WO2011102079A1

WO2011102079A1 - Content delivery system, content delivery method, service mediation system, service mediation device, and storage medium

Info

Publication number: WO2011102079A1
Application number: PCT/JP2011/000302
Authority: WO
Inventors: 邦弘谷口
Original assignee: 日本電気株式会社
Priority date: 2010-02-18
Filing date: 2011-01-21
Publication date: 2011-08-25
Also published as: JP5861628B2; JPWO2011102079A1

Abstract

A content delivery system (300) is provided with a content delivery means (301) for transmitting content data to user terminals, a service control means (302) for controlling services provided by the content delivery means, a bandwidth securement command transmission means (303), which, upon receiving from a first user terminal a first content transmission request comprising information conforming to a first communication protocol and requesting the transmission of content data, transmits a content transmission command to said service control means and transmits a bandwidth securement command indicating that communication bandwidth is to be secured, and a transport control means (304) which, upon receiving a bandwidth securement command, performs bandwidth securement processing to secure communication bandwidth between said first user terminal and said content delivery means.

Description

Content distribution system, content distribution method, service arbitration system, service arbitration device, and recording medium

The present invention relates to a content distribution system that transmits content data representing content to a user terminal.

2. Description of the Related Art A content distribution system that transmits content data to a user terminal when a content transmission request that is information indicating that transmission of content data representing content is requested is received from the user terminal.

As an example of this type of content distribution system, a content distribution system 900A described in Non-Patent Document 1 includes a service control function unit (SCF; Service Control Functions) 902A and a content distribution function unit ( CDF; Content Delivery Functions (903A) and Resource Admission Control Function Unit (RACF) 904A, Resource Admission Control Functions (RACF).

The SCF 902A controls services provided by the CDF 903A. CDF903A memorize | stores content data, and transmits content data to the user terminal (UE; User Equipment) 901A which has transmitted the content transmission request. The RACF 904A performs processing for securing a communication band between the UE 901A and the CDF 903A.

The content distribution system 900A operates as follows.
First, the UE 901A transmits a content transmission request in accordance with RTSP (Real Time Streaming Protocol) to the SCF 902A. When the SCF 902A receives the content transmission request, the SCF 902A transmits to the CDF 903A a content transmission preparation request that is information indicating that a preparation for transmission of content data is requested.

Furthermore, the SCF 902A selects a communication band control device that is a transmission destination of the band securing instruction from a plurality of communication band control devices that constitute the RACF 904A. The band securing instruction is information according to DIAMETER, which is one of communication protocols, and is information for instructing to secure a communication band between the UE 901A and the CDF 903A. The SCF 902A transmits a bandwidth securing instruction to the selected communication bandwidth control device. When the RACF 904A receives a bandwidth reservation instruction, the RACF 904A performs a bandwidth reservation process to secure a communication bandwidth between the UE 901A and the CDF 903A.

Thereafter, the UE 901A transmits a content viewing start request for requesting the start of content viewing to the CDF 903A. When the CDF 903A receives a content viewing start request, the CDF 903A transmits content data to the UE 901A. At this time, the CDF 903A transmits the content data through the communication band secured by the RACF 904A. As a result, the user can view the content with relatively high quality.

This content distribution system 900A is also called a non-IMS (Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem) type content distribution system. UE 901A is also called a non-IMS (Non-IMS) type user terminal.

As an example of this type of content distribution system, the content distribution system 900B described in Patent Document 1 or Non-Patent Document 2 includes an SCF 902B, a CDF 903B, a RACF 904B, and a core IMS unit (see FIG. 2). CoreIMS; CIMS) 905B.

The CIMS 905B establishes a communication session between the user terminal (UE) 901B and the CDF 903B by exchanging information in accordance with SIP (Session Initiation Protocol).

The content distribution system 900B operates as follows.
First, UE901B transmits the content transmission request according to SIP to CIMS905B. When the CIMS 905B receives the content transmission request, the CIMS 905B transmits a content transmission instruction for instructing transmission of content data to the SCF 902B.

When the SCF 902B receives the content transmission instruction, the SCF 902B transmits to the CDF 903B a content transmission preparation request that is information indicating that preparation for transmission of content data is requested.

Further, the CIMS 905B transmits to the RACF 904B a bandwidth securing instruction that is information in accordance with DIAMETER and is information for securing the communication bandwidth between the UE 901B and the CDF 903B. When the RACF 904B receives a bandwidth reservation instruction, the RACF 904B performs a bandwidth reservation process for securing a communication bandwidth between the UE 901B and the CDF 903B.

Thereafter, the UE 901B transmits a content viewing start request to the CDF 903B. Then, when the CDF 903B receives the content viewing start request, the CDF 903B transmits the content data to the UE 901B. At this time, the CDF 903B transmits the content data through the communication band secured by the RACF 904B. As a result, the user can view the content with relatively high quality.

This content distribution system 900B is also called an IMS type content distribution system. The UE 901B is also called an IMS type user terminal.

International Publication No. 2008/091009 Pamphlet

By the way, the content distribution system is scheduled to move from the non-IMS type content distribution system to the IMS type content distribution system. In order to shift the content distribution system from the non-IMS type content distribution system to the IMS type content distribution system without replacing the SCF, it is preferable to configure the SCF to have both functions of the SCF 902A and the SCF 902B. It is believed that there is.

However, in the content distribution system configured as described above, the SCF includes a function that is not used (wasted) after the migration of the content distribution system is completed. Unnecessary functions include, for example, a function that performs processing based on information in accordance with RTSP and DIAMETER, and a communication band control device that is a transmission destination of a band securing instruction from a plurality of communication band control devices that constitute a RACF. Function, etc.

For this reason, an object of the present invention is to provide a content distribution system capable of solving the above-mentioned problem “the content distribution system cannot be transferred without waste”.

In order to achieve such an object, a content distribution system according to one aspect of the present invention includes:
Content distribution means for transmitting content data representing content to a user terminal;
Service control means for controlling services provided by the content distribution means;
A first content transmission request, which is information in accordance with the first communication protocol and represents information requesting transmission of the content data, has been received from a first user terminal that is one of the user terminals. In such a case, a content transmission instruction for instructing transmission of the content data is transmitted to the service control unit, and a bandwidth reservation for instructing to secure a communication band between the first user terminal and the content distribution unit is provided. Bandwidth securing instruction transmitting means for transmitting the instruction;
Transport control means for performing a bandwidth securing process for securing a communication bandwidth between the first user terminal and the content distribution means when receiving the bandwidth securing instruction transmitted by the bandwidth securing instruction transmitting means; ,
Is provided.

In addition, a content distribution method according to another aspect of the present invention is
Content distribution means for transmitting content data representing content to a user terminal;
Service control means for controlling services provided by the content distribution means;
Applied to a content distribution system comprising
Bandwidth securing process for securing a communication bandwidth between the user terminal and the content distribution means when receiving a bandwidth securing instruction for instructing to secure a communication bandwidth between the user terminal and the content delivery means. Transport control means for performing,
Applied to a content distribution system comprising
A first content transmission request, which is information in accordance with the first communication protocol and represents information requesting transmission of the content data, has been received from a first user terminal that is one of the user terminals. In this case, the band for transmitting the content transmission instruction for instructing transmission of the content data to the service control unit and for instructing to secure the communication band between the first user terminal and the content distribution unit In this method, a reservation instruction is transmitted to the transport control means.

Moreover, the service mediation system which is the other form of this invention is the following.
A service control device that controls a service provided by a content distribution device that transmits content data representing content to a user terminal;
Band securing process for securing a communication band between the user terminal and the content distribution device when a bandwidth securing instruction is received to instruct to secure a communication band between the user terminal and the content distribution device. A communication band control device for performing
Configured to communicate with each of the
A first content transmission request, which is information in accordance with the first communication protocol and represents information requesting transmission of the content data, has been received from a first user terminal that is one of the user terminals. In this case, the band for transmitting a content transmission instruction for instructing transmission of the content data to the service control apparatus and for instructing to secure a communication band between the first user terminal and the content distribution apparatus. Band securing instruction transmitting means for transmitting a securing instruction to the communication band control device is provided.

In addition, the service arbitration device according to another aspect of the present invention is
A service control device that controls a service provided by a content distribution device that transmits content data representing content to a user terminal;
Band securing process for securing a communication band between the user terminal and the content distribution device when a bandwidth securing instruction is received to instruct to secure a communication band between the user terminal and the content distribution device. A communication band control device for performing
Configured to communicate with each of the
A first content transmission request, which is information in accordance with the first communication protocol and represents information requesting transmission of the content data, has been received from a first user terminal that is one of the user terminals. In this case, the band for transmitting a content transmission instruction for instructing transmission of the content data to the service control apparatus and for instructing to secure a communication band between the first user terminal and the content distribution apparatus. Band securing instruction transmitting means for transmitting a securing instruction to the communication band control device is provided.

In addition, a recording medium according to another embodiment of the present invention is
A service control device that controls a service provided by a content distribution device that transmits content data representing content to a user terminal;
Band securing process for securing a communication band between the user terminal and the content distribution device when a bandwidth securing instruction is received to instruct to secure a communication band between the user terminal and the content distribution device. A communication band control device for performing
Service arbitration device configured to be able to communicate with each of the
A first content transmission request, which is information in accordance with the first communication protocol and represents information requesting transmission of the content data, has been received from a first user terminal that is one of the user terminals. In this case, the band for transmitting a content transmission instruction for instructing transmission of the content data to the service control apparatus and for instructing to secure a communication band between the first user terminal and the content distribution apparatus. A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for realizing a band securing instruction transmitting means for transmitting a securing instruction to the communication band control device.

The present invention is configured as described above, so that the content distribution system can be transferred without waste.

It is a figure showing the schematic structure of the content delivery system which concerns on background art. It is a figure showing the schematic structure of the content delivery system which concerns on background art. It is a figure showing the schematic structure of the content delivery system which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram showing the outline of the function of the content delivery system which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the sequence diagram which showed the operation | movement when the 1st content transmission request is received from the 1st user terminal of the content delivery system which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing schematic structure of the content delivery system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram showing the outline of the function of the content delivery system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is the sequence diagram which showed the operation | movement in the case of receiving the 1st content transmission request from the 1st user terminal of the content delivery system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is the sequence diagram which showed the operation | movement when the 2nd content transmission request is received from the 2nd user terminal of the content delivery system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally the communication protocol used in the content delivery system which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally the communication protocol used in the content delivery system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is the sequence diagram which showed the action | operation in the case of receiving the 1st content transmission request from the 1st user terminal of the content delivery system which concerns on the modification of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is the sequence diagram which showed the operation | movement in the case of receiving the 2nd content transmission request from the 2nd user terminal of the content delivery system which concerns on the modification of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram showing the outline of the function of the content delivery system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of a content distribution system, a content distribution method, a service arbitration system, a service arbitration device, and a recording medium according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

<First Embodiment>
(Constitution)
As shown in FIG. 3, the content distribution system 1 according to the first embodiment includes an IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) system (for example, a BC (Broadcast) system that broadcasts content, or a prerecorded broadcast content). NPVR (network personal video recorder) system that performs unicast distribution). The content distribution system 1 may be a video on demand (VoD) system other than the IPTV system.

The content distribution system 1 includes a content distribution device (content distribution means) 3, a service control device (service control means) 4, a portal server device 5, a plurality of communication bandwidth control devices 6,. Mediation means) 11 and resource mediation device (resource mediation means) 12. The service arbitration device 11 and the resource arbitration device 12 constitute a service arbitration system (band securing instruction transmission unit).

Each of the service arbitration device 11 and the resource arbitration device 12 is communicably connected to a first user terminal (UE) 2a via a user-side communication line NW1 constituting an IP (Internet Protocol) network. Has been. The service arbitration device 11, the resource arbitration device 12, the content distribution device 3, the service control device 4, and the portal server device 5 are communicably connected to each other via the service provider side communication line NW2 constituting the IP network. Has been.

The first user terminal 2a includes a set top box (not shown). The set top box is connected to a television receiver (not shown). The set-top box receives content data representing the content (in this example, a moving image consisting of audio and video) transmitted from the content distribution device 3, and converts the received content data into the television receiver. Output.

Each of the service arbitration device 11, the resource arbitration device 12, the content distribution device 3, the service control device 4, and the portal server device 5 includes a central processing unit (CPU; Central Processing Unit) and a storage device (memory and hard disk drive) (not shown). Device (HDD). Each of the

devices

3, 4, 5, 11, and 12 is configured to realize functions to be described later when the CPU executes a program stored in the storage device.

The content distribution device 3 transmits content data representing content to the first user terminal 2a. The service control device 4 controls the service provided by the content distribution device 3. The portal server device 5 is configured to exchange data with the first user terminal 2a by exchanging messages (HTTP messages) according to HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol). That is, the portal server device 5 is a web server.

In addition, each of the first user terminal 2a, the content distribution device 3, the service control device 4, the portal server device 5, the plurality of communication bandwidth control devices 6,..., The service arbitration device 11, and the resource arbitration device 12 is mutually connected. Have a different IP address.

(function)
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing functions of the content distribution system 1 configured as described above.
As shown in FIG. 4, the functions of the content distribution system 1 are an application function unit (AF) 110, a content distribution function unit (CDF) 120, and a transport layer function unit (TSF). A transport stratum functions (SSF) 130 and a service stratum functions (SSF) 140 are included.

The first user terminal 2 a transmits a content list request to the portal server device 5. The content list request is information according to HTTP and information indicating that transmission of content list information indicating a list of contents is requested. When the first user terminal 2a receives content list information, the first user terminal 2a outputs a list of contents represented by the content list information.

Also, the first user terminal 2a transmits a first content transmission request to the service arbitration device 11. The first content transmission request is information according to a first communication protocol (in this example, RTSP (Real Time Streaming Protocol)) and information indicating that transmission of content data is requested. The first content transmission request includes content identification information for identifying the content.

The application function unit 110 is a function realized by the portal server device 5. The application function unit 110 receives the content list request transmitted from the first user terminal 2a. In response to the received content list request, the application function unit 110 transmits the stored content list information to the first user terminal 2a.

The content distribution function unit 120 is a function realized by the content distribution device 3. The content distribution function unit 120 receives the content transmission preparation request from the service layer function unit 140. The content transmission preparation request is information according to the second communication protocol (in this example, SIP (Session Initiation Protocol)) and information indicating that preparation for transmission of content data is requested. The content transmission preparation request includes content identification information.

After that, when the content distribution function unit 120 receives a content viewing start request from the first user terminal 2a, the content distribution function unit 120 transmits the first user terminal via the communication band secured by the transport layer function unit 130 as described later. The content data is transmitted to 2a. The content viewing start request is information according to RTSP, and is information indicating that the start of content viewing is requested.

The transport layer function unit 130 is a function realized by a plurality of communication band control devices 6,... And a plurality of communication relay devices (not shown) (for example, switches, routers, etc.). The transport layer function unit 130 includes a resource admission control function unit (RACF; Resource Admission Control Functions) 131. The resource admission control function unit (transport control means) 131 is a function realized by a plurality of communication band control devices 6.

The resource admission control function unit 131 performs a bandwidth reservation process for reserving a communication bandwidth between the first user terminal 2a and the content distribution device 3 when receiving a bandwidth reservation instruction. The bandwidth reservation instruction is information according to DIAMETER, which is one of communication protocols, and is information for instructing to reserve a communication band between the first user terminal 2a and the content distribution apparatus 3.

The resource admission control function unit 131 performs a bandwidth securing process for securing a communication bandwidth between the first user terminal 2a and the content distribution device 3 when receiving a bandwidth securing instruction. The bandwidth securing instruction is information according to DIAMETER, which is one of the communication protocols, and is information for instructing to secure a communication bandwidth between the first user terminal 2a and the content distribution device 3. The bandwidth securing process is a process for instructing the communication relay device to execute packet priority control or the like.

The service layer function unit 140 is a function realized by the service control device 4, the service arbitration device 11, and the resource arbitration device 12. The service layer function unit 140 includes a service control function unit (SCF) 141, a service arbitration function unit 142, and a resource arbitration function unit 143. The service control function unit 141 is a function realized by the service control device 4. The service arbitration function unit 142 is a function realized by the service arbitration device 11. The resource arbitration function unit 143 is a function realized by the resource arbitration device 12.

The service control function unit 141 receives a content transmission instruction from the service arbitration function unit 142. The content transmission instruction is information according to the second communication protocol (SIP in this example), and is information for instructing transmission of content data.

The service control function unit 141 determines whether or not transmission of content data is permitted based on the received content transmission instruction and the profile information indicating the user attribute stored in the storage device. If the service control function unit 141 determines that transmission of content data is permitted, the service control function unit 141 transmits a content transmission preparation request to the content distribution device 3.

The service arbitration function unit 142 transmits a content transmission instruction to the service control device 4 when receiving the first content transmission request from the first user terminal 2a. In this case, the service arbitration function unit 142 further transmits a bandwidth securing request to the resource arbitration device 12. The bandwidth securing request is information according to the second communication protocol (SIP in this example), and indicates that a bandwidth securing request between the first user terminal 2a and the content distribution device 3 is requested. It is information to represent.

The resource arbitration function unit 143 includes, for each of the plurality of communication band control devices 6,..., Address range specifying information for specifying the IP address range, and the IP address of the communication band control devices 6. Pre-stored in association.

When the resource arbitration function unit 143 receives a bandwidth reservation request from the service arbitration function unit 142, the first user terminal 2a that has transmitted the first content transmission request from which the bandwidth reservation request is received is transmitted. Obtain the IP address you have.

Then, the resource arbitration function unit 143 transmits the communication band control device 6,... Having the IP address stored in association with the address range specifying information for specifying the range including the acquired IP address to the destination communication band control device. (In this example, the communication band control device 6) is specified. The resource arbitration function unit 143 transmits a band securing instruction to the specified communication band control device 6 of the transmission destination. According to this, the resource arbitration function unit 143 can transmit a band securing instruction to an appropriate communication band control device 6.

When the content distribution function unit 120 is realized by a plurality of content distribution devices, the content distribution function unit 120 identifies a content distribution device that can transmit content data when receiving a content transmission preparation request, and the content It is preferable to transmit information for specifying the distribution device to the device that has transmitted the content transmission preparation request.

(Operation)
Next, the operation of the content distribution system 1 described above will be described with reference to FIG.
First, the first user terminal 2a transmits a first content transmission request including user identification information input by the user to the service arbitration device 11 (step S101). The first content transmission request is transmitted as a SETUP message (message in which “SETUP” is set as a method) among RTSP messages (messages according to RTSP).

Thereby, the service arbitration device 11 receives the first content transmission request from the first user terminal 2a. Then, the service arbitration device 11 transmits a content transmission instruction to the service control device 4 (step S102). The content transmission instruction is transmitted as an INVITE message (a message in which “INVITE” is set as a method) among SIP messages (messages according to SIP).

Thereby, the service control device 4 receives the content transmission instruction from the service arbitration device 11. Next, the service control device 4 determines whether or not to permit transmission of content data based on the received content transmission instruction and the profile information representing the user attribute stored in the storage device. If the service control device 4 determines that transmission of content data is permitted, the service control device 4 transmits a content transmission preparation request to the content distribution device 3 (step S103). The content transmission preparation request is transmitted as an INVITE message among the SIP messages.

Thereby, the content distribution device 3 receives the content transmission preparation request from the service control device 4. Then, the content distribution device 3 establishes a communication session for transmitting content data to the first user terminal 2a.

Thereafter, the content distribution device 3 transmits a content transmission preparation request response to the service control device 4 (step S104). The content transmission preparation request response is information for notifying that processing according to the content transmission preparation request has been completed. The content transmission preparation request response is transmitted as an OK message (response including “200” and “OK” as status codes in the start line) in the SIP message.

Thereby, the service control device 4 receives the content transmission preparation request response from the content distribution device 3. Then, the service control device 4 transmits a content transmission instruction response to the service arbitration device 11 (step S105). The content transmission instruction response is information for notifying that the processing according to the content transmission instruction has been completed. The content transmission instruction response is transmitted as an OK message in the SIP message.

Thereby, the service arbitration device 11 receives the content transmission instruction response from the service control device 4. Next, the service arbitration device 11 transmits a bandwidth securing request to the resource arbitration device 12 (step S106). The bandwidth securing request is transmitted as an INVITE message among the SIP messages.

Thereby, the resource arbitration device 12 receives the bandwidth securing request from the service arbitration device 11. Then, the resource arbitration device 12 acquires the IP address of the first user terminal 2a that has transmitted the first content transmission request that is the basis for receiving the received bandwidth securing request.

Then, the resource arbitration device 12 sends the communication band control devices 6,... Having the IP addresses stored in association with the address range specifying information for specifying the range including the acquired IP address to the destination communication band control device ( In this example, the communication band control device 6) is specified. Next, the resource arbitrating device 12 transmits a bandwidth securing instruction to the specified transmission destination communication bandwidth control device 6 (step S107). The bandwidth securing instruction is transmitted as a DIAMETER message (message according to DIAMETER).

Thereby, the communication bandwidth control device 6 receives the bandwidth securing instruction from the resource arbitration device 12. Then, the communication bandwidth control device 6 performs a bandwidth securing process for securing a communication bandwidth between the first user terminal 2a and the content distribution device 3 (step S108).

Then, the communication bandwidth control device 6 transmits a bandwidth securing instruction response to the resource arbitration device 12 (step S109). The bandwidth securing instruction response is information for notifying that the processing according to the bandwidth securing instruction has been completed. The bandwidth securing instruction response is transmitted as a DIAMETER message.

Thereby, the resource arbitration device 12 receives the bandwidth securing instruction response from the communication bandwidth control device 6. Next, the resource arbitration device 12 transmits a bandwidth securing request response to the service arbitration device 11 (step S110). The bandwidth reservation request response is information for notifying that the processing according to the bandwidth reservation request has been completed. The bandwidth reservation request response is transmitted as an OK message of the SIP messages.

Thereby, the service arbitration device 11 receives the band securing instruction response from the resource arbitration device 12. Next, the service arbitration device 11 transmits a content transmission request response to the first user terminal 2a (step S111). The content transmission request response is information for notifying that the processing according to the content transmission request has been completed. The content transmission request response is transmitted as an OK message in the RTSP message.

In this way, a communication band between the first user terminal 2a and the content distribution device 3 is ensured, and a communication session between the first user terminal 2a and the content distribution device 3 is established.

Thereafter, the first user terminal 2 a transmits a content viewing start request to the content distribution device 3. Thereby, the content distribution device 3 transmits the content data to the first user terminal 2a via the communication band secured by the communication band control device 6.

Thereby, the first user terminal 2a receives the content data from the content distribution device 3, and outputs the content represented by the received content data to a television receiver (not shown).

As described above, according to the content distribution system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the content distribution system 1 allows the service control device 4 to follow the first communication protocol (RTSP in this example). In addition, it is configured not to include a function of transmitting a bandwidth securing instruction in response to the first content transmission request. As a result, for example, it is possible to avoid that the service control apparatus 4 includes a function that is not used (useless) when the first user terminal 2a that transmits the first content transmission request does not exist.

As described above, according to the content distribution system 1, the first user terminal 2a does not exist from the state where the first user terminal 2a that transmits the first content transmission request according to the first communication protocol exists. The content distribution system can be shifted to a state without waste.

Furthermore, in the content distribution system 1 according to the first embodiment, the resource arbitration device 12 is a part of the function of communication control means (for example, Core IMS (Core Internet Protocol Multimedia System)) that controls communication between a plurality of devices. Has the same function. Therefore, the content distribution system can be easily shifted by replacing the resource arbitration device 12 with communication control means.

In the first embodiment, the first communication protocol is RTSP, but it may be HTTP.

Moreover, in the modification of 1st Embodiment, the content delivery system 1 is provided with the server apparatus which replaces with the service mediation apparatus 11 and the resource mediation apparatus 12, and has the function of both the service mediation apparatus 11 and the resource mediation apparatus 12. May be.

In the first embodiment, the content transmission instruction transmitted from the service arbitration device 11 to the service control device 4 is transmitted as an SIP message. However, the RTSP message (that is, information according to the first communication protocol) is transmitted. May be sent as Furthermore, in this case, the content transmission preparation request transmitted from the service control device 4 to the content distribution device 3 may also be transmitted as an RTSP message (that is, information according to the first communication protocol).

Second Embodiment
Next, a content distribution system according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the content delivery system according to the second embodiment, the communication bandwidth is ensured even for the second content transmission request according to the second communication protocol with respect to the content delivery system according to the first embodiment. It is different. Accordingly, the following description will focus on such differences.

(Constitution)
The content distribution system 1 according to the second embodiment includes a communication control device (communication control means) 13 instead of the resource arbitration device 12 included in the content distribution system 1 according to the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the service arbitration device 11 and the communication control device 13 constitute a service arbitration system (band securing instruction transmission unit). The content distribution system 1 may include a plurality of communication control devices.

The communication control device 13 is configured to control communication between a plurality of devices by exchanging (receiving and transmitting) SIP messages. The communication control device 13 is also called a SIP server device. The content distribution system 1 may include a plurality of communication control devices.

Also, each of the service arbitration device 11 and the communication control device 13 is connected to be able to communicate with each of the first user terminal 2a and the second user terminal 2b via the user side communication line NW1.

(function)
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing functions of the content distribution system 1 configured as described above.

The second user terminal 2b transmits a content list request to the portal server device 5. The content list request is information according to HTTP and information indicating that transmission of content list information indicating a list of contents is requested. When the second user terminal 2b receives the content list information, the second user terminal 2b outputs a list of contents represented by the content list information.

Also, the second user terminal 2b transmits a second content transmission request to the communication control device 13. The second content transmission request is information according to the second communication protocol (SIP in this example), and is information indicating that the transmission of content data is requested. The second content transmission request includes content identification information for identifying the content.

Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the service layer function unit 140 according to the second embodiment replaces the resource arbitration function unit 143 included in the service layer function unit 140 according to the first embodiment with a core IMS (Core IP A Multimedia (CIMS) unit 144 is included.

The core IMS unit 144 is a function realized by the communication control device 13. The core IMS unit 144 has the function of the resource arbitration function unit 143. Further, the core IMS unit 144 transmits and receives information (message) according to the second communication protocol (SIP in this example), so that the communication session between the second user terminal 2b and the content distribution device 3 is performed. Establish.

That is, when the core IMS unit 144 receives the second content transmission request from the second user terminal 2b, the core IMS unit 144 identifies and identifies the communication band control device (the communication band control device 6 in this example) as the transmission destination. A bandwidth reservation instruction is transmitted to the destination communication bandwidth control device 6. Further, when the core IMS unit 144 receives a bandwidth securing request from the service arbitration device 11, the core IMS unit 144 identifies a destination communication bandwidth control device (in this example, the communication bandwidth control device 6), and identifies the identified destination communication bandwidth. A bandwidth securing instruction is transmitted to the control device 6.

(Operation)
Next, the operation of the content distribution system 1 described above will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the content distribution system 1 when the first user terminal 2a transmits the first content transmission request.
In this case, the content distribution system 1 operates in the same manner as the content distribution system 1 according to the first embodiment. That is, the content distribution system 1 according to the second embodiment is different from the content distribution system 1 according to the first embodiment only in that the communication control device 13 operates instead of the resource arbitration device 12.

FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the content distribution system 1 when the second user terminal 2b transmits the second content transmission request.
First, the second user terminal 2b transmits a second content transmission request including user identification information input by the user to the communication control device 13 (step S201). The second content transmission request is transmitted as an INVITE message among the SIP messages.

Thereby, the communication control device 13 receives the second content transmission request from the second user terminal 2b. Then, the communication control device 13 specifies a destination communication bandwidth control device (in this example, the communication bandwidth control device 6), and transmits a bandwidth reservation instruction to the specified destination communication bandwidth control device 6 (step S202). ). The bandwidth reservation instruction is transmitted as a DIAMETER message.

Thereby, the communication bandwidth control device 6 receives the bandwidth reservation instruction from the communication control device 13. Then, the communication bandwidth control device 6 performs bandwidth reservation processing for reserving the communication bandwidth between the second user terminal 2b and the content distribution device 3 (step S203).

Then, the communication band control device 6 transmits a band reservation instruction response to the communication control device 13 (step S204). The bandwidth reservation instruction response is information for notifying that the processing according to the bandwidth reservation instruction has been completed. The bandwidth reservation instruction response is transmitted as a DIAMETER message.

Thereby, the communication control device 13 receives the bandwidth reservation instruction response from the communication bandwidth control device 6. Next, the communication control device 13 transmits a content transmission request to the service arbitration device 11 (step S205). The content transmission request is transmitted as an INVITE message in the SIP message.

Thereby, the service arbitration device 11 receives the content transmission request from the communication control device 13. Then, the content distribution system 1 operates in the same manner as steps S102 to S109 shown in FIG.

Thereafter, when the communication control device 13 receives a band securing instruction response from the communication band control device 6, the communication control device 13 transmits a second content transmission request response to the second user terminal 2b. The second content transmission request response is information for notifying that the processing according to the second content transmission request has been completed. The second content transmission request response is transmitted as an OK message of the SIP messages.

In this way, a communication band between the second user terminal 2b and the content distribution device 3 is ensured, and a communication session between the second user terminal 2b and the content distribution device 3 is established.

Thereafter, the second user terminal 2b transmits a content viewing start request to the content distribution device 3. As a result, the content distribution device 3 transmits the content data to the second user terminal 2b via the communication band secured by the communication band control device 6.

Thereby, the second user terminal 2b receives the content data from the content distribution device 3, and outputs the content represented by the received content data to a television receiver (not shown).

As described above, according to the content distribution system 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, as in the first embodiment, the content control system 4 includes the first communication protocol ( In this example, it is configured not to include a function of transmitting a bandwidth securing instruction in response to the first content transmission request according to RTSP). As a result, for example, it is possible to avoid that the service control apparatus 4 includes a function that is not used (useless) when the first user terminal 2a that transmits the first content transmission request does not exist.

Furthermore, according to the content distribution system 1 according to the second embodiment, the content distribution system 1 is a case where a content transmission request is received from either the first user terminal 2a or the second user terminal 2b. In addition, the communication band between the user terminal and the content distribution device 3 can be secured. That is, the content distribution system 1 can transmit content data to each of the first user terminal 2a and the second user terminal 2b via the reserved communication band.

As described above, according to the content distribution system 1, the communication bandwidth is appropriately set for each of the first user terminal 2a and the second user terminal 2b that transmit content transmission requests according to different communication protocols. Can be secured.

In the second embodiment, the first communication protocol is RTSP, but it may be HTTP.

Here, a description will be given of changes necessary when shifting from the content distribution system 1 according to the first embodiment to the content distribution system 1 according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a communication protocol used in the content distribution system 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a communication protocol used in the content distribution system 1 according to the second embodiment.

That is, by replacing the resource arbitration function unit 143 of the content distribution system 1 according to the first embodiment with the core IMS unit 144, the content distribution system according to the second embodiment is changed from the content distribution system 1 according to the first embodiment. The content distribution system can be easily shifted to 1. At this time, there is no change in the communication protocol used between the functional units. Thus, by applying the present invention, the content distribution system can be transferred without waste.

In the second embodiment, the content transmission instruction transmitted from the service arbitration device 11 to the service control device 4 is transmitted as an SIP message, but is an RTSP message (that is, information according to the first communication protocol). May be sent as Furthermore, in this case, the content transmission preparation request transmitted from the service control device 4 to the content distribution device 3 may also be transmitted as an RTSP message (that is, information according to the first communication protocol).

Further, in the content distribution system 1 according to another modification of the second embodiment, the service arbitration device 11 transmits a content transmission preparation request to the content distribution device 3 in place of the service control device 4, as shown in FIG. To do.

Specifically, the content distribution system 1 according to this modification executes steps S207 to S209 instead of steps S103 to S105 in FIG. In other words, when receiving the content transmission instruction from the service arbitration device 11, the service control device 4 transmits a content transmission instruction response to the service arbitration device 11 (step S207). The content transmission instruction response is transmitted as an OK message in the SIP message.

Thereby, the service arbitration device 11 transmits a content transmission preparation request to the content distribution device 3 (step S208). The content transmission preparation request is transmitted as a SETUP message among RTSP messages (that is, information according to the first communication protocol).

Thereby, the content distribution apparatus 3 transmits a content transmission preparation request response to the service arbitration apparatus 11 (step S209). The content transmission preparation request response is transmitted as an OK message among the RTSP messages.
Also according to this modification, the same operations and effects as those of the second embodiment can be achieved.

Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the content distribution system 1 according to another modification of the second embodiment receives the second content transmission request from the second user terminal 2b, and the service arbitration device 11 The communication band is secured without going through.

Specifically, the content distribution system 1 according to this modification executes Steps S210 to S213 instead of Steps S205 to S106 in FIG. 9, and Step S214 instead of Step S206 in FIG. Execute.

That is, when receiving the band reservation instruction response from the communication band control apparatus 6, the communication control apparatus 13 transmits a content transmission instruction to the service control apparatus 4 (step S210). The content transmission instruction response is transmitted as an INVITE message in the SIP message.

Thereby, the service control device 4 receives the content transmission instruction from the communication control device 13. Then, the service control device 4 transmits a content transmission preparation request to the content distribution device 3 (step S211). The content transmission preparation request is transmitted as an INVITE message among the SIP messages.

Thereby, the content distribution device 3 transmits a content transmission preparation request response to the service control device 4 (step S212). The content transmission preparation request response is transmitted as an OK message of the SIP messages.

Thereby, the service control device 4 receives the content transmission preparation request response from the content distribution device 3. Next, the service control device 4 transmits a bandwidth securing request to the communication control device 13 (step S213). The bandwidth securing request is transmitted as an INVITE message among the SIP messages.

The content distribution system 1 operates in the same manner as Steps S107 to S109 shown in FIG. 9 (FIG. 8).

After that, when receiving the bandwidth securing instruction response from the communication bandwidth control device 6, the communication control device 13 transmits a second content transmission request response to the second user terminal 2b (step S214). The second content transmission request response is transmitted as an OK message of the SIP messages.
Also according to this modification, the same operations and effects as those of the second embodiment can be achieved.

<Third Embodiment>
Next, a content distribution system according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
A content distribution system 300 according to the third embodiment includes:
A content distribution unit (content distribution unit) 301 that transmits content data representing content to a user terminal;
A service control unit (service control unit) 302 that controls a service provided by the content distribution unit;
A first content transmission request, which is information in accordance with the first communication protocol and represents information requesting transmission of the content data, has been received from a first user terminal that is one of the user terminals. In such a case, a content transmission instruction for instructing transmission of the content data is transmitted to the service control unit, and a bandwidth reservation for instructing to secure a communication band between the first user terminal and the content distribution unit is provided. A band securing instruction transmitting unit (band securing instruction transmitting unit) 303 for transmitting an instruction;
A transport control unit that performs a bandwidth securing process for securing a communication bandwidth between the first user terminal and the content distribution unit when the bandwidth securing instruction transmitted by the bandwidth securing instruction transmitting unit is received ( Transport control means) 304;
Is provided.

According to this, the content distribution system 300 is configured such that the service control unit 302 does not include a function of transmitting a bandwidth securing instruction in response to the first content transmission request according to the first communication protocol. As a result, for example, it is possible to avoid that the service control unit includes a function that is not used (useless) when the first user terminal that transmits the first content transmission request does not exist.

As described above, according to the content distribution system 300, since the first user terminal that transmits the first content transmission request according to the first communication protocol exists, the first user terminal does not exist. The content distribution system can be shifted to a state without waste.

As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated with reference to the said embodiment, this invention is not limited to embodiment mentioned above. Various changes that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present invention within the scope of the present invention.

Further, the modified example of the above embodiment may include a server device having functions of both the content distribution device 3 and the service control device 4 instead of the content distribution device 3 and the service control device 4.

In the above-described embodiment, the

user terminals

2a and 2b are set-top boxes. It may be a personal computer or the like.
Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the content was a moving image, only a video | video or only an audio | voice may be sufficient.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, the constituent elements of the content distribution system 1 are expressed as constituent elements that constitute IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem), but are expressed as constituent elements that constitute MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service). It may be.

In the above embodiment, each function of the content distribution system is realized by the CPU executing the program (software), but may be realized by hardware such as a circuit.

In the above embodiment, the program is stored in the storage device, but may be stored in a computer-readable recording medium. For example, the recording medium is a portable medium such as a flexible disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, and a semiconductor memory.

Further, as another modified example of the above-described embodiment, any combination of the above-described embodiments and modified examples may be employed.

<Appendix>
A part or all of the above embodiment can be described as the following supplementary notes, but is not limited thereto.

(Appendix 1)
Content distribution means for transmitting content data representing content to a user terminal;
Service control means for controlling a service provided by the content distribution means;
A first content transmission request that is information in accordance with a first communication protocol and that indicates that transmission of the content data is requested is received from a first user terminal that is one of the user terminals. In this case, a bandwidth securing instruction is transmitted to the service control means to instruct to secure the communication bandwidth between the first user terminal and the content distributing means while transmitting a content transmission instruction for instructing transmission of the content data. Bandwidth securing instruction transmitting means for transmitting the instruction;
Transport control means for performing a bandwidth securing process for securing a communication bandwidth between the first user terminal and the content distribution means when receiving the bandwidth securing instruction transmitted by the bandwidth securing instruction transmitting means; ,
A content distribution system comprising:

According to this, the content distribution system is configured such that the service control means does not include a function of transmitting a bandwidth securing instruction in response to the first content transmission request according to the first communication protocol. As a result, for example, it is possible to avoid that the service control unit includes a function that is not used (useless) when the first user terminal that transmits the first content transmission request does not exist.

Thus, according to the content distribution system, a state in which the first user terminal does not exist from a state in which the first user terminal that transmits the first content transmission request according to the first communication protocol exists. Therefore, the content distribution system can be migrated without waste.

(Appendix 2)
The content distribution system according to attachment 1, wherein
The content distribution system in which the first communication protocol is RTSP (Real Time Streaming Protocol) or HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol).

(Appendix 3)
The content distribution system according to appendix 1 or appendix 2,
The band securing instruction transmission means is one of the user terminals that is a second content transmission request that is information in accordance with a second communication protocol and represents information that requests transmission of the content data. A band that, when received from the second user terminal, transmits the content transmission instruction to the service control unit and instructs to secure a communication band between the second user terminal and the content distribution unit. A content distribution system configured to transmit a reservation instruction to the transport control means.

When the content distribution system shifts, the content distribution system goes from the first state where only the first user terminal exists to the second state where both the first user terminal and the second user terminal exist. Thus, it is assumed that a transition is made to the third state in which only the second user terminal exists.

In other words, in the second state, the content distribution system receives the first content transmission request according to the first communication protocol from the first user terminal and also receives the second communication protocol from the second user terminal. The second content transmission request according to the above is received. However, none of the above-described content distribution systems can appropriately process content transmission requests from both the first user terminal and the second user terminal.

On the other hand, according to the above-described configuration, the content distribution system can be used between the user terminal and the content distribution unit regardless of whether the content transmission request is received from either the first user terminal or the second user terminal. Communication bandwidth can be secured. That is, the content distribution system can transmit content data to each of the first user terminal and the second user terminal via the secured communication band.

As described above, according to the content distribution system, it is possible to appropriately secure a communication band for each of the first user terminal and the second user terminal that transmit content transmission requests according to different communication protocols. Can do.

(Appendix 4)
The content distribution system according to attachment 3, wherein
The band securing instruction transmission means includes
When the first content transmission request is received from the first user terminal, the content transmission instruction is transmitted to the service control unit, and the information is in accordance with the second communication protocol and the first Service arbitration means for transmitting a bandwidth securing request that is information indicating that the communication bandwidth between the user terminal and the content distribution means is requested.
When the bandwidth reservation request transmitted by the service arbitration unit is received, the bandwidth reservation instruction is transmitted to the transport control unit, and information according to the second communication protocol is exchanged Communication control means configured to establish a communication session between the second user terminal and the content distribution means,
Content distribution system including

(Appendix 5)
The content distribution system according to Supplementary Note 3 or Supplementary Note 4, wherein
When the first content transmission request is received from the first user terminal, the bandwidth securing instruction transmission unit transmits the content transmission instruction according to the second communication protocol to the service control unit. Content distribution system configured as described above.

(Appendix 6)
The content distribution system according to any one of Appendix 3 to Appendix 5,
When the first content transmission request is received from the first user terminal, the bandwidth securing instruction transmission unit is information according to the first communication protocol and the content data when the first content transmission request is received from the first user terminal. A content distribution system configured to transmit a content transmission preparation request, which is information indicating that a preparation for transmission is requested.

(Appendix 7)
The content distribution system according to attachment 5, wherein
The service control means is information according to the second communication protocol and indicating that the preparation for transmission of the content data is requested to the content distribution means when the content transmission instruction is received. A content distribution system configured to transmit a content transmission preparation request.

(Appendix 8)
The content distribution system according to Supplementary Note 3 or Supplementary Note 4, wherein
When the first content transmission request is received from the first user terminal, the bandwidth securing instruction transmission unit transmits the content transmission instruction according to the first communication protocol to the service control unit. Content distribution system configured as described above.

(Appendix 9)
The content distribution system according to attachment 8, wherein
The service control means is information that is information according to the first communication protocol and requests to prepare for transmission of the content data to the content distribution means when the content transmission instruction is received. A content distribution system configured to transmit a content transmission preparation request.

(Appendix 10)
The content distribution system according to appendix 1 or appendix 2,
The band securing instruction transmission means includes
When the first content transmission request is received from the first user terminal, the content transmission instruction is transmitted to the service control means, and the information is in accordance with the second communication protocol and the first Service arbitration means for transmitting a bandwidth securing request, which is information indicating that the communication bandwidth between the user terminal and the content distribution means is requested,
Resource arbitration means for transmitting the bandwidth reservation instruction to the transport control means when receiving the bandwidth reservation request transmitted by the service arbitration means;
Content distribution system including

According to this, the resource arbitration unit has the same function as a part of the function of the communication control unit (for example, Core IMS (Core Internet Protocol Multimedia System)) that controls communication between a plurality of devices. Therefore, the content distribution system can be easily shifted by replacing the resource arbitration unit with the communication control unit.

(Appendix 11)
The content distribution system according to attachment 10, wherein
The transport control means includes a plurality of communication band control devices having IP (Internet Protocol) addresses,
The resource arbitration means includes
An address range specifying information for specifying a range of IP addresses and an IP address of the communication band control device are stored in association with each other,
Stored in association with the address range specifying information for specifying the range including the IP address of the first user terminal that has transmitted the first content transmission request from which the bandwidth securing request is received. A content distribution system configured to transmit the bandwidth securing instruction to the communication bandwidth control device having a predetermined IP address.

According to this, the resource arbitration means can transmit a bandwidth securing instruction to an appropriate communication bandwidth control device.

(Appendix 12)
The content distribution system according to any one of appendix 3 to appendix 11,
The content distribution system in which the second communication protocol is SIP (Session Initiation Protocol).

(Appendix 13)
Content distribution means for transmitting content data representing content to a user terminal;
Service control means for controlling a service provided by the content distribution means;
Applied to a content distribution system comprising
Band securing processing for securing a communication band between the user terminal and the content distribution unit when receiving a band securing instruction for instructing to secure a communication band between the user terminal and the content distribution unit Transport control means for performing,
Applied to a content distribution system comprising
A first content transmission request that is information in accordance with a first communication protocol and that indicates that transmission of the content data is requested is received from a first user terminal that is one of the user terminals. In this case, the band for transmitting a content transmission instruction for instructing transmission of the content data to the service control unit and for instructing to secure a communication band between the first user terminal and the content distribution unit A content distribution method for transmitting a reservation instruction to the transport control means.

(Appendix 14)
The content distribution method according to attachment 13, wherein
The content delivery method in which the first communication protocol is RTSP (Real Time Streaming Protocol) or HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol).

(Appendix 15)
The content delivery method according to Supplementary Note 13 or Supplementary Note 14,
A second content transmission request is received from a second user terminal, which is one of the user terminals, which is information according to a second communication protocol and indicating that the transmission of the content data is requested. In this case, the transport control means transmits a content transmission instruction to the service control means and instructs the transport control means to instruct to secure a communication band between the second user terminal and the content distribution means. Content delivery method to send to.

(Appendix 16)
The content delivery method according to Supplementary Note 13 or Supplementary Note 14,
When the first content transmission request is received from the first user terminal, the content transmission instruction is transmitted to the service control means, and the information is in accordance with the second communication protocol and the first Transmitting a bandwidth securing request, which is information indicating that a communication bandwidth securing request between the user terminal and the content distribution means is requested,
A content delivery method for transmitting the bandwidth securing instruction to the transport control means when receiving the bandwidth securing request.

(Appendix 17)
A service control device that controls a service provided by a content distribution device that transmits content data representing content to a user terminal;
Bandwidth securing processing for securing a communication bandwidth between the user terminal and the content distribution device when a bandwidth securing instruction for instructing to secure a communication bandwidth between the user terminal and the content distribution device is received A communication band control device for performing
Configured to communicate with each of the
A first content transmission request that is information in accordance with a first communication protocol and that indicates that transmission of the content data is requested is received from a first user terminal that is one of the user terminals. In this case, the band that transmits a content transmission instruction that instructs transmission of the content data to the service control apparatus and that instructs to secure a communication band between the first user terminal and the content distribution apparatus A service arbitration system comprising band securing instruction transmission means for transmitting a securing instruction to the communication band control device.

(Appendix 18)
The service arbitration system according to appendix 17,
A service arbitration system in which the first communication protocol is RTSP (Real Time Streaming Protocol) or HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol).

(Appendix 19)
The service arbitration system according to appendix 17 or appendix 18, wherein
The band securing instruction transmission means is one of the user terminals that is a second content transmission request that is information in accordance with a second communication protocol and represents information that requests transmission of the content data. A band that, when received from a second user terminal, transmits the content transmission instruction to the service control apparatus and instructs to secure a communication band between the second user terminal and the content distribution apparatus. A service arbitration system configured to transmit a reservation instruction to the communication band control device.

(Appendix 20)
The service arbitration system according to appendix 17 or appendix 18, wherein
The band securing instruction transmission means includes
When the first content transmission request is received from the first user terminal, the content transmission instruction is transmitted to the service control apparatus, and the information is in accordance with the second communication protocol and the first Service arbitration means for transmitting a bandwidth securing request that is information indicating that a communication bandwidth securing request between the user terminal and the content distribution device is requested;
Resource arbitration means for transmitting the bandwidth reservation instruction to the communication bandwidth control device when the bandwidth reservation request transmitted by the service arbitration means is received;
Service arbitration system including.

(Appendix 21)
A service control device that controls a service provided by a content distribution device that transmits content data representing content to a user terminal;
Bandwidth securing processing for securing a communication bandwidth between the user terminal and the content distribution device when a bandwidth securing instruction for instructing to secure a communication bandwidth between the user terminal and the content distribution device is received A communication band control device for performing
Configured to communicate with each of the
A first content transmission request that is information in accordance with a first communication protocol and that indicates that transmission of the content data is requested is received from a first user terminal that is one of the user terminals. In this case, the band that transmits a content transmission instruction that instructs transmission of the content data to the service control apparatus and that instructs to secure a communication band between the first user terminal and the content distribution apparatus A service arbitration device comprising bandwidth reservation instruction transmission means for transmitting a reservation instruction to the communication bandwidth control device.

(Appendix 22)
The service arbitration device according to attachment 21, wherein
The first communication protocol is a service arbitration device that is RTSP (Real Time Streaming Protocol) or HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol).

(Appendix 23)
The service arbitration device according to appendix 21 or appendix 22,
The band securing instruction transmission means is one of the user terminals that is a second content transmission request that is information in accordance with a second communication protocol and represents information that requests transmission of the content data. A band that, when received from a second user terminal, transmits the content transmission instruction to the service control apparatus and instructs to secure a communication band between the second user terminal and the content distribution apparatus. A service arbitration device configured to transmit a reservation instruction to the communication band control device.

(Appendix 24)
The service arbitration device according to appendix 21 or appendix 22,
The band securing instruction transmission means includes
When the first content transmission request is received from the first user terminal, the content transmission instruction is transmitted to the service control apparatus, and the information is in accordance with the second communication protocol and the first A service arbitration device including a service arbitration unit that transmits a bandwidth securing request, which is information indicating a request for securing a communication bandwidth between a user terminal and the content distribution device.

(Appendix 25)
A service control device that controls a service provided by a content distribution device that transmits content data representing content to a user terminal;
Bandwidth securing processing for securing a communication bandwidth between the user terminal and the content distribution device when a bandwidth securing instruction for instructing to secure a communication bandwidth between the user terminal and the content distribution device is received A communication band control device for performing
Service arbitration device configured to be able to communicate with each of the
A first content transmission request that is information in accordance with a first communication protocol and that indicates that transmission of the content data is requested is received from a first user terminal that is one of the user terminals. In this case, the band that transmits a content transmission instruction that instructs transmission of the content data to the service control apparatus and that instructs to secure a communication band between the first user terminal and the content distribution apparatus A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for realizing a band securing instruction transmitting means for transmitting a securing instruction to the communication band control device.

(Appendix 26)
The recording medium according to attachment 25, wherein
The first communication protocol is a recording medium which is RTSP (Real Time Streaming Protocol) or HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol).

(Appendix 27)
The recording medium according to appendix 25 or appendix 26,
The band securing instruction transmission means is one of the user terminals that is a second content transmission request that is information in accordance with a second communication protocol and represents information that requests transmission of the content data. A band that, when received from a second user terminal, transmits the content transmission instruction to the service control apparatus and instructs to secure a communication band between the second user terminal and the content distribution apparatus. A recording medium configured to transmit a reservation instruction to the communication band control device.

(Appendix 28)
The recording medium according to appendix 25 or appendix 26,
The band securing instruction transmission means includes
When the first content transmission request is received from the first user terminal, the content transmission instruction is transmitted to the service control apparatus, and the information is in accordance with the second communication protocol and the first A recording medium including service arbitration means for transmitting a bandwidth reservation request, which is information indicating that a communication bandwidth reservation between a user terminal and the content distribution apparatus is requested.

The present invention enjoys the benefit of the priority claim based on the patent application of Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-033094 filed on February 18, 2010 in Japan, and was disclosed in the patent application. The entire contents are intended to be included herein.

The present invention is applicable to a video-on-demand system that distributes content via an IP network, an IPTV system that performs television broadcasting via an IP network, and the like.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Content delivery system 2a 1st user terminal 2b 2nd user terminal 3 Content delivery apparatus 4 Service control apparatus 5 Portal server apparatus 6, ... Communication band control apparatus 11 Service arbitration apparatus 12 Resource arbitration apparatus 13 Communication control apparatus 110 Application function Unit 120 content distribution function unit 130 transport layer function unit 131 resource admission control function unit 140 service layer function unit 141 service control function unit 142 service arbitration function unit 143 resource arbitration function unit 144 core IMS unit 300 content distribution system 301 content distribution Unit 302 service control unit 303 bandwidth securing instruction transmission unit 304 transport control unit 900A content distribution system 901A UE
902A SCF
903A CDF
904A RACF
900B content distribution system 901B UE
902B SCF
903B CDF
904B RACF
905B CIMS
NW1 User side communication line NW2 Service provider side communication line

Claims

Content distribution means for transmitting content data representing content to a user terminal;
Service control means for controlling a service provided by the content distribution means;
A first content transmission request that is information in accordance with a first communication protocol and that indicates that transmission of the content data is requested is received from a first user terminal that is one of the user terminals. In this case, a bandwidth securing instruction is transmitted to the service control means to instruct to secure the communication bandwidth between the first user terminal and the content distributing means while transmitting a content transmission instruction for instructing transmission of the content data. Bandwidth securing instruction transmitting means for transmitting the instruction;
Transport control means for performing a bandwidth securing process for securing a communication bandwidth between the first user terminal and the content distribution means when receiving the bandwidth securing instruction transmitted by the bandwidth securing instruction transmitting means; ,
A content distribution system comprising:
The content distribution system according to claim 1,
The content distribution system in which the first communication protocol is RTSP (Real Time Streaming Protocol) or HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol).
The content distribution system according to claim 1 or 2,
The band securing instruction transmission means is one of the user terminals that is a second content transmission request that is information in accordance with a second communication protocol and represents information that requests transmission of the content data. A band that, when received from the second user terminal, transmits the content transmission instruction to the service control unit and instructs to secure a communication band between the second user terminal and the content distribution unit. A content distribution system configured to transmit a reservation instruction to the transport control means.
The content distribution system according to claim 3,
The band securing instruction transmission means includes
When the first content transmission request is received from the first user terminal, the content transmission instruction is transmitted to the service control unit, and the information is in accordance with the second communication protocol and the first Service arbitration means for transmitting a bandwidth securing request that is information indicating that the communication bandwidth between the user terminal and the content distribution means is requested.
When the bandwidth reservation request transmitted by the service arbitration unit is received, the bandwidth reservation instruction is transmitted to the transport control unit, and information according to the second communication protocol is exchanged Communication control means configured to establish a communication session between the second user terminal and the content distribution means,
Content distribution system including
The content distribution system according to claim 1 or 2,
The band securing instruction transmission means includes
When the first content transmission request is received from the first user terminal, the content transmission instruction is transmitted to the service control means, and the information is in accordance with the second communication protocol and the first Service arbitration means for transmitting a bandwidth securing request, which is information indicating that the communication bandwidth between the user terminal and the content distribution means is requested,
Resource arbitration means for transmitting the bandwidth reservation instruction to the transport control means when receiving the bandwidth reservation request transmitted by the service arbitration means;
Content distribution system including
The content distribution system according to claim 5,
The transport control means includes a plurality of communication band control devices having IP (Internet Protocol) addresses,
The resource arbitration means includes
An address range specifying information for specifying a range of IP addresses and an IP address of the communication band control device are stored in association with each other,
Stored in association with the address range specifying information for specifying the range including the IP address of the first user terminal that has transmitted the first content transmission request from which the bandwidth securing request is received. A content distribution system configured to transmit the bandwidth securing instruction to the communication bandwidth control device having a predetermined IP address.
Content distribution means for transmitting content data representing content to a user terminal;
Service control means for controlling a service provided by the content distribution means;
Applied to a content distribution system comprising
Band securing processing for securing a communication band between the user terminal and the content distribution unit when receiving a band securing instruction for instructing to secure a communication band between the user terminal and the content distribution unit Transport control means for performing,
Applied to a content distribution system comprising
A first content transmission request that is information in accordance with a first communication protocol and that indicates that transmission of the content data is requested is received from a first user terminal that is one of the user terminals. In this case, the band for transmitting a content transmission instruction for instructing transmission of the content data to the service control unit and for instructing to secure a communication band between the first user terminal and the content distribution unit A content distribution method for transmitting a reservation instruction to the transport control means.
A service control device that controls a service provided by a content distribution device that transmits content data representing content to a user terminal;
Bandwidth securing processing for securing a communication bandwidth between the user terminal and the content distribution device when a bandwidth securing instruction for instructing to secure a communication bandwidth between the user terminal and the content distribution device is received A communication band control device for performing
Configured to communicate with each of the
A first content transmission request that is information in accordance with a first communication protocol and that indicates that transmission of the content data is requested is received from a first user terminal that is one of the user terminals. In this case, the band that transmits a content transmission instruction that instructs transmission of the content data to the service control apparatus and that instructs to secure a communication band between the first user terminal and the content distribution apparatus A service arbitration system comprising band securing instruction transmission means for transmitting a securing instruction to the communication band control device.
A service control device that controls a service provided by a content distribution device that transmits content data representing content to a user terminal;
Bandwidth securing processing for securing a communication bandwidth between the user terminal and the content distribution device when a bandwidth securing instruction for instructing to secure a communication bandwidth between the user terminal and the content distribution device is received A communication band control device for performing
Configured to communicate with each of the
A first content transmission request that is information in accordance with a first communication protocol and that indicates that transmission of the content data is requested is received from a first user terminal that is one of the user terminals. In this case, the band that transmits a content transmission instruction that instructs transmission of the content data to the service control apparatus and that instructs to secure a communication band between the first user terminal and the content distribution apparatus A service arbitration device comprising bandwidth reservation instruction transmission means for transmitting a reservation instruction to the communication bandwidth control device.
A service control device that controls a service provided by a content distribution device that transmits content data representing content to a user terminal;
Bandwidth securing processing for securing a communication bandwidth between the user terminal and the content distribution device when a bandwidth securing instruction for instructing to secure a communication bandwidth between the user terminal and the content distribution device is received A communication band control device for performing
Service arbitration device configured to be able to communicate with each of the
A first content transmission request that is information in accordance with a first communication protocol and that indicates that transmission of the content data is requested is received from a first user terminal that is one of the user terminals. In this case, the band that transmits a content transmission instruction that instructs transmission of the content data to the service control apparatus and that instructs to secure a communication band between the first user terminal and the content distribution apparatus A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for realizing a band securing instruction transmitting means for transmitting a securing instruction to the communication band control device.