WO2017175482A1 - Distribution system, mid-roll server, terminal device, advertisement triggering device, and information processing method - Google Patents

Distribution system, mid-roll server, terminal device, advertisement triggering device, and information processing method Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2017175482A1
WO2017175482A1 PCT/JP2017/005174 JP2017005174W WO2017175482A1 WO 2017175482 A1 WO2017175482 A1 WO 2017175482A1 JP 2017005174 W JP2017005174 W JP 2017005174W WO 2017175482 A1 WO2017175482 A1 WO 2017175482A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
timing information
unit
instruction
distribution
terminal
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2017/005174
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
倫久 赤藤
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朝日放送株式会社
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Publication of WO2017175482A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017175482A1/en

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F13/00—Interconnection of, or transfer of information or other signals between, memories, input/output devices or central processing units
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00—Commerce
    • G06Q30/02—Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/20—Servers specifically adapted for the distribution of content, e.g. VOD servers; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/25—Management operations performed by the server for facilitating the content distribution or administrating data related to end-users or client devices, e.g. end-user or client device authentication, learning user preferences for recommending movies
    • H04N21/262—Content or additional data distribution scheduling, e.g. sending additional data at off-peak times, updating software modules, calculating the carousel transmission frequency, delaying a video stream transmission, generating play-lists
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/45—Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies, resolving scheduling conflicts
    • H04N21/458—Scheduling content for creating a personalised stream, e.g. by combining a locally stored advertisement with an incoming stream; Updating operations, e.g. for OS modules ; time-related management operations
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/60—Network structure or processes for video distribution between server and client or between remote clients; Control signalling between clients, server and network components; Transmission of management data between server and client, e.g. sending from server to client commands for recording incoming content stream; Communication details between server and client 
    • H04N21/65—Transmission of management data between client and server
    • H04N21/654—Transmission by server directed to the client
    • H04N21/6543—Transmission by server directed to the client for forcing some client operations, e.g. recording
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N5/00—Details of television systems
    • H04N5/76—Television signal recording
    • H04N5/765—Interface circuits between an apparatus for recording and another apparatus

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a distribution system for distributing a live program.
  • pre-roll CMs that are inserted before the main video starts
  • mid-roll CMs that are inserted during video viewing
  • post-roll CMs that are inserted when the main video ends
  • Such a system is a video distribution / playback control system including a user's personal computer, a management program distribution server, a program distribution server, and an advertisement distribution server, and the personal computer transmits a video program file transmitted from the program distribution server.
  • the distribution system of the first invention is a distribution system comprising a distribution server for distributing a live program and a mid-roll server for transmitting timing information for determining the insertion timing of a mid-roll advertisement to a terminal device.
  • a distribution instruction receiving unit that receives a live program
  • a distribution instruction receiving unit that receives a distribution instruction that is a program distribution instruction from one or more terminal devices, and a terminal device that has transmitted the distribution instruction.
  • a program distribution unit that distributes a live program, and the mid-roll server stores a timing information storage unit that stores timing information for determining a mid-roll advertisement insertion timing, and timing information for determining a mid-roll advertisement insertion timing
  • the timing information receiving unit that accumulates in the timing information storage unit and the live program.
  • a transmission instruction receiving unit that receives a transmission instruction of timing information from a terminal device that performs transmission, and a timing information transmission unit that transmits timing information of a timing information storage unit to the terminal device that has transmitted the transmission instruction.
  • a terminal reception unit that receives a distribution instruction, a terminal transmission unit that transmits a distribution instruction to the distribution server and a transmission instruction of timing information to the mid-roll server, and a live program from the distribution server in response to the transmission of the distribution instruction
  • a terminal receiving unit that receives timing information from the mid-roll server in response to transmission of a transmission instruction, and a timing according to the timing information that the terminal receiving unit outputs a live program received and the terminal receiving unit receives And a terminal output unit that outputs a mid-roll advertisement.
  • the distribution system of the second invention is a distribution system further comprising an advertisement igniter as compared to the first invention, wherein the advertisement igniter is synchronized with the encoder of the live program.
  • the timing unit using the time information, the time instruction acquiring unit that acquires the time information when the insertion instruction is accepted, and the time information when the insertion instruction is accepted according to the insertion instruction.
  • It is a distribution system including a timing information configuration unit that configures information and an advertisement timing information transmission unit that transmits timing information configured by the timing information configuration unit to a mid-roll server.
  • the timing information has timing information for each channel indicating the timing of two or more channels, and the terminal output unit outputs the timing information for the first or second invention. It is a distribution system that outputs a mid-roll advertisement at a timing according to channel-by-channel timing information corresponding to a live program.
  • the plurality of channels are not different channels in which completely different contents are usually flowing, but, for example, indicate contents by a multi-camera in a stadium at a sports event. Since the encoding and distribution preparation in each channel are not completed at the same time, the start time of each encoding is different, and it is necessary to appropriately match each.
  • the clock unit advances a plurality of pieces of time information synchronized with the plurality of encoders, and the time information acquisition unit provides an insertion instruction. Accordingly, a plurality of time information when an insertion instruction is accepted is acquired, and the timing information configuration unit is a distribution system that configures timing information having a plurality of timing information using the plurality of time information.
  • the transmission instruction receiving unit issues a transmission instruction of timing information at an interval less than a predetermined predicted delay time. It is the delivery system received from a terminal device.
  • the terminal output unit uses the DVR mechanism to output a live program received by the terminal reception unit. System.
  • the distribution system according to the seventh aspect of the invention is a distribution system in which the terminal output unit cannot rewind and reproduce the live program as compared with the sixth aspect.
  • the distribution system according to the present invention can appropriately output a mid-roll advertisement in the middle of a program when distributing the program live.
  • a distribution system having a distribution server and a mid-roll server for distributing a live program, accepting advertisement insertion timing information in live distribution of a program, receiving an inquiry from a terminal device, and advertising
  • a distribution system including a mid-roll server that transmits insertion timing information to a terminal device will be described.
  • the terminal device outputs an advertisement according to the timing information.
  • the advertisement firing device is a device that accepts input of advertisement insertion timing information and transmits it to the mid-roll server.
  • the advertisement insertion timing information preferably includes timing information of a plurality of channels.
  • the timing of the inquiry from the terminal device is less than a predetermined predicted delay time.
  • the terminal device it is preferable to play the program by the DVR mechanism.
  • the terminal device cannot rewind the live program.
  • a live program is also a case where a slight delay (for example, 20 seconds, 40 seconds, etc.) occurs in real time video due to the characteristics of the distribution technology when it is output from the terminal device.
  • FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a distribution system 1 in the present embodiment.
  • the distribution system 1 includes one or more cameras C (C1, C2,..., CN), one or more encoders E (E1, E2,..., EN), a distribution server 11, and a mid-roll server. 12, one or two or more terminal devices 13, an advertisement ignition device 14, and an advertisement distribution device 15.
  • the camera C takes a picture and acquires a moving image.
  • the encoder E constitutes a program that can encode and distribute a moving picture taken by the camera C.
  • the distribution server 11 distributes the program.
  • the mid-roll server 12 is a device that transmits timing information for determining the insertion timing of the mid-roll advertisement to the terminal device 13.
  • the terminal device 13 outputs a program and a mid-roll advertisement.
  • the terminal device 13 is, for example, a so-called smartphone, mobile phone, mobile terminal, personal computer, notebook computer, tablet terminal, or the like, and the type thereof is not limited.
  • the advertisement ignition device 14 is a device that transmits timing information to the mid-roll server 12.
  • the advertisement distribution device 15 is a device that distributes advertisements.
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the distribution system 1 in the present embodiment.
  • the distribution system 1 includes a distribution server 11, a mid-roll server 12, a terminal device 13, an advertisement firing device 14, and an advertisement distribution device 15.
  • the distribution server 11 includes a program receiving unit 111, a distribution instruction receiving unit 112, and a program distribution unit 113.
  • the mid-roll server 12 includes a timing information storage unit 121, a timing information reception unit 122, a transmission instruction reception unit 123, and a timing information transmission unit 124.
  • the terminal device 13 includes a terminal storage unit 130, a terminal reception unit 131, a terminal transmission unit 132, a terminal reception unit 133, and a terminal output unit 134.
  • the advertisement ignition device 14 includes a clock unit 141, an insertion instruction reception unit 142, a time information acquisition unit 143, a timing information configuration unit 144, and an advertisement timing information transmission unit 145.
  • the advertisement distribution device 15 includes an advertisement storage unit 151, an instruction reception unit 152, and an advertisement distribution unit 153.
  • the program receiving unit 111 constituting the distribution server 11 receives one or more live programs.
  • the reception is usually reception.
  • Reception is usually reception from encoder E.
  • the live program is associated with a channel identifier for identifying a channel, for example.
  • the program receiving unit 111 receives, for example, one or more live programs paired with a channel identifier.
  • reception is a concept including reception of information input from an input device such as a keyboard, mouse, or touch panel, reception of information read from a recording medium such as an optical disk, a magnetic disk, or a semiconductor memory.
  • the distribution method of the program of the distribution server 11 may be anything.
  • the distribution instruction receiving unit 112 receives a distribution instruction from one or more terminal devices 13.
  • the distribution instruction is an instruction for program distribution.
  • the distribution instruction includes, for example, a channel identifier that identifies a channel.
  • the distribution instruction receiving unit 112 may receive a distribution stop instruction from one or more terminal devices 13.
  • the distribution stop instruction is an instruction to stop the distribution of the program.
  • the distribution stop instruction has, for example, a channel identifier.
  • the program distribution unit 113 distributes a live program corresponding to the distribution instruction to the terminal device 13 that has transmitted the distribution instruction. For example, the program distribution unit 113 distributes a live program corresponding to the channel identifier included in the distribution instruction to the terminal device 13.
  • Timing information is stored in the timing information storage unit 121 constituting the mid-roll server 12.
  • the timing information is information indicating the insertion timing of the mid-roll advertisement.
  • the timing information preferably includes information for each channel indicating the timing of two or more channels.
  • two or more pieces of timing information paired with channel identifiers may be stored.
  • the timing information paired with the channel identifier is appropriately referred to as channel-specific timing information.
  • the structure of timing information does not matter.
  • the timing information is, for example, “ ⁇ channel identifier> 1 ⁇ timing> XX: YY: ZZ”, “ ⁇ timing> XX: YY: ZZ”, “1, XX: YY: ZZ”, and the like.
  • XX: YY: ZZ is information indicating time.
  • the timing information may be information indicating absolute time, information indicating an offset from the first field of the program (information indicating relative time), or the like.
  • the information indicating the offset is, for example, an offset time, the number of fields from the first field, and the like.
  • the timing information may be, for example, information having two or more of the above-described examples (for example, “ ⁇ channel identifier> 1 ⁇ timing> XX: YY: ZZ”).
  • the timing information receiving unit 122 receives timing information for determining the insertion timing of the mid-roll advertisement and accumulates it in the timing information storage unit 121.
  • the reception is usually reception.
  • the timing information reception unit 122 receives timing information from the advertisement ignition device 14, for example.
  • the timing information may be received from an input unit.
  • the input means may be anything such as a keyboard, mouse, or menu screen.
  • the transmission instruction receiving unit 123 receives a timing information transmission instruction from the terminal device 13 that receives the live program. It is preferable that the transmission instruction receiving unit 123 receives a timing information transmission instruction from the terminal device 13 at an interval less than a predetermined predicted delay time.
  • the predetermined predicted delay time is the time from when the picture is taken until the program is distributed, and is, for example, 20 seconds, 40 seconds, or the like.
  • the timing information transmission instruction may include a channel identifier.
  • the predicted delay time may be the time from when the picture is taken until the program is output by the terminal device 13.
  • the timing information transmission unit 124 transmits the timing information stored in the timing information storage unit 121 to the terminal device 13.
  • the timing information transmission unit 124 normally transmits timing information to the terminal device 13 that has transmitted the transmission instruction. However, the timing information transmission unit 124 may detect the terminal device 13 that is watching the program and transmit the timing information to the terminal device 13 by a push type.
  • the timing information transmission instruction includes a channel identifier
  • the timing information transmission unit 124 transmits timing information corresponding to the channel identifier.
  • the timing information transmission unit 124 transmits, for example, the latest timing information.
  • the timing information transmission unit 124 may transmit all timing information, for example.
  • the terminal storage unit 130 constituting the terminal device 13 can store various types of information. Examples of the various information include timing information and live programs. Note that the storage of live programs is usually temporary storage. In the case of moving image distribution, both the live and VOD terminal devices 13 normally do not hold live programs and go to the distribution server 11 for data each time. However, the terminal device 13 usually has very few buffers. In so-called HTTP streaming, the terminal device 13 goes to the distribution server 11 for moving image data that is cut into pieces at regular intervals. For example, if the fine cut length is 8 seconds (usually depending on the setting), if it is a 60-second material, it is reproduced while being repeatedly taken about 8 times by HTTP. If the distribution server 11 holds complete content data (live program), VOD, only part of the cache is held live, or it is provided while accumulating all or a (substantially long) fixed time. DVR.
  • live program live program
  • VOD only part of the cache is held live, or it is provided while accumulating all or a (substantially long) fixed time.
  • the terminal accepting unit 131 accepts various instructions.
  • the instructions are, for example, a program distribution instruction, a channel change instruction to change a channel, a distribution stop instruction that is an instruction to stop program distribution, and the like.
  • the distribution instruction has a channel identifier, for example.
  • the channel change instruction also includes, for example, a channel identifier that identifies the channel to be changed.
  • the instruction input means may be anything such as a remote control, a keyboard, a mouse, or a menu screen.
  • the terminal reception unit 131 can be realized by a device driver for input means such as a remote controller or a keyboard, control software for a menu screen, or the like.
  • the terminal transmission unit 132 transmits the instruction received by the terminal reception unit 131 to the distribution server 11.
  • the instructions received by the terminal receiving unit 131 are, for example, a distribution instruction, a distribution stop instruction, and a channel change instruction.
  • the terminal transmission unit 132 transmits a timing information transmission instruction to the mid-roll server 12.
  • the transmission instruction of timing information may have a channel identifier. This channel identifier is the channel identifier of the channel currently being viewed.
  • the terminal transmission unit 132 acquires a channel identifier of a currently viewed channel from a buffer (not shown), configures a transmission instruction having the channel identifier, and transmits the transmission instruction to the mid-roll server 12.
  • the terminal transmission unit 132 normally automatically transmits a timing information transmission instruction to the mid-roll server 12. For example, the terminal transmission unit 132 transmits a transmission instruction to the mid-roll server 12 at an interval less than a predetermined time.
  • the predetermined time is, for example, a predicted delay time.
  • the terminal transmitter 132 normally transmits a transmission instruction to the mid-roll server 12 at regular time intervals, but may not be at regular time intervals.
  • indication of timing information to the mid-roll server 12 does not ask
  • the terminal receiving unit 133 receives a live program from the distribution server 11 in response to transmission of the distribution instruction. Further, the terminal reception unit 133 receives timing information from the mid-roll server 12 in response to transmission of a transmission instruction. The terminal reception unit 133 may receive timing information from the mid-roll server 12 without transmitting a transmission instruction. In such a case, the mid-roll server 12 transmits timing information by push distribution.
  • the terminal output unit 134 outputs the live program received by the terminal receiving unit 133. Further, the terminal output unit 134 outputs a mid-roll advertisement at a timing according to the timing information received by the terminal receiving unit 133. Further, the terminal output unit 134 outputs a mid-roll advertisement at a timing according to the per-channel timing information corresponding to the live program being output.
  • the terminal output unit 134 preferably outputs the live program received by the terminal reception unit 133 using the DVR mechanism.
  • DVR is a digital video recorder.
  • the DVR mechanism is a DVR program playback function.
  • the terminal output unit 134 cannot rewind and reproduce the live program.
  • the terminal output unit 134 outputs the live program received by the terminal reception unit 133 using the DVR mechanism, but it is preferable that the live program cannot be rewound and reproduced. That is, even when the terminal reception unit 131 receives an instruction for rewind playback, it is preferable that the terminal output unit 134 does not perform rewind playback of the live program.
  • output refers to display on a display, projection using a projector, printing with a printer, sound output, transmission to an external device, storage in a recording medium, and output to other processing devices or other programs. It is a concept that includes delivery of processing results.
  • the clock unit 141 constituting the advertisement ignition device 14 advances time information synchronized with the encoder of the live program.
  • the time information is information indicating time.
  • the time information may be an absolute time or information indicating a relative time.
  • the information indicating the relative time is, for example, an offset from the beginning of the program.
  • the clock unit 141 advances a plurality of pieces of time information synchronized with the plurality of encoders.
  • the insertion instruction receiving unit 142 receives an advertisement insertion instruction.
  • the input means for the advertisement insertion instruction may be anything such as a keyboard, mouse, or menu screen.
  • the insertion instruction receiving unit 142 can be realized by a device driver for input means such as a keyboard, control software for a menu screen, or the like.
  • the insertion instruction receiving unit 142 normally receives an insertion instruction input by the user, but may receive an insertion instruction received from the outside.
  • the time information acquisition unit 143 acquires time information when the insertion instruction is received from the clock unit 141 in response to reception of the insertion instruction. It is preferable that the time information acquisition unit 143 acquires a plurality of pieces of time information when the insertion instruction is accepted in accordance with the insertion instruction. In accordance with the insertion instruction, the time information acquisition unit 143 preferably acquires a plurality of pieces of time information when the insertion instruction is accepted in pairs with the channel identifier.
  • the timing information configuration unit 144 configures timing information using time information. It is preferable that the timing information configuration unit 144 configures timing information having a plurality of timing information by using a plurality of time information. In such a case, each piece of information of a plurality of timings is appropriately referred to as channel-specific timing information.
  • the advertisement timing information transmission unit 145 transmits the timing information configured by the timing information configuration unit 144 to the mid-roll server 12.
  • the transmitted timing information may include a plurality of channel-specific timing information, or only one timing information.
  • the advertisement storage unit 151 constituting the advertisement distribution device 15 can store one or more advertisements.
  • the advertisement is usually a moving image.
  • the advertisement usually includes sound.
  • the data structure and data type of the advertisement are not limited.
  • the advertisement is associated with, for example, a channel identifier or / and timing information.
  • the advertisement is also called CM.
  • the instruction receiving unit 152 receives an advertisement transmission instruction.
  • the instruction receiving unit 152 receives, for example, an advertisement transmission instruction from the terminal device 13.
  • the advertisement distribution unit 153 transmits one or more advertisements to the terminal device 13.
  • the advertisement distribution unit 153 reads an advertisement corresponding to the advertisement transmission instruction from the advertisement storage unit 151 and transmits the advertisement to the terminal device 13 that has transmitted the advertisement transmission instruction.
  • the advertisement distribution unit 153 may be a push type and may transmit one or more advertisements to the terminal device 13, or may be a pull type and transmit one or more advertisements to the terminal device 13. Note that it is normal for the terminal device 13 to go to the advertisement distribution device 15 for a CM using a protocol such as pull-type HTTP or push-type RTMP.
  • the program receiving unit 111, the distribution instruction receiving unit 112, the timing information receiving unit 122, the transmission instruction receiving unit 123, the terminal receiving unit 133, and the instruction receiving unit 152 are usually realized by wireless or wired communication means, It may be realized by means for receiving.
  • the program distribution unit 113, the timing information transmission unit 124, the terminal transmission unit 132, and the advertisement timing information transmission unit 145 are usually realized by wireless or wired communication means, but may be realized by broadcasting means.
  • the timing information storage unit 121, the terminal storage unit 130, and the advertisement storage unit 151 are preferably non-volatile recording media, but can also be realized by volatile recording media.
  • the process in which information is stored in the timing information storage unit 121, the terminal storage unit 130, and the advertisement storage unit 151 does not matter.
  • information may be stored in the timing information storage unit 121 via a recording medium, or information transmitted via a communication line or the like may be stored in the timing information storage unit 121.
  • the information input via the input device may be stored in the timing information storage unit 121.
  • the terminal output unit 134 may be considered as including or not including an output device such as a display or a speaker.
  • the terminal output unit 134 may be realized by output device driver software, or output device driver software and an output device.
  • the clock unit 141, the time information acquisition unit 143, and the timing information configuration unit 144 can be usually realized by an MPU, a memory, or the like.
  • the processing procedure of the clock unit 141 and the like is usually realized by software, and the software is recorded on a recording medium such as a ROM. However, it may be realized by hardware (dedicated circuit).
  • Step S301 The program receiving unit 111 determines whether one or more live programs have been received from the encoder E. If a live program is accepted, the process goes to step S302. If a live program is not accepted, the process goes to step S303.
  • Step S302 The program receiving unit 111 temporarily stores one or more live programs received in step S301 in a buffer (not shown). The process returns to step S301.
  • a live program is usually associated with a channel identifier.
  • live programs are usually stored in the buffer in association with channel identifiers.
  • the channel identifier may be associated with a URL, or the channel identifier may be a URL.
  • the URL corresponds to the URL of the distribution server 11 where the live program is stored.
  • Step S303 The distribution instruction receiving unit 112 determines whether a distribution instruction is received from the terminal device 13. If a distribution instruction has been received, the process proceeds to step S304. If no distribution instruction has been received, the process proceeds to step S306.
  • Step S304 The program distribution unit 113 acquires a program corresponding to the distribution instruction received in step S303 from the buffer. Note that the program distribution unit 113 acquires, for example, a program associated with the channel identifier included in the distribution instruction from the buffer.
  • Step S305 The program distribution unit 113 distributes the program acquired in step S304 to the terminal device 13 that has transmitted the distribution instruction. The process returns to step S301. The distribution of the program to the terminal device 13 continues until the distribution stop instruction transmitted from the terminal device 13 is received.
  • Step S306 The distribution instruction receiving unit 112 determines whether or not a distribution stop instruction is received from the terminal device 13. When the distribution stop instruction is received, the process goes to step S307, and when the distribution stop instruction is not received, the process returns to step S301.
  • Step S307 The program distribution unit 113 stops distributing the program of the current channel to the terminal device 13 that has transmitted the distribution stop instruction. The process returns to step S301.
  • the distribution instruction receiving unit 112 has received a distribution stop instruction from the terminal device 13. However, when the distribution instruction receiving unit 112 receives from one terminal device 13 an instruction to distribute a program of a channel different from the channel of the currently distributed program, the distribution instruction receiving unit 112 stops distributing the currently distributed program. The distribution of the program of the channel corresponding to the received distribution instruction may be started.
  • the processing is terminated by powering off or interruption for aborting the processing.
  • Step S401 The timing information receiving unit 122 determines whether timing information has been received. If timing information is accepted, the process goes to step S402. If timing information is not accepted, the process goes to step S403.
  • Step S402 The timing information receiving unit 122 accumulates the timing information received in Step S401 in the timing information storage unit 121. The process returns to step S401.
  • the timing information receiving unit 122 receives two or more timing information corresponding to two or more channels, for example, the timing information receiving unit 122 stores two or more pieces of timing information in the timing information storage unit 121 in association with the channel identifier. To do.
  • Step S403 The transmission instruction receiving unit 123 determines whether a timing information transmission instruction has been received from the terminal device 13. If a timing information transmission instruction is received, the process proceeds to step S404. If a timing information transmission instruction is not received, the process returns to step S401.
  • Step S404 The timing information transmission unit 124 acquires timing information from the timing information storage unit 121.
  • Step S405 The timing information transmission unit 124 transmits the timing information acquired in Step S404 to the terminal device 13 that has transmitted the transmission instruction. The process returns to step S401.
  • the transmission instruction receiving unit 123 acquires information for communicating with the terminal device 13 that is receiving the program from, for example, the distribution server 11 and pushes the information to the terminal device 13 in a push type. Timing information may be transmitted.
  • the processing is ended by powering off or interruption for aborting the processing.
  • Step S501 The terminal reception unit 131 determines whether a distribution instruction has been received. If the distribution instruction is accepted, the process goes to step S502, and if the distribution instruction is not accepted, the process goes to step S503.
  • Step S502 The terminal transmission unit 132 transmits the distribution instruction received in Step S501 to the distribution server 11. The process returns to step S501.
  • Step S503 The terminal receiving unit 131 determines whether a channel change instruction has been received. If a channel change instruction is accepted, the process goes to step S504. If a channel change instruction is not accepted, the process goes to step S506.
  • Step S504 The terminal transmission unit 132 transmits a distribution stop instruction to the distribution server 11.
  • This distribution stop instruction is an instruction to stop distribution of the currently received program.
  • Step S505 The terminal transmission unit 132 transmits a distribution instruction having a channel identifier included in the channel change instruction to the distribution server 11. The process returns to step S501.
  • Step S506 The terminal reception unit 133 determines whether a live program is received from the distribution server 11. If a live program is received, the process goes to step S507, and if no live program is received, the process goes to step S508.
  • Step S507 The terminal output unit 134 outputs the live program received in Step S506.
  • the process returns to step S501.
  • the terminal output unit 134 normally outputs the live program while receiving the live program. However, the terminal output unit 134 may not output the live program while the advertisement is output.
  • Step S508 The terminal transmission unit 132 determines whether it is time to transmit a timing information transmission instruction to the mid-roll server 12. If it is time to transmit, go to step S509, and if it is not time to transmit, go to step S510. Note that information regarding the timing of transmitting the timing information transmission instruction to the mid-roll server 12 is stored in, for example, the terminal storage unit 130.
  • Step S509 The terminal transmission unit 132 transmits a timing information transmission instruction to the mid-roll server 12. The process returns to step S501.
  • Step S510 The terminal reception unit 133 determines whether timing information has been received from the mid-roll server 12 in response to transmission of the transmission instruction in step S509. If timing information is received, the process goes to step S511. If timing information is not received, the process goes to step S512.
  • Step S511 The terminal reception unit 133 accumulates the timing information received in Step S510 in the terminal storage unit 130. The process returns to step S501.
  • Step S512 The terminal receiving unit 131 determines whether or not a rewind instruction, which is an instruction to rewind the currently viewed program, has been received. If a rewind instruction is accepted, the process returns to step S501. If a rewind instruction is not accepted, the process proceeds to step S513. That is, here, no operation is performed for the rewind instruction, and the rewind instruction is ignored.
  • Step S513 The terminal output unit 134 acquires timing information corresponding to the channel identifier of the channel being viewed.
  • Step S514 The terminal output unit 134 uses the timing information acquired in Step S513 to determine whether it is the advertisement output timing. If it is the advertisement output timing, the process goes to step S515, and if it is not the advertisement output timing, the process returns to step S501.
  • the terminal output unit 134 acquires the advertisement to be output.
  • the advertisement to be output may be stored in advance in the terminal storage unit 130, or the terminal reception unit 133 may receive it from the advertisement distribution device 15 immediately before output.
  • Step S516 The terminal output unit 134 outputs the advertisement acquired in Step S515.
  • the process returns to step S501.
  • the terminal output unit 134 may output an advertisement together with the program being viewed, or may output the advertisement without outputting the program.
  • the process is ended by powering off or interruption for aborting the process.
  • Step S601 The insertion instruction receiving unit 142 determines whether an advertisement insertion instruction has been received. If an advertisement insertion instruction is accepted, the process proceeds to step S602. If an advertisement insertion instruction is not accepted, the process returns to step S601.
  • Step S602 The time information acquisition unit 143 acquires, from the clock unit 141, one or more pieces of time information when the insertion instruction is accepted, in response to the insertion instruction accepted in Step S601. Note that the time information acquisition unit 143 preferably acquires one or more pieces of time information in association with channel identifiers. In addition, the clock unit 141 advances one or more pieces of time information synchronized with a plurality of encoders.
  • Step S603 The timing information configuration unit 144 configures timing information using one or more pieces of time information acquired in Step S602.
  • Step S604 The advertisement timing information transmission unit 145 transmits the timing information configured in Step S603 to the mid-roll server 12. The process returns to step S601.
  • the instruction receiving unit 152 of the advertisement distribution device 15 receives an advertisement transmission instruction. Then, the advertisement distribution unit 153 reads the advertisement corresponding to the transmission instruction from the advertisement storage unit 151. Next, the advertisement distribution unit 153 transmits the read advertisement to the terminal device 13 that has transmitted the transmission instruction.
  • the advertisement distribution unit 153 may be a push type and may transmit an advertisement to the terminal device 13.
  • FIGS. 7 A conceptual diagram of the distribution system 1 is shown in FIGS.
  • the live program encoded by the encoder E is sent to the distribution server 11, and the live program is distributed from the distribution server 11 to the terminal device 13.
  • the terminal device 13 receives and outputs the live program.
  • timing information indicating the timing of CM output is transmitted from the mid-roll server 12 to the terminal device 13, and the terminal device 13 receives the timing information and outputs a CM according to the timing information.
  • a screen example of the advertisement ignition device 14 is shown in FIG.
  • a field 801 is a field in which time information for each channel is displayed.
  • a field 802 is a field for inputting a correction time in manual input.
  • the timing information is determined by pressing the execution button 803. Further, in FIG. 8, timing information of four channels is configured.
  • the encoder E1 encodes the video shot by the video camera C1 and the separately added audio, and passes the channel identifier “ch1” and the encoded live program to the distribution server 11 as a pair.
  • the encoder E2 encodes the video captured by the video camera C2 and the separately added audio, and passes the channel identifier “ch2” and the encoded live program to the distribution server 11 as a pair.
  • the encoder E3 encodes the video captured by the video camera C3 and the separately added audio, and passes the channel identifier “ch3” and the encoded live program to the distribution server 11 as a pair.
  • the encoder E4 encodes the video captured by the video camera C4 and the separately added audio, and passes the channel identifier “ch4” and the encoded live program to the distribution server 11 as a pair.
  • the program receiving unit 111 of the distribution server 11 normally receives four live programs from the encoder E at all times, and temporarily stores them in the buffer for each channel identifier.
  • the program receiving unit 111 accumulates videos of a certain time set by the distribution server 11 from the latest. Then, after a certain period of time, for example, the new video disappears from the video in the old time range while accumulating.
  • this set time it is preferable to make this set time sufficiently longer (than the live duration) so that the video of the old time does not disappear. This is because if it disappears, the starting point of the reference image will not be known.
  • the terminal transmission unit 132 transmits the accepted distribution instruction to the distribution server 11.
  • the distribution instruction receiving unit 112 of the distribution server 11 receives a distribution instruction including the channel identifier “ch1” from the terminal device 13 of the user A. Then, the program distribution unit 113 acquires a program corresponding to the channel identifier “ch1” included in the distribution instruction received in step S303 from the buffer. Next, the program distribution unit 113 distributes the acquired program to the terminal device 13 of the user A.
  • the terminal reception unit 133 of the terminal device 13 receives the live program with the channel identifier “ch1” from the distribution server 11. Then, the terminal output unit 134 outputs the received live program.
  • the terminal output unit 134 outputs a live program by using a DVR (Digital video recorder) playback function.
  • DVR Digital video recorder
  • the distribution of the live program by the distribution server 11, the reception of the live program by the terminal device 13, and the output continue.
  • the terminal transmission unit 132 determines that it is timing to transmit a timing information transmission instruction to the mid-roll server 12.
  • the terminal transmission unit 132 periodically transmits a timing information transmission instruction to the mid-roll server 12 at an interval less than a predetermined predicted delay time.
  • the predicted delay time is, for example, between 10 seconds and 50 seconds.
  • the predicted delay time is preferably between 20 seconds and 40 seconds. More preferably, the predicted delay time is around 20 seconds.
  • the delay time usually varies depending on the terminal device 13. For example, when delivery is performed with a setting of 8 seconds in http streaming, for example, the delay between terminals varies from 10 seconds to 30 seconds, and the median is approximately 20 seconds. .
  • the inquiry interval of the mid-roll is an inquiry per second
  • a distribution server can process 20,000 accesses / sec per unit, 25 units are required.
  • the inquiry interval is a little less than 10 seconds
  • the inquiry load per second becomes 1/10, which makes it very easy to handle in terms of operational costs.
  • the inquiry interval is longer than the delay time, this time, depending on the terminal device, the video position where the CM should be output is passed, and the mid-roll CM cannot be output.
  • the minimum delay value of about 10 seconds (the median value of 20 seconds) can be said to be an acceptable value in terms of operation costs.
  • the terminal transmission unit 132 transmits a timing information transmission instruction to the mid-roll server 12.
  • the transmission instruction receiving unit 123 of the mid-roll server 12 receives a transmission instruction of timing information from the terminal device 13 that receives the live program. However, since timing information does not exist in the timing information storage unit 121, the timing information transmission unit 124 does not transmit timing information to the terminal device 13 that has transmitted the transmission instruction.
  • the insertion instruction receiving unit 142 of the advertisement ignition device 14 receives an advertisement insertion instruction.
  • the time information acquisition unit 143 acquires the time information of the four channels when the insertion instruction is received according to the received insertion instruction.
  • the time information of the four channels is “channel identifier“ ch1 ”, time information by channel“ 00: 15: 46.816 ”” “channel identifier“ ch2 ”, time information by channel“ 00: 16: 53.080 ”” “Channel identifier“ ch3 ”, channel-specific time information“ 00: 15: 05.355 ”” “Channel identifier“ ch4 ”, channel-specific time information“ 00: 10: 42.004 ””.
  • the timing information configuration unit 144 configures the timing information shown in FIG. 9 using the acquired four time information.
  • the advertisement timing information transmission unit 145 transmits the timing information in FIG. 9 to the mid-roll server 12.
  • a channel identifier and channel-specific timing information are paired.
  • the timing information here has four pairs.
  • the timing information reception unit 122 of the mid-roll server 12 receives the timing information. Then, the timing information receiving unit 122 accumulates the received timing information (FIG. 9) in the timing information storage unit 121.
  • the terminal transmission unit 132 determines that it is timing to transmit a timing information transmission instruction to the mid-roll server 12.
  • the terminal transmission unit 132 transmits a timing information transmission instruction to the mid-roll server 12.
  • the transmission instruction receiving unit 123 of the mid-roll server 12 receives a transmission instruction of timing information from the terminal device 13 that receives the live program.
  • the timing information transmission unit 124 acquires timing information from the timing information storage unit 121. Then, the timing information transmission unit 124 transmits the acquired timing information to the terminal device 13 that has transmitted the transmission instruction.
  • the terminal reception unit 133 of the terminal device 13 receives timing information from the mid-roll server 12 in response to transmission of the transmission instruction. Then, the terminal reception unit 133 accumulates the received timing information in the terminal storage unit 130.
  • the terminal output unit 134 acquires timing information “00: 15: 46.816” corresponding to the channel identifier “ch1” of the channel being viewed. Next, the terminal output unit 134 determines that it is not the timing indicated by the acquired timing information “00: 15: 46.816” (not the advertisement output timing).
  • the terminal output unit 134 determines that it is the timing indicated by the acquired timing information “00: 15: 46.816” (the output timing of the advertisement). It is assumed that a program is being output during this time.
  • the terminal output unit 134 acquires an advertisement to be output.
  • the terminal transmission unit 132 transmits an advertisement transmission instruction including the channel identifier “ch1” to the advertisement distribution device 15. Then, in response to the transmission of the instruction, the terminal reception unit 133 receives an advertisement corresponding to the channel identifier “ch1” from the advertisement distribution device 15. Then, the terminal output unit 134 acquires the received advertisement.
  • the terminal output unit 134 outputs the acquired advertisement.
  • the configuration of the delivery system 1 of the above specific example may be FIG.
  • the terminal device 13 requests an advertisement material (advertisement) from the advertisement distribution device 15, and the advertisement is distributed from the advertisement distribution device 15 to the terminal device 13. Then, an advertisement is output from the terminal device 13.
  • the encoder time information and the internal clock (time information) for each channel of the advertisement firing system are matched. Then, the self-run is performed in a state where the time information of the encoder matches the internal clock (time information) for each channel of the advertisement ignition system. Other operations are as described in FIG.
  • a mid-roll advertisement when a program is distributed live, a mid-roll advertisement can be appropriately output in the middle of the program.
  • a mid-roll advertisement when a program is distributed live, a mid-roll advertisement can be appropriately output in the middle of the program even when there are a plurality of channels.
  • a mechanism that can appropriately output a mid-roll advertisement in the middle of the program can be easily constructed.
  • the processing in the present embodiment may be realized by software. Then, this software may be distributed by software download or the like. Further, this software may be recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM and distributed. This also applies to other embodiments in this specification.
  • achieves the midroll server 12 in this Embodiment is the following programs. That is, in this program, the computer-accessible recording medium includes a timing information storage unit in which timing information for determining the insertion timing of the mid-roll advertisement is stored, and the computer determines the timing for inserting the mid-roll advertisement.
  • a timing information receiving unit that receives information and accumulates in the timing information storage unit, a transmission instruction receiving unit that receives a transmission instruction of timing information from a terminal device that receives a live program, and a terminal device that has transmitted the transmission instruction, It is a program for functioning as a timing information transmission part which transmits the timing information of the said timing information storage part.
  • the software that implements the terminal device 13 in the present embodiment is the following program. That is, the program includes a terminal receiving unit that receives a distribution instruction, a terminal transmission unit that transmits the distribution instruction to the distribution server and transmits a timing information transmission instruction to the mid-roll server, and the distribution instruction. In response to transmission, a live program is received from the distribution server, and in response to transmission of the transmission instruction, a terminal receiving unit that receives timing information from the mid-roll server, and a live program received by the terminal receiving unit are output. And a program for functioning as a terminal output unit that outputs a mid-roll advertisement at a timing according to the timing information received by the terminal reception unit.
  • achieves the advertisement ignition apparatus 14 in this Embodiment is the following programs. That is, the program includes a clock unit that advances time information synchronized with an encoder of a live program, an insertion instruction receiving unit that receives an insertion instruction for an advertisement, and the insertion instruction in response to the insertion instruction.
  • a time information acquisition unit that acquires time information when accepted, a timing information configuration unit that configures timing information using the time information, and timing information configured by the timing information configuration unit to the mid-roll server It is a program for functioning as a timing information transmission unit for transmission.
  • FIG. 11 shows the external appearance of a computer that implements each device constituting the distribution system 1 of the various embodiments described above by executing the program described in this specification.
  • the above-described embodiments can be realized by computer hardware and a computer program executed thereon.
  • FIG. 11 is an overview diagram of the computer system 300
  • FIG. 12 is a block diagram of the system 300.
  • the computer system 300 includes a computer 301 including a CD-ROM drive 3012, a keyboard 302, a mouse 303, a monitor 304, and a speaker 306.
  • the computer 301 in addition to the CD-ROM drive 3012, the computer 301 includes an MPU 3013, a bus 3014 connected to the MPU 3013 and the CD-ROM drive 3012, a ROM 3015 for storing a program such as a bootup program, and an MPU 3013. And a RAM 3016 for temporarily storing instructions of the application program and providing a temporary storage space, and a hard disk 3017 for storing the application program, the system program, and data.
  • the computer 301 may further include a network card that provides connection to a LAN.
  • a program that causes the computer system 300 to execute the functions of the devices constituting the distribution system 1 of the above-described embodiment is stored in the CD-ROM 3101, inserted into the CD-ROM drive 3012, and further transferred to the hard disk 3017. May be.
  • the program may be transmitted to the computer 301 via a network (not shown) and stored in the hard disk 3017.
  • the program is loaded into the RAM 3016 at the time of execution.
  • the program may be loaded directly from the CD-ROM 3101 or the network.
  • the program does not necessarily include an operating system (OS) or a third-party program that causes the computer 301 to execute the functions of the distribution system according to the above-described embodiment.
  • the program only needs to include an instruction portion that calls an appropriate function (module) in a controlled manner and obtains a desired result. How the computer system 300 operates is well known and will not be described in detail.
  • processing performed by hardware for example, processing performed by a modem or an interface card in the transmission step (only performed by hardware) Processing is not included.
  • the computer that executes the program may be singular or plural. That is, centralized processing may be performed, or distributed processing may be performed.
  • two or more communication means existing in one apparatus may be physically realized by one medium.
  • each process may be realized by centralized processing by a single device, or may be realized by distributed processing by a plurality of devices.
  • the distribution system according to the present invention has an effect that a mid-roll advertisement can be appropriately output in the middle of a program when the program is distributed live, such as a distribution system that distributes a program live. Useful.

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Abstract

[Problem] Conventionally, it has been difficult to output mid-roll advertisements appropriately in the middle of a program in the case of live distribution of the program. [Solution] The present invention makes it possible to output mid-roll advertisements appropriately in the middle of a program in the case of live distribution of the program, by means of a terminal device provided with: a terminal accepting unit that accepts a distribution instruction; a terminal transmitting unit that transmits the distribution instruction to a distribution server and transmits a transmission instruction for timing information to a mid-roll server; a terminal receiving unit that receives a live program from the distribution server in response to the transmission of the distribution instruction and receives the timing information from the mid-roll server in response to the transmission of the transmission instruction; and a terminal output unit that outputs the live program received by the terminal receiving unit and outputs the mid-roll advertisements at a timing according to the timing information received by the terminal receiving unit.

Description

配信システム、ミッドロールサーバ、端末装置、広告発火装置、および情報処理方法Distribution system, mid-roll server, terminal device, advertisement ignition device, and information processing method
　本発明は、ライブ番組を配信する配信システム等に関するものである。 The present invention relates to a distribution system for distributing a live program.
　動画視聴での広告には、動画本編がはじまる前に挿入される広告であるプリロールＣＭ、動画視聴中に挿入される広告であるミッドロールＣＭ、動画本編終了時に挿入される広告であるポストロールＣＭの３種類がある。 For video viewing advertisements, pre-roll CMs that are inserted before the main video starts, mid-roll CMs that are inserted during video viewing, and post-roll CMs that are inserted when the main video ends There are three types.
　３種類の広告のうち、ＶＯＤの場合は、あらかじめ広告を出力するタイミングを決定しておけるので問題がないが、ライブ配信の場合は、広告の挿入タイミングが難しい。例えば、野球の中継の場合、試合が盛り上がっている際に広告が出力されると、視聴者の印象が非常に悪い。 Of the three types of advertisements, in the case of VOD, there is no problem because the timing for outputting the advertisement can be determined in advance, but in the case of live distribution, it is difficult to insert the advertisement. For example, in the case of a baseball broadcast, if an advertisement is output while a game is exciting, the viewer's impression is very bad.
　また、動画ライブを視聴している複数の端末装置において、出力されている端末装置間で映像位置にばらつきがあるために、複数の端末装置で同一のタイミングでミッドロールＣＭを出力するのは困難である。つまり、リアルタイム映像に対して、例えば、複数の各端末装置で、数秒から数十秒の異なる遅延が発生する。言い換えれば、視聴者間で遅延量にばらつきが発生する。 In addition, it is difficult to output a mid-roll CM at the same timing in a plurality of terminal devices because there are variations in the video position among the output terminal devices in a plurality of terminal devices that are watching a video live. It is. That is, for real-time video, for example, different delays of several seconds to several tens of seconds occur in each of a plurality of terminal devices. In other words, the amount of delay varies among viewers.
　また、従来、予め動画番組ファイルと動画広告ファイルを編集することなくユーザの端末に配信した後、動画番組ファイルの再生途中に動画広告ファイルの再生を挿入可能なシステムがあった。かかるシステムは、ユーザのパソコンと、管理プログラム配信サーバと、番組配信サーバと、広告配信サーバとを備えた動画配信・再生制御システムであって、パソコンは、番組配信サーバから送信された動画番組ファイルを再生する手段と、動画番組ファイルの再生時間を計測する手段と、広告挿入時間に達した時点で動画番組ファイルの再生を一時停止させる手段と、動画広告ファイルの配信要求を広告配信サーバに出力する手段と、送信された動画広告ファイルを再生する手段と、動画広告ファイルの再生が終了した時点で、動画番組ファイル再生を再開する手段とを備えたシステムである（例えば、特許文献１参照）。 Also, conventionally, there has been a system in which playback of a video advertisement file can be inserted in the middle of playback of a video program file after being distributed to a user's terminal without editing the video program file and the video advertisement file in advance. Such a system is a video distribution / playback control system including a user's personal computer, a management program distribution server, a program distribution server, and an advertisement distribution server, and the personal computer transmits a video program file transmitted from the program distribution server. , Means for measuring the playback time of the video program file, means for temporarily stopping playback of the video program file when the advertisement insertion time is reached, and outputting a distribution request for the video advertisement file to the advertisement distribution server And a means for replaying the transmitted video advertisement file and a means for resuming the reproduction of the video program file when the reproduction of the video advertisement file is completed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). .
特開２００３－２４４６７７号公報（第１頁、第１図等）Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2003-244677 (first page, FIG. 1 etc.)
　しかしながら、従来技術においては、ライブ番組の配信を考慮しておらず、ライブで番組配信する場合に、番組の途中で適切にミッドロール広告を出力することができなかった。なお、動画配信におけるライブ番組は、その配信技術の特性から若干の遅延があり、終了時間が未定であるため、配信サーバで番組全体をバッファされずに（録画されずに）配信されている番組である。ただし、動画再生を安定させるための配信サーバのバッファリングによって、番組を一定時間を保存する場合もある。なお、遅延とは、撮影との時間的なずれである。 However, in the prior art, distribution of a live program is not considered, and when a program is distributed live, a mid-roll advertisement cannot be appropriately output in the middle of the program. Note that live programs in video distribution have a slight delay due to the characteristics of the distribution technology, and the end time is undecided, so that the program is distributed without being buffered (recorded) by the distribution server. It is. However, there is a case where the program is stored for a certain period of time by buffering of the distribution server for stabilizing the moving image reproduction. The delay is a time lag with respect to shooting.
　本第一の発明の配信システムは、ライブ番組を配信する配信サーバとミッドロール広告の挿入タイミングを決定するタイミング情報を端末装置に送信するミッドロールサーバとを具備する配信システムであって、配信サーバは、ライブ番組を受け付ける番組受付部と、１または２以上の端末装置から番組配信の指示である配信指示を受信する配信指示受信部と、配信指示を送信した端末装置に、配信指示に対応するライブ番組を配信する番組配信部とを具備し、ミッドロールサーバは、ミッドロール広告の挿入タイミングを決定するタイミング情報が格納されるタイミング情報格納部と、ミッドロール広告の挿入タイミングを決定するタイミング情報を受け付け、タイミング情報格納部に蓄積するタイミング情報受付部と、ライブ番組を受信する端末装置からタイミング情報の送信指示を受信する送信指示受信部と、送信指示を送信した端末装置に、タイミング情報格納部のタイミング情報を送信するタイミング情報送信部とを具備し、端末装置は、配信指示を受け付ける端末受付部と、配信指示を配信サーバに送信し、かつタイミング情報の送信指示をミッドロールサーバに送信する端末送信部と、配信指示の送信に応じて、配信サーバからライブ番組を受信し、送信指示の送信に応じて、ミッドロールサーバからタイミング情報を受信する端末受信部と、端末受信部が受信したライブ番組を出力し、かつ端末受信部が受信したタイミング情報に従ったタイミングで、ミッドロール広告を出力する端末出力部とを具備する、配信システムである。 The distribution system of the first invention is a distribution system comprising a distribution server for distributing a live program and a mid-roll server for transmitting timing information for determining the insertion timing of a mid-roll advertisement to a terminal device. Corresponds to the distribution instruction to a program receiving unit that receives a live program, a distribution instruction receiving unit that receives a distribution instruction that is a program distribution instruction from one or more terminal devices, and a terminal device that has transmitted the distribution instruction. A program distribution unit that distributes a live program, and the mid-roll server stores a timing information storage unit that stores timing information for determining a mid-roll advertisement insertion timing, and timing information for determining a mid-roll advertisement insertion timing The timing information receiving unit that accumulates in the timing information storage unit and the live program. A transmission instruction receiving unit that receives a transmission instruction of timing information from a terminal device that performs transmission, and a timing information transmission unit that transmits timing information of a timing information storage unit to the terminal device that has transmitted the transmission instruction. A terminal reception unit that receives a distribution instruction, a terminal transmission unit that transmits a distribution instruction to the distribution server and a transmission instruction of timing information to the mid-roll server, and a live program from the distribution server in response to the transmission of the distribution instruction A terminal receiving unit that receives timing information from the mid-roll server in response to transmission of a transmission instruction, and a timing according to the timing information that the terminal receiving unit outputs a live program received and the terminal receiving unit receives And a terminal output unit that outputs a mid-roll advertisement.
　かかる構成により、ライブで番組を配信する場合に、番組の途中で適切にミッドロール広告を出力できる。 With this configuration, when a program is distributed live, a mid-roll advertisement can be appropriately output in the middle of the program.
　また、本第二の発明の配信システムは、第一の発明に対して、広告発火装置をさらに具備する配信システムであって、広告発火装置は、ライブ番組のエンコーダと同期がとれているタイム情報を進める時計部と、広告の挿入指示を受け付ける挿入指示受付部と、挿入指示に応じて、挿入指示が受け付けられた際のタイム情報を取得するタイム情報取得部と、タイム情報を用いて、タイミング情報を構成するタイミング情報構成部と、タイミング情報構成部が構成したタイミング情報をミッドロールサーバに送信する広告タイミング情報送信部とを具備する配信システムである。 Further, the distribution system of the second invention is a distribution system further comprising an advertisement igniter as compared to the first invention, wherein the advertisement igniter is synchronized with the encoder of the live program. The timing unit using the time information, the time instruction acquiring unit that acquires the time information when the insertion instruction is accepted, and the time information when the insertion instruction is accepted according to the insertion instruction. It is a distribution system including a timing information configuration unit that configures information and an advertisement timing information transmission unit that transmits timing information configured by the timing information configuration unit to a mid-roll server.
　かかる構成により、ライブで番組を配信する場合に、番組の途中で適切にミッドロール広告を出力できる。 With this configuration, when a program is distributed live, a mid-roll advertisement can be appropriately output in the middle of the program.
　また、本第三の発明の配信システムは、第一または第二の発明に対して、タイミング情報は、２以上のチャネルのタイミングを示すチャネル毎タイミング情報を有し、端末出力部は、出力しているライブ番組に対応するチャネル毎タイミング情報に従ったタイミングで、ミッドロール広告を出力する配信システムである。 Further, in the distribution system of the third invention, the timing information has timing information for each channel indicating the timing of two or more channels, and the terminal output unit outputs the timing information for the first or second invention. It is a distribution system that outputs a mid-roll advertisement at a timing according to channel-by-channel timing information corresponding to a live program.
　かかる構成により、ライブで番組を配信する場合に、複数のチャンネルがある場合でも、番組の途中で、それぞれの適切な映像位置にミッドロール広告を出力できる。なお、ここでの複数のチャンネル（マルチチャンネル）は、通常、全く違うコンテンツが流れている別チャンネルではなく、例えば、スポーツイベントにおける競技場内等でのマルチカメラによるコンテンツを指す。各チャンネルでのエンコードや配信準備は、同時に完了するわけではないため、それぞれのエンコードの開始時刻は異なり、それぞれを適切に合わせる必要がある。 With this configuration, when a program is distributed live, even if there are multiple channels, mid-roll advertisements can be output at appropriate video positions in the middle of the program. Note that the plurality of channels (multi-channel) here are not different channels in which completely different contents are usually flowing, but, for example, indicate contents by a multi-camera in a stadium at a sports event. Since the encoding and distribution preparation in each channel are not completed at the same time, the start time of each encoding is different, and it is necessary to appropriately match each.
　また、本第四の発明の配信システムは、第二の発明に対して、時計部は、複数のエンコーダと同期がとれている複数の各タイム情報を進め、タイム情報取得部は、挿入指示に応じて、挿入指示が受け付けられた際の複数のタイム情報を取得し、タイミング情報構成部は、複数のタイム情報を用いて、複数のタイミングの情報を有するタイミング情報を構成する配信システムである。 Further, in the distribution system of the fourth aspect of the invention, in contrast to the second aspect of the invention, the clock unit advances a plurality of pieces of time information synchronized with the plurality of encoders, and the time information acquisition unit provides an insertion instruction. Accordingly, a plurality of time information when an insertion instruction is accepted is acquired, and the timing information configuration unit is a distribution system that configures timing information having a plurality of timing information using the plurality of time information.
　かかる構成により、ライブで番組を配信する場合に、複数のチャンネルがある場合でも、番組の途中で適切にミッドロール広告を出力できる。 With this configuration, when a program is distributed live, a mid-roll advertisement can be appropriately output in the middle of the program even if there are multiple channels.
　また、本第五の発明の配信システムは、第一から第四いずれか１つの発明に対して、送信指示受信部は、予め決められた予測遅延時間未満の間隔で、タイミング情報の送信指示を端末装置から受信する配信システムである。 In addition, in the distribution system of the fifth aspect of the present invention, with respect to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the transmission instruction receiving unit issues a transmission instruction of timing information at an interval less than a predetermined predicted delay time. It is the delivery system received from a terminal device.
　かかる構成により、ライブで番組を配信する場合に、番組の途中で極めて適切にミッドロール広告を出力できる。 With this configuration, when a program is distributed live, a mid-roll advertisement can be output very appropriately in the middle of the program.
　また、本第六の発明の配信システムは、第一から第五いずれか１つの発明に対して、端末出力部は、ＤＶＲの仕組みを用いて、端末受信部が受信したライブ番組を出力する配信システムである。 Also, in the distribution system of the sixth invention, in contrast to any one of the first to fifth inventions, the terminal output unit uses the DVR mechanism to output a live program received by the terminal reception unit. System.
　かかる構成により、ライブで番組を配信する場合に、ライブ配信をＶＯＤコンテンツと同様に取り扱うことができる。なお、かかる場合、ＤＶＲでの再生の最新位置を見せるようにするのである。 With this configuration, live distribution can be handled in the same way as VOD content when a program is distributed live. In such a case, the latest playback position in DVR is shown.
　また、本第七の発明の配信システムは、第六の発明に対して、端末出力部は、ライブ番組を巻き戻し再生できない配信システムである。 Further, the distribution system according to the seventh aspect of the invention is a distribution system in which the terminal output unit cannot rewind and reproduce the live program as compared with the sixth aspect.
　かかる構成により、ライブで番組を配信する場合に、番組の途中で適切にミッドロール広告を出力できる仕組みを容易に構築できる。また、ＣＭのスキップを防止するために巻き戻しさせないようにすることは好適である。 With this configuration, when a program is distributed live, a mechanism that can appropriately output a mid-roll advertisement in the middle of the program can be easily constructed. Also, it is preferable not to rewind in order to prevent skipping of the CM.
　本発明による配信システムによれば、ライブで番組を配信する場合に、番組の途中で適切にミッドロール広告を出力できる。 The distribution system according to the present invention can appropriately output a mid-roll advertisement in the middle of a program when distributing the program live.
実施の形態１における配信システム１の概念図Conceptual diagram of distribution system 1 in the first embodiment 同配信システム１のブロック図Block diagram of the distribution system 1 同配信サーバ１１の動作について説明するフローチャートA flowchart for explaining the operation of the distribution server 11 同ミッドロールサーバ１２の動作について説明するフローチャートA flowchart for explaining the operation of the mid-roll server 12 同端末装置１３の動作について説明するフローチャートA flowchart for explaining the operation of the terminal device 13 同広告発火装置１４の動作について説明するフローチャートA flowchart for explaining the operation of the advertisement ignition device 14 同配信システム１の概念図Conceptual diagram of the distribution system 1 同広告発火装置１４の画面例を示す図The figure which shows the example of a screen of the advertisement ignition device 14 同タイミング情報の例を示す図The figure which shows the example of the same timing information 同配信システム１の概念図Conceptual diagram of the distribution system 1 同コンピュータシステムの概観図Overview of the computer system 同コンピュータシステムのブロック図Block diagram of the computer system
　以下、配信システム等の実施形態について図面を参照して説明する。なお、実施の形態において同じ符号を付した構成要素は同様の動作を行うので、再度の説明を省略する場合がある。 Hereinafter, embodiments of a distribution system and the like will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, since the component which attached | subjected the same code | symbol in embodiment performs the same operation | movement, description may be abbreviate | omitted again.
　（実施の形態１）
　本実施の形態において、ライブ番組を配信する配信サーバとミッドロールサーバとを有する配信システムであって、番組のライブ配信において、広告挿入のタイミング情報を受け付け、端末装置からの問い合わせを受信し、広告挿入のタイミング情報を端末装置に送信するミッドロールサーバを具備する配信システムについて説明する。端末装置はタイミング情報に従って、広告を出力する。 (Embodiment 1)
In the present embodiment, a distribution system having a distribution server and a mid-roll server for distributing a live program, accepting advertisement insertion timing information in live distribution of a program, receiving an inquiry from a terminal device, and advertising A distribution system including a mid-roll server that transmits insertion timing information to a terminal device will be described. The terminal device outputs an advertisement according to the timing information.
　また、本実施の形態において、広告発火装置を具備する配信システムについて説明する。広告発火装置は、広告挿入のタイミング情報の入力を受け付け、ミッドロールサーバに送信する装置である。なお、広告挿入のタイミング情報は、複数のチャネルのタイミング情報を有することは好適である。また、端末装置からの問い合わせのタイミングは、予め決められた予測遅延時間未満であることは好適である。また、端末装置では、ＤＶＲの仕組みにより番組を再生することは好適である。また、端末装置では、ライブ番組を巻き戻しできないことは好適である。 Also, in the present embodiment, a distribution system including an advertisement ignition device will be described. The advertisement firing device is a device that accepts input of advertisement insertion timing information and transmits it to the mid-roll server. Note that the advertisement insertion timing information preferably includes timing information of a plurality of channels. In addition, it is preferable that the timing of the inquiry from the terminal device is less than a predetermined predicted delay time. In the terminal device, it is preferable to play the program by the DVR mechanism. In addition, it is preferable that the terminal device cannot rewind the live program.
　なお、端末装置での出力時に、リアルタイム映像に対して、その配信技術の特性によって、若干（例えば、２０秒、４０秒など）の遅延が発生する場合もライブ番組である。 It should be noted that a live program is also a case where a slight delay (for example, 20 seconds, 40 seconds, etc.) occurs in real time video due to the characteristics of the distribution technology when it is output from the terminal device.
　図１は、本実施の形態における配信システム１の概念図である。配信システム１は、１または２以上のカメラＣ（Ｃ１，Ｃ２，・・・，ＣＮ）、１または２以上のエンコーダＥ（Ｅ１，Ｅ２，・・・，ＥＮ）、配信サーバ１１、ミッドロールサーバ１２、１または２以上の端末装置１３、広告発火装置１４、広告配信装置１５を備える。カメラＣは、撮影し、動画を取得する。エンコーダＥはカメラＣが撮影した動画をエンコードし、配信できる番組を構成する。配信サーバ１１は番組を配信する。ミッドロールサーバ１２は、ミッドロール広告の挿入タイミングを決定するタイミング情報を端末装置１３に送信する装置である。端末装置１３は番組とミッドロール広告とを出力する。端末装置１３は、例えば、いわゆるスマートフォン、携帯電話、携帯端末、パーソナルコンピュータ、ノートパソコン、タブレット端末等であり、その種類は問わない。広告発火装置１４は、タイミング情報をミッドロールサーバ１２に送信する装置である。広告配信装置１５は、広告を配信する装置である。 FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a distribution system 1 in the present embodiment. The distribution system 1 includes one or more cameras C (C1, C2,..., CN), one or more encoders E (E1, E2,..., EN), a distribution server 11, and a mid-roll server. 12, one or two or more terminal devices 13, an advertisement ignition device 14, and an advertisement distribution device 15. The camera C takes a picture and acquires a moving image. The encoder E constitutes a program that can encode and distribute a moving picture taken by the camera C. The distribution server 11 distributes the program. The mid-roll server 12 is a device that transmits timing information for determining the insertion timing of the mid-roll advertisement to the terminal device 13. The terminal device 13 outputs a program and a mid-roll advertisement. The terminal device 13 is, for example, a so-called smartphone, mobile phone, mobile terminal, personal computer, notebook computer, tablet terminal, or the like, and the type thereof is not limited. The advertisement ignition device 14 is a device that transmits timing information to the mid-roll server 12. The advertisement distribution device 15 is a device that distributes advertisements.
　図２は、本実施の形態における配信システム１のブロック図である。 FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the distribution system 1 in the present embodiment.
　配信システム１は、配信サーバ１１、ミッドロールサーバ１２、端末装置１３、広告発火装置１４、広告配信装置１５を備える。 The distribution system 1 includes a distribution server 11, a mid-roll server 12, a terminal device 13, an advertisement firing device 14, and an advertisement distribution device 15.
　配信サーバ１１は、番組受付部１１１、配信指示受信部１１２、番組配信部１１３を備える。 The distribution server 11 includes a program receiving unit 111, a distribution instruction receiving unit 112, and a program distribution unit 113.
　ミッドロールサーバ１２は、タイミング情報格納部１２１、タイミング情報受付部１２２、送信指示受信部１２３、タイミング情報送信部１２４を備える。 The mid-roll server 12 includes a timing information storage unit 121, a timing information reception unit 122, a transmission instruction reception unit 123, and a timing information transmission unit 124.
　端末装置１３は、端末格納部１３０、端末受付部１３１、端末送信部１３２、端末受信部１３３、端末出力部１３４を備える。 The terminal device 13 includes a terminal storage unit 130, a terminal reception unit 131, a terminal transmission unit 132, a terminal reception unit 133, and a terminal output unit 134.
　広告発火装置１４は、時計部１４１、挿入指示受付部１４２、タイム情報取得部１４３、タイミング情報構成部１４４、広告タイミング情報送信部１４５を備える。 The advertisement ignition device 14 includes a clock unit 141, an insertion instruction reception unit 142, a time information acquisition unit 143, a timing information configuration unit 144, and an advertisement timing information transmission unit 145.
　広告配信装置１５は、広告格納部１５１、指示受信部１５２、広告配信部１５３を備える。 The advertisement distribution device 15 includes an advertisement storage unit 151, an instruction reception unit 152, and an advertisement distribution unit 153.
　配信サーバ１１を構成する番組受付部１１１は、１または２以上のライブ番組を受け付ける。受け付けとは、通常、受信である。受信は、通常、エンコーダＥからの受信である。ライブ番組は、例えば、チャンネルを識別するチャンネル識別子に対応付いている。番組受付部１１１は、例えば、チャンネル識別子と対になったライブ番組を、１または２以上受け付ける。なお、受け付けとは、キーボードやマウス、タッチパネルなどの入力デバイスから入力された情報の受け付け、光ディスクや磁気ディスク、半導体メモリなどの記録媒体から読み出された情報の受け付けなどを含む概念である。なお、配信サーバ１１の番組の配信方法は何でも良い。 The program receiving unit 111 constituting the distribution server 11 receives one or more live programs. The reception is usually reception. Reception is usually reception from encoder E. The live program is associated with a channel identifier for identifying a channel, for example. The program receiving unit 111 receives, for example, one or more live programs paired with a channel identifier. Note that reception is a concept including reception of information input from an input device such as a keyboard, mouse, or touch panel, reception of information read from a recording medium such as an optical disk, a magnetic disk, or a semiconductor memory. In addition, the distribution method of the program of the distribution server 11 may be anything.
　配信指示受信部１１２は、１または２以上の端末装置１３から配信指示を受信する。配信指示は、番組の配信の指示である。配信指示は、例えば、チャンネルを識別するチャンネル識別子を有する。また、配信指示受信部１１２は、１または２以上の端末装置１３から配信停止指示を受信しても良い。配信停止指示は、番組の配信を停止する指示である。配信停止指示は、例えば、チャンネル識別子を有する。 The distribution instruction receiving unit 112 receives a distribution instruction from one or more terminal devices 13. The distribution instruction is an instruction for program distribution. The distribution instruction includes, for example, a channel identifier that identifies a channel. Further, the distribution instruction receiving unit 112 may receive a distribution stop instruction from one or more terminal devices 13. The distribution stop instruction is an instruction to stop the distribution of the program. The distribution stop instruction has, for example, a channel identifier.
　番組配信部１１３は、配信指示を送信した端末装置１３に、配信指示に対応するライブ番組を配信する。番組配信部１１３は、例えば、配信指示が有するチャンネル識別子に対応するライブ番組を、端末装置１３に配信する。 The program distribution unit 113 distributes a live program corresponding to the distribution instruction to the terminal device 13 that has transmitted the distribution instruction. For example, the program distribution unit 113 distributes a live program corresponding to the channel identifier included in the distribution instruction to the terminal device 13.
　ミッドロールサーバ１２を構成するタイミング情報格納部１２１には、タイミング情報が格納される。タイミング情報は、ミッドロール広告の挿入のタイミングを示す情報である。タイミング情報は、２以上のチャネルのタイミングを示すチャネル毎の情報を有することは好適である。タイミング情報格納部１２１には、例えば、チャンネル識別子と対になるタイミング情報が、２以上格納されていても良い。また、チャンネル識別子と対になるタイミング情報は、適宜、チャンネル別タイミング情報と言う。タイミング情報の構造は問わない。タイミング情報は、例えば、「＜チャンネル識別子＞１　＜タイミング＞ＸＸ：ＹＹ：ＺＺ」、「＜タイミング＞ＸＸ：ＹＹ：ＺＺ」「１，ＸＸ：ＹＹ：ＺＺ」等である。なお、ＸＸ：ＹＹ：ＺＺは、時刻を示す情報である。タイミング情報は、絶対的な時刻を示す情報でも良いし、番組の最初のフィールドからのオフセットを示す情報（相対的な時を示す情報）等でも良い。また、オフセットを示す情報は、例えば、オフセット時間、最初のフィールドからのフィールド数等である。タイミング情報は、例えば、上記の例（例えば、「＜チャンネル識別子＞１　＜タイミング＞ＸＸ：ＹＹ：ＺＺ」）を２以上有する情報でも良いことは言うまでもない。 Timing information is stored in the timing information storage unit 121 constituting the mid-roll server 12. The timing information is information indicating the insertion timing of the mid-roll advertisement. The timing information preferably includes information for each channel indicating the timing of two or more channels. In the timing information storage unit 121, for example, two or more pieces of timing information paired with channel identifiers may be stored. The timing information paired with the channel identifier is appropriately referred to as channel-specific timing information. The structure of timing information does not matter. The timing information is, for example, “<channel identifier> 1 <timing> XX: YY: ZZ”, “<timing> XX: YY: ZZ”, “1, XX: YY: ZZ”, and the like. XX: YY: ZZ is information indicating time. The timing information may be information indicating absolute time, information indicating an offset from the first field of the program (information indicating relative time), or the like. The information indicating the offset is, for example, an offset time, the number of fields from the first field, and the like. Needless to say, the timing information may be, for example, information having two or more of the above-described examples (for example, “<channel identifier> 1 <timing> XX: YY: ZZ”).
　タイミング情報受付部１２２は、ミッドロール広告の挿入タイミングを決定するタイミング情報を受け付け、タイミング情報格納部１２１に蓄積する。ここで、受け付けとは、通常、受信である。タイミング情報受付部１２２は、例えば、広告発火装置１４からタイミング情報を受信する。ただし、タイミング情報の受け付けは、入力手段からの入力でも良い。入力手段は、キーボードやマウスやメニュー画面によるもの等、何でも良い。 The timing information receiving unit 122 receives timing information for determining the insertion timing of the mid-roll advertisement and accumulates it in the timing information storage unit 121. Here, the reception is usually reception. The timing information reception unit 122 receives timing information from the advertisement ignition device 14, for example. However, the timing information may be received from an input unit. The input means may be anything such as a keyboard, mouse, or menu screen.
　送信指示受信部１２３は、ライブ番組を受信する端末装置１３からタイミング情報の送信指示を受信する。送信指示受信部１２３は、予め決められた予測遅延時間未満の間隔で、タイミング情報の送信指示を端末装置１３から受信することは好適である。予め決められた予測遅延時間は、撮影時から番組が配信されるまでの時間であり、例えば、２０秒、４０秒などである。また、タイミング情報の送信指示は、チャンネル識別子を有しても良い。予測遅延時間は、撮影時から番組が端末装置１３で出力されるまでの時間でも良い。 The transmission instruction receiving unit 123 receives a timing information transmission instruction from the terminal device 13 that receives the live program. It is preferable that the transmission instruction receiving unit 123 receives a timing information transmission instruction from the terminal device 13 at an interval less than a predetermined predicted delay time. The predetermined predicted delay time is the time from when the picture is taken until the program is distributed, and is, for example, 20 seconds, 40 seconds, or the like. Further, the timing information transmission instruction may include a channel identifier. The predicted delay time may be the time from when the picture is taken until the program is output by the terminal device 13.
　タイミング情報送信部１２４は、タイミング情報格納部１２１に格納されているタイミング情報を端末装置１３に送信する。タイミング情報送信部１２４は、通常、送信指示を送信した端末装置１３に、タイミング情報を送信する。ただし、タイミング情報送信部１２４は、番組視聴中の端末装置１３を検知し、当該端末装置１３に、プッシュ型でタイミング情報を送信しても良い。また、タイミング情報の送信指示がチャンネル識別子を有する場合、タイミング情報送信部１２４は、当該チャンネル識別子に対応するタイミング情報を送信する。タイミング情報格納部１２１に複数のタイミング情報が格納されている場合、タイミング情報送信部１２４は、例えば、最新のタイミング情報を送信する。また、タイミング情報格納部１２１に複数のタイミング情報が格納されている場合、タイミング情報送信部１２４は、例えば、すべてのタイミング情報を送信しても良い。 The timing information transmission unit 124 transmits the timing information stored in the timing information storage unit 121 to the terminal device 13. The timing information transmission unit 124 normally transmits timing information to the terminal device 13 that has transmitted the transmission instruction. However, the timing information transmission unit 124 may detect the terminal device 13 that is watching the program and transmit the timing information to the terminal device 13 by a push type. When the timing information transmission instruction includes a channel identifier, the timing information transmission unit 124 transmits timing information corresponding to the channel identifier. When a plurality of timing information is stored in the timing information storage unit 121, the timing information transmission unit 124 transmits, for example, the latest timing information. When a plurality of timing information is stored in the timing information storage unit 121, the timing information transmission unit 124 may transmit all timing information, for example.
　端末装置１３を構成する端末格納部１３０は、各種の情報を格納し得る。各種の情報とは、例えば、タイミング情報、ライブ番組等である。なお、ライブ番組の格納は、通常、一時的な格納である。また、動画配信の場合は、ライブもＶＯＤも端末装置１３では、通常、ライブ番組を保持せず、その都度、配信サーバ１１にデータを取りに行く。ただし、端末装置１３は、通常、ごくわずかのバッファを有している。そして、いわゆるＨＴＴＰストリーミングでは、端末装置１３は、一定間隔で細切れの動画データを配信サーバ１１に取りに行く。たとえば、細切れ尺が８秒であれば（通常、設定による）、６０秒素材だとＨＴＴＰで約８回繰り返し取りながら再生する。配信サーバ１１で完全なコンテンツデータ（ライブ番組）を保持している場合はＶＯＤ、一部分のキャッシュのみを保持しているのがライブ、全てもしくは（相当長い）一定時間を蓄積しながら提供するのがＤＶＲとなる。 The terminal storage unit 130 constituting the terminal device 13 can store various types of information. Examples of the various information include timing information and live programs. Note that the storage of live programs is usually temporary storage. In the case of moving image distribution, both the live and VOD terminal devices 13 normally do not hold live programs and go to the distribution server 11 for data each time. However, the terminal device 13 usually has very few buffers. In so-called HTTP streaming, the terminal device 13 goes to the distribution server 11 for moving image data that is cut into pieces at regular intervals. For example, if the fine cut length is 8 seconds (usually depending on the setting), if it is a 60-second material, it is reproduced while being repeatedly taken about 8 times by HTTP. If the distribution server 11 holds complete content data (live program), VOD, only part of the cache is held live, or it is provided while accumulating all or a (substantially long) fixed time. DVR.
　端末受付部１３１は、各種の指示を受け付ける。指示は、例えば、番組の配信指示、チャンネルを変更するチャンネル変更指示、番組の配信を停止させる指示である配信停止指示等である。配信指示は、例えば、チャンネル識別子を有する。チャンネル変更指示も、例えば、変更先のチャンネルを識別するチャンネル識別子を有する。指示の入力手段は、リモコンやキーボードやマウスやメニュー画面によるもの等、何でも良い。端末受付部１３１は、リモコンやキーボード等の入力手段のデバイスドライバーや、メニュー画面の制御ソフトウェア等で実現され得る。 The terminal accepting unit 131 accepts various instructions. The instructions are, for example, a program distribution instruction, a channel change instruction to change a channel, a distribution stop instruction that is an instruction to stop program distribution, and the like. The distribution instruction has a channel identifier, for example. The channel change instruction also includes, for example, a channel identifier that identifies the channel to be changed. The instruction input means may be anything such as a remote control, a keyboard, a mouse, or a menu screen. The terminal reception unit 131 can be realized by a device driver for input means such as a remote controller or a keyboard, control software for a menu screen, or the like.
　端末送信部１３２は、端末受付部１３１が受け付けた指示を配信サーバ１１に送信する。端末受付部１３１が受け付けた指示とは、例えば、配信指示、配信停止指示、チャンネル変更指示である。また、端末送信部１３２は、タイミング情報の送信指示をミッドロールサーバ１２に送信する。タイミング情報の送信指示は、チャンネル識別子を有していても良い。このチャンネル識別子は、現在、視聴中のチャンネルのチャンネル識別子である。端末送信部１３２は、例えば、現在、視聴中のチャンネルのチャンネル識別子を図示しないバッファから取得し、当該チャンネル識別子を有する送信指示を構成し、ミッドロールサーバ１２に送信する。なお、端末送信部１３２は、通常、自動的にタイミング情報の送信指示をミッドロールサーバ１２に送信する。端末送信部１３２は、例えば、予め決められた時間未満の間隔で、送信指示をミッドロールサーバ１２に送信する。予め決められた時間は、例えば、予測遅延時間である。端末送信部１３２は、通常、一定時間間隔で送信指示をミッドロールサーバ１２に送信するが、一定時間間隔でなくても良い。また、タイミング情報の送信指示をミッドロールサーバ１２に送信するタイミングは問わない。 The terminal transmission unit 132 transmits the instruction received by the terminal reception unit 131 to the distribution server 11. The instructions received by the terminal receiving unit 131 are, for example, a distribution instruction, a distribution stop instruction, and a channel change instruction. In addition, the terminal transmission unit 132 transmits a timing information transmission instruction to the mid-roll server 12. The transmission instruction of timing information may have a channel identifier. This channel identifier is the channel identifier of the channel currently being viewed. For example, the terminal transmission unit 132 acquires a channel identifier of a currently viewed channel from a buffer (not shown), configures a transmission instruction having the channel identifier, and transmits the transmission instruction to the mid-roll server 12. Note that the terminal transmission unit 132 normally automatically transmits a timing information transmission instruction to the mid-roll server 12. For example, the terminal transmission unit 132 transmits a transmission instruction to the mid-roll server 12 at an interval less than a predetermined time. The predetermined time is, for example, a predicted delay time. The terminal transmitter 132 normally transmits a transmission instruction to the mid-roll server 12 at regular time intervals, but may not be at regular time intervals. Moreover, the timing which transmits the transmission instruction | indication of timing information to the mid-roll server 12 does not ask | require.
　端末受信部１３３は、配信指示の送信に応じて、配信サーバ１１からライブ番組を受信する。また、端末受信部１３３は、送信指示の送信に応じて、ミッドロールサーバ１２からタイミング情報を受信する。端末受信部１３３は、送信指示を送信しなくともミッドロールサーバ１２からタイミング情報を受信しても良い。かかる場合、ミッドロールサーバ１２がプッシュ型配信でタイミング情報を送信する。 The terminal receiving unit 133 receives a live program from the distribution server 11 in response to transmission of the distribution instruction. Further, the terminal reception unit 133 receives timing information from the mid-roll server 12 in response to transmission of a transmission instruction. The terminal reception unit 133 may receive timing information from the mid-roll server 12 without transmitting a transmission instruction. In such a case, the mid-roll server 12 transmits timing information by push distribution.
　端末出力部１３４は、端末受信部１３３が受信したライブ番組を出力する。また、端末出力部１３４は、端末受信部１３３が受信したタイミング情報に従ったタイミングで、ミッドロール広告を出力する。また、端末出力部１３４は、出力しているライブ番組に対応するチャネル毎タイミング情報に従ったタイミングで、ミッドロール広告を出力する。 The terminal output unit 134 outputs the live program received by the terminal receiving unit 133. Further, the terminal output unit 134 outputs a mid-roll advertisement at a timing according to the timing information received by the terminal receiving unit 133. Further, the terminal output unit 134 outputs a mid-roll advertisement at a timing according to the per-channel timing information corresponding to the live program being output.
　端末出力部１３４は、ＤＶＲの仕組みを用いて、端末受信部１３３が受信したライブ番組を出力することは好適である。ＤＶＲとは、デジタルビデオレコーダー（Digital video recorder）である。また、ＤＶＲの仕組みとは、ＤＶＲの番組再生の機能である。 The terminal output unit 134 preferably outputs the live program received by the terminal reception unit 133 using the DVR mechanism. DVR is a digital video recorder. The DVR mechanism is a DVR program playback function.
　端末出力部１３４は、ライブ番組を巻き戻し再生できないことは好適である。端末出力部１３４は、ＤＶＲの仕組みを用いて、端末受信部１３３が受信したライブ番組を出力するが、ライブ番組を巻き戻し再生できないことは好適である。つまり、端末受付部１３１が巻き戻し再生の指示を受け付けた場合でも、端末出力部１３４は、ライブ番組を巻き戻し再生しないことは好適である。 It is preferable that the terminal output unit 134 cannot rewind and reproduce the live program. The terminal output unit 134 outputs the live program received by the terminal reception unit 133 using the DVR mechanism, but it is preferable that the live program cannot be rewound and reproduced. That is, even when the terminal reception unit 131 receives an instruction for rewind playback, it is preferable that the terminal output unit 134 does not perform rewind playback of the live program.
　ここで、出力とは、ディスプレイへの表示、プロジェクターを用いた投影、プリンタでの印字、音出力、外部の装置への送信、記録媒体への蓄積、他の処理装置や他のプログラムなどへの処理結果の引渡しなどを含む概念である。 Here, output refers to display on a display, projection using a projector, printing with a printer, sound output, transmission to an external device, storage in a recording medium, and output to other processing devices or other programs. It is a concept that includes delivery of processing results.
　広告発火装置１４を構成する時計部１４１は、ライブ番組のエンコーダと同期がとれているタイム情報を進める。タイム情報は、時を示す情報である。タイム情報は、絶対的な時刻でも良いし、相対的な時を示す情報でも良い。相対的な時を示す情報は、例えば、番組の最初からのオフセットである。 The clock unit 141 constituting the advertisement ignition device 14 advances time information synchronized with the encoder of the live program. The time information is information indicating time. The time information may be an absolute time or information indicating a relative time. The information indicating the relative time is, for example, an offset from the beginning of the program.
　時計部１４１は、複数の各エンコーダと同期がとれている複数の各タイム情報を進めることは好適である。 It is preferable that the clock unit 141 advances a plurality of pieces of time information synchronized with the plurality of encoders.
　挿入指示受付部１４２は、広告の挿入指示を受け付ける。広告の挿入指示の入力手段は、キーボードやマウスやメニュー画面によるもの等、何でも良い。挿入指示受付部１４２は、キーボード等の入力手段のデバイスドライバーや、メニュー画面の制御ソフトウェア等で実現され得る。挿入指示受付部１４２は、通常、ユーザに入力された挿入指示を受け付けるが、外部から受信した挿入指示を受け付けても良い。 The insertion instruction receiving unit 142 receives an advertisement insertion instruction. The input means for the advertisement insertion instruction may be anything such as a keyboard, mouse, or menu screen. The insertion instruction receiving unit 142 can be realized by a device driver for input means such as a keyboard, control software for a menu screen, or the like. The insertion instruction receiving unit 142 normally receives an insertion instruction input by the user, but may receive an insertion instruction received from the outside.
　タイム情報取得部１４３は、挿入指示の受け付けに応じて、挿入指示が受け付けられた際のタイム情報を時計部１４１から取得する。タイム情報取得部１４３は、挿入指示に応じて、挿入指示が受け付けられた際の複数のタイム情報を取得することは好適である。タイム情報取得部１４３は、挿入指示に応じて、挿入指示が受け付けられた際の複数の各タイム情報をチャンネル識別子と対にして取得することは好適である。 The time information acquisition unit 143 acquires time information when the insertion instruction is received from the clock unit 141 in response to reception of the insertion instruction. It is preferable that the time information acquisition unit 143 acquires a plurality of pieces of time information when the insertion instruction is accepted in accordance with the insertion instruction. In accordance with the insertion instruction, the time information acquisition unit 143 preferably acquires a plurality of pieces of time information when the insertion instruction is accepted in pairs with the channel identifier.
　タイミング情報構成部１４４は、タイム情報を用いて、タイミング情報を構成する。タイミング情報構成部１４４は、複数のタイム情報を用いて、複数のタイミングの情報を有するタイミング情報を構成することは好適である。かかる場合、複数のタイミングの各情報をチャンネル別タイミング情報と、適宜、言う。 The timing information configuration unit 144 configures timing information using time information. It is preferable that the timing information configuration unit 144 configures timing information having a plurality of timing information by using a plurality of time information. In such a case, each piece of information of a plurality of timings is appropriately referred to as channel-specific timing information.
　広告タイミング情報送信部１４５は、タイミング情報構成部１４４が構成したタイミング情報をミッドロールサーバ１２に送信する。送信されるタイミング情報は、複数のチャンネル別タイミング情報を有しても良いし、一つのタイミング情報のみでも良い。 The advertisement timing information transmission unit 145 transmits the timing information configured by the timing information configuration unit 144 to the mid-roll server 12. The transmitted timing information may include a plurality of channel-specific timing information, or only one timing information.
　広告配信装置１５を構成する広告格納部１５１は、１以上の広告を格納し得る。広告は、通常、動画である。広告は、通常、音声を含む。ただし、広告のデータ構造やデータタイプは問わない。広告は、例えば、チャンネル識別子または／およびタイミング情報と対応付いている。広告は、ＣＭとも言う。 The advertisement storage unit 151 constituting the advertisement distribution device 15 can store one or more advertisements. The advertisement is usually a moving image. The advertisement usually includes sound. However, the data structure and data type of the advertisement are not limited. The advertisement is associated with, for example, a channel identifier or / and timing information. The advertisement is also called CM.
　指示受信部１５２は、広告の送信指示を受信する。指示受信部１５２は、例えば、端末装置１３から広告の送信指示を受信する。 The instruction receiving unit 152 receives an advertisement transmission instruction. The instruction receiving unit 152 receives, for example, an advertisement transmission instruction from the terminal device 13.
　広告配信部１５３は、１または２以上の広告を端末装置１３に送信する。広告配信部１５３は、例えば、広告の送信指示に対応する広告を広告格納部１５１から読み出し、当該広告を広告の送信指示を送信してきた端末装置１３に送信する。広告配信部１５３は、プッシュ型で、１以上の広告を端末装置１３に送信しても良いし、プル型で１以上の広告を端末装置１３に送信しても良い。なお、プル型のＨＴＴＰやプッシュ型のＲＴＭＰなどのプロトコルにより、端末装置１３が広告配信装置１５にＣＭを取りに行くことが通常である。 The advertisement distribution unit 153 transmits one or more advertisements to the terminal device 13. For example, the advertisement distribution unit 153 reads an advertisement corresponding to the advertisement transmission instruction from the advertisement storage unit 151 and transmits the advertisement to the terminal device 13 that has transmitted the advertisement transmission instruction. The advertisement distribution unit 153 may be a push type and may transmit one or more advertisements to the terminal device 13, or may be a pull type and transmit one or more advertisements to the terminal device 13. Note that it is normal for the terminal device 13 to go to the advertisement distribution device 15 for a CM using a protocol such as pull-type HTTP or push-type RTMP.
　番組受付部１１１、配信指示受信部１１２、タイミング情報受付部１２２、送信指示受信部１２３、端末受信部１３３、指示受信部１５２は、通常、無線または有線の通信手段で実現されるが、放送を受信する手段で実現されても良い。 The program receiving unit 111, the distribution instruction receiving unit 112, the timing information receiving unit 122, the transmission instruction receiving unit 123, the terminal receiving unit 133, and the instruction receiving unit 152 are usually realized by wireless or wired communication means, It may be realized by means for receiving.
　番組配信部１１３、タイミング情報送信部１２４、端末送信部１３２、広告タイミング情報送信部１４５は、通常、無線または有線の通信手段で実現されるが、放送手段で実現されても良い。 The program distribution unit 113, the timing information transmission unit 124, the terminal transmission unit 132, and the advertisement timing information transmission unit 145 are usually realized by wireless or wired communication means, but may be realized by broadcasting means.
　タイミング情報格納部１２１、端末格納部１３０、広告格納部１５１は、不揮発性の記録媒体が好適であるが、揮発性の記録媒体でも実現可能である。 The timing information storage unit 121, the terminal storage unit 130, and the advertisement storage unit 151 are preferably non-volatile recording media, but can also be realized by volatile recording media.
　タイミング情報格納部１２１、端末格納部１３０、広告格納部１５１に情報が記憶される過程は問わない。例えば、記録媒体を介して情報がタイミング情報格納部１２１で記憶されるようになってもよく、通信回線等を介して送信された情報がタイミング情報格納部１２１で記憶されるようになってもよく、あるいは、入力デバイスを介して入力された情報がタイミング情報格納部１２１で記憶されるようになってもよい。 The process in which information is stored in the timing information storage unit 121, the terminal storage unit 130, and the advertisement storage unit 151 does not matter. For example, information may be stored in the timing information storage unit 121 via a recording medium, or information transmitted via a communication line or the like may be stored in the timing information storage unit 121. Alternatively, the information input via the input device may be stored in the timing information storage unit 121.
　端末出力部１３４は、ディスプレイやスピーカー等の出力デバイスを含むと考えても含まないと考えても良い。端末出力部１３４は、出力デバイスのドライバーソフトまたは、出力デバイスのドライバーソフトと出力デバイス等で実現され得る。 The terminal output unit 134 may be considered as including or not including an output device such as a display or a speaker. The terminal output unit 134 may be realized by output device driver software, or output device driver software and an output device.
　時計部１４１、タイム情報取得部１４３、タイミング情報構成部１４４は、通常、ＭＰＵやメモリ等から実現され得る。時計部１４１等の処理手順は、通常、ソフトウェアで実現され、当該ソフトウェアはＲＯＭ等の記録媒体に記録されている。但し、ハードウェア（専用回路）で実現しても良い。 The clock unit 141, the time information acquisition unit 143, and the timing information configuration unit 144 can be usually realized by an MPU, a memory, or the like. The processing procedure of the clock unit 141 and the like is usually realized by software, and the software is recorded on a recording medium such as a ROM. However, it may be realized by hardware (dedicated circuit).
　次に、配信システム１の動作について説明する。まず、配信サーバ１１の動作について、図３のフローチャートを用いて説明する。 Next, the operation of the distribution system 1 will be described. First, the operation of the distribution server 11 will be described using the flowchart of FIG.
　（ステップＳ３０１）番組受付部１１１は、１または２以上のライブ番組をエンコーダＥから受け付けたか否かを判断する。ライブ番組を受け付けた場合はステップＳ３０２に行き、ライブ番組を受け付けない場合はステップＳ３０３に行く。 (Step S301) The program receiving unit 111 determines whether one or more live programs have been received from the encoder E. If a live program is accepted, the process goes to step S302. If a live program is not accepted, the process goes to step S303.
　（ステップＳ３０２）番組受付部１１１は、ステップＳ３０１で受け付けた１または２以上のライブ番組を、図示しないバッファに一時蓄積する。ステップＳ３０１に戻る。なお、ライブ番組は、通常、チェンネル識別子と対応付いている。また、バッファには、通常、チェンネル識別子と対応付けて、ライブ番組が蓄積される。さらに、チェンネル識別子はＵＲＬに対応付いている、またはチェンネル識別子はＵＲＬでも良い。また、ＵＲＬとは、ライブ番組が格納されている配信サーバ１１のＵＲＬに対応である。 (Step S302) The program receiving unit 111 temporarily stores one or more live programs received in step S301 in a buffer (not shown). The process returns to step S301. A live program is usually associated with a channel identifier. Also, live programs are usually stored in the buffer in association with channel identifiers. Further, the channel identifier may be associated with a URL, or the channel identifier may be a URL. The URL corresponds to the URL of the distribution server 11 where the live program is stored.
　（ステップＳ３０３）配信指示受信部１１２は、端末装置１３から配信指示を受信したか否かを判断する。配信指示を受信した場合はステップＳ３０４に行き、配信指示を受信しない場合はステップＳ３０６に行く。 (Step S303) The distribution instruction receiving unit 112 determines whether a distribution instruction is received from the terminal device 13. If a distribution instruction has been received, the process proceeds to step S304. If no distribution instruction has been received, the process proceeds to step S306.
　（ステップＳ３０４）番組配信部１１３は、ステップＳ３０３で受信された配信指示に対応する番組をバッファから取得する。なお、番組配信部１１３は、例えば、配信指示に含まれるチェンネル識別子に対応付いている番組をバッファから取得する。 (Step S304) The program distribution unit 113 acquires a program corresponding to the distribution instruction received in step S303 from the buffer. Note that the program distribution unit 113 acquires, for example, a program associated with the channel identifier included in the distribution instruction from the buffer.
　（ステップＳ３０５）番組配信部１１３は、ステップＳ３０４で取得した番組を、配信指示を送信してきた端末装置１３に配信する。ステップＳ３０１に戻る。なお、当該端末装置１３から送信された配信停止指示が受信されるまで、当該端末装置１３への番組の配信は継続する。 (Step S305) The program distribution unit 113 distributes the program acquired in step S304 to the terminal device 13 that has transmitted the distribution instruction. The process returns to step S301. The distribution of the program to the terminal device 13 continues until the distribution stop instruction transmitted from the terminal device 13 is received.
　（ステップＳ３０６）配信指示受信部１１２は、端末装置１３から配信停止指示を受信したか否かを判断する。配信停止指示を受信した場合はステップＳ３０７に行き、配信停止指示を受信しない場合はステップＳ３０１に戻る。 (Step S306) The distribution instruction receiving unit 112 determines whether or not a distribution stop instruction is received from the terminal device 13. When the distribution stop instruction is received, the process goes to step S307, and when the distribution stop instruction is not received, the process returns to step S301.
　（ステップＳ３０７）番組配信部１１３は、配信停止指示を送信してきた端末装置１３への、現在のチャンネルの番組の配信を停止する。ステップＳ３０１に戻る。 (Step S307) The program distribution unit 113 stops distributing the program of the current channel to the terminal device 13 that has transmitted the distribution stop instruction. The process returns to step S301.
　なお、図３のフローチャートにおいて、配信指示受信部１１２は、端末装置１３から配信停止指示を受信した。しかし、配信指示受信部１１２が、一の端末装置１３から、現在配信している番組のチャンネルとは異なるチャンネルの番組の配信指示を受信した場合に、現在配信している番組の配信を停止し、受信された配信指示に対応するチャンネルの番組の配信を開始しても良い。 In the flowchart of FIG. 3, the distribution instruction receiving unit 112 has received a distribution stop instruction from the terminal device 13. However, when the distribution instruction receiving unit 112 receives from one terminal device 13 an instruction to distribute a program of a channel different from the channel of the currently distributed program, the distribution instruction receiving unit 112 stops distributing the currently distributed program. The distribution of the program of the channel corresponding to the received distribution instruction may be started.
　さらに、図３のフローチャートにおいて、電源オフや処理終了の割り込みにより処理は終了する。 Furthermore, in the flowchart of FIG. 3, the processing is terminated by powering off or interruption for aborting the processing.
　次に、ミッドロールサーバ１２の動作について、図４のフローチャートを用いて説明する。 Next, the operation of the mid-roll server 12 will be described using the flowchart of FIG.
　（ステップＳ４０１）タイミング情報受付部１２２は、タイミング情報を受け付けたか否かを判断する。タイミング情報を受け付けた場合はステップＳ４０２に行き、タイミング情報を受け付けない場合はステップＳ４０３に行く。 (Step S401) The timing information receiving unit 122 determines whether timing information has been received. If timing information is accepted, the process goes to step S402. If timing information is not accepted, the process goes to step S403.
　（ステップＳ４０２）タイミング情報受付部１２２は、ステップＳ４０１で受け付けたタイミング情報をタイミング情報格納部１２１に蓄積する。ステップＳ４０１に戻る。なお、タイミング情報受付部１２２は、２以上のチェンネルに対応する２以上のタイミング情報を受け付けた場合は、例えば、チェンネル識別子に対応付けて、２以上の各タイミング情報をタイミング情報格納部１２１に蓄積する。 (Step S402) The timing information receiving unit 122 accumulates the timing information received in Step S401 in the timing information storage unit 121. The process returns to step S401. When the timing information receiving unit 122 receives two or more timing information corresponding to two or more channels, for example, the timing information receiving unit 122 stores two or more pieces of timing information in the timing information storage unit 121 in association with the channel identifier. To do.
　（ステップＳ４０３）送信指示受信部１２３は、端末装置１３からタイミング情報の送信指示を受信したか否かを判断する。タイミング情報の送信指示を受信した場合はステップＳ４０４に行き、タイミング情報の送信指示を受信しない場合はステップＳ４０１に戻る。 (Step S403) The transmission instruction receiving unit 123 determines whether a timing information transmission instruction has been received from the terminal device 13. If a timing information transmission instruction is received, the process proceeds to step S404. If a timing information transmission instruction is not received, the process returns to step S401.
　（ステップＳ４０４）タイミング情報送信部１２４は、タイミング情報格納部１２１からタイミング情報を取得する。 (Step S404) The timing information transmission unit 124 acquires timing information from the timing information storage unit 121.
　（ステップＳ４０５）タイミング情報送信部１２４は、送信指示を送信した端末装置１３に、ステップＳ４０４で取得したタイミング情報を送信する。ステップＳ４０１に戻る。 (Step S405) The timing information transmission unit 124 transmits the timing information acquired in Step S404 to the terminal device 13 that has transmitted the transmission instruction. The process returns to step S401.
　なお、図４のフローチャートにおいて、送信指示受信部１２３は、番組を受信している端末装置１３と通信するための情報を、例えば、配信サーバ１１から取得し、当該端末装置１３に、プッシュ型でタイミング情報を送信しても良い。 In the flowchart of FIG. 4, the transmission instruction receiving unit 123 acquires information for communicating with the terminal device 13 that is receiving the program from, for example, the distribution server 11 and pushes the information to the terminal device 13 in a push type. Timing information may be transmitted.
　さらに、図４のフローチャートにおいて、電源オフや処理終了の割り込みにより処理は終了する。 Furthermore, in the flowchart of FIG. 4, the processing is ended by powering off or interruption for aborting the processing.
　次に、端末装置１３の動作について、図５のフローチャートを用いて説明する。 Next, the operation of the terminal device 13 will be described using the flowchart of FIG.
　（ステップＳ５０１）端末受付部１３１は、配信指示を受け付けたか否かを判断する。配信指示を受け付けた場合はステップＳ５０２に行き、配信指示を受け付けない場合はステップＳ５０３に行く。 (Step S501) The terminal reception unit 131 determines whether a distribution instruction has been received. If the distribution instruction is accepted, the process goes to step S502, and if the distribution instruction is not accepted, the process goes to step S503.
　（ステップＳ５０２）端末送信部１３２は、ステップＳ５０１で受け付けられた配信指示を配信サーバ１１に送信する。ステップＳ５０１に戻る。 (Step S502) The terminal transmission unit 132 transmits the distribution instruction received in Step S501 to the distribution server 11. The process returns to step S501.
　（ステップＳ５０３）端末受付部１３１は、チャンネル変更指示を受け付けたか否かを判断する。チャンネル変更指示を受け付けた場合はステップＳ５０４に行き、チャンネル変更指示を受け付けない場合はステップＳ５０６に行く。 (Step S503) The terminal receiving unit 131 determines whether a channel change instruction has been received. If a channel change instruction is accepted, the process goes to step S504. If a channel change instruction is not accepted, the process goes to step S506.
　（ステップＳ５０４）端末送信部１３２は、配信停止指示を配信サーバ１１に送信する。この配信停止指示は、現在、受信している番組の配信を停止する指示である。 (Step S504) The terminal transmission unit 132 transmits a distribution stop instruction to the distribution server 11. This distribution stop instruction is an instruction to stop distribution of the currently received program.
　（ステップＳ５０５）端末送信部１３２は、チャンネル変更指示が有するチャンネル識別子を有する配信指示を配信サーバ１１に送信する。ステップＳ５０１に戻る。 (Step S505) The terminal transmission unit 132 transmits a distribution instruction having a channel identifier included in the channel change instruction to the distribution server 11. The process returns to step S501.
　（ステップＳ５０６）端末受信部１３３は、配信サーバ１１からライブ番組を受信したか否かを判断する。ライブ番組を受信した場合はステップＳ５０７に行き、ライブ番組を受信しない場合はステップＳ５０８に行く。 (Step S506) The terminal reception unit 133 determines whether a live program is received from the distribution server 11. If a live program is received, the process goes to step S507, and if no live program is received, the process goes to step S508.
　（ステップＳ５０７）端末出力部１３４は、ステップＳ５０６で受信されたライブ番組を出力する。ステップＳ５０１に戻る。なお、端末出力部１３４は、通常、ライブ番組を受信している間、当該ライブ番組を出力する。ただし、端末出力部１３４は、広告を出力している間は、ライブ番組を出力しなくても良い。 (Step S507) The terminal output unit 134 outputs the live program received in Step S506. The process returns to step S501. The terminal output unit 134 normally outputs the live program while receiving the live program. However, the terminal output unit 134 may not output the live program while the advertisement is output.
　（ステップＳ５０８）端末送信部１３２は、タイミング情報の送信指示をミッドロールサーバ１２に送信するタイミングであるか否かを判断する。送信するタイミングである場合はステップＳ５０９に行き、送信するタイミングでない場合はステップＳ５１０に行く。なお、タイミング情報の送信指示をミッドロールサーバ１２に送信するタイミングに関する情報は、例えば、端末格納部１３０に格納されている。 (Step S508) The terminal transmission unit 132 determines whether it is time to transmit a timing information transmission instruction to the mid-roll server 12. If it is time to transmit, go to step S509, and if it is not time to transmit, go to step S510. Note that information regarding the timing of transmitting the timing information transmission instruction to the mid-roll server 12 is stored in, for example, the terminal storage unit 130.
　（ステップＳ５０９）端末送信部１３２は、タイミング情報の送信指示をミッドロールサーバ１２に送信する。ステップＳ５０１に戻る。 (Step S509) The terminal transmission unit 132 transmits a timing information transmission instruction to the mid-roll server 12. The process returns to step S501.
　（ステップＳ５１０）端末受信部１３３は、ステップＳ５０９における送信指示の送信に応じて、ミッドロールサーバ１２からタイミング情報を受信したか否かを判断する。タイミング情報を受信した場合はステップＳ５１１に行き、タイミング情報を受信しない場合はステップＳ５１２に行く。 (Step S510) The terminal reception unit 133 determines whether timing information has been received from the mid-roll server 12 in response to transmission of the transmission instruction in step S509. If timing information is received, the process goes to step S511. If timing information is not received, the process goes to step S512.
　（ステップＳ５１１）端末受信部１３３は、ステップＳ５１０で受信したタイミング情報を端末格納部１３０に蓄積する。ステップＳ５０１に戻る。 (Step S511) The terminal reception unit 133 accumulates the timing information received in Step S510 in the terminal storage unit 130. The process returns to step S501.
　（ステップＳ５１２）端末受付部１３１は、視聴中の番組を巻き戻す指示である巻き戻し指示を受け付けたか否かを判断する。巻き戻し指示を受け付けた場合はステップＳ５０１に戻り、巻き戻し指示を受け付けない場合はステップＳ５１３に行く。つまり、ここでは、巻き戻し指示に対して、何らの動作も行われず、巻き戻し指示は無視される。 (Step S512) The terminal receiving unit 131 determines whether or not a rewind instruction, which is an instruction to rewind the currently viewed program, has been received. If a rewind instruction is accepted, the process returns to step S501. If a rewind instruction is not accepted, the process proceeds to step S513. That is, here, no operation is performed for the rewind instruction, and the rewind instruction is ignored.
　（ステップＳ５１３）端末出力部１３４は、視聴中のチャンネルのチャンネル識別子に対応するタイミング情報を取得する。 (Step S513) The terminal output unit 134 acquires timing information corresponding to the channel identifier of the channel being viewed.
　（ステップＳ５１４）端末出力部１３４は、ステップＳ５１３で取得したタイミング情報を用いて、広告の出力タイミングであるか否かを判断する。広告の出力タイミングである場合はステップＳ５１５に行き、広告の出力タイミングでない場合はステップＳ５０１に戻る。 (Step S514) The terminal output unit 134 uses the timing information acquired in Step S513 to determine whether it is the advertisement output timing. If it is the advertisement output timing, the process goes to step S515, and if it is not the advertisement output timing, the process returns to step S501.
　（ステップＳ５１５）端末出力部１３４は、出力する広告を取得する。なお、出力する広告は、予め端末格納部１３０に格納されていても良いし、出力直前等に、端末受信部１３３が広告配信装置１５から受信しても良い。 (Step S515) The terminal output unit 134 acquires the advertisement to be output. The advertisement to be output may be stored in advance in the terminal storage unit 130, or the terminal reception unit 133 may receive it from the advertisement distribution device 15 immediately before output.
　（ステップＳ５１６）端末出力部１３４は、ステップＳ５１５で取得した広告を出力する。ステップＳ５０１に戻る。なお、端末出力部１３４は、視聴中の番組と共に広告を出力しても良いし、番組を出力せずに、広告を出力しても良い。 (Step S516) The terminal output unit 134 outputs the advertisement acquired in Step S515. The process returns to step S501. The terminal output unit 134 may output an advertisement together with the program being viewed, or may output the advertisement without outputting the program.
　なお、図５のフローチャートにおいて、電源オフや処理終了の割り込みにより処理は終了する。 In the flowchart of FIG. 5, the process is ended by powering off or interruption for aborting the process.
　次に、広告発火装置１４の動作について、図６のフローチャートを用いて説明する。 Next, the operation of the advertisement ignition device 14 will be described using the flowchart of FIG.
　（ステップＳ６０１）挿入指示受付部１４２は、広告の挿入指示を受け付けたか否かを判断する。広告の挿入指示を受け付けた場合はステップＳ６０２に行き、広告の挿入指示を受け付けない場合はステップＳ６０１に戻る。 (Step S601) The insertion instruction receiving unit 142 determines whether an advertisement insertion instruction has been received. If an advertisement insertion instruction is accepted, the process proceeds to step S602. If an advertisement insertion instruction is not accepted, the process returns to step S601.
　（ステップＳ６０２）タイム情報取得部１４３は、ステップＳ６０１で受け付けられた挿入指示に応じて、当該挿入指示が受け付けられた際の１以上のタイム情報を時計部１４１から取得する。なお、タイム情報取得部１４３は、１または２以上の各タイム情報を、チャンネル識別子に対応付けて取得することは好適である。また、時計部１４１は、複数のエンコーダと同期がとれている１または２以上の各タイム情報を進めている。 (Step S602) The time information acquisition unit 143 acquires, from the clock unit 141, one or more pieces of time information when the insertion instruction is accepted, in response to the insertion instruction accepted in Step S601. Note that the time information acquisition unit 143 preferably acquires one or more pieces of time information in association with channel identifiers. In addition, the clock unit 141 advances one or more pieces of time information synchronized with a plurality of encoders.
　（ステップＳ６０３）タイミング情報構成部１４４は、ステップＳ６０２で取得された１以上のタイム情報を用いて、タイミング情報を構成する。 (Step S603) The timing information configuration unit 144 configures timing information using one or more pieces of time information acquired in Step S602.
　（ステップＳ６０４）広告タイミング情報送信部１４５は、ステップＳ６０３で構成されたタイミング情報をミッドロールサーバ１２に送信する。ステップＳ６０１に戻る。 (Step S604) The advertisement timing information transmission unit 145 transmits the timing information configured in Step S603 to the mid-roll server 12. The process returns to step S601.
　なお、図６のフローチャートにおいて、電源オフや処理終了の割り込みにより処理は終了する。 In the flowchart of FIG. 6, the process ends when the power is turned off or the process is terminated.
　次に、広告配信装置１５の動作について説明する。広告配信装置１５の指示受信部１５２は、広告の送信指示を受信する。そして、広告配信部１５３は、当該送信指示に対応する広告を広告格納部１５１から読み出す。次に、広告配信部１５３は、読み出した広告を、送信指示を送信してきた端末装置１３に送信する。なお、広告配信部１５３は、プッシュ型で、広告を端末装置１３に送信しても良い。 Next, the operation of the advertisement distribution device 15 will be described. The instruction receiving unit 152 of the advertisement distribution device 15 receives an advertisement transmission instruction. Then, the advertisement distribution unit 153 reads the advertisement corresponding to the transmission instruction from the advertisement storage unit 151. Next, the advertisement distribution unit 153 transmits the read advertisement to the terminal device 13 that has transmitted the transmission instruction. The advertisement distribution unit 153 may be a push type and may transmit an advertisement to the terminal device 13.
　以下、本実施の形態における配信システム１の具体的な動作について説明する。例えば、本具体例において、野球の試合を撮影し、ライブ番組を構成し、配信する配信システム１の具体的な動作について説明する。配信システム１の概念図は、図１、図７である。図７において、エンコーダＥでエンコードされたライブ番組が配信サーバ１１に送られ、配信サーバ１１から端末装置１３にライブ番組が配信される。そして、端末装置１３はライブ番組を受信し、出力する。また、ミッドロールサーバ１２からＣＭ出力のタイミングを示すタイミング情報を端末装置１３に送信し、端末装置１３ではタイミング情報を受信し、当該タイミング情報に従って、ＣＭを出力する。 Hereinafter, a specific operation of the distribution system 1 in the present embodiment will be described. For example, in this specific example, a specific operation of the distribution system 1 that shoots a baseball game, composes a live program, and distributes it will be described. A conceptual diagram of the distribution system 1 is shown in FIGS. In FIG. 7, the live program encoded by the encoder E is sent to the distribution server 11, and the live program is distributed from the distribution server 11 to the terminal device 13. The terminal device 13 receives and outputs the live program. Further, timing information indicating the timing of CM output is transmitted from the mid-roll server 12 to the terminal device 13, and the terminal device 13 receives the timing information and outputs a CM according to the timing information.
　また、広告発火装置１４の画面例を図８に示す。図８において、８０１のフィールドは、チャンネル毎のタイム情報が表示されるフィールドである。また、８０２のフィールドは、手動入力における補正時間を入力するフィールドである。また、８０３の実行ボタンの押下により、タイミング情報が決定される。さらに、図８において、４つのチャンネルのタイミング情報が構成される。 Also, a screen example of the advertisement ignition device 14 is shown in FIG. In FIG. 8, a field 801 is a field in which time information for each channel is displayed. A field 802 is a field for inputting a correction time in manual input. Also, the timing information is determined by pressing the execution button 803. Further, in FIG. 8, timing information of four channels is configured.
　かかる状況において、４つのビデオカメラＣ１、Ｃ２、Ｃ３、Ｃ４が、野球の試合を撮影している。そして、エンコーダＥ１は、ビデオカメラＣ１で撮影された映像と別途付加された音声とをエンコードし、チャンネル識別子「ｃｈ１」とエンコードしたライブ番組とを対にして、配信サーバ１１に渡す。また、エンコーダＥ２は、ビデオカメラＣ２で撮影された映像と別途付加された音声とをエンコードし、チャンネル識別子「ｃｈ２」とエンコードしたライブ番組とを対にして、配信サーバ１１に渡す。また、エンコーダＥ３は、ビデオカメラＣ３で撮影された映像と別途付加された音声とをエンコードし、チャンネル識別子「ｃｈ３」とエンコードしたライブ番組とを対にして、配信サーバ１１に渡す。さらに、エンコーダＥ４は、ビデオカメラＣ４で撮影された映像と別途付加された音声とをエンコードし、チャンネル識別子「ｃｈ４」とエンコードしたライブ番組とを対にして、配信サーバ１１に渡す。 In such a situation, four video cameras C1, C2, C3, and C4 are shooting a baseball game. Then, the encoder E1 encodes the video shot by the video camera C1 and the separately added audio, and passes the channel identifier “ch1” and the encoded live program to the distribution server 11 as a pair. Also, the encoder E2 encodes the video captured by the video camera C2 and the separately added audio, and passes the channel identifier “ch2” and the encoded live program to the distribution server 11 as a pair. Also, the encoder E3 encodes the video captured by the video camera C3 and the separately added audio, and passes the channel identifier “ch3” and the encoded live program to the distribution server 11 as a pair. Further, the encoder E4 encodes the video captured by the video camera C4 and the separately added audio, and passes the channel identifier “ch4” and the encoded live program to the distribution server 11 as a pair.
　そして、配信サーバ１１の番組受付部１１１は、通常、常時、４つのライブ番組をエンコーダＥから受信し、チャンネル識別子毎に、バッファに一時蓄積する。なお、ＤＶＲの場合は、例えば、番組受付部１１１は、配信サーバ１１で設定された一定時間の映像を最新から蓄積する。そして、この一定時間を過ぎると、例えば、新しい映像が蓄積されつつ古い時間範囲の映像から消えてゆく。ただし、ミッドロールにＤＶＲを利用する場合は、この設定時間を（ライブ継続時間より）十分に長くして古い時間の映像が消えないようにすることは好適である。消えると基準となる映像の起点がわからなくなるためである。 Then, the program receiving unit 111 of the distribution server 11 normally receives four live programs from the encoder E at all times, and temporarily stores them in the buffer for each channel identifier. In the case of DVR, for example, the program receiving unit 111 accumulates videos of a certain time set by the distribution server 11 from the latest. Then, after a certain period of time, for example, the new video disappears from the video in the old time range while accumulating. However, when using DVR for mid-roll, it is preferable to make this set time sufficiently longer (than the live duration) so that the video of the old time does not disappear. This is because if it disappears, the starting point of the reference image will not be known.
　ここで、ユーザＡは、自分が視聴する端末装置１３に対して、チャンネル識別子「ｃｈ１」を含む配信指示を入力した、とする。すると、端末受付部１３１は、配信指示を受け付ける。次に、端末送信部１３２は、受け付けられた配信指示を配信サーバ１１に送信する。 Here, it is assumed that the user A inputs a distribution instruction including the channel identifier “ch1” to the terminal device 13 he / she views. Then, the terminal reception part 131 receives a delivery instruction. Next, the terminal transmission unit 132 transmits the accepted distribution instruction to the distribution server 11.
　次に、配信サーバ１１の配信指示受信部１１２は、ユーザＡの端末装置１３から、チャンネル識別子「ｃｈ１」を含む配信指示を受信する。そして、番組配信部１１３は、ステップＳ３０３で受信された配信指示が有するチャンネル識別子「ｃｈ１」に対応する番組をバッファから取得する。次に、番組配信部１１３は、取得した番組をユーザＡの端末装置１３に配信する。 Next, the distribution instruction receiving unit 112 of the distribution server 11 receives a distribution instruction including the channel identifier “ch1” from the terminal device 13 of the user A. Then, the program distribution unit 113 acquires a program corresponding to the channel identifier “ch1” included in the distribution instruction received in step S303 from the buffer. Next, the program distribution unit 113 distributes the acquired program to the terminal device 13 of the user A.
　次に、端末装置１３の端末受信部１３３は、配信サーバ１１から、チャンネル識別子「ｃｈ１」のライブ番組を受信する。そして、端末出力部１３４は、受信されたライブ番組を出力する。なお、端末出力部１３４は、ここでは、ＤＶＲ(Digital video recorder)再生の機能を利用して、ライブ番組を出力する、とする。 Next, the terminal reception unit 133 of the terminal device 13 receives the live program with the channel identifier “ch1” from the distribution server 11. Then, the terminal output unit 134 outputs the received live program. Here, it is assumed that the terminal output unit 134 outputs a live program by using a DVR (Digital video recorder) playback function.
　以上のような、配信サーバ１１によるライブ番組の配信、端末装置１３でのライブ番組の受信、および出力が続く。 As described above, the distribution of the live program by the distribution server 11, the reception of the live program by the terminal device 13, and the output continue.
　そして、端末送信部１３２は、タイミング情報の送信指示をミッドロールサーバ１２に送信するタイミングである、と判断した、とする。なお、端末送信部１３２は、ここでは、予め決められた予測遅延時間未満の間隔で、定期的にタイミング情報の送信指示をミッドロールサーバ１２に送信する、とする。また、予測遅延時間は、例えば、１０秒から５０秒の間である。予測遅延時間は、好ましくは、２０秒から４０秒の間である。さらに好ましくは、予測遅延時間は、２０秒前後である。なお、端末装置１３によっても、通常、遅延時間が異なる。また、例えば、ｈｔｔｐストリーミングで８秒の細切れの設定として配信を行った場合、例えば、端末装置間の遅延は１０秒から３０秒程度の幅に分布がばらつき、その中央値が略２０秒である。このため、ミッドロールの問い合わせ間隔は毎秒問い合わせの場合、同時視聴端末が、例えば、５０万台あれば５０万アクセス／ｓｅｃとなり、この場合、相当の問い合わせ負荷となる。一台あたり２万アクセス／ｓｅｃを処理できる配信サーバであれば２５台必要である。問い合わせ間隔を１０秒弱とすれば、秒間での問い合わせ負荷は１／１０となり、運用コスト的に非常に扱いやすくなる。しかし、遅延時間より長い問い合わせ間隔としてしまうと、今度は端末装置によっては、ＣＭを出すべき映像位置を通りすぎてしまい、ミッドロールＣＭが出せなくなる。つまり、ライブ配信に限っていえば、その遅延は出来る限り、少ない方がリアルタイム性もあり理想的であるものの、本方式によるミッドロールＣＭの出力を考慮すれば、問い合わせ間隔以上の遅延時間が望ましいということになる。上記の５０万同時視聴の場合、遅延の最低値で約１０秒（中央値で２０秒）は、十分、運用コスト的に許容できる値といえる。 Then, it is assumed that the terminal transmission unit 132 determines that it is timing to transmit a timing information transmission instruction to the mid-roll server 12. Here, it is assumed that the terminal transmission unit 132 periodically transmits a timing information transmission instruction to the mid-roll server 12 at an interval less than a predetermined predicted delay time. The predicted delay time is, for example, between 10 seconds and 50 seconds. The predicted delay time is preferably between 20 seconds and 40 seconds. More preferably, the predicted delay time is around 20 seconds. Note that the delay time usually varies depending on the terminal device 13. For example, when delivery is performed with a setting of 8 seconds in http streaming, for example, the delay between terminals varies from 10 seconds to 30 seconds, and the median is approximately 20 seconds. . For this reason, when the inquiry interval of the mid-roll is an inquiry per second, if there are 500,000 simultaneous viewing terminals, for example, it becomes 500,000 accesses / sec. In this case, a considerable inquiry load occurs. If a distribution server can process 20,000 accesses / sec per unit, 25 units are required. If the inquiry interval is a little less than 10 seconds, the inquiry load per second becomes 1/10, which makes it very easy to handle in terms of operational costs. However, if the inquiry interval is longer than the delay time, this time, depending on the terminal device, the video position where the CM should be output is passed, and the mid-roll CM cannot be output. In other words, if it is limited to live delivery, the smallest possible delay is real-time and ideal, but considering the mid-roll CM output by this method, a delay time longer than the inquiry interval is desirable. It will be. In the case of the above 500,000 simultaneous viewing, the minimum delay value of about 10 seconds (the median value of 20 seconds) can be said to be an acceptable value in terms of operation costs.
　そして、次に、端末送信部１３２は、タイミング情報の送信指示をミッドロールサーバ１２に送信する。 Then, the terminal transmission unit 132 transmits a timing information transmission instruction to the mid-roll server 12.
　次に、ミッドロールサーバ１２の送信指示受信部１２３は、ライブ番組を受信する端末装置１３からタイミング情報の送信指示を受信する。しかし、タイミング情報格納部１２１にタイミング情報が存在しないので、タイミング情報送信部１２４は、送信指示を送信した端末装置１３に、タイミング情報を送信しない。 Next, the transmission instruction receiving unit 123 of the mid-roll server 12 receives a transmission instruction of timing information from the terminal device 13 that receives the live program. However, since timing information does not exist in the timing information storage unit 121, the timing information transmission unit 124 does not transmit timing information to the terminal device 13 that has transmitted the transmission instruction.
　そして、野球における１回表の攻撃が終了した、とする。そして、野球を監視していた広告発火装置１４のユーザは、図８の画面の「実行」ボタン８０３を押下した、とする。すると、広告発火装置１４の挿入指示受付部１４２は、広告の挿入指示を受け付ける。タイム情報取得部１４３は、受け付けられた挿入指示に応じて、当該挿入指示が受け付けられた際の、４つのチャンネルのタイム情報を取得する。４つのチャンネルのタイム情報は、「チャンネル識別子「ｃｈ１」，チャンネル別タイム情報「００：１５：４６．８１６」」「チャンネル識別子「ｃｈ２」，チャンネル別タイム情報「００：１６：５３．０８０」」「チャンネル識別子「ｃｈ３」，チャンネル別タイム情報「００：１５：０５．３５５」」「チャンネル識別子「ｃｈ４」，チャンネル別タイム情報「００：１０：４２．００４」」である、とする。 Suppose that the first table attack in baseball is complete. Then, it is assumed that the user of the advertisement ignition device 14 monitoring baseball has pressed the “execute” button 803 on the screen of FIG. Then, the insertion instruction receiving unit 142 of the advertisement ignition device 14 receives an advertisement insertion instruction. The time information acquisition unit 143 acquires the time information of the four channels when the insertion instruction is received according to the received insertion instruction. The time information of the four channels is “channel identifier“ ch1 ”, time information by channel“ 00: 15: 46.816 ”” “channel identifier“ ch2 ”, time information by channel“ 00: 16: 53.080 ”” “Channel identifier“ ch3 ”, channel-specific time information“ 00: 15: 05.355 ”” “Channel identifier“ ch4 ”, channel-specific time information“ 00: 10: 42.004 ””.
　次に、タイミング情報構成部１４４は、取得された４つのタイム情報を用いて、図９に示すタイミング情報を構成する。そして、広告タイミング情報送信部１４５は、図９のタイミング情報をミッドロールサーバ１２に送信する。図９において、チャンネル識別子とチャンネル別タイミング情報とが対になっている。タイミング情報は、ここでは、４つの対を有する。 Next, the timing information configuration unit 144 configures the timing information shown in FIG. 9 using the acquired four time information. Then, the advertisement timing information transmission unit 145 transmits the timing information in FIG. 9 to the mid-roll server 12. In FIG. 9, a channel identifier and channel-specific timing information are paired. The timing information here has four pairs.
　次に、ミッドロールサーバ１２のタイミング情報受付部１２２は、タイミング情報を受信する。そして、タイミング情報受付部１２２は、受信したタイミング情報（図９）をタイミング情報格納部１２１に蓄積する。 Next, the timing information reception unit 122 of the mid-roll server 12 receives the timing information. Then, the timing information receiving unit 122 accumulates the received timing information (FIG. 9) in the timing information storage unit 121.
　次に、端末送信部１３２は、タイミング情報の送信指示をミッドロールサーバ１２に送信するタイミングである、と判断した、とする。 Next, it is assumed that the terminal transmission unit 132 determines that it is timing to transmit a timing information transmission instruction to the mid-roll server 12.
　そして、次に、端末送信部１３２は、タイミング情報の送信指示をミッドロールサーバ１２に送信する。 Then, the terminal transmission unit 132 transmits a timing information transmission instruction to the mid-roll server 12.
　次に、ミッドロールサーバ１２の送信指示受信部１２３は、ライブ番組を受信する端末装置１３からタイミング情報の送信指示を受信する。 Next, the transmission instruction receiving unit 123 of the mid-roll server 12 receives a transmission instruction of timing information from the terminal device 13 that receives the live program.
　次に、タイミング情報送信部１２４は、タイミング情報格納部１２１からタイミング情報を取得する。そして、タイミング情報送信部１２４は、送信指示を送信した端末装置１３に、取得したタイミング情報を送信する。 Next, the timing information transmission unit 124 acquires timing information from the timing information storage unit 121. Then, the timing information transmission unit 124 transmits the acquired timing information to the terminal device 13 that has transmitted the transmission instruction.
　次に、端末装置１３の端末受信部１３３は、送信指示の送信に応じて、ミッドロールサーバ１２からタイミング情報を受信する。そして、端末受信部１３３は、受信したタイミング情報を端末格納部１３０に蓄積する。 Next, the terminal reception unit 133 of the terminal device 13 receives timing information from the mid-roll server 12 in response to transmission of the transmission instruction. Then, the terminal reception unit 133 accumulates the received timing information in the terminal storage unit 130.
　次に、端末出力部１３４は、視聴中のチャンネルのチャンネル識別子「ｃｈ１」に対応するタイミング情報「００：１５：４６．８１６」を取得する。次に、端末出力部１３４は、取得したタイミング情報「００：１５：４６．８１６」が示すタイミングでない（広告の出力タイミングでない）と判断する。 Next, the terminal output unit 134 acquires timing information “00: 15: 46.816” corresponding to the channel identifier “ch1” of the channel being viewed. Next, the terminal output unit 134 determines that it is not the timing indicated by the acquired timing information “00: 15: 46.816” (not the advertisement output timing).
　そして、少し時間の経過後、端末出力部１３４は、取得したタイミング情報「００：１５：４６．８１６」が示すタイミングである（広告の出力タイミングである）と判断する。なお、この間、番組が出力されている、とする。 Then, after a little time has elapsed, the terminal output unit 134 determines that it is the timing indicated by the acquired timing information “00: 15: 46.816” (the output timing of the advertisement). It is assumed that a program is being output during this time.
　次に、端末出力部１３４は、出力する広告を取得する。端末送信部１３２は、例えば、広告配信装置１５に対して、チャンネル識別子「ｃｈ１」を含む広告送信指示を送信する。そして、かかる指示の送信に応じて、端末受信部１３３は、広告配信装置１５からチャンネル識別子「ｃｈ１」に対応する広告を受信する。そして、端末出力部１３４は、受信された広告を取得する。 Next, the terminal output unit 134 acquires an advertisement to be output. For example, the terminal transmission unit 132 transmits an advertisement transmission instruction including the channel identifier “ch1” to the advertisement distribution device 15. Then, in response to the transmission of the instruction, the terminal reception unit 133 receives an advertisement corresponding to the channel identifier “ch1” from the advertisement distribution device 15. Then, the terminal output unit 134 acquires the received advertisement.
　次に、端末出力部１３４は、取得した広告を出力する。 Next, the terminal output unit 134 outputs the acquired advertisement.
　なお、上記の具体例の配信システム１の構成は、図１０であっても良い。図１０において、端末装置１３が広告配信装置１５に対して、広告素材（広告）を要求し、広告配信装置１５から端末装置１３に広告が配信される。そして、端末装置１３で広告が出力される。また、図１０に示すように、エンコーダのタイム情報と広告発火システムの各チャンネル用の内部時計（タイム情報）とを合わせる。そして、エンコーダのタイム情報と広告発火システムの各チャンネル用の内部時計（タイム情報）とが合った状態で、自走させる。その他の動作は、図９で説明した通りである。 Note that the configuration of the delivery system 1 of the above specific example may be FIG. In FIG. 10, the terminal device 13 requests an advertisement material (advertisement) from the advertisement distribution device 15, and the advertisement is distributed from the advertisement distribution device 15 to the terminal device 13. Then, an advertisement is output from the terminal device 13. Also, as shown in FIG. 10, the encoder time information and the internal clock (time information) for each channel of the advertisement firing system are matched. Then, the self-run is performed in a state where the time information of the encoder matches the internal clock (time information) for each channel of the advertisement ignition system. Other operations are as described in FIG.
　以上、本実施の形態によれば、ライブで番組を配信する場合に、番組の途中で適切にミッドロール広告を出力できる。 As described above, according to the present embodiment, when a program is distributed live, a mid-roll advertisement can be appropriately output in the middle of the program.
　また、本実施の形態によれば、ライブで番組を配信する場合に、複数のチャンネルがある場合でも、番組の途中で適切にミッドロール広告を出力できる。 In addition, according to the present embodiment, when a program is distributed live, a mid-roll advertisement can be appropriately output in the middle of the program even when there are a plurality of channels.
　また、本実施の形態によれば、ＤＶＲの仕組みを用いて、ライブ番組を出力する場合には、番組の途中で適切にミッドロール広告を出力できる仕組みを容易に構築できる。 Also, according to the present embodiment, when a live program is output using the DVR mechanism, a mechanism that can appropriately output a mid-roll advertisement in the middle of the program can be easily constructed.
　なお、本実施の形態における処理は、ソフトウェアで実現しても良い。そして、このソフトウェアをソフトウェアダウンロード等により配布しても良い。また、このソフトウェアをＣＤ－ＲＯＭなどの記録媒体に記録して流布しても良い。なお、このことは、本明細書における他の実施の形態においても該当する。なお、本実施の形態におけるミッドロールサーバ１２を実現するソフトウェアは、以下のようなプログラムである。つまり、このプログラムは、コンピュータがアクセス可能な記録媒体は、ミッドロール広告の挿入タイミングを決定するタイミング情報が格納されるタイミング情報格納部を具備し、コンピュータをミッドロール広告の挿入タイミングを決定するタイミング情報を受け付け、前記タイミング情報格納部に蓄積するタイミング情報受付部と、ライブ番組を受信する端末装置からタイミング情報の送信指示を受信する送信指示受信部と、前記送信指示を送信した端末装置に、前記タイミング情報格納部のタイミング情報を送信するタイミング情報送信部として機能させるためのプログラムである。 Note that the processing in the present embodiment may be realized by software. Then, this software may be distributed by software download or the like. Further, this software may be recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM and distributed. This also applies to other embodiments in this specification. In addition, the software which implement | achieves the midroll server 12 in this Embodiment is the following programs. That is, in this program, the computer-accessible recording medium includes a timing information storage unit in which timing information for determining the insertion timing of the mid-roll advertisement is stored, and the computer determines the timing for inserting the mid-roll advertisement. A timing information receiving unit that receives information and accumulates in the timing information storage unit, a transmission instruction receiving unit that receives a transmission instruction of timing information from a terminal device that receives a live program, and a terminal device that has transmitted the transmission instruction, It is a program for functioning as a timing information transmission part which transmits the timing information of the said timing information storage part.
　また、本実施の形態における端末装置１３を実現するソフトウェアは、以下のようなプログラムである。つまり、このプログラムは、コンピュータを、配信指示を受け付ける端末受付部と、前記配信指示を配信サーバに送信し、かつタイミング情報の送信指示をミッドロールサーバに送信する端末送信部と、前記配信指示の送信に応じて、前記配信サーバからライブ番組を受信し、前記送信指示の送信に応じて、前記ミッドロールサーバからタイミング情報を受信する端末受信部と、前記端末受信部が受信したライブ番組を出力し、かつ前記端末受信部が受信したタイミング情報に従ったタイミングで、ミッドロール広告を出力する端末出力部として機能させるためのプログラムである。 The software that implements the terminal device 13 in the present embodiment is the following program. That is, the program includes a terminal receiving unit that receives a distribution instruction, a terminal transmission unit that transmits the distribution instruction to the distribution server and transmits a timing information transmission instruction to the mid-roll server, and the distribution instruction. In response to transmission, a live program is received from the distribution server, and in response to transmission of the transmission instruction, a terminal receiving unit that receives timing information from the mid-roll server, and a live program received by the terminal receiving unit are output. And a program for functioning as a terminal output unit that outputs a mid-roll advertisement at a timing according to the timing information received by the terminal reception unit.
　また、本実施の形態における広告発火装置１４を実現するソフトウェアは、以下のようなプログラムである。つまり、このプログラムは、コンピュータを、ライブ番組のエンコーダと同期がとれているタイム情報を進める時計部と、広告の挿入指示を受け付ける挿入指示受付部と、前記挿入指示に応じて、前記挿入指示が受け付けられた際のタイム情報を取得するタイム情報取得部と、前記タイム情報を用いて、タイミング情報を構成するタイミング情報構成部と、前記タイミング情報構成部が構成したタイミング情報を前記ミッドロールサーバに送信するタイミング情送信部として機能させるためのプログラムである。 Moreover, the software which implement | achieves the advertisement ignition apparatus 14 in this Embodiment is the following programs. That is, the program includes a clock unit that advances time information synchronized with an encoder of a live program, an insertion instruction receiving unit that receives an insertion instruction for an advertisement, and the insertion instruction in response to the insertion instruction. A time information acquisition unit that acquires time information when accepted, a timing information configuration unit that configures timing information using the time information, and timing information configured by the timing information configuration unit to the mid-roll server It is a program for functioning as a timing information transmission unit for transmission.
　また、図１１は、本明細書で述べたプログラムを実行して、上述した種々の実施の形態の配信システム１を構成する各装置を実現するコンピュータの外観を示す。上述の実施の形態は、コンピュータハードウェア及びその上で実行されるコンピュータプログラムで実現され得る。図１１は、このコンピュータシステム３００の概観図であり、図１２は、システム３００のブロック図である。 FIG. 11 shows the external appearance of a computer that implements each device constituting the distribution system 1 of the various embodiments described above by executing the program described in this specification. The above-described embodiments can be realized by computer hardware and a computer program executed thereon. FIG. 11 is an overview diagram of the computer system 300, and FIG. 12 is a block diagram of the system 300.
　図１１において、コンピュータシステム３００は、ＣＤ－ＲＯＭドライブ３０１２を含むコンピュータ３０１と、キーボード３０２と、マウス３０３と、モニタ３０４と、スピーカー３０６とを含む。 11, the computer system 300 includes a computer 301 including a CD-ROM drive 3012, a keyboard 302, a mouse 303, a monitor 304, and a speaker 306.
　図１２において、コンピュータ３０１は、ＣＤ－ＲＯＭドライブ３０１２に加えて、ＭＰＵ３０１３と、ＭＰＵ３０１３、ＣＤ－ＲＯＭドライブ３０１２に接続されたバス３０１４と、ブートアッププログラム等のプログラムを記憶するためのＲＯＭ３０１５と、ＭＰＵ３０１３に接続され、アプリケーションプログラムの命令を一時的に記憶するとともに一時記憶空間を提供するためのＲＡＭ３０１６と、アプリケーションプログラム、システムプログラム、及びデータを記憶するためのハードディスク３０１７とを含む。ここでは、図示しないが、コンピュータ３０１は、さらに、ＬＡＮへの接続を提供するネットワークカードを含んでも良い。 12, in addition to the CD-ROM drive 3012, the computer 301 includes an MPU 3013, a bus 3014 connected to the MPU 3013 and the CD-ROM drive 3012, a ROM 3015 for storing a program such as a bootup program, and an MPU 3013. And a RAM 3016 for temporarily storing instructions of the application program and providing a temporary storage space, and a hard disk 3017 for storing the application program, the system program, and data. Although not shown here, the computer 301 may further include a network card that provides connection to a LAN.
　コンピュータシステム３００に、上述した実施の形態の配信システム１を構成する各装置の機能を実行させるプログラムは、ＣＤ－ＲＯＭ３１０１に記憶されて、ＣＤ－ＲＯＭドライブ３０１２に挿入され、さらにハードディスク３０１７に転送されても良い。これに代えて、プログラムは、図示しないネットワークを介してコンピュータ３０１に送信され、ハードディスク３０１７に記憶されても良い。プログラムは実行の際にＲＡＭ３０１６にロードされる。プログラムは、ＣＤ－ＲＯＭ３１０１またはネットワークから直接、ロードされても良い。 A program that causes the computer system 300 to execute the functions of the devices constituting the distribution system 1 of the above-described embodiment is stored in the CD-ROM 3101, inserted into the CD-ROM drive 3012, and further transferred to the hard disk 3017. May be. Alternatively, the program may be transmitted to the computer 301 via a network (not shown) and stored in the hard disk 3017. The program is loaded into the RAM 3016 at the time of execution. The program may be loaded directly from the CD-ROM 3101 or the network.
　プログラムは、コンピュータ３０１に、上述した実施の形態の配信システム等の機能を実行させるオペレーティングシステム（ＯＳ）、またはサードパーティープログラム等は、必ずしも含まなくても良い。プログラムは、制御された態様で適切な機能（モジュール）を呼び出し、所望の結果が得られるようにする命令の部分のみを含んでいれば良い。コンピュータシステム３００がどのように動作するかは周知であり、詳細な説明は省略する。 The program does not necessarily include an operating system (OS) or a third-party program that causes the computer 301 to execute the functions of the distribution system according to the above-described embodiment. The program only needs to include an instruction portion that calls an appropriate function (module) in a controlled manner and obtains a desired result. How the computer system 300 operates is well known and will not be described in detail.
　なお、上記プログラムにおいて、情報を送信するステップや、情報を受信するステップなどでは、ハードウェアによって行われる処理、例えば、送信ステップにおけるモデムやインターフェースカードなどで行われる処理（ハードウェアでしか行われない処理）は含まれない。 In the above program, in the step of transmitting information, the step of receiving information, etc., processing performed by hardware, for example, processing performed by a modem or an interface card in the transmission step (only performed by hardware) Processing) is not included.
　また、上記プログラムを実行するコンピュータは、単数であってもよく、複数であってもよい。すなわち、集中処理を行ってもよく、あるいは分散処理を行ってもよい。 Further, the computer that executes the program may be singular or plural. That is, centralized processing may be performed, or distributed processing may be performed.
　また、上記各実施の形態において、一の装置に存在する２以上の通信手段は、物理的に一の媒体で実現されても良いことは言うまでもない。 Further, in each of the above embodiments, it goes without saying that two or more communication means existing in one apparatus may be physically realized by one medium.
　また、上記各実施の形態において、各処理は、単一の装置によって集中処理されることによって実現されてもよく、あるいは、複数の装置によって分散処理されることによって実現されてもよい。 In each of the above embodiments, each process may be realized by centralized processing by a single device, or may be realized by distributed processing by a plurality of devices.
　本発明は、以上の実施の形態に限定されることなく、種々の変更が可能であり、それらも本発明の範囲内に包含されるものであることは言うまでもない。 The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible, and it goes without saying that these are also included in the scope of the present invention.
　以上のように、本発明にかかる配信システムは、ライブで番組を配信する場合に、番組の途中で適切にミッドロール広告を出力できるという効果を有し、ライブで番組を配信する配信システム等として有用である。 As described above, the distribution system according to the present invention has an effect that a mid-roll advertisement can be appropriately output in the middle of a program when the program is distributed live, such as a distribution system that distributes a program live. Useful.
　１　配信システム
　１１　配信サーバ
　１２　ミッドロールサーバ
　１３　端末装置
　１４　広告発火装置
　１５　広告配信装置
　１１１　番組受付部
　１１２　配信指示受信部
　１１３　番組配信部
　１２１　タイミング情報格納部
　１２２　タイミング情報受付部
　１２３　送信指示受信部
　１２４　タイミング情報送信部
　１３０　端末格納部
　１３１　端末受付部
　１３２　端末送信部
　１３３　端末受信部
　１３４　端末出力部
　１４１　時計部
　１４２　挿入指示受付部
　１４３　タイム情報取得部
　１４４　タイミング情報構成部
　１４５　広告タイミング情報送信部
　１５１　広告格納部
　１５２　指示受信部
　１５３　広告配信部 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Distribution system 11 Distribution server 12 Mid-roll server 13 Terminal device 14 Advertisement firing apparatus 15 Advertisement distribution apparatus 111 Program reception part 112 Distribution instruction reception part 113 Program distribution part 121 Timing information storage part 122 Timing information reception part 123 Transmission instruction reception part 124 Timing information transmission unit 130 Terminal storage unit 131 Terminal reception unit 132 Terminal transmission unit 133 Terminal reception unit 134 Terminal output unit 141 Clock unit 142 Insertion instruction reception unit 143 Time information acquisition unit 144 Timing information configuration unit 145 Advertisement timing information transmission unit 151 Advertisement Storage unit 152 Instruction reception unit 153 Advertisement distribution unit

Claims (13)

  1. ライブ番組を配信する配信サーバと、ミッドロール広告の挿入タイミングを決定するタイミング情報を端末装置に送信するミッドロールサーバとを具備する配信システムであって、
    前記配信サーバは、
    ライブ番組を受け付ける番組受付部と、
    １または２以上の端末装置から番組配信の指示である配信指示を受信する配信指示受信部と、
    前記配信指示を送信した端末装置に、配信指示に対応するライブ番組を配信する番組配信部とを具備し、
    前記ミッドロールサーバは、
    ミッドロール広告の挿入タイミングを決定するタイミング情報が格納されるタイミング情報格納部と、
    ミッドロール広告の挿入タイミングを決定するタイミング情報を受け付け、前記タイミング情報格納部に蓄積するタイミング情報受付部と、
    ライブ番組を受信する端末装置からタイミング情報の送信指示を受信する送信指示受信部と、
    前記送信指示を送信した端末装置に、前記タイミング情報格納部のタイミング情報を送信するタイミング情報送信部とを具備し、
    前記端末装置は、
    配信指示を受け付ける端末受付部と、
    前記配信指示を前記配信サーバに送信し、かつタイミング情報の送信指示を前記ミッドロールサーバに送信する端末送信部と、
    前記配信指示の送信に応じて、前記配信サーバからライブ番組を受信し、前記送信指示の送信に応じて、前記ミッドロールサーバからタイミング情報を受信する端末受信部と、
    前記端末受信部が受信したライブ番組を出力し、かつ前記端末受信部が受信したタイミング情報に従ったタイミングで、ミッドロール広告を出力する端末出力部とを具備する、配信システム。     A distribution system comprising a distribution server that distributes a live program, and a mid-roll server that transmits timing information for determining the insertion timing of a mid-roll advertisement to a terminal device,
    The distribution server
    A program reception unit for receiving live programs,
    A distribution instruction receiving unit that receives a distribution instruction that is a program distribution instruction from one or more terminal devices;
    A program distribution unit that distributes a live program corresponding to the distribution instruction to the terminal device that has transmitted the distribution instruction;
    The mid-roll server is
    A timing information storage unit that stores timing information for determining the insertion timing of the mid-roll advertisement;
    A timing information receiving unit that receives timing information for determining the insertion timing of the mid-roll advertisement, and stores the timing information in the timing information storage unit;
    A transmission instruction receiving unit that receives a transmission instruction of timing information from a terminal device that receives a live program;
    A timing information transmission unit that transmits timing information of the timing information storage unit to the terminal device that has transmitted the transmission instruction;
    The terminal device
    A terminal reception unit for receiving distribution instructions;
    A terminal transmission unit that transmits the distribution instruction to the distribution server and transmits a transmission instruction of timing information to the mid-roll server;
    A terminal receiving unit that receives a live program from the distribution server in response to transmission of the distribution instruction, and that receives timing information from the mid-roll server in response to transmission of the transmission instruction;
    A distribution system comprising: a terminal output unit that outputs a live program received by the terminal reception unit and outputs a mid-roll advertisement at a timing according to timing information received by the terminal reception unit.
  2. 広告発火装置をさらに具備する請求項１記載の配信システムであって、
    前記広告発火装置は、
    ライブ番組のエンコーダと同期がとれているタイム情報を進める時計部と、
    広告の挿入指示を受け付ける挿入指示受付部と、
    前記挿入指示に応じて、前記挿入指示が受け付けられた際のタイム情報を取得するタイム情報取得部と、
    前記タイム情報を用いて、タイミング情報を構成するタイミング情報構成部と、
    前記タイミング情報構成部が構成したタイミング情報を前記ミッドロールサーバに送信するタイミング情送信部とを具備する請求項１記載の配信システム。     The distribution system according to claim 1, further comprising an advertisement ignition device,
    The advertisement ignition device is:
    A clock that advances time information that is synchronized with the encoder of the live program,
    An insertion instruction receiving unit that receives an instruction to insert an advertisement;
    In response to the insertion instruction, a time information acquisition unit that acquires time information when the insertion instruction is received;
    Using the time information, a timing information constituting unit constituting timing information;
    The distribution system according to claim 1, further comprising a timing information transmission unit configured to transmit timing information configured by the timing information configuration unit to the mid-roll server.
  3. 前記タイミング情報は、
    ２以上のチャネルのタイミングを示すチャネル毎タイミング情報を有し、
    前記端末出力部は、
    出力しているライブ番組に対応するチャネル毎タイミング情報に従ったタイミングで、ミッドロール広告を出力する請求項１または請求項２記載の配信システム。     The timing information is
    Having per-channel timing information indicating the timing of two or more channels,
    The terminal output unit
    The distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the mid-roll advertisement is output at a timing according to the timing information for each channel corresponding to the live program being output.
  4. 前記時計部は、
    複数のエンコーダと同期がとれている複数の各タイム情報を進め、
    前記タイム情報取得部は、
    前記挿入指示に応じて、前記挿入指示が受け付けられた際の複数のタイム情報を取得し、
    前記タイミング情報構成部は、
    前記複数のタイム情報を用いて、複数のタイミングの情報を有するタイミング情報を構成する請求項２記載の配信システム。     The clock unit is
    Advance multiple time information that is synchronized with multiple encoders,
    The time information acquisition unit
    In response to the insertion instruction, obtain a plurality of time information when the insertion instruction is accepted,
    The timing information component is
    The distribution system according to claim 2, wherein timing information having a plurality of timing information is configured using the plurality of time information.
  5. 前記送信指示受信部は、
    予め決められた予測遅延時間未満の間隔で、タイミング情報の送信指示を端末装置から受信する請求項１から請求項４いずれか一項に記載の配信システム。     The transmission instruction receiving unit
    The distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a timing information transmission instruction is received from a terminal device at an interval less than a predetermined predicted delay time.
  6. 前記端末出力部は、
    ＤＶＲの仕組みを用いて、前記端末受信部が受信したライブ番組を出力する請求項１から請求項５いずれか一項に記載の配信システム。     The terminal output unit
    The distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a live program received by the terminal reception unit is output using a DVR mechanism.
  7. 前記端末出力部は、
    前記ライブ番組を巻き戻し再生できない請求項６記載の配信システム。     The terminal output unit
    The distribution system according to claim 6, wherein the live program cannot be rewound and reproduced.
  8. ミッドロール広告の挿入タイミングを決定するタイミング情報が格納されるタイミング情報格納部と、
    ミッドロール広告の挿入タイミングを決定するタイミング情報を受け付け、前記タイミング情報格納部に蓄積するタイミング情報受付部と、
    ライブ番組を受信する端末装置からタイミング情報の送信指示を受信する送信指示受信部と、
    前記送信指示を送信した端末装置に、前記タイミング情報格納部のタイミング情報を送信するタイミング情報送信部とを具備するミッドロールサーバ。     A timing information storage unit that stores timing information for determining the insertion timing of the mid-roll advertisement;
    A timing information receiving unit that receives timing information for determining the insertion timing of the mid-roll advertisement, and stores the timing information in the timing information storage unit;
    A transmission instruction receiving unit that receives a transmission instruction of timing information from a terminal device that receives a live program;
    A mid-roll server comprising: a timing information transmission unit that transmits timing information of the timing information storage unit to a terminal device that has transmitted the transmission instruction.
  9. 配信指示を受け付ける端末受付部と、
    前記配信指示を配信サーバに送信し、かつタイミング情報の送信指示をミッドロールサーバに送信する端末送信部と、
    前記配信指示の送信に応じて、前記配信サーバからライブ番組を受信し、前記送信指示の送信に応じて、前記ミッドロールサーバからタイミング情報を受信する端末受信部と、
    前記端末受信部が受信したライブ番組を出力し、かつ前記端末受信部が受信したタイミング情報に従ったタイミングで、ミッドロール広告を出力する端末出力部とを具備する端末装置。     A terminal reception unit for receiving distribution instructions;
    A terminal transmission unit that transmits the distribution instruction to the distribution server and transmits a transmission instruction of timing information to the mid-roll server;
    A terminal receiving unit that receives a live program from the distribution server in response to transmission of the distribution instruction, and that receives timing information from the mid-roll server in response to transmission of the transmission instruction;
    A terminal device comprising: a terminal output unit that outputs a live program received by the terminal reception unit and outputs a mid-roll advertisement at a timing according to timing information received by the terminal reception unit.
  10. ライブ番組のエンコーダと同期がとれているタイム情報を進める時計部と、
    広告の挿入指示を受け付ける挿入指示受付部と、
    前記挿入指示に応じて、前記挿入指示が受け付けられた際のタイム情報を取得するタイム情報取得部と、
    前記タイム情報を用いて、タイミング情報を構成するタイミング情報構成部と、
    前記タイミング情報構成部が構成したタイミング情報をミッドロールサーバに送信するタイミング情送信部とを具備する広告発火装置。     A clock that advances time information that is synchronized with the encoder of the live program,
    An insertion instruction receiving unit that receives an instruction to insert an advertisement;
    In response to the insertion instruction, a time information acquisition unit that acquires time information when the insertion instruction is received;
    Using the time information, a timing information constituting unit constituting timing information;
    An advertisement firing device comprising: a timing information transmission unit configured to transmit timing information configured by the timing information configuration unit to a mid-roll server.
  11. 記録媒体は、
    ミッドロール広告の挿入タイミングを決定するタイミング情報が格納されるタイミング情報格納部を具備し、
    タイミング情報受付部、送信指示受信部、およびタイミング情報送信部により実現される情報処理方法であって、
    前記タイミング情報受付部が、ミッドロール広告の挿入タイミングを決定するタイミング情報を受け付け、前記タイミング情報格納部に蓄積するタイミング情報受付ステップと、
    前記送信指示受信部が、ライブ番組を受信する端末装置からタイミング情報の送信指示を受信する送信指示受信ステップと、
    前記タイミング情報送信部が、前記送信指示を送信した端末装置に、前記タイミング情報格納部のタイミング情報を送信するタイミング情報送信ステップとを具備する情報処理方法。     The recording medium is
    A timing information storage unit for storing timing information for determining the insertion timing of the mid-roll advertisement;
    An information processing method realized by a timing information receiving unit, a transmission instruction receiving unit, and a timing information transmitting unit,
    The timing information receiving unit receives timing information for determining the insertion timing of the mid-roll advertisement, and accumulates the timing information in the timing information storage unit; and
    A transmission instruction receiving step in which the transmission instruction receiving unit receives a transmission instruction of timing information from a terminal device that receives a live program;
    An information processing method comprising: a timing information transmission step in which the timing information transmission unit transmits timing information in the timing information storage unit to a terminal device that has transmitted the transmission instruction.
  12. 端末受付部、端末送信部、端末受信部、端末出力部により実現される情報処理方法であって、
    前記端末受付部が、配信指示を受け付ける端末受付ステップと、
    前記端末送信部が、前記配信指示を配信サーバに送信し、かつタイミング情報の送信指示をミッドロールサーバに送信する端末送信ステップと、
    前記端末受信部が、前記配信指示の送信に応じて、前記配信サーバからライブ番組を受信し、前記送信指示の送信に応じて、前記ミッドロールサーバからタイミング情報を受信する端末受信ステップと、
    前記端末出力部が、前記端末受信部が受信したライブ番組を出力し、かつ前記端末受信部が受信したタイミング情報に従ったタイミングで、ミッドロール広告を出力する端末出力ステップとを具備する情報処理方法。     An information processing method realized by a terminal reception unit, a terminal transmission unit, a terminal reception unit, and a terminal output unit,
    A terminal reception step in which the terminal reception unit receives a distribution instruction;
    A terminal transmission step in which the terminal transmission unit transmits the distribution instruction to a distribution server and transmits a transmission instruction of timing information to a mid-roll server;
    A terminal receiving step in which the terminal reception unit receives a live program from the distribution server in response to transmission of the distribution instruction, and receives timing information from the mid-roll server in response to transmission of the transmission instruction;
    The terminal output unit outputs a live program received by the terminal receiver and a terminal output step of outputting a mid-roll advertisement at a timing according to the timing information received by the terminal receiver. Method.
  13. ライブ番組のエンコーダと同期がとれているタイム情報を進める時計部を具備する広告発火装置における情報処理方法であって、
    挿入指示受付部、タイム情報取得部、タイミング情報構成部、およびタイミング情送信部により実現される情報処理方法であって、
    前記挿入指示受付部が、広告の挿入指示を受け付ける挿入指示受付ステップと、
    前記タイム情報取得部が、前記挿入指示に応じて、前記挿入指示が受け付けられた際のタイム情報を取得するタイム情報取得ステップと、
    前記タイミング情報構成部が、前記タイム情報を用いて、タイミング情報を構成するタイミング情報構成ステップと、
    前記タイミング情送信部が、前記タイミング情報構成ステップで構成されたタイミング情報をミッドロールサーバに送信するタイミング情送信ステップとを具備する情報処理方法。     An information processing method in an advertisement ignition device including a clock unit that advances time information synchronized with an encoder of a live program,
    An information processing method realized by an insertion instruction reception unit, a time information acquisition unit, a timing information configuration unit, and a timing information transmission unit,
    An insertion instruction receiving step in which the insertion instruction receiving unit receives an advertisement insertion instruction;
    A time information acquisition step in which the time information acquisition unit acquires time information when the insertion instruction is accepted in response to the insertion instruction;
    A timing information configuration step in which the timing information configuration unit configures timing information using the time information;
    An information processing method comprising: a timing information transmission step in which the timing information transmission unit transmits timing information configured in the timing information configuration step to a mid-roll server.
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