaller than that of a subject including updated object information. Can be transmitted at a fixed time on the other channel. Therefore, in this case, the receiving terminal 5 only needs to receive the event transmitted at a fixed time on the channel, and the load can be much smaller than when waiting for the transmission of the subject.

Further, in this embodiment, the event is
Broadcasting network 4 capable of broadcasting over a wide area
, The increase in the number of receiving terminals 5 does not affect the load on the server 2 or the broadcast network 4.

In the present embodiment, the subject is provided not only via the communication network 6 but also via the broadcast network 4. Server 7
Access is rarely concentrated, and thus efficient delivery of subjects is possible.

The broadcast network 4 and the communication network 6 need not be physically separate networks. That is, the broadcast network 4 is, for example, CATV
When configured with a network, the CATV network can be used as the communication network 6. Also,
The distribution of data by the broadcast network 4 is performed, for example, by using an IP (Internet Protocol
l) In the case of performing by multicast, the communication network 6 can be constituted by the Internet.

Further, transmission of data (event and subject) from the server 2 to the receiving terminal 5 is performed, for example, by scrambling, so that only a specific user (a user who has made a reception contract) can transmit data. It is also possible to enable reception.

Next, FIG. 2 shows a configuration example of the server 2 of FIG.

The communication control unit 11 includes, for example, a modem, T
A (Terminal Adapter) or the like, and controls communication via the communication network 6.
The resource allocating unit 12 is configured to allocate resources for transmitting data via the broadcast network 4.
That is, the resource allocating unit 12 receives the notification of the update of the object from the registration unit 15 and, in accordance with the update, allocates a resource for transmitting the event and the subject via the broadcast network 4 (for example, the event and the object). Of the transmission channel, transmission time (time), data rate, number of transmissions (transmission frequency), and the like. The result of resource allocation for transmission of an event and a subject by the resource allocation unit 12 is supplied to the data configuration unit 17 and the transmission unit 18.

The data search unit 13 is connected to the communication network 6
A request for a subject transmitted from the receiving terminal 5 via the communication terminal 11 is received from the communication control unit 11, and updated object information constituting the subject is searched from the database 3. Then, the data search unit 13 configures the subject in the same manner as the data configuration unit 17 described below,
The information is supplied to the communication control unit 11. The replication management unit 14 manages information for specifying the mirror server 7 (further, a mirror server (not shown) on the communication network 6). That is, for example, when the communication network 4 is the Internet, the replication management unit 14 stores the IP address of the mirror server 7. Then, upon receiving notification of the update of the object from the registration unit 15, the copy management unit 14 reads update object information for the update from the database 3 and controls the communication control unit 11 to update the update object information. The information is transmitted to, for example, the mirror server 7 or another server on the communication network 6 having the IP address managed by itself. The copy management unit 14
Is also configured to supply information managed by itself to the data configuration unit 17 as necessary.

The registration unit 15 receives the updated object information supplied from the databases 1a to 1c of the information providers A to C, and based on the updated object information,
The object (database 3) is updated. That is, the database 1 of the information providers A to C
From a to 1c, the identifier of the object updated by the update object information is supplied together with the update object information. Registration unit 1
5 receives the updated object information and the identifier, and searches the database 3 for an object corresponding to the identifier. Further, the registration unit 15 updates the object searched in this way based on the updated object information, and then notifies the resource allocation unit 12, the replication management unit 14, and the data configuration unit 17 that the object has been updated. Output. The registration unit 15 also registers the updated object information and the identifiers from the databases 1a to 1c in the database 3.

When the data construction unit 17 receives the update of the object from the registration unit 15, the data construction unit 17 reads out update object information on the updated object from the database 3, and reads the subject in which the update object information is located. It is generated and output to the transmission unit 18. Further, the data configuration unit 17
Generates an event for acquiring the subject, and outputs the event to the transmission unit 18. In addition,
In the data configuration unit 17, the event is generated using the resource allocation result by the resource allocation unit 12 and the information supplied from the replication management unit 14.
In other words, the data configuration unit 17 transmits the channel, time, and data rate at which the subject is transmitted, and information about the server that manages the subject, and the like, to the resource allocation result by the resource allocation unit 12 and the It is designed to be recognized from information and included in events.

The transmission unit 18 transmits the event or the subject from the data configuration unit 17 according to the resource allocation result of the resource allocation unit 12, that is, for example, on a predetermined channel, at a predetermined time, at a predetermined data rate or the like. Thus, the data is transmitted via the broadcast network 4.

Next, FIG. 3 shows a configuration example of the mirror server 7 of FIG. In the figure, the same reference numerals are given to portions corresponding to those in the server 2 of FIG. That is, the mirror server 7 is basically configured in the same manner as the server 2 except that the resource allocation unit 12, the replication management unit 14, the data configuration unit 17, and the transmission unit 18 are not provided. Note that the registration unit 1 constituting the mirror server 7
The update management information 14 transmitted through the communication network 6 or the like is supplied to the copy management unit 14 by controlling the communication control unit 11 of the server 2.

In the server 2 configured as described above, a registration process of registering data in the database 3 (updating the registered contents of the database), a data transmission process of generating subjects and events, and transmitting the generated subjects and events via the broadcast network 4 And when a request for a subject is received from the receiving terminal 5 via the communication network 6, request data transmission processing for transmitting the subject via the communication network 6 and the like are performed. And a request data transmission process.

First, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
The registration process performed by the server 2 will be described.

In the registration process, first, in step S1
In the case where the registration unit 15 determines whether or not the update object information and the identifier have been distributed from any of the databases 1a to 1c of the information providers A to C, and it is determined that the update object information and the identifier have not been distributed. Then, the process returns to step S1. When it is determined in step S1 that the update object information and the identifier have been distributed, the process proceeds to step S2, and the registration unit 15 performs, for example,
The identifier is added to the updated object information and registered in the database 3.

Here, from the databases 1a to 1c, the updated object information and the identifier are, for example, shown in FIG.
It is supplied in a format as shown in FIG.

Here, the identifier is, for example, a unique ID (Identificatially assigned) for each type of object, such as traffic information, weather information, stock price information, and components that constitute the information.
on), and version information indicating the newness of the object. As the version information, for example, an integer value that is incremented by one each time an object is updated is used. Therefore, for objects to which the same ID is added, the version information is compared. Thus, the latest object can be recognized.

Here, the ID and the version information are, for example, both fixed length.

The registration unit 15 stores the databases 1a to 1c
When an identifier similarly distributed from the databases 1a to 1c is added (associated) to the updated object information distributed from, an identifier having the same ID as the ID constituting the identifier is added in step S2. Objects in the database 3
And update based on the updated object information. Then, the registration unit 15 stores the version information of the identifier added to the updated object, for example,
Increment by one.

Thereafter, in step S3, the registration unit 15 notifies the resource allocation unit 1 that the object has been updated.
2. Output to the replication management unit 14 and the data configuration unit 17, and return to step S1.

Upon receiving the notification that the supplied object has been updated as described above, the copy management unit 14 reads the updated object information registered in the database 3 and the identifier added thereto in step S2.
The server that it manages, that is, here, for example,
The data is transmitted to the mirror server 7 via the communication network 6. The replication management unit 14 also specifies information for specifying the server that has transmitted the update object information and the identifier, that is, for example, here, the I of the mirror server 7
The P address is output to the data configuration unit 17.

In the mirror server 7, the processing excluding step S3 of steps S1 to S3 in FIG.
This is performed as a registration process. That is, in the mirror server 7,
In step S1, the registration unit 15 determines whether or not the update object information and the identifier have been distributed from the server 2. If it is determined that the update object information and the identifier have not been distributed, the process returns to step S1. If it is determined in step S1 that the updated object information and the identifier have been delivered, the process proceeds to step S2, where the registration unit 15 of the mirror server 7 adds the identifier to the updated object information and registers the updated object information in the database 8. . Further, in step S2, the registration unit 15 of the mirror server 7 searches the database 8 for an object to which an identifier having the same ID as the ID received from the server 2 is added, and searches the object for the object. Update is performed based on the update object information received from the server 2.
Then, the registration unit 15 of the mirror server 7 increments the version information of the identifier added to the updated object by one, skips step S3, and returns to step S1.

When the server 2 performs the above-described registration processing, the fact that the object output by the registration unit 15 has been updated in step S3 is supplied to the copy management unit 14 and the resource allocation unit 12 and the data configuration unit 17.

Upon receiving the notification that the object has been updated, the resource allocating unit 12 allocates a resource for transmitting an event and a subject relating to the update via the broadcast network 4, and stores the allocation result in a data structure. The signal is output to the unit 17 and the transmission unit 18. Data configuration unit 17
Receives the update of the object, reads the updated object information on the updated object from the database 3, generates a subject, and outputs the subject to the transmission unit 18. Further, the data configuration unit 17 transmits an event for acquiring the subject to the resource allocation result of the resource allocation unit 12 or the replication management unit 14.
(For example, as described above, the mirror server 7
The IP address is generated using the IP address of the transmission unit 18 and output to the transmission unit 18. Then, in the transmission unit 18, the event and the subject from the data configuration unit 17 are transmitted via the broadcast network 4 according to the resource allocation result of the resource allocation unit 12. That is, the resource allocation unit 12, the data configuration unit 17, and the transmission unit 18 perform a data transmission process as shown in FIG.

That is, in the data transmission process, first,
In step S11, a resource allocation process is performed. Specifically, in step S11, when the resource allocating unit 12 receives notification that the object has been updated, an event and the object related to the update are broadcasted on a broadcast channel for transmitting via the broadcast network 4, a broadcast time, Determine data rate, number of transmissions, etc. These resource allocation results are stored in the data configuration unit 17 and the transmission unit 1.
8 is supplied.

Then, in step S12, the data forming unit 17 generates an event and a subject. That is, the data configuration unit 17 reads from the database 3
The updated object information used for updating the object and the identifier added to the updated object information are read to form, for example, a subject as shown in FIG.
In FIG. 7A (the same applies to FIG. 7B), a discrimination flag is arranged between the identifier and the update object information. The discrimination flag indicates whether the data is a subject or Indicates whether this is an event.

Further, the data forming unit 17 forms an event, for example, as shown in FIG. 7B, in which the same identifier as the identifier added to the subject is added to the subject. That is, the event is configured by sequentially arranging the determination flag, the broadcast schedule information, and the server access information on the same identifier as the identifier added to the subject.

The broadcast schedule information is information necessary for receiving a subject when it is broadcast via the broadcast network 4 (reception required information). The broadcast channel, broadcast time (time), data rate, number of transmissions, and the like of the subject, which is the allocation result, are included. Therefore, by referring to the broadcast schedule information that constitutes the event, it is possible to recognize the broadcast channel and broadcast time of the subject for updating the object of the identifier that constitutes the event, thereby receiving the subject. It is possible to do.

The server access information indicates that the subject is
When transmitted from the server 2 or the mirror server 7 via the communication network 6,
Information necessary for requesting the subject (request required information), which includes, for example, the IP addresses of the server 2 and the mirror server 7. The IP address and the like are supplied from the replication management unit 14 to the data configuration unit 17 as identification information for identifying the server 2 and the mirror server 7.

That is, the server 2 and the mirror server 7 form the subject shown in FIG. 7A from the updated object information stored in the databases 3 and 8 and the identifier added thereto, and In response to the request from the server, the subject is transmitted via the communication network 6. In this manner, when the subject is obtained, the server access information is referred to.

Here, in the server 2 or the mirror server 7, for example, a URL constituted by adding the identifier to the IP address is associated with the subject constituted by the updated object information and the identifier added thereto. Thus, subject management is performed. In this case, the receiving terminal 5 that has received the event can recognize the URL of the subject to which the same identifier as the event is added from the server access information and the identifier that constitute the event.

Note that the subject can be provided only via the broadcast network 4, but in this case, no server access information is arranged in the event for the subject. Conversely, the subject can be provided only via the communication network 6, but in this case, the broadcast schedule information is not arranged in the event for the subject.

When the subject is transmitted on a plurality of channels and a plurality of times via the broadcast network 4, an event for the subject corresponds to the plurality of channels and the plurality of times. Broadcast schedule information is arranged. Similarly, when a subject can be provided from a plurality of servers via the communication network 6, server access information corresponding to each of the plurality of servers is arranged in an event for the subject.

If both the broadcast schedule information and the server access information exist, or if only one of the broadcast schedule information and the server access information exists, all of them are included in one event. Instead, an event may be generated for each one of them.

Returning to FIG. 6, when the above-described event and subject are generated in step S12, the event and subject are stored in the data
Is supplied to the transmission unit 18 from In step S <b> 13, the transmission unit 18 transmits the event and the subject from the data configuration unit 17 via the broadcast network 4 according to the resource allocation result from the resource allocation unit 12.
That is, the event or the subject is transmitted via the broadcast network 4 at a predetermined data rate at a predetermined transmission time on a predetermined transmission channel, for example.
Proceed to 14.

In step S 14, the transmission of the event or the subject from the data configuration unit 17 is performed by the resource allocation unit 12.
The transmission unit 18 determines whether or not the transmission has been repeated by the number of transmissions included in the resource allocation result from. If the transmission has not been performed, the process returns to step S13, and the transmission of the event or the subject is repeated. That is, since the transmission of data by the broadcast network 4 is performed only in one direction from the server 2 to the receiving terminal 5, between them,
It is not possible to confirm whether data transmission / reception has been performed correctly. Therefore, in the server 2, the data transmission is repeated by the number of transmissions, which is the result of the resource allocation by the resource allocating unit 12, and thereby,
The receiving terminal 5 is configured to improve the probability of receiving accurate data.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S14 that the transmission of the event or the subject from the data configuration unit 17 has been repeated by the number of transmissions included in the resource allocation result from the resource allocation unit 12, the process returns to step S11. Hereinafter, the same processing is repeated.

As described above, in general, an event has a small amount of data and a subject has a large amount of data. Therefore, in the resource allocating section 12, the number of transmissions basically increases for the event and for the subject, Resource allocation is performed to reduce the number. Accordingly, in the receiving terminal 5, the probability of dropping an event transmitted via the broadcast network 4 (the probability of not being able to receive the event) is reduced, and if the event can be normally received, for example, the broadcast schedule information included in the event is included. By referring to, the subject is broadcast network 4
, The channel and time transmitted via the communication device can be recognized, and as a result, the probability of dropping an event with a small number of transmissions can be reduced. Also, suppose that based on the event, even if the reception of a subject that has recognized a broadcast channel, broadcast time, or the like has failed, or even before the broadcast time, if a subject is required, If the event includes server access information, the subject is obtained early and reliably by accessing the server 2 or the mirror server 7 via the communication network 6 based on the server access information. Can be.

Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
A request data transmission process performed by the server 2 and the mirror server 7 will be described.

In this case, in step S 21, the communication control unit 11 determines whether or not, for example, a URL as a subject request has been transmitted from the receiving terminal 5 via the communication network 6. If it is determined that there is not, the process returns to step S21.
If it is determined in step S21 that the URL has been transmitted, the communication control unit 11 determines that the URL has been transmitted.
Is transferred to the data search unit 13. Data search unit 13
Receives the URL, in step S22, searches for updated object information to which the same identifier as the data identifier making up the URL is added (server 2).
Then, the search is performed from the database 2 and the mirror server 7 is searched from the database 8).

That is, in the present embodiment, as described above, at the receiving terminal 5 receiving the event, the same identifier as the event is obtained from the IP address and the identifier as the server access information constituting the event. The URL of the added subject is recognized. The receiving terminal 5 transmits the URL when requesting the subject via the communication network 6. Therefore, the URL from the receiving terminal 5 includes an identifier, and the server 2 or the mirror server 7 searches for the identifier as a file name of the updated object information.

When the updated object information is searched in step S22, the data search unit 13 adds the identifier stored together with the updated object to form a subject, and the communication control unit 11 Supply. The communication control unit 11 includes the data search unit 1
3 is received, and in step S23, it is transmitted to the receiving terminal (here, receiving terminal 5) that transmitted the URL via the communication network 6, and the process returns to step S21.

Next, FIG. 9 shows a configuration example of the receiving terminal 5 of FIG.

The receiving section 21 receives data transmitted from the server 2 via the broadcast network 4, that is, here, an event or a subject, and outputs the data to the selecting section 22. The selection unit 22 includes the reception unit 21
It is designed to select events and subjects from. Further, the selecting unit 22 is configured to temporarily store the selected event in the database 23. The selection unit 22 also stores an object corresponding to the identifier included in the selected subject in the database 2
3 and is updated based on the updated object information included in the subject.

The database 23 is composed of, for example, a large-capacity hard disk, a magneto-optical disk, or another recording medium, and stores objects and temporarily stores events from the selection unit 22.

The communication control unit 24 controls the communication via the communication network 6, thereby transmitting the subject request from the request unit 25 to the server 2 or the mirror server via the communication network 6. 7 and receives a subject transmitted from the server 2 or the mirror server 7 via the communication network 6.

The request unit 25 controls the receiving unit 21 to receive the subject transmitted via the broadcast network 4 in accordance with the broadcast schedule information included in the event stored in the database 23. It has been done. Further, the request unit 25 requests a subject from the server 2 or the mirror server 7 via the communication network 6 according to the server access information included in the event stored in the database 23, and responds to the request. The communication control unit 24 is also controlled so as to receive a subject transmitted from the server 2 or the mirror server 7 via the communication network 6. Further, the request unit 25 searches the database 23 for an object corresponding to the identifier included in the subject received by the communication control unit 24, and updates the object based on the updated object information included in the subject. I have. The request unit 25 performs the above-described processing, for example, periodically, and also when the reading unit 26 requests the update of the object.

The reading unit 26 reads data stored in the database 23 and supplies the data to the output unit 27 in response to the operation of the operation unit 28. The output unit 27 includes, for example, a display, a speaker, and the like, and is configured to display data from the reading unit 26 or the like or to output data as audio. Operation unit 28
Is operated when a predetermined input is given to the reading unit 26.

In the receiving terminal 5 configured as described above,
A receiving process for receiving data transmitted from the server 2 via the broadcast network 4, a data requesting process for requesting a subject based on an event stored in the database 23, and outputting data registered in the database 23. Output processing and the like are performed.

First, the reception processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When data is transmitted from the server 2 via the broadcast network 4, the receiving unit 21 receives the data, that is, the event or the subject, in step S 31, and supplies the data to the selecting unit 22. In step S32, the selecting unit 22 determines whether the event or subject from the receiving unit 21 is to be selected.

That is, if all events and subjects transmitted from the server 2 via the broadcast network 4 are to be received, the database 23
A huge storage capacity is required. Also, the users have a preference, and each user rarely needs all the objects stored in the database of the server 2. Nevertheless, it is not preferable to reflect all the registered contents of the database 3 of the server 2 in the database 23.

Therefore, for example, if an ID of an object desired by the user (an ID constituting the above-described identifier) is registered in the selection unit 22, the selection unit 22 registers an event having the same ID as the ID. And only the objects are selected. Therefore, the determination in step S32 is made by comparing the ID registered by the user with the IDs that constitute the identifiers of the events and subjects supplied from the receiving unit 21.

In step S32, when it is determined that the event or subject from the receiving unit 21 is not to be selected, that is, for example, if the I or
If D and the ID described in the event or subject supplied from the receiving unit 21 do not match, the process waits for the next event or subject to be transmitted via the broadcast network 4 and proceeds to step S31. Return. Therefore, in this case, the event is not stored in the database 23, and the database 23 is not updated based on the subject.

On the other hand, in step S32, the receiving unit 2
When it is determined that the event or subject from 1 is to be selected, that is, for example, when the ID registered by the user matches the ID described in the event or subject supplied from the receiving unit 21 ,
Proceeding to step S33, the selection unit 22 determines whether the event or subject is related to a new object.

In step S33, step S32
If the event or subject selected in is determined to be related to a new object, that is, if the event or subject included in the event or subject is
If an object having the same ID as D is not registered in the database 23, the process skips step S34 and proceeds to step S35.

If it is determined in step S33 that the event or the subject selected in step S32 is not related to a new object, that is, if the event or the subject has the same ID as the ID included in the event or the subject, Is registered in the database 23, the process proceeds to step S34, and the selecting unit 22 sets the version information described in the identifier of the object already registered in the database 23 (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as a registered object). Is equal to the version information described in the identifier of the event or subject selected in step S32.

In step S34, the version information described in the registered object is stored in step S3.
In the case where the version information is not equal to the version information described in the event or the subject selected in Step 2, that is, as described in the data transmission processing of FIG. When the same subject is repeatedly transmitted through the broadcast network 4, but the update of the registered object has already been performed by the subject by the transmission performed in the past among the transmissions that are repeatedly performed as described above. , Step S
Steps S35 to S37 are skipped, and after waiting for an event or subject to be transmitted, step S3 is performed.
Return to 1. Therefore, in this case, the event is not stored in the database 23, and the database 23 is not updated based on the subject.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S34 that the version information described in the registered object is equal to the version information described in the event or subject selected in step S32, the process proceeds to step S35. The selection unit 22 determines whether the data selected in step S32 is an event or a subject by referring to a determination flag.

In step S35, step S32
When it is determined that the data selected in is a subject, the process proceeds to step S36, and the selecting unit 22 updates the database 23 based on the subject.

That is, when a new object is placed as updated object information in the subject, the new object is associated with the identifier included in the subject and newly registered in the database 23.

In the case where the updated object information is arranged in the subject as the updated object information, the same ID as the ID included in the subject is used.
An object associated with the identifier having D is searched from the database 23, and the searched object is changed to an updated object. further,
The version information associated with the object is incremented, for example, by one.

Further, when an object deletion command is placed as update object information in the subject, an object associated with an identifier having the same ID as the ID included in the subject is searched from the database 23. Is deleted along with the identifier associated with the object.

The updating of the object based on the updated object information, which is performed in step S2 of the registration process described with reference to FIG. 4, is performed in the same manner.

After updating the database 23 in step S36 as described above, the process returns to step S31 after waiting for an event or subject to be transmitted.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S35 that the data selected in step S32 is an event, the process proceeds to step S37, where the selection unit 22 supplies the event to the database 23 and temporarily stores the event. Then, after waiting for the event or subject to be transmitted, the process returns to step S31.

In step S37, the event stored in the database 23 is read from the database 23 by the request unit 25 in a data request process (FIG. 11) and a data output process (FIG. 12) described later. It is made to be deleted later.

Next, the data request processing will be described with reference to FIG. Note that this data request processing is periodically performed in the receiving terminal 5. However, the data request processing can be performed irregularly.

In the data request processing, first, in step S41, the registered contents of the database 23 are searched by the request unit 25, and the process proceeds to step S42, where it is determined whether or not an event is stored in the database 23. . If it is determined in step S42 that the event has not been stored, the data request process ends.

If it is determined in step S42 that an event is stored in the database 23, that event is read out (if a plurality of events are stored, one of them is read out). ),
Proceeding to step 43, the requesting unit 25 determines whether it is advantageous to receive the subject based on the event via the broadcast network 4 capable of broadcasting or the communication network 6 capable of two-way communication. Is done.

Here, the determination in step S42 is performed, for example, as follows.

That is, the request unit 25 refers to the broadcast schedule information included in the event, and determines the number of transmissions (transmission frequency) in which a subject having the same identifier as the identifier added to the event is transmitted, The transmission time is recognized. Then, for example, when the number of transmissions is large, or when the transmission time is close to the current time, the reception of the subject is performed via the broadcast network 4 where the reception time of the subject and other costs for reception are expected to be low. Is determined to be advantageous.

Further, for example, when the number of transmissions is small,
If the transmission time is far from the current time, it is determined that it is advantageous to receive the subject via the interactive network 6.

In addition, for example, when the data amount of the subject is described in the broadcast schedule information included in the event (even if the data amount itself is not described, the data rate and the time required for transmission) Is described, the data amount can be recognized). Based on the data amount, whether it is advantageous to receive the subject via the broadcast network 4 or the communication network 6 Can also be determined.

Further, whether the reception of the subject is advantageous via the broadcast network 4 or the communication network 6 is determined by the operation unit 28.
Can be operated, and it can be determined according to the operation.

When receiving a subject via the bidirectional network 6, the bidirectional network 6 supports a plurality of transmission rates, and the receiving terminal 5
However, when communication via such a plurality of transmission rate lines is possible, it is possible to change the line to be used depending on the data amount of the subject.

Here, as described above, the event includes:
In some cases, only one of the broadcast schedule information and the server access information is included. If the event only contains broadcast schedule information,
In step S43, it is determined that it is advantageous to receive the subject via the broadcast network 4.
Conversely, if the event includes only server access information, it is determined in step S43 that it is advantageous to receive the subject via the communication network 6.

If it is determined in step S43 that it is advantageous to receive the subject via the broadcast network 4, the process proceeds to step S44, where the request unit 2
5 determines whether the receiving unit 21 is in an operable state (for example, whether power is supplied (whether or not it is in a sleep state)). When it is determined in step S44 that the receiving unit 21 is not in an operable state, the process proceeds to step S45, and the request unit 25 waits, for example, until immediately before the transmission time of the subject arranged in the broadcast schedule information of the event. Then, when the receiving unit 21 is in an operable state, that is, when the receiving unit 21 is in the sleep state, the power supply is started, and the process proceeds to step S4.
Proceed to 6.

In step S44, the receiving unit 2
1 is determined to be in an operable state, skipping step S45 and proceeding to step S46, the request unit 21 controls the reception unit 21 to read the broadcast schedule information of the event read from the database 23. , A subject transmitted via the broadcast network 4 at the transmission time also set in the broadcast schedule information, ie, a subject having the same identifier as the identifier added to the event Is received and supplied to the selection unit 22. Then, in step S47, the selecting unit 22 selects
0, the database 23 is updated based on the subject from the receiving unit 21, and the data request process ends.

Here, in the receiving terminal 5, data is often missed due to the fact that the power of the receiving unit 21 is turned off. Therefore, as described above, it is determined whether the receiving unit 21 is in an operable state. If not, the receiving unit 21 is set in an operable state, so that the power of the receiving unit 21 is reduced. The subject can be prevented from being missed due to the off state.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S43 that it is advantageous to receive the subject via the two-way network 6, the process proceeds to step S48, where the request unit 25 controls the communication control unit 24. Then, the server 2 or the mirror server 7 is requested via the communication network 6 for a subject to which the same identifier as the identifier included in the event read from the database 23 is added.

That is, the request unit 25 determines the same identifier as the identifier from the identifier included in the event read from the database 23 and the server access information (here, the IP address as described above) included therein. By constructing a URL associated with the subject to which the identifier is added and controlling the communication control unit 24, the server 2 and the mirror server 7 are connected via the communication network 6.
To be sent.

The server 2 or the mirror server 7 to which the URL has been transmitted performs the request data transmission processing described with reference to FIG. 8, whereby the subject associated with the URL is transmitted via the communication network 6. Will be. This subject is received by the communication control unit 24 and supplied to the request unit 25 in step S49. Upon receiving the subject from the communication control unit 24, the request unit 25 proceeds to step S47, updates the database 23 based on the subject as described above, and ends the data request process.

As described above, it is determined whether it is more advantageous to receive the subject via the broadcast network 4 or the communication network 36, and the subject transmitted via the more advantageous one is received. Therefore, the receiving terminal 5 can efficiently receive the subject and update the object.

When a subject is received via the broadcast network 4 and a plurality of transmission times are arranged in the broadcast schedule information of the event, for example, the transmission time closest to the current time (for example) However, the subject transmitted before (excluding the time before (past) the current time) is received. However, it is also possible to have the user operate the operation unit 28 and select the transmission time.

In the case where a subject is requested and received via the communication network 6, when the IP address of a plurality of servers is arranged in the server access information of the event, for example, the receiving terminal 5 of the The URL is configured using the IP address of the server located closest. However, it is also possible to have the user operate the operation unit 28 and select a server.

Next, the data output processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In addition, the data output process is also similar to the data request process of FIG.
Basically, it is started periodically.

In the data output process, first, in step S51, the reading unit 26 determines whether or not the operation unit 28 has been operated to output data (in the present embodiment, an object). If it is determined that such an operation has not been performed, the data output process ends.

In step S51, the operation unit 2
8 is determined to have been operated to output the object, the process proceeds to step S52, and the event for the object whose output is requested, that is, the event to which the same identifier as the identifier of the object is added, The reading unit 26 determines whether the data is stored in the database 23. In step S52, when it is determined that the event of the object whose output has been requested is not stored in the database 23, that is, as the object whose output has been requested, the object that is now stored in the database 23 is updated. If it is determined that the event is not missed (however, it is assumed that no event is missed), the process proceeds to step S53, and the reading unit 26
Stores the requested object in database 2
3 and supplied to the output unit 27. In the output unit 27, the object from the reading unit 26 is displayed or output by voice, and the data output process ends.

If it is determined in step S52 that the event of the object requested to be output is stored in the database 23, that is, the object requested to be output has been updated in the server 2. However, in the receiving terminal 5, if the object has not been updated yet, the process proceeds to step S54, and the reading unit 26 determines whether to update the object.

That is, in step S54, the reading unit 2
6 displays a message inquiring whether to update the object on the output unit 27 and prompts the user to operate the operation unit 28. Then, in step S54,
In response to the operation of the operation unit 28, it is determined whether to update the object.

[0139] Alternatively, in step S54, the broadcast schedule information of the event of the object whose output is requested is referred to, and the subject for updating the object is transmitted at the time of transmission via the broadcast network 4. Among them, the one closest to the current time is recognized. Then, in step S54, it is determined whether or not to update the object in accordance with whether or not the transmission time closest to the current time is within a predetermined time set in advance in the receiving terminal 5 from the current time. (If the transmission time is within a predetermined time from the current time, it is determined that the object is updated).

If it is determined in step S54 that the object whose output has been requested is not to be updated, the process proceeds to step S55, where the reading unit 26 stores the object whose output has been requested, that is, the object before update, in the database. 23, and then output the same to the output unit 27 in the same manner as in step S53, and the data output process ends. In this case, the output unit 27
May output an object and display a message indicating that the object is before the update.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S54 that the object whose output has been requested is to be updated,
Proceeding to step S56, a database update process for updating the object is performed. That is, in step S56, the same processing as the processing in steps S43 to S49 of the data request processing in FIG. 11 is performed using the event for the object whose output has been requested.
Thus, the object whose output is requested is updated. Then, the process proceeds to step S53, where the updated object is output from the output unit 27 as described above, and the data output process ends.

In the case where the server access information of the event includes the IP addresses of a plurality of servers, for example, as described above, the server from which the subject is requested is determined from the receiving terminal 5 as described above. If the position is determined in accordance with the operation of the operation unit 28 by the user, access to a certain server may be concentrated.

Therefore, when there are a plurality of servers that transmit subjects to the receiving terminal 5 via the communication network 6 (for example, when the mirror server 7 exists in addition to the server 2 as shown in FIG. 1) For example, when there is a mirror server other than the mirror server 7), the receiving terminal 5 or its user is unique to the receiving terminal 5 in order to distribute the access to the server (to avoid concentrating access to one server). ID (hereinafter referred to as user ID as appropriate)
After the server 2 associates the IP address of each server with a predetermined user ID and allocates it to the event as server access information (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as load distribution processing). , An event can be sent. On the other hand, the receiving terminal 5 is made to perform a process of recognizing a server of an IP address associated with its own user ID (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as an access server determining process), and then requests the subject to the subject. You can do so.

The load distribution process performed by the server 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Note that this load distribution processing is performed when there are a plurality of servers that transmit subjects to the receiving terminal 5 via the communication network 6 (transmitting subjects via the communication network 6 other than the server 2). Is performed as a part of the process of step S12 in the data transmission process of FIG.

In the load distribution process, first, in step S61, the number N of receiving terminals to be allocated to one server that transmits subjects via the communication network 6 (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as the allocated number) N is calculated. . That is,
In step S61, for example, the total number of receiving terminals is divided by the total number of servers transmitting subjects via the communication network 6, and the division value (the fractional part is rounded up, for example) is set to the number N of allocations. The server 2
Here, it is assumed that the total number of receiving terminals is managed. Further, the server 2 transmits the subject to the communication network 6.
The total number of servers transmitted via the server is recognized from the information managed by the copy management unit 14.

Thereafter, in step S62, one of the plurality of servers transmitting the subject is selected via the communication network 6 (the selected server is hereinafter referred to as a selected server as appropriate), and step S63 is performed.
Then, for example, the receiving terminal located at a position close to the selected server is detected by the assigned number N. It is assumed that the positions of the selected server and the receiving terminal 5 are managed in the server 2.

Then, the process proceeds to a step S64, wherein the user ID of each of the N receiving terminals detected in the step S63 is associated with the IP address of the selected server, and a set of the IP address and the N user IDs ( Request destination information)
Is placed in the event as server access information. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S65, and it is determined whether or not the processes of steps S62 to S64 have been performed with all of the plurality of servers transmitting the subject as the selected servers via the communication network 6. If it is determined in step S65 that all of the plurality of servers have not been selected as the selected servers, the process returns to step S62, and a server not yet selected as the selected server is newly selected as the selected server. repeat. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 65 that the processing has been performed with all of the plurality of servers selected, the load distribution processing ends.

As described above, in the load distribution processing, 1
N (or N-1) receiving terminals are allocated to the server.

In the above case, simply dividing the total number of the receiving terminals by the total number of the servers transmitting the subject via the communication network 6 and the number of the receiving terminals to be assigned to one server However, the number of receiving terminals to be assigned to each of the plurality of servers may be determined in consideration of, for example, the processing capacity of each server.

Next, the access server determining process performed by the receiving terminal 5 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Note that this access server determination processing is performed by the receiving terminal 5 in step S of the data request processing in FIG.
This is done before configuring the URL to send at 48.

In the access server determination processing, step S
At 71, the receiving terminal 5 selects the user ID assigned to itself from the server access information of the event.
, And the process proceeds to step S72. In step S72, the IP address associated with its own user ID, that is, the server that should request the subject is recognized, and the access server determination processing ends.

Then, in the receiving terminal 5, as described with reference to FIG. 11, in step S48, a URL is constructed and transmitted using the IP address recognized in step S72.

As described above, the server 2 or the receiving terminal 5
In the above, the subject request from the receiving terminal can be distributed to a plurality of servers by performing the load distribution processing or the access server determination processing, and efficient subject distribution becomes possible.

In the above-described case, the user ID of the receiving terminal is associated with the IP address to limit the server to which the receiving terminal has access.
For example, the user ID of the receiving terminal is associated with a time zone (request timing information) in which the server can be accessed via the communication network 6 so as to limit the time zone in which the receiving terminal accesses the server. For example, the access to the server can be distributed.

The data distribution system to which the present invention is applied has been described above. Such a data distribution system is used, for example, in a case where data is distributed to a large number of databases in a distributed database, or when data is distributed by IP multicast. This is particularly useful when distributing data or when distributing data to an unspecified large number.

In the present embodiment, the event is transmitted via the broadcast network 4. Alternatively, the event may be transmitted via the communication network 6 in response to a request from the receiving terminal 5. You may do it. Furthermore, in the present invention, it is not essential that both the broadcast network 4 and the communication network 6 are provided. That is, the present invention is also applicable to a system including only one of the broadcast network 4 and the communication network 6.

In the present embodiment, the IP address of the server 2 or the mirror server 7 is arranged in the server access information. URL of the subject being managed, server 2 or mirror server 7
It is also possible to arrange a telephone number or the like for accessing.

Further, similarly to the receiving terminal 5, the mirror server 7 can receive an event or a subject and update the database 8.

Further, in the present embodiment, the updated object itself and the like are arranged as the updated object information to be included in the subject. However, the updated object information includes, for example, the updated object information before the update. Data to reflect the changes made to the object after the update (for example, an executable computer program that changes the object before the update to the object after the update, or the difference between the object after the update and the object before the update) It is also possible to arrange such as.

[0160]

As described above, according to the transmitting apparatus and the transmitting method of the present invention, when the content registered in the database is updated, the updated data is used for updating the content. Generated with identification information for identifying the content to be updated is generated, and acquired data for acquiring update data, which is updated by update data acquired based on the acquired data. A content to which the identification information of the content is added is generated. Therefore, based on the acquired data,
Update data can be acquired, and the content can be updated based on the update data.

Further, according to the receiving apparatus and the receiving method of the present invention, when the content registered in the database is updated, the content is update data for obtaining update data for updating the content. The one added with the identification information for identifying the content updated by the update data obtained based on the obtained data is received, and based on the obtained data, the same identification information as the identification information added thereto is received. The added update data is obtained. Then, the content corresponding to the identification information added thereto is updated by the update data. Therefore, the content can be updated efficiently.

Further, according to the transmission / reception system and the transmission / reception method of the present invention, when the content registered in the database is updated, the updated data is used for updating the content, and the content is updated by the updated data. Is generated to which identification information for identifying the content is added, and is acquired data for acquiring update data, and is identification information of content updated by the update data acquired based on the acquired data. Is generated. On the other hand, the acquired data is received, and based on the acquired data, the updated data to which the same identification information as the identification information is added is acquired. Then, the content corresponding to the identification information added thereto is updated by the update data. Therefore, the content can be updated efficiently.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an embodiment of a data distribution system to which the present invention has been applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a server 2 of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a mirror server 7 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a registration process performed by a server 2;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a format of data supplied from databases 1a to 1c in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a data transmission process performed by a server 2.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a format of a subject and an event.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a request data transmission process performed by a server 2.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a receiving terminal 5 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a reception process performed by a reception terminal.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a data request process performed by a receiving terminal 5;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a data output process performed by a receiving terminal 5;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a load distribution process performed by a server 2.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining an access server determination process performed by the receiving terminal 5;

[Explanation of symbols]

1a to 1c databases, 2 servers, 3 databases, 4 broadcast networks, 5 receiving terminals, 6 communication networks, 7 mirror servers,
8 database, 11 communication control unit, 12 resource allocation unit, 13 data search unit, 14 replication management unit,
15 registration unit, 17 data configuration unit, 18 transmission unit,
Reference Signs List 21 receiving unit, 22 selecting unit, 23 database, 24 communication control unit, 25 requesting unit, 26 reading unit, 27 output unit, 28 operation unit

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing on the front page (72) Kazuo Haraoka 6-7-35 Kita-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Inside Sony Corporation (72) Inventor Yasuaki Yamagishi 6-35, Kita-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo No. Sony Corporation

Claims (24)

[Claims] 1. A transmitting apparatus for transmitting data for providing contents registered in a database, wherein the updated data is used for updating the contents registered in the database when the contents are updated. Update data generating means for generating identification information for identifying the content to be updated by the update data, and acquisition data for acquiring the update data,
Acquisition data generation means for generating a content to which the identification information of the content updated by the update data acquired based on the acquisition data is added; and transmitting the update data and the acquisition data via a predetermined transmission path. And a transmitting means for transmitting the data. 2. When the transmission means transmits the update data via a one-way broadcast network capable of simultaneous broadcast, the acquired data generation means transmits the update data via the broadcast network. The reception data necessary for receiving the updated data to be obtained is included in the acquired data to which the same identification information as the identification information added to the updated data is added. Transmission device. 3. The transmission means transmits the update data via the bidirectional network in response to a request for the update data transmitted via a bidirectional network capable of bidirectional communication. In this case, the acquisition data generation means adds request necessary information necessary for requesting the update data via the broadcast network to the same information as the identification information added to the update data. The transmitting device according to claim 1, wherein the transmitting device includes the acquired data. 4. When the transmitting means also transmits the update data via a one-way broadcast network capable of simultaneous broadcasting, the acquired data generating means further comprises: To
The necessary reception information required to receive the update data transmitted through the broadcast network is also included in the acquired data to which the same identification information as the identification information added to the update data is added. The transmitting device according to claim 3, wherein 5. The apparatus receives and stores the update data transmitted by the transmission means, and updates the update data in response to a request for the update data transmitted via a bidirectional network capable of bidirectional communication. In a case where there is an information processing apparatus that transmits data via the bidirectional network, the acquired data generation unit requests the update processing data from the information processing apparatus via the bidirectional network. 2. The transmission device according to claim 1, wherein the required information required for the transmission is included in the acquired data to which the same information as the identification information added to the update data is added. 6. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said information processing apparatus includes at least one information processing apparatus, and said transmitting unit responds to a request for said update data transmitted through a bidirectional network capable of bidirectional communication. When transmitting the update data via the two-way network, the acquisition data generation means requests the one or more information processing devices or transmission means for the update data via the broadcast network. 6. The transmitting apparatus according to claim 5, wherein request necessary information required to perform the transmission is included in the acquired data to which the same information as the identification information added to the update data is added. 7. The method according to claim 7, wherein the acquisition data is received, and based on the acquired data, when there are a plurality of receiving devices that request the update data to the one or more information processing devices or transmission means, The data generating means may include request destination information as to which of the plurality of receiving apparatuses should request the update data from the one or more information processing apparatuses or the transmission means, or when the update data should be requested. The transmission device according to claim 6, wherein request timing information regarding the transmission is also included in the acquired data. 8. A method according to claim 1, wherein said information processing apparatus is present and said transmitting means transmits said update data via a one-way broadcast network capable of simultaneous broadcast. Means, in addition to the request necessary information,
The necessary reception information required to receive the update data transmitted through the broadcast network is also included in the acquired data to which the same identification information as the identification information added to the update data is added. The transmitting device according to claim 5, wherein 9. The update data according to claim 1, wherein the updated data or the content before the update includes information for reflecting a change to the updated content in the content before the update. Transmission device. 10. A method of transmitting data for providing content registered in a database, wherein when the content registered in the database is updated, the update data is used to update the content. Generated data to which identification information for identifying the content to be updated by data is added, and the acquired data for acquiring the updated data, the updated data being acquired based on the acquired data Transmitting the update data and the acquired data via a predetermined transmission path, wherein the content updated with the identification information is generated. 11. A receiving device for receiving data for receiving provision of content registered in a database, wherein when content registered in the database is updated, obtains update data for updating the content. Receiving means for receiving acquired data to which the identification information for identifying the content to be updated by the update data acquired based on the acquired data is added; and Acquiring means for acquiring the update data to which the same information as the identification information added to the content is added, based on the update data, and updating the content corresponding to the identification information added to the content by the update data A receiving device comprising: 12. The update data is transmitted through a one-way broadcast network capable of simultaneous broadcast, and the acquired data is transmitted by the update data transmitted through the broadcast network. In a case where the information includes necessary reception information required for reception, the acquisition unit acquires the update data transmitted via the broadcast network based on the required reception information. Item 12. The receiving device according to item 11. 13. The acquisition means includes a receiving means for receiving the update data transmitted via the broadcast network, and the reception required information includes a transmission time at which the update data is transmitted. 2. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein when the receiving means is not in an operable state at the transmission time, the receiving means is operable.
3. The receiving device according to 2. 14. The update data is transmitted via a two-way network capable of two-way communication in response to a request for the update data, and the acquired data is transmitted via the two-way network. Including request required information required to request the update data, wherein the acquiring unit requests the update data via the bidirectional network based on the request required information, and responds to the request. The receiving apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the update data transmitted through the two-way network is acquired. 15. In a case where there is one or more information processing apparatuses that transmit the update data in response to a request for the update data from the acquisition unit, the acquired data includes the update data, Request information on which of the above information processing devices should be requested, or request timing information on when to request the request data, the acquisition means may be one of the one or more information processing devices. of,
15. The receiving apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the update data is requested to a device corresponding to the request destination information or at a timing corresponding to the request timing information. 16. The bidirectional communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit transmits the acquired data and the update data to an information processing apparatus that receives and stores the update data transmitted from the transmission apparatus. The receiving device according to claim 14, wherein the update data is requested via a network. 17. A two-way network capable of transmitting said update data via a one-way broadcast network capable of simultaneous broadcast and capable of two-way communication in response to a request for said update data. And the obtained data includes reception necessary information necessary for receiving the update data transmitted through the broadcast network, and the two-way network In the case of including request necessary information necessary for requesting update data, the obtaining unit obtains the update data transmitted via the broadcast network based on the reception necessary information, or The update data is requested via the bidirectional network based on the request necessary information, and the update data is requested via the bidirectional network in response to the request. Receiver according to claim 11, characterized by obtaining the update data transmitted Te. 18. The method according to claim 18, wherein the acquiring unit determines whether to acquire the update data transmitted via the broadcast network or the two-way network. 18. The receiving device according to claim 17, wherein the selection is performed based on a frequency of transmission via the two-way network. 19. An operation unit which is operated when a predetermined input is given, wherein the obtaining unit obtains the update data transmitted via any of the broadcast network and the bidirectional network. 18. The receiving device according to claim 17, wherein the selection is made based on an operation of the operation unit. 20. The update data according to claim 11, wherein the update data includes information for reflecting a change to the content after the update in the content after the update or the content before the update. Receiving device. 21. In a case where the update data includes information for reflecting a change to the content after the update in the content before the update, the updating unit includes the information included in the update data. 21. The content before change is reflected on the content before update on the basis of the content based on the content.
3. The receiving device according to claim 1. 22. A method of receiving data for receiving provision of content registered in a database, comprising: acquiring update data for updating the content registered in the database when the content is updated; Receiving the acquired data, to which identification information for identifying the content updated by the update data acquired based on the acquired data is added, and adding the identification information based on the acquired data; Receiving the update data added with the same identification information as the identification information, and updating the content corresponding to the identification information added thereto with the update data. 23. A transmission / reception system comprising: a transmission device for transmitting data for providing content registered in a database; and a reception device for receiving data from the transmission device, wherein the transmission device includes: Update data for generating update data for updating the content registered in the content, the identification data for identifying the content updated by the update data being added to the update data Generating means, and acquisition data for acquiring the update data,
Acquisition data generation means for generating a content to which the identification information of the content updated by the update data acquired based on the acquisition data is added; and transmitting the update data and the acquisition data via a predetermined transmission path. A receiving unit for receiving the obtained data, wherein the same identification information as the identification information added thereto is added based on the obtained data. A transmission / reception system, comprising: acquisition means for acquiring update data; and update means for updating the content corresponding to the identification information added thereto with the update data. 24. A transmission / reception method for a transmission / reception system comprising: a transmission device for transmitting data for providing content registered in a database; and a reception device for receiving data from the transmission device. Generating update data for updating the content registered in the database, the identification data for identifying the content updated by the update data being added; And generating acquisition data for acquiring the update data to which the identification information of the content updated by the update data acquired based on the acquisition data is added; Transmitting the data and the acquired data via a predetermined transmission path; Receiving the acquired data, acquiring the updated data to which the same identification information as that added to the acquired data is added, based on the acquired data, and identifying the identification added to the updated data by the updated data. A transmission / reception method, wherein the content corresponding to information is updated.