WO2022190639A1

WO2022190639A1 - Information processing device and method, and information processing terminal

Info

Publication number: WO2022190639A1
Application number: PCT/JP2022/001490
Authority: WO
Inventors: 卓也岩井
Original assignee: ソニーグループ株式会社
Priority date: 2021-03-11
Filing date: 2022-01-18
Publication date: 2022-09-15

Abstract

The present technology pertains to an information processing device and method, and an information processing terminal that enable selection of an appropriate server. On the basis of first KPI information indicating the communication performance between an information processing terminal and a plurality of servers in a plurality of communication zones, and second KPI information indicating the communication performance in a wireless communication zone of the information processing terminal in each of the communication zones, an information processing device selects a use server that is allocated to the information processing terminal, and notifies the information processing terminal of information pertaining to the selected use server. The present technology can be used in an information processing system that matches a gaming device and a game server.

Description

Information processing device and method, and information processing terminal

The present technology relates to an information processing apparatus and method, and an information processing terminal, and more particularly to an information processing apparatus, method, and information processing terminal capable of selecting an appropriate server.

A system that requires high low latency, such as cloud gaming, requires a matching server that allocates an appropriate server to a client from multiple geographically distributed servers (see Patent Document 1). .

In this system, the network is multi-domain across multiple domains, and often part of it is not under the control of the matching server itself. Therefore, the matching server must select an appropriate server based on end-to-end (that is, between the server and the user terminal) KPI (Key Performance Indicator) information. KPI information is information such as latency, jitter, and loss rate.

　The KPI information between the server and the user terminal can be measured at the IP (Internet Protocol) layer and varies greatly depending on the time of day. Also, in an environment where wireless communication performance in the last hop (between the base station and the user terminal) fluctuates easily, such as during millimeter wave communication, the KPI information between the server and the user terminal should not be affected by fluctuations due to factors unique to each user terminal. Including many.

JP 2012-065981 A

Based on the above, it is difficult to achieve appropriate server selection with only the KPI information between the server and the user terminal.

This technology has been developed in view of this situation, and enables the selection of an appropriate server.

An information processing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present technology includes first KPI (Key Performance Indicator) information indicating communication performance of a plurality of communication sections between an information processing terminal and a plurality of servers, and each of the communication sections a matching unit that selects an application server to be assigned to the information processing terminal based on second KPI information indicating communication performance of the wireless communication section of the information processing terminal in the above; and the application server selected by the matching unit. and a notification unit that notifies the information processing terminal of information related to the information processing terminal.

The information processing terminal of the second aspect of the present technology, at the same timing as first KPI (Key Performance Indicator) information indicating communication performance of a plurality of communication sections between its own device and a plurality of servers, An information acquisition unit that acquires second KPI information indicating communication performance in a wireless communication section of the device in the communication section, a transmission unit that transmits the second KPI information to an information processing device, and the information processing device. a receiving unit for receiving information about the application server selected to be assigned to the own device based on the first KPI information and the second KPI information by.

In a first aspect of the present technology, first KPI (Key Performance Indicator) information indicating communication performance of a plurality of communication sections between an information processing terminal and a plurality of servers, and the information in each of the communication sections An application server to be assigned to the information processing terminal is selected based on second KPI information indicating the communication performance of the wireless communication section of the processing terminal, and information about the selected application server is notified to the information processing terminal. be.

In a second aspect of the present technology, at the same timing as first KPI (Key Performance Indicator) information indicating communication performance in a plurality of communication sections between its own device and a plurality of servers, in each communication section Second KPI information indicating the communication performance of the wireless communication section of the own device is obtained, and the second KPI information is transmitted to the information processing device. Then, the information processing device receives information about the application server selected to be assigned to the own device based on the first KPI information and the second KPI information.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a figure which shows the structural example of 1st Embodiment of the cloud game system to which this technique is applied. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of a game device; FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example functional configuration of a game run time unit; FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of address information of a game server acquired as a response to a connection request message; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of user authentication information used in a connection request message; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of IP layer KPI information; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of modem layer KPI information; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of log information related to the modem layer; 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of a data center; FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structural example of a game server. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of a configuration server; FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the game server address information memorize|stored in a memory|storage part. It is a figure which shows the example of the game server allocation information memorize|stored in a memory|storage part. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of user authentication information stored in a storage unit; FIG. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a mobile network. 2 is a flowchart for explaining processing of the cloud game system of FIG. 1; It is a block diagram showing an example of composition of a 2nd embodiment of a cloud game system to which this art is applied. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of a game device; FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example functional configuration of a game run time unit; FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of a configuration server; FIG. It is a block diagram showing an example of composition of a 2nd embodiment of a cloud game system to which this art is applied. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of KPI information for each piece of network location information stored in a storage unit; It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of a computer.

Embodiments for implementing the present technology will be described below. The explanation is given in the following order.
1. First embodiment (basic configuration)
2. Second Embodiment (Applied Configuration)
3. others

<1. First Embodiment (Basic Configuration)>
<Configuration of cloud game system>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a first embodiment of a cloud game system to which the present technology is applied.

The cloud game system 1 in FIG. 1 consists of a game device 11, multiple data centers 12-1 to 12-n, a configuration server 13, and a mobile network 14. The data centers 12-1 to 12-n are referred to as data centers 12 when there is no need to distinguish them.

In the cloud game system 1, a game device 11, a data center 12, and a configuration server 13 are interconnected via a mobile network 14.

In addition, in the cloud game system 1, the configuration server 13 appropriately matches the game device 11 with the game server 21 operating in one of the plurality of data centers 12.

The game device 11 is a user terminal operated by a user. Note that the game device 11 is not limited to a game-dedicated device, and may be configured by a personal computer, a smart phone, or the like. The game device 11 may be portable or stationary.

The game device 11 acquires two types of KPI (Key Performance Indicator) information and transmits it to the configuration server 13. KPI information includes, for example, time-series data of latency, jitter, loss rate, and throughput. The two types of KPI information consist of IP layer KPI information, which is the first KPI information, and modem layer KPI information, which is the second KPI information.

The IP layer KPI information is KPI information in the end-to-end (that is, game device 11 and game server 21) communication section that can be measured in the IP layer. On the other hand, the modem layer KPI information is KPI information in the last one hop, that is, the wireless communication section between the game device 11 and a base station (not shown) that can be obtained in the modem layer.

The game device 11 measures IP layer KPI information for the game servers 21 of multiple data centers 12 . The game device 11 also acquires the modem layer KPI information at the same timing as the measurement of the IP layer KPI information.

The game device 11 transmits these two types of KPI information to the configuration server 13. The game device 11 accesses the appropriate game server 21 for the game device 11 , which is the application server notified by the configuration server 13 .

The data center 12 has a different communication distance from the game device 11. Each data center 12 has a plurality of game servers 21, and in each data center 12, a plurality of game servers 21 are operating. The game server 21 transmits the encoded video stream to the game device 11 that has accessed.

The configuration server 13 selects (determines) the appropriate game server 21 for the game device 11 based on the two types of KPI information transmitted from the game device 11. The configuration server 13 notifies the game device 11 of information regarding the selected appropriate game server 21 .

<Functional configuration of the game device>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the game device 11. As shown in FIG.

The functional configuration shown in FIG. 2 is realized, for example, by executing a predetermined program by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown). The same applies to the diagrams showing subsequent functional configuration examples.

　In FIG. 2, the game device 11 is composed of a game runtime section 41, a wireless measurement section 42, and a wireless communication section 43.

The game runtime unit 41 measures KPI information with each game server 21, transmits the measured KPI information to the configuration server 13, connects to the game server 21 selected by the configuration server 13, and performs cloud computing. run the game. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the game runtime unit 41 includes a command signal transmission unit 61, a video stream reception unit 62, a connection destination candidate acquisition unit 63, a communication performance measurement unit 64, and a final connection destination acquisition unit. 65.

The command signal transmission unit 61 stores a command input from a UI (User Interface) implemented by software or hardware in the payload of a protocol such as UDP (User Datagram Protocol) or TCP (Transmission Control Protocol), It is transmitted to the game server 21 as a command signal.

The video stream receiving unit 62 receives video streams from the game server 21 . The video stream receiving unit 62 receives H.264/MPEG-4 AVC (hereinafter referred to as AVC) or H.265/MPEG-H HEVC (hereinafter referred to as AVC) stored in protocol payloads such as RTP (Real-time Transport Protocol). , HEVC) and other encoded video streams. Furthermore, the video stream receiving unit 62 stores the reception quality of the video stream in the payload of a protocol such as RTCP (Real-time Transport Control Protocol) and feeds it back to the game server 21 .

The connection destination candidate acquisition unit 63 connects to the configuration server 13 and acquires the address information of the game server 21 that is a connection destination candidate. Specifically, the connection destination candidate acquisition unit 63 transmits a connection request message to the configuration server 13, and acquires the address information of the game server 21 as a connection destination candidate as a response.

The connection request message includes authentication information (user name, password, etc.) for the configuration server 13 to authenticate the game device 11 and the user of the game device 11 . In this technology, the protocol for authentication is not particularly limited, but for example, a method of storing authentication information in the payload of an encrypted protocol such as HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) or SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is conceivable. . The address information of the game server 21 is an IP address or URL information converted to an IP address by DNS (Domain Name System) and a port number.

The address information for connecting the game device 11 to the configuration server 13 is set in the game device 11 in advance. For example, the description assumes that the address information is set in the game device 11 in advance using the UI, but this is not the only option.

The communication performance measurement unit 64 measures the communication performance between the game device 11 and each game server 21. Specifically, the communication performance measuring unit 64 acquires IP layer KPI information by measuring the plurality of game servers 21 that are connection destination candidates. The IP layer KPI information is measured using an ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol) protocol such as ping, or a measurement protocol implemented on UDP or TCP protocol.

The communication performance measurement unit 64 also notifies the wireless measurement unit 42 of the timing of measuring the IP layer KPI information in order to acquire the modem layer KPI information during the period during which the IP layer KPI information is being measured. The modem layer KPI information corresponding to that period is obtained from the wireless measurement unit 42 . The timing at which the IP layer KPI information is measured is notified by, for example, the start time and end time. Communication performance measuring section 64 outputs the obtained IP layer KPI information and modem layer KPI information to final connection destination obtaining section 65 .

The final connection destination acquisition unit 65 notifies the configuration server 13 of the measurement result and receives the address information of the game server 21 to be connected. Specifically, the final connection destination acquisition unit 65 transmits the IP layer KPI information and the modem layer KPI information supplied from the communication performance measurement unit 64 to the configuration server 13 . After that, the final connection destination acquiring unit 65 receives the address information as the information regarding the connection destination game server 21 selected by the configuration server 13 .

Returning to FIG. 2, the wireless measurement unit 42 measures the quality of the wireless environment. Specifically, the wireless measurement unit 42 requests the log information on the modem layer from the wireless communication unit 43 based on the timing of measuring the IP layer KPI information notified from the communication performance measurement unit 64 . Log information includes cell bandwidth, numerology (radio parameters such as subcarrier spacing and TTI (Transmission Time Interval) length), cell configuration such as tdd (time division duplex) config and ca (carrier aggregation) config. ration value, etc. In addition to the cell configuration values, the log information also includes time-series data regarding modulation and retransmission status for each transport block.

The wireless measurement unit 42 receives these log information from the wireless communication unit 43, calculates modem layer KPI information, and notifies the communication performance measurement unit 64.

The wireless communication unit 43 connects to a wireless network such as LTE (Long Term Evolution) or 5G, and communicates with the game server 21 via the IP layer.

The wireless communication unit 43 acquires log information necessary for the wireless measurement unit 42 to calculate modem layer KPI information in accordance with a request from the wireless measurement unit 42 . The wireless communication unit 43 notifies the wireless measurement unit 42 of the log information.

In the above description, the wireless measurement unit 42 acquires the log information from the wireless communication unit 43 and calculates the modem layer KPI information. can be configured to

<Game server address information>
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of address information of the game server 21 acquired as a response to the connection request message in the game device 11. As shown in FIG.

In FIG. 4, the IP address of the game server 21 with the server name "game-srv1.example.com" is "xxx.aaa.zzz.001" and the port number is "2001". It is shown. Also, the IP address of the game server 21 whose server name is "game-srv2.example.com" is "xxx.bbb.zzz.001" and its port number is "2001". there is

<Authentication Information>
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of user authentication information used in a connection request message in the game device 11. As shown in FIG.

In FIG. 5, the password of the user whose user name is "xxx@aaa.example.com" is "Xsddw@sdasads", and the password of the user whose user name is "yyy@bbb.example.com" The password is shown to be "Assdowwa@Oksi".

Since the above authentication information is included in the connection request message, the configuration server 13 authenticates the game device 11 or the user of the game device 11 using this authentication information.

<IP layer KPI information>
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of IP layer KPI information.

In FIG. 6, latency information from time t-8 to time t is shown as IP layer KPI information.

The latency information of the game server 21 with the server name "game-srv1.example.com" is "40ms" at t-8, "41ms" at t-7, and "41ms" at t-6. It is "49ms" and "200ms" at t-5. The latency information of the game server 21 with the server name "game-srv1.example.com" is "248 ms" at t-4, "252 ms" at t-3, and "252 ms" at t-2. "39ms", "30ms" at t-1, and "39ms" at t.

The latency information for the server name "game-srv2.example.com" is "52ms" at t-8, "49ms" at t-7, and "50ms" at t-6. Yes, 49ms at t-5. The latency information for the server name "game-srv2.example.com" is "51ms" at t-4, "48ms" at t-3, and "52ms" at t-2. Yes, "49ms" at t-1 and "50ms" at t.

<Modem layer KPI information>
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of modem layer KPI information.

In FIG. 7, latency information from time t-8 to time t, which is the timing at which the IP layer KPI information in FIG. 6 was measured, is shown as modem layer KPI information.

The latency information for "game-srv1.example.com" is "10ms" at t-8, "12ms" at t-7, "13ms" at t-6, and t -5 is "160ms". The latency information for "game-srv1.example.com" is "158ms" at t-4, "162ms" at t-3, "10ms" at t-2, and t When it is -1, it is "10ms", and when it is t, it is "11ms".

The latency information for "game-srv2.example.com" is "14ms" at t-8, "13ms" at t-7, "11ms" at t-6, and t -5 is "12ms". The latency information for "game-srv2.example.com" is "10ms" at t-4, "10ms" at t-3, "11ms" at t-2, and t When it is -1, it is "12ms", and when it is t, it is "10ms".

Here, the modem layer KPI information in FIG. 7 is data resulting from the wireless communication section of the game device 11 . Therefore, by subtracting the modem layer KPI information shown in FIG. 7 acquired at the same timing from the IP layer KPI information shown in FIG.

<Log information>
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of log information relating to the modem layer, which is required for calculating modem layer KPI information.

The log information includes information indicating that the modem used for communication is a PCC (PC card type), the Bandwidth is "100Mhz", and the Numerology is "30KHz", as well as Modulation for each transport block. and time-series data on retransmission status.

Time-series data related to modulation and retransmission status includes System frame, which indicates the number of subframes per frame, Slot ID, which indicates the slot ID, Retx, which indicates the number of retransmissions, MCS (Modulation and It consists of information such as Coding Scheme).

In FIG. 8, three pieces of data are shown as time-series data related to modulation and retransmission status. In the first data from the top, System frame is "10", Slot ID is "1", Retx is "0", and MCS is "26". In the second data from the top, System frame is "10", Slot ID is "2", Retx is "1", and MCS is "26". In the third data from the top, System frame is "12", Slot ID is "1", Retx is "0", and MCS is "12".

In the game device 11, modem layer KPI information is calculated based on the log information in FIG.

<Data center functional configuration>
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the data center 12. As shown in FIG.

The data center 12 is composed of one or more game servers 21 - 1 to 21 - m and a virtualization platform section 81 . The game servers 21-1 to 21-m are referred to as game servers 21 when there is no need to distinguish between them.

The virtualization platform unit 81 has a virtual machine platform such as OpenStack or a container platform such as docker or Kubernetes (k8s), and executes the game servers 21 in parallel.

<Configuration of game server>
FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the game server 21. As shown in FIG.

The game server 21 is composed of a command signal receiving section 91, a logic section 92, a video stream transmitting section 93, and a communication performance measuring section 94.

The command signal receiving section 91 receives a command signal transmitted from the game device 11 , acquires the command stored in the payload of the protocol such as UDP or TCP of the received command signal, and outputs it to the logic section 92 . do.

The logic unit 92 performs determination and processing according to the game based on the command supplied from the command signal reception unit 91 and outputs the processing result to the video stream transmission unit 93 .

The video stream transmission section 93 generates a game video stream based on the processing result supplied from the logic section 92 and transmits the generated video stream to the game device 11 . The video stream transmission unit 93 renders an image based on the processing result supplied from the logic unit 92, and encodes with AVC, HEVC, or the like. After that, the video stream transmission unit 93 changes parameters related to encoding based on the reception quality stored in the payload of a protocol such as RTP. Parameters related to encoding are, for example, bit rate and frame date.

The communication performance measurement unit 94 measures the communication performance between the game device 11 and the game server 21.

That is, the communication performance measurement unit 94 functions as a counterpart device when the game device 11 measures the IP layer KPI information, and waits for information indicating traffic for measurement (for example, ICMP ping) from the game device 11.

<Functional configuration of the configuration server>
FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the configuration server 13. As shown in FIG.

The configuration server 13 is composed of a storage unit 101 and a matching engine unit 102.

The storage unit 101 stores game server address information, game server allocation information, and user authentication information. The game server address information is address information of the game server 21 that is a candidate for the connection destination of the game device 11 . The game server allocation information is information on the game server 21 allocated to the game device 11 . The user authentication information is information for authenticating the game device 11 and the user of the game device 11 . Each piece of information is stored in a corresponding storage area of the storage unit 101 .

The matching engine unit 102 notifies the game device 11 of the address information of the multiple game servers 21 . Using the IP layer KPI information and the modem layer KPI information transmitted from the game device 11, the matching engine unit 102 selects the appropriate game server 21 for the game device 11 and notifies the game device 11 of it.

Specifically, the matching engine unit 102 waits for a connection request message from the game device 11 . When the matching engine unit 102 receives the connection request message transmitted from the game device 11, the matching engine unit 102 uses the user authentication information (FIG. 5) stored in the connection request message and the user authentication information of the storage unit 101 to match the game device with the connection request message. 11 or the user of the game device 11 is authenticated.

If the received connection request message is a connection request message from the authorized game device 11 or the user, the matching engine unit 102 acquires address information of the game server 21 as a connection destination candidate from the storage unit 101, The game device 11 is notified. When the matching engine unit 102 receives two types of KPI information, that is, the IP layer KPI information and the modem layer KPI information of each game server 21 from the game device 11 , the matching engine unit 102 uses the two types of KPI information to obtain appropriate information for the game device 11 . Select the game server 21 .

The matching engine unit 102 calculates KPI information L(i) from which fluctuations in KPI information due to temporary fluctuations in the wireless environment of each game server 21 are removed, using the following equation (1), for example. The matching engine unit 102 selects the game server 21 with the smallest KPI information L(i) as one appropriate game server 21 (iεS) for the game device 11 .

Here, variable i represents the identifier of the game server 21 . S represents the total number of game servers 21 . f _i (t) represents latency information obtained from the IP layer KPI information at time t. g _i (t) represents latency information obtained from the modem layer KPI information at time t. Constant T represents the measurement time. Δ represents each time (0 to T) within the measurement time.

The matching engine unit 102 transmits the address information of the selected game server 21 to the game device 11. After that, the matching engine unit 102 assigns the corresponding game server 21 to the game device 11 and adds information indicating that the game server 21 has been assigned to the game device 11 to the game server assignment information in the storage unit 101 . This prevents the game server 21 from being assigned when a matching request is made from another game device 11 .

<Game server address information>
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of game server address information stored in the storage unit 101. As shown in FIG.

In FIG. 12, the IP address of the game server 21 with the server name "game-srv1.example.com" is "xxx.aaa.zzz.001" and the port number is "2001". It is shown. Also, the IP address of the game server 21 whose server name is "game-srv2.example.com" is "xxx.bbb.zzz.001" and its port number is "2001". there is

<Game server allocation information>
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of game server allocation information stored in the storage unit 101. As shown in FIG.

The game server allocation information in FIG. 13 indicates that the game server 21 whose server name is "game-srv1.example.com" is allocated to the user "xxx@aaa.example.com". there is Further, the game server allocation information indicates that no user is allocated to the game server 21 whose server name is "game-srv2.example.com".

This game server allocation information is added each time the game server 21 is allocated to the game device 11, as described above. This prevents the game server 21 from being assigned when a matching request is made from another game device 11 .

<User authentication information>
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of user authentication information stored in the storage unit 101. As shown in FIG.

In FIG. 14, the password of the user whose user name is "xxx@aaa.example.com" is "Xsddw@sdasads", and the password of the user whose user name is "yyy@bbb.example.com" The password is shown to be "Assdowwa@Oksi".

The matching engine unit 102 compares the user authentication information (FIG. 5) stored in the connection request message transmitted from the game device 11 with the user authentication information shown in FIG. to authenticate.

<Mobile network configuration>
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the mobile network 14. As shown in FIG.

The mobile network 14 is a network defined by 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project). Although detailed description is omitted here, the mobile network 14 is composed of at least gNB, SMF (Session Management Function), UPF (User Plane Function), and AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function). Data center 12 is connected to mobile network 14, for example, via UPF.

<Processing of cloud game system>
FIG. 16 is a flow chart explaining the processing of the cloud game system 1 of FIG.

In step S11, the connection destination candidate acquisition unit 63 of the game device 11 transmits a connection request message to the configuration server 13 to request the configuration server 13 to connect.

In step S12, the matching engine section 102 of the configuration server 13 waits for a connection request message from the game device 11. When a connection request message is transmitted from the game device 11, the matching engine unit 102 receives the connection request message, and uses the user authentication information stored in the connection request message to match the game device 11 and the game device 11. to authenticate users of

In step S13, the matching engine section 102 of the configuration server 13 acquires the game server address information from the storage section 101 and notifies the game device 11 of the address information of the game server 21 that is a candidate for the connection destination.

In step S14, the connection destination candidate acquisition unit 63 of the game device 11 acquires address information of a plurality of game servers 21 as connection destination candidates in response to the transmitted connection request message.

In step S15, the communication performance measurement unit 64 of the game device 11 acquires IP layer KPI information by measuring the plurality of game servers 21.

In step S16, the communication performance measurement unit 64 of the game device 11 acquires the modem layer KPI information during the period when the IP layer KPI information is being measured.

Specifically, the wireless measurement unit 42 requests the log information related to the modem layer from the wireless communication unit 43 based on the timing of measuring the IP layer KPI information notified from the communication performance measurement unit 64 . The wireless communication unit 43 acquires log information necessary for the wireless measurement unit 42 to calculate modem layer KPI information in accordance with a request from the wireless measurement unit 42 . These log information are received from the wireless communication unit 43 , the modem layer KPI information is calculated, and the communication performance measurement unit 64 is notified of it.

The communication performance measuring unit 64 outputs the obtained IP layer KPI information and modem layer KPI information to the final connection destination obtaining unit 65.

In step S17, the final connection destination acquisition unit 65 of the game device 11 transmits the IP layer KPI information and the modem layer KPI information supplied from the communication performance measurement unit 64 to the configuration server 13.

In step S18, when the IP layer KPI information and modem layer KPI information of each game server 21 are transmitted from the game device 11, the matching engine section 102 of the configuration server 13 receives them. The matching engine unit 102 selects the appropriate game server 21 for the game device 11 using the two types of received KPI information. At this time, the game server allocation information in the storage unit 101 is also referred to.

In step S<b>19 , the matching engine unit 102 transmits the address information of the selected game server 21 to the game device 11 .

In step S20, the matching engine unit 102 allocates the corresponding game server 21 to the game device 11, and adds to the game server allocation information in the storage unit 101 that the game server 21 has been allocated to the game device 11.

In step S<b>21 , when the address information of the game server 21 as the connection destination selected from the configuration server 13 is transmitted, the final connection destination acquisition unit 65 of the game device 11 receives it and outputs it to the wireless communication unit 43 . .

In step S22, the wireless communication section 43 of the game device 11 connects to the game server 21 using the address information supplied from the final connection destination acquisition section 65.

It should be noted that in step S15 of FIG. 16, the game device 11 measures the IP layer KPI information for a plurality of game servers 21. Not limited to this example, the communication performance measurement units 94 of a plurality of game servers 21 may measure IP layer KPI information for the game device 11 and transmit the measured IP layer KPI information to the configuration server 13. can.

However, in this case, it is necessary for the configuration server 13 to transmit the address information of the game device 11 to the game server 21 as a connection destination candidate in a step prior to step S15.

As described above, in the cloud game system 1, matching between the game device 11 and the game server 21 is performed using the modem layer KPI information in addition to the IP layer KPI information between the game device 11 and the game server 21.

As a result, it is possible to select the game server 21 that is less adversely affected by temporary latency fluctuations caused by the game device 11 .

<2. Second Embodiment (Applied Configuration)>
In the above-described first embodiment, the modem layer KPI information is used in addition to the IP layer KPI information between the game device 11 and the game server 21 to reduce temporary latency caused by the game device 11. It is now possible to select a game server 21 that is less adversely affected by fluctuations.

However, it is known that communication performance such as communication delay and throughput varies depending on the time of day. Therefore, there are many cases where an appropriate game server 21 cannot be selected only with the IP layer KPI information and modem layer KPI information measured at the timing when the game device 11 connects to the game server 21 .

Therefore, in the second embodiment, as will be described later in detail with reference to FIG. 17, by selecting the game server 21 also using KPI information measured in the past by other game devices 211, an appropriate game can be played. Allows selection of server 21 .

For that purpose, it is necessary to use KPI information measured by game devices 211 located on the same network or in a close area. Therefore, the game device 211 acquires network location information and transmits it to the configuration server 212 . The configuration server 212 also stores network location information of the game device 211 in addition to IP layer KPI information and modem layer KPI information.

<Configuration of cloud game system>
FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a second embodiment of a cloud game system to which the present technology is applied.

The cloud game system 201 in FIG. 17 differs from the cloud game system 1 in FIG. 1 in that the game device 11 has been replaced with the game device 211 and the configuration server 13 has been replaced with the configuration server 212 . In FIG. 17, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted to avoid duplication.

The game device 211 acquires network location information in addition to the first KPI information and the second KPI information, and transmits it to the configuration server 212.

The configuration server 212 stores KPI information for each past network location information of a plurality of game devices 211 including itself.

The configuration server 212 selects an appropriate game server 21 for the game device 211 based on the first KPI information, second KPI information, and network location information transmitted from the game device 211.

<Functional configuration of the game device>
FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the game device 211. As shown in FIG.

　In FIG. 18, the game device 211 is composed of a game runtime section 241, a wireless measurement section 242, and a wireless communication section 243.

As shown in FIG. 19, the game runtime section 241 is composed of a command signal transmission section 61, a video stream reception section 62, a connection destination candidate acquisition section 63, a communication performance measurement section 261, and a final connection destination acquisition section 262. . In FIG. 19, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted to avoid duplication.

The communication performance measurement unit 261 measures IP layer KPI information and acquires modem layer KPI information in the same manner as the communication performance measurement unit 64 in FIG. and output to the final connection destination acquisition unit 262 .

The final connection destination acquisition unit 262 transmits the IP layer KPI information and modem layer KPI information supplied from the communication performance measurement unit 64 and the network location information to the configuration server 13 . The final connection destination acquisition unit 262 receives address information regarding the connection destination game server 21 selected by the configuration server 13 .

Returning to FIG. 18, the wireless measurement unit 242 causes the wireless communication unit 243 to acquire network location information. The wireless measurement section 242 outputs the modem layer KPI information and network location information to the communication performance measurement section 261 .

The wireless communication unit 243 acquires network location information in addition to log information in accordance with a request from the wireless measurement unit 242 . Wireless communication unit 243 notifies log information and network position information to wireless measurement unit 242 .

<Functional configuration of the configuration server>
FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the configuration server 212. As shown in FIG.

The configuration server 212 is composed of a storage unit 281 and a matching engine unit 282.

The storage unit 281 stores KPI information for each network location information in addition to the game server address information, game server allocation information, and user authentication information shown in FIG.

The matching engine unit 282 notifies the game device 211 of the address information of the multiple game servers 21 . The matching engine unit 282 selects one game server 21 using the IP layer KPI information, modem layer KPI information, and network location information from the game device 211 and notifies the game device 211 of it.

That is, when the matching engine unit 282 selects the game server 21 with the shortest latency for a certain game device 211, it is necessary to use KPI information measured by other game devices 211 located on the same network or in a nearby area.

Therefore, based on the network location information of the game device 211, the matching engine unit 282, for example, matches the KPI information from the game device 211 connected to the same mobile network with matching MCC (Mobile Country Code) or MNC (Mobile Network Code). Use Alternatively, the matching engine unit 282 uses KPI information from the game device 211 having the same TAC (Tracking Area Code), DNAI (DN Access Identifier), operator name, or LADI (Local Area Data network Identifier).

Alternatively, the matching engine unit 282 removes temporary latency fluctuations caused by the wireless communication period of the game device 211 using the above equation (1), like the matching engine unit 102 of FIG. Then, the matching engine unit 282 selects the game server 21 that has been selected in the past by the largest number of game devices 211 in the same or close network location information. Other than that, since it is the same as the matching engine unit 102 of FIG. 11, the description is omitted.

<KPI information for each network location information>
FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of KPI information for each network location information stored in the storage unit 281. As shown in FIG. The KPI information for each piece of network location information is past KPI information of the game device 11, and is also referred to as KPI information history.

In the storage unit 281 of FIG. 21, there are three KPI information of network location information with MCC of "xxx", MNC of "AAA", and IP address of "xxx.yyy.0/24". KPI information is stored. The first KPI information is User1's IP layer KPI information and User1's modem layer KPI information. The second KPI information is User2's IP layer KPI information and User2's modem layer KPI information. The third KPI information is User3's IP layer KPI information.

In the storage unit 281, the IP layer of User4 is stored as KPI information of the network location information whose MCC is "xxx", MNC is "BBB", and IP address is "xxx.zzz.0/24". KPI information and User4's modem layer KPI information are stored.

In the storage unit 281, the IP layer of User5 is stored as KPI information of the network location information whose MCC is "xxx", MNC is "CCC", and IP address is "xxx.www.0/24". KPI information and User5's modem layer KPI information are stored.

In the storage unit 281, the IP layer of User6 is stored as KPI information of the network location information whose MCC is "yyy", MNC is "AAA", and IP address is "xxx.ccc.0/24". KPI information and modem layer KPI information for User6 are stored.

The past KPI information of the game device 211 stored as described above is used based on the network location information.

<Processing of cloud game system>
FIG. 22 is a flow chart explaining the processing of the cloud game system 201 of FIG.

In step S51, the connection destination candidate acquisition unit 63 of the game device 211 transmits a connection request message to the configuration server 212 to request the configuration server 212 to connect.

At step S52, the matching engine unit 282 of the configuration server 212 waits for a connection request message from the game device 211. When the connection request message is transmitted from the game device 211, the matching engine unit 282 receives it and authenticates the game device 211 and its user using the user authentication information stored in the connection request message.

In step S53, the matching engine section 282 of the configuration server 212 acquires the game server address information from the storage section 281 and notifies the game device 211 of the address information of the game server 21 that is a candidate for the connection destination.

In step S54, the connection destination candidate acquisition unit 63 of the game device 211 acquires address information of a plurality of game servers 21 as connection destination candidates in response to the transmitted connection request message.

In step S55, the communication performance measurement unit 261 of the game device 211 causes the wireless communication unit 243 to acquire network location information.

In step S56, the communication performance measurement unit 261 of the game device 211 acquires IP layer KPI information for a plurality of game servers 21 by measuring it.

In step S57, the communication performance measurement unit 261 of the game device 211 acquires modem layer KPI information during the period when IP layer KPI information is being measured.

The communication performance measuring section 261 outputs the obtained IP layer KPI information, modem layer KPI information, and network location information to the final connection destination obtaining section 65 .

In step S58, the final connection destination acquisition unit 262 of the game device 211 transmits the IP layer KPI information, modem layer KPI information, and network location information supplied from the communication performance measurement unit 261 to the configuration server 212.

In step S59, the matching engine unit 282 of the configuration server 212 receives the IP layer KPI information and modem layer KPI information of each game server 21 and the network location information of the game device 211 from the game device 211. to receive The matching engine section 282 selects the appropriate game server 21 for the game device 211 based on the received IP layer KPI information, modem layer KPI information, and network location information.

In step S60, the matching engine unit 282 transmits the address information of the selected game server 21 to the game device 211.

In step S61, the matching engine unit 282 allocates the corresponding game server 21 to the game device 11, and adds information indicating that the game server 21 has been allocated to the game device 211 to the game server allocation information in the storage unit 281. At this time, the network location information of the game device 211 received in step S59 is also added to the KPI information for each network location information stored in the storage unit 281. FIG.

In step S62, when the address information of the game server 21 of the connection destination selected from the configuration server 212 is transmitted, the final connection destination acquisition unit 262 of the game device 211 receives it and outputs it to the wireless communication unit 243. .

At step S63, the wireless communication unit 243 of the game device 211 connects to the game server 21 using the address information supplied from the final connection destination acquisition unit 262.

As described above, in the cloud game system 201, the game server 21 is selected using KPI information measured in the past by other game devices 211 having network location information close to the game device 211. This makes it possible to select a more appropriate game server 21 in consideration of changes in KPI information depending on time zones and locations.

In the above description, the cloud game system is used as an example of use in game services, but the application of the present technology is not limited to game services, and may be used in other information processing systems.

<3. Others>
<effect>
As described above, in the present technology, first KPI (Key Performance Indicator) information indicating the communication performance of a plurality of communication sections between the

game device

11 or 211 and the plurality of game servers 21, and each communication section The applicable game server 21 to be assigned to the

game device

11 or 211 is selected based on the second KPI information that indicates the communication performance of the wireless communication section of the

game device

11 or 211, and information about the selected applicable game server 21 is notified to the

game device

11 or 211 .

As a result, it is possible to select the game server 21 that is less adversely affected by temporary latency fluctuations caused by the

game device

11 or 211.

Further, the first KPI information, the second KPI information, the position information within the network of the game device 211, and the past position information within the network of the game device 211 and the other game devices 211 are displayed. The applicable game server 21 is selected for the game device 211 based on the KPI information history including the KPI information and the second KPI information.

As a result, it is possible to select a more appropriate game server 21, taking into account changes in KPI information depending on the time of day and location.

<Computer configuration example>
The series of processes described above can be executed by hardware or by software. When executing a series of processes by software, a program that constitutes the software is installed from a program recording medium into a computer built into dedicated hardware or a general-purpose personal computer.

FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer that executes the series of processes described above by a program.

A CPU 301 , a ROM (Read Only Memory) 302 and a RAM 303 are interconnected by a bus 304 .

An input/output interface 305 is further connected to the bus 304 . The input/output interface 305 is connected to an input unit 306 such as a keyboard and a mouse, and an output unit 307 such as a display and a speaker. The input/output interface 305 is also connected to a storage unit 308 such as a hard disk or nonvolatile memory, a communication unit 309 such as a network interface, and a drive 310 that drives a removable medium 311 .

In the computer configured as described above, for example, the CPU 301 loads a program stored in the storage unit 308 into the RAM 303 via the input/output interface 305 and the bus 304 and executes the above-described series of processes. is done.

The program executed by the CPU 301 is recorded on the removable media 311, or provided via a wired or wireless transmission medium such as a local area network, the Internet, or digital broadcasting, and installed in the storage unit 308.

The program executed by the computer may be a program that is processed in chronological order according to the order described in this specification, or may be executed in parallel or at a necessary timing such as when a call is made. It may be a program in which processing is performed.

In this specification, a system means a set of multiple components (devices, modules (parts), etc.), and it does not matter whether all the components are in the same housing. Therefore, a plurality of devices housed in separate housings and connected via a network, and a single device housing a plurality of modules in one housing, are both systems. .

In addition, the effects described in this specification are only examples and are not limited, and other effects may also occur.

Embodiments of the present technology are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the present technology.

For example, this technology can take the configuration of cloud computing in which one function is shared by multiple devices via a network and processed jointly. Also, the present technology can be applied to data other than audio data.

In addition, each step described in the flowchart above can be executed by a single device, or can be shared by a plurality of devices.

Furthermore, when one step includes multiple processes, the multiple processes included in the one step can be executed by one device or shared by multiple devices.

<Configuration example combination>
This technique can also take the following configurations.
(1)
First KPI (Key Performance Indicator) information indicating communication performance of a plurality of communication sections between an information processing terminal and a plurality of servers, and communication performance of a wireless communication section of the information processing terminal in each communication section a matching unit that selects an application server to be assigned to the information processing terminal based on the second KPI information shown;
and a notification unit that notifies the information processing terminal of information about the application server selected by the matching unit.
(2)
The information processing apparatus according to (1), wherein the matching unit acquires the first KPI information and the second KPI information at the same timing.
(3)
The matching unit, based on the first KPI information, the second KPI information, and assignment information indicating the application server assigned to another information processing terminal, performs the The information processing apparatus according to (1) or (2), wherein an application server is selected.
(4)
The information processing apparatus according to (3), wherein the matching unit adds information indicating that the application server has been assigned to the information processing terminal, to the assignment information.
(5)
The matching unit stores the first KPI information, the second KPI information, and location information within the network of the information processing terminal, and the information processing terminal and other information processing terminals within the network in the past. selecting the applicable server for the information processing terminal based on the KPI information history including the first KPI information and the second KPI information for each of the location information of (1) to (4) The information processing device according to any one of the above.
(6)
The information processing apparatus according to (5), wherein the matching unit adds the location information of the information processing terminal, the first KPI information, and the second KPI information to the KPI information history.
(7)
The information according to any one of (1) to (6) above, further comprising a transmission unit that transmits address information of each of the servers to the information processing terminal as a response to a connection request transmitted from the information processing terminal. processing equipment.
(8)
The information processing according to any one of (1) to (7) above, wherein the first KPI information and the second KPI information include time-series data of at least one of latency, jitter, loss rate, and throughput Device.
(9)
The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the first KPI information is information measured by the information processing terminal or the server using a measurement protocol.
(10)
The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the second KPI information is information calculated by the information processing terminal based on log information regarding communication in the wireless communication section.
(11)
The information processing device
First KPI (Key Performance Indicator) information indicating communication performance of a plurality of communication sections between an information processing terminal and a plurality of servers, and communication performance of a wireless communication section of the information processing terminal in each communication section selecting an application server to be assigned to the information processing terminal based on the second KPI information shown;
An information processing method for notifying the information processing terminal of information about the selected application server.
(12)
Communication in a wireless communication section of the own device in each communication section at the same timing as first KPI (Key Performance Indicator) information indicating communication performance in a plurality of communication sections between the own device and a plurality of servers an information acquisition unit that acquires second KPI information indicating performance;
a transmission unit that transmits the second KPI information to an information processing device;
an information processing terminal that receives information about an application server selected by the information processing device to be assigned to the own device based on the first KPI information and the second KPI information.
(13)
further comprising an information measuring unit that measures the first KPI information,
The information processing terminal according to (12), wherein the transmission unit transmits the first KPI information and the second KPI information.
(14)
The information processing terminal according to (13), wherein the information measurement unit measures the first KPI information using a measurement protocol.
(15)
The information processing terminal according to any one of (12) to (14), wherein the information acquisition unit acquires the second KPI information by calculating based on log information regarding communication in the wireless communication section.
(16)
The information processing according to any one of (12) to (15) above, wherein the first KPI information and the second KPI information include time-series data of at least one of latency, jitter, loss rate, and throughput. terminal.
(17)
The transmitting unit transmits location information of the own device on the network,
The receiving unit receives information about the application server selected to be assigned to the own device by the information processing device based on the first KPI information, the second KPI information, and the location information. The information processing terminal according to any one of (12) to (16).
(18)
further comprising a connection request unit that transmits a connection request;
The information acquisition unit acquires the second KPI information using the address information of each of the application servers transmitted from the information processing device as a response to the connection request. The information processing terminal according to any one of the above.
(19)
The information processing terminal
Communication in a wireless communication section of the own device in each communication section at the same timing as first KPI (Key Performance Indicator) information indicating communication performance in a plurality of communication sections between the own device and a plurality of servers Acquiring second KPI information that indicates performance,
transmitting the second KPI information to an information processing device;
An information processing method, comprising: receiving information about an application server selected by the information processing device to be assigned to the own device based on the first KPI information and the second KPI information.

1 Cloud game system, 11 game device, 12, 12-1 to 12-n data center, 13 configuration server, 14 mobile network, 21, 21-1 to 21-m game server, 41 game runtime part, 42 wireless measurement section, 43 wireless communication section, 61 command signal transmission section, 62 video stream reception section, 63 connection destination candidate acquisition section, 64 communication performance measurement section, 65 final connection destination acquisition section, 81 virtualization platform section, 91 command signal reception section , 92 logic unit, 93 video stream transmission unit, 94 communication performance measurement unit, 101 storage unit, 102 matching engine unit, 201 cloud game system, 211 game device, 212 configuration server, 241 game runtime unit, 242 wireless measurement unit, 243 Wireless communication unit, 261 Communication performance measurement unit, 262 Final connection destination acquisition unit, 281 Storage unit, 282 Matching engine unit

Claims

First KPI (Key Performance Indicator) information indicating communication performance of a plurality of communication sections between an information processing terminal and a plurality of servers, and communication performance of a wireless communication section of the information processing terminal in each communication section a matching unit that selects an application server to be assigned to the information processing terminal based on the second KPI information shown;
and a notification unit that notifies the information processing terminal of information about the application server selected by the matching unit.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the matching unit acquires the first KPI information and the second KPI information at the same timing.
The matching unit, based on the first KPI information, the second KPI information, and assignment information indicating the application server assigned to another information processing terminal, performs the The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an application server is selected.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the matching unit adds information indicating that the application server has been assigned to the information processing terminal to the assignment information.
The matching unit stores the first KPI information, the second KPI information, and location information within the network of the information processing terminal, and the information processing terminal and other information processing terminals within the network in the past. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said applicable server is selected for said information processing terminal based on a KPI information history including said first KPI information and said second KPI information for each of said location information of .
The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the matching unit adds the location information, the first KPI information, and the second KPI information of the information processing terminal to the KPI information history.
2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a transmitting unit that transmits address information of each of said servers to said information processing terminal as a response to a connection request transmitted from said information processing terminal.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first KPI information and the second KPI information include time-series data of at least one of latency, jitter, loss rate, and throughput.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first KPI information is information measured by the information processing terminal or the server using a measurement protocol.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second KPI information is information calculated by the information processing terminal based on log information regarding communication in the wireless communication section.
The information processing device
First KPI (Key Performance Indicator) information indicating communication performance of a plurality of communication sections between an information processing terminal and a plurality of servers, and communication performance of a wireless communication section of the information processing terminal in each communication section selecting an application server to be assigned to the information processing terminal based on the second KPI information shown;
An information processing method for notifying the information processing terminal of information about the selected application server.
Communication in a wireless communication section of the own device in each communication section at the same timing as first KPI (Key Performance Indicator) information indicating communication performance in a plurality of communication sections between the own device and a plurality of servers an information acquisition unit that acquires second KPI information indicating performance;
a transmission unit that transmits the second KPI information to an information processing device;
an information processing terminal that receives information about an application server selected by the information processing device to be assigned to the own device based on the first KPI information and the second KPI information.
further comprising an information measuring unit that measures the first KPI information,
The information processing terminal according to claim 12, wherein the transmission unit transmits the first KPI information and the second KPI information.
The information processing terminal according to claim 13, wherein the information measuring unit measures the first KPI information using a measurement protocol.
The information processing terminal according to claim 12, wherein the information acquisition unit acquires the second KPI information by calculating it based on log information regarding communication in the wireless communication section.
13. The information processing terminal according to claim 12, wherein said first KPI information and said second KPI information include time-series data of at least one of latency, jitter, loss rate, and throughput.
The transmitting unit transmits location information of the own device on the network,
The receiving unit receives information about the application server selected to be assigned to the own device by the information processing device based on the first KPI information, the second KPI information, and the location information. The information processing terminal according to claim 12.
further comprising a connection request unit that transmits a connection request;
13. The information processing terminal according to claim 12, wherein the information acquisition unit acquires the second KPI information using address information of each of the application servers transmitted from the information processing device as a response to the connection request. .
The information processing terminal
Communication in a wireless communication section of the own device in each communication section at the same timing as first KPI (Key Performance Indicator) information indicating communication performance in a plurality of communication sections between the own device and a plurality of servers Acquiring second KPI information that indicates performance,
transmitting the second KPI information to an information processing device;
An information processing method, comprising: receiving information about an application server selected by the information processing device to be assigned to the own device based on the first KPI information and the second KPI information.