WO2013114819A1 - Delivery system, server, terminal, and communication method - Google Patents

Delivery system, server, terminal, and communication method Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2013114819A1
WO2013114819A1 PCT/JP2013/000303 JP2013000303W WO2013114819A1 WO 2013114819 A1 WO2013114819 A1 WO 2013114819A1 JP 2013000303 W JP2013000303 W JP 2013000303W WO 2013114819 A1 WO2013114819 A1 WO 2013114819A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
file
terminal
distribution
bit rate
server
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PCT/JP2013/000303
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French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
一範 小澤
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日本電気株式会社
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Publication of WO2013114819A1 publication Critical patent/WO2013114819A1/en

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    • 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 
    • H04N21/63—Control signaling related to video distribution between client, server and network components; Network processes for video distribution between server and clients or between remote clients, e.g. transmitting basic layer and enhancement layers over different transmission paths, setting up a peer-to-peer communication via Internet between remote STB's; Communication protocols; Addressing
    • H04N21/647—Control signaling between network components and server or clients; Network processes for video distribution between server and clients, e.g. controlling the quality of the video stream, by dropping packets, protecting content from unauthorised alteration within the network, monitoring of network load, bridging between two different networks, e.g. between IP and wireless
    • H04N21/64746—Control signals issued by the network directed to the server or the client
    • H04N21/64761—Control signals issued by the network directed to the server or the client directed to the server
    • H04N21/64769—Control signals issued by the network directed to the server or the client directed to the server for rate control
    • 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
    • H04N21/23—Processing of content or additional data; Elementary server operations; Server middleware
    • H04N21/24—Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. monitoring of server load, available bandwidth, upstream requests
    • H04N21/2402—Monitoring of the downstream path of the transmission network, e.g. bandwidth available
    • 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 
    • H04N21/63—Control signaling related to video distribution between client, server and network components; Network processes for video distribution between server and clients or between remote clients, e.g. transmitting basic layer and enhancement layers over different transmission paths, setting up a peer-to-peer communication via Internet between remote STB's; Communication protocols; Addressing
    • H04N21/647—Control signaling between network components and server or clients; Network processes for video distribution between server and clients, e.g. controlling the quality of the video stream, by dropping packets, protecting content from unauthorised alteration within the network, monitoring of network load, bridging between two different networks, e.g. between IP and wireless
    • H04N21/64723—Monitoring of network processes or resources, e.g. monitoring of network load
    • H04N21/64738—Monitoring network characteristics, e.g. bandwidth, congestion level

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a server, a terminal, a distribution system, and a communication method, and in particular, distribution that distributes video content to various terminals (for example, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a PC, a game machine, etc.) after caching the video content on a network.
  • the present invention relates to a system, a server, a terminal, and a communication method.
  • LTE Long Term Evolution
  • EPC Evolved Packet Core
  • the traffic volume of the data system will increase from 8 times to 10 times or more over 2013, and it is predicted that the video content will occupy most of it.
  • the size of video content has become larger and larger in the near future due to the spread of optical networks and broadband networks in fixed networks, and the improvement in terminal capabilities due to the rapid spread of smartphones in mobile networks.
  • High-definition content is expected to be distributed not only on fixed networks but also on mobile networks.
  • a general distribution system is configured such that content requests from all terminals are received by routers arranged on the Internet network, etc.
  • the content is transmitted to a distribution server of the Internet network through a so-called packet transfer device, and the distribution server distributes the content to all the requested terminals via the packet transfer device.
  • Patent Document 1 is disclosed as such a distribution system.
  • the distribution system of Patent Document 1 includes a WEB server connected to a first terminal and a second terminal via a network, and a distribution management server (hereinafter referred to as a distribution server).
  • the WEB server has content. Further, the WEB server transmits the content to the distribution server when there is a content transfer request from the first terminal.
  • the distribution server stores the content from the WEB server corresponding to the transfer identifier issued for each transfer request from the first terminal.
  • the distribution server receives a distribution request including a transfer identifier from the second terminal, reads out content corresponding to the received transfer identifier, and transmits the content to the second terminal.
  • Patent Document 1 operates as follows.
  • the WEB server transmits the content to the distribution server.
  • the distribution server stores the content from the WEB server in correspondence with the transfer identifier issued for each transfer request from the first terminal. Further, the distribution server receives the distribution request including the transfer identifier from the second terminal, reads the content corresponding to the received transfer identifier, and transmits the content to the second terminal.
  • the distribution system disclosed in Patent Document 1 allows the selection of moving image content to be distributed to a moving image playback terminal such as a TV with a network function from a communication terminal with a WEB function such as a mobile phone or a PC. It is possible to provide a distribution system.
  • Patent Document 1 has a problem in that the moving image being played is frozen at the terminal that receives the content, and the QoE (Quality of Experience) of the end user is deteriorated.
  • QoE Quality of Experience
  • the distribution system described in Patent Document 1 does not have a function of transmitting distribution data having a size suitable for the throughput of the network to the terminal, and continuously distributes distribution data having a certain size. For example, in the case of moving image content, the distribution system of Patent Document 1 tries to continuously distribute content with a constant bit rate to the terminal.
  • distribution bit rate the size of distribution data per unit time (hereinafter referred to as distribution bit rate)
  • loss or delay of distribution data occurs on the network, and the data does not reach the terminal. Or delay.
  • Patent Document 1 may retransmit distribution data when the data does not reach the terminal or is delayed.
  • the distribution system of Patent Document 1 has a problem of unnecessarily consuming the bandwidth of a network such as a mobile network.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide a distribution system, a server, a terminal, and a communication method that solve the above problems.
  • a server is a server that distributes at least one bit rate file to a terminal on a network, and is a throughput value or a distribution time zone notified from the terminal. Or a receiving unit that receives both, a distribution bit rate control unit that calculates a bit rate of the file that does not exceed the throughput value notified from the terminal, and the bit rate calculated by the distribution bit rate control unit
  • the file is secured, or the file is secured by multiplying the average value of the bit rates calculated by the delivery bit rate control unit by the number of delivery timings within the delivery time zone, or a predetermined number
  • Tents acquisition unit and transmission timing control unit that always distributes the file secured by the content acquisition unit to the terminal, or distributes the file secured by the content acquisition unit to the terminal during the distribution time period And comprising.
  • a terminal of the present invention is a terminal that receives at least one bit rate file from a server on a network, and calculates a throughput value of the network at predetermined time intervals.
  • An estimation unit a throughput calculation unit that calculates the smallest throughput value among the throughput values of at least one network, or an average value of the throughput values of the network, for each predetermined time interval; and in the predetermined time interval
  • a timing calculation unit for obtaining a distribution time zone in which the throughput value of the network is larger than an average value of the bit rate of the file, and a throughput value calculated by the throughput calculation unit, the distribution time zone, or both Transmission timing control section to notify , Comprising a.
  • a distribution system of the present invention is a distribution system that distributes at least one bit rate file from a server on a network to a terminal
  • the terminal is a terminal that receives a file of at least one bit rate from a server on a network, and a throughput estimation unit that calculates a throughput value of the network at predetermined time intervals; and at least one of the networks
  • a throughput calculation unit that calculates the smallest throughput value among the throughput values or an average value of the throughput values of the network for each predetermined time interval; and the network throughput value of the file in the predetermined time interval.
  • the server is a server that distributes at least one bit rate file to a terminal on a network, and receives a throughput value and / or a distribution time period notified from the terminal;
  • a distribution bit rate control unit that calculates a bit rate of the file that does not exceed the throughput value notified from the terminal, and secures the file of the bit rate calculated by the distribution bit rate control unit, or
  • the file is obtained by multiplying the average value of the bit rates calculated by the distribution bit rate control unit by the number of distribution timings within the distribution time period, or the file having a predetermined bit rate is allocated to the distribution time period
  • the content acquisition unit to be secured for the number of times of distribution within the content and the content
  • the resulting unit is always delivering the file to the terminal which has reserved, or, and a
  • a communication method of the present invention is a delivery method for delivering a file of at least one bit rate from a server on a network to a terminal,
  • the terminal calculates a throughput value of the network at predetermined time intervals, and further calculates a minimum throughput value among at least one throughput value of the network or an average value of the throughput values of the network.
  • a delivery time zone in which the throughput value of the network is larger than the average value of the bit rate of the file, and the smallest throughput value, or the delivery time zone, Alternatively, both of them, or the average value of the throughput values of the network, or the distribution time period, or both, are notified to the server,
  • the server receives the throughput value notified from the terminal and / or the delivery time zone, and calculates the bit rate of the file that does not exceed the throughput value notified from the terminal.
  • the secured file is always delivered to the terminal, or the secured file is delivered to the terminal during the delivery time zone.
  • the distribution system can prevent the moving picture being played back from being frozen at the terminal that receives the content, and the quality of experience (QoE) from deteriorating.
  • the distribution system can prevent unnecessary consumption of a network band such as a mobile network.
  • FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a distribution system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 shows a configuration example of the cache server 110_1 that constitutes the distribution system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the distribution unit 114 configuring the cache servers 110_1 to N in the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • the distribution system in the first embodiment uses a broadband network 150 of a fixed network as a network, and as a packet transfer device.
  • a configuration in the case of using a broadband router is shown. That is, the distribution system according to the first embodiment includes packet transfer apparatuses 190_1 to N and cache servers 110_1 to N on the broadband network 150, a terminal 170, and a distribution server apparatus 121 on the Internet network 145.
  • the subscript N means the number of packet transfer apparatuses and cache servers.
  • the Internet network 145 and the broadband network 150 are connected.
  • the distribution server device 121 on the Internet network 145 stores various contents distributed over the Internet. For example, the distribution server device 121 accumulates a file that stores a compressed and encoded bit stream of a moving image and a compressed and encoded bit stream. As another form, the distribution server device 121 may store a WEB screen, software, an application, and the like.
  • the terminal 170 is a fixed network terminal, but as another configuration, a portable terminal connected to a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or the like may be used.
  • a wireless LAN Local Area Network
  • N (N ⁇ 2) packet transfer apparatuses 190_1 to N deployed on the broadband network 150 are connected to one cache server 110_1 to N, respectively, as shown in FIG.
  • the packet transfer apparatus 190_1 is connected to the cache server 110_1.
  • the cache servers 110_1 to N are connected to each other so that the contents can be linked.
  • FIG. 1 shows a case where the content request message is sent to the cache server 110_1 via the packet transfer device 190_1.
  • the cache server 110_1 includes a control signal transmission / reception unit 111, a content securing unit 112, a content temporary storage unit 113, a distribution unit 114, an analysis unit 115, a collection unit 116, a determination unit 117, and a content list creation unit 118. Consists of
  • the control signal transmission / reception unit 111 receives a GTP (GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) Tunneling Protocol) packet storing the content request message from the terminal 170, the received IP address of the terminal, the URL of the requested content, and the like from the packet transfer device 190_1. To do.
  • GTP General Packet Radio Service
  • the analysis unit 115 reads the content of the content request message stored in the payload portion of the received GTP packet, and receives the received IP address of the terminal 170 and the content requested from the terminal 170 (hereinafter, the requested content). Information) such as a URL is extracted. Further, the analysis unit 115 outputs information including the extracted received IP address of the terminal 170 and the URL of the requested content (hereinafter referred to as content information) to the distribution unit 114 and the determination unit 117.
  • the collection unit 116 collects the content list of the content stored by itself and the content list of the content stored by the cache servers 110_2 to N other than itself, and outputs them to the determination unit 117.
  • collection of the content list may be performed at a predetermined time interval by the collection unit 116 in advance, may be performed when a connection request is received from the terminal 170, or collected from another cache server. It may be done when requested.
  • the collection unit 116 collects the content list from the content list creation unit 118 of the cache servers 110_1 to N.
  • the discriminating unit 117 receives information such as the received IP address of the terminal 170 and the URL of the requested content from the analyzing unit 115. Further, the determination unit 117 receives from the collection unit 116 a content list of content stored by itself and a content list of content stored by cache servers 110_2 to N other than itself. The determination unit 117 determines whether the content requested by the terminal 170 is stored by itself or the other cache servers 110_2 to N from the content list received from the collection unit 116. For example, the determination unit 117 may determine where the content is stored by comparing the URL of the requested content with the content list. If it is stored in itself, the determination unit 117 issues a read / distribution instruction including the URL of the content requested to the temporary content storage unit 113 and the distribution unit 114.
  • the determination unit 117 notifies the content securing unit 112 of the URL of the requested content and the IP addresses of the stored cache servers 110_2 to N, An instruction to secure content from the cache server is issued by cooperation between the cache servers.
  • the determination unit 117 instructs the content securing unit 112 to secure the content from the distribution server device 121. At this time, the determination unit 117 notifies the content securing unit 112 of the requested content URL and the IP address of the distribution server device 121.
  • the content securing unit 112 receives the requested content URL and content securing instruction from the determination unit 117. In addition, when acquiring the requested content from the other cache servers 110_2 to N, the content securing unit 112 receives the stored IP addresses of the cache servers 110_2 to N. In addition, when acquiring the requested content from the distribution server device 121, the content securing unit 112 receives the IP address of the distribution server device 121. The content securing unit 112 secures a copy of the requested content and outputs the secured file to the content temporary storage unit 113. The content is stored in the content temporary storage unit 113.
  • the content temporary storage unit 113 stores the content file received from the content securing unit 112 (hereinafter referred to as a content file) for each bit rate. Accordingly, the content temporary storage unit 113 stores at least one bit rate content file. Further, when the content temporary storage unit 113 receives the content read instruction from the determination unit 117 and further notifies the content URL and the bit rate of the content file from the distribution unit 114, the content temporary storage unit 113 receives a plurality of bit rate contents. The content file of the notified bit rate corresponding to the notified content URL is read from the file and output to the distribution unit 114.
  • the content list creation unit 118 creates a list of all the content stored in the content temporary storage unit 113 as needed.
  • the content list creation unit 118 outputs the content list to the collection unit 116 at predetermined time intervals or when requested by the collection unit 116. Further, the content list creation unit 118 outputs the content list to the cache servers 110_2 to N at predetermined time intervals or when requested by other cache servers 110_2 to N.
  • the predetermined time described above is a time set in advance in the content list creation unit 118 by the user of the distribution system of the present embodiment.
  • the distribution unit 114 of the cache servers 110_1 to 110-N includes a transmission unit 200, a reception unit 201, a distribution bit rate / timing control unit 202, a content acquisition unit 203, and a transmission timing control unit 204.
  • the receiving unit 201 periodically receives one or both of the throughput information and the distribution timing information from the terminal 170 via the packet transfer device.
  • the distribution unit 114 performs different operations when receiving only throughput information, when receiving only distribution timing information, and when receiving both throughput information and distribution timing information. Each operation will be described below.
  • Receiving unit 201 receives from time to time which is predetermined throughput information S n from the terminal 170, and outputs it to the delivery bit rate and timing control unit 202.
  • Delivery bit rate and timing control unit 202 receives each time determined throughput information S n in advance, obtains the bit rate St content files that do not exceed the throughput information S n received. Then, the distribution bit rate / timing control unit 202 outputs the bit rate St to the content acquisition unit 203 at predetermined time intervals. Also, the delivery bit rate / timing control unit 202 outputs to the transmission timing control unit 204 that the delivery timing control is OFF.
  • the predetermined time is a time set in advance in the distribution bit rate / timing control unit 202 by the user of the distribution system of the present embodiment.
  • the content acquisition unit 203 receives content information including the URL of the content requested from the analysis unit 115.
  • the content acquisition unit 203 acquires a content file requested from the terminal and having the bit rate St based on the information, and the transmission timing.
  • the content acquisition unit 203 notifies the content temporary storage unit 113 of the content information and the bit rate St.
  • the content temporary storage unit 113 acquires the content file of the bit rate St corresponding to the URL from the content URL and the bit rate St included in the content information, and acquires the content file from the plurality of content files. Output to.
  • the content acquisition unit 203 outputs the obtained content file of the bit rate St to the transmission timing control unit 204. Since the transmission timing control is OFF, the transmission timing control unit 204 outputs the received content file to the transmission unit 200 as it is.
  • the transmission unit 200 stores the received content file in a TCP / IP packet and distributes it.
  • the receiving unit 201 receives throughput information Sn and distribution timing information (T k and T k + 1 ) notified from the terminal 170 every predetermined time, and these are received as a distribution bit rate / timing control unit.
  • Delivery bit rate and timing control unit 202 similarly to the case of receiving only the throughput information S n, determine the bit rate St content files based on the throughput information S n, and outputs the St to the content acquisition section 203. Also, the delivery bit rate / timing control unit 202 outputs the delivery timing information (T k and T k + 1 ) to the transmission timing control unit 204. Further, the distribution bit rate / timing control unit 202 outputs to the transmission timing control unit 204 that the distribution timing control is ON.
  • the transmission timing control unit 204 uses the distribution timing information (T k and T k + 1 ) instructed from the terminal 170 to calculate the file size F k according to the equation (1), and content for the file size F k A file is read from the content acquisition unit 203. For example, when the transmission timing control unit 204 notifies the content acquisition unit 203 of the file size F k , the content acquisition unit 203 temporarily stores content files whose bit rate is St as many as the number not exceeding the file size F k. Obtained from part 113. The content acquisition unit 203 notifies the transmission timing control unit 204 of the acquired content file.
  • the transmission timing control unit 204 outputs the content file to the transmission unit 200 during T k ⁇ 1 to T k , and does not output the content file to the transmission unit 200 during T k to T k + 1 .
  • the transmission unit 200 stores the received content file in a TCP / IP packet and distributes it.
  • F k B r * (T k -T k-1 ) Equation (1)
  • T k represents the transmission time of the k-th delivery timing
  • F k represents the size of the content file to be transmitted to the transmission unit 200 between the T k-1 time and the T k time
  • Br represents The average bit rate of St is shown respectively.
  • the distribution bit rate and timing control unit 202, the calculation of F k, calculates a B r is the average bit rate of St.
  • the receiving unit 201 receives distribution timing information (T k and T k + 1 ) notified from the terminal 170 every predetermined time, and outputs these to the distribution bit rate / timing control unit 202.
  • Distribution bit rate / timing control section 202 outputs to transmission timing control section 204 that distribution timing control is ON.
  • the delivery bit rate / timing control unit 202 outputs the delivery timing information (T k and T k + 1 ) to the transmission timing control unit 204.
  • the transmission timing control unit 204 reads a content file having a predetermined bit rate from the content acquisition unit 203 by the number of delivery timings from T k ⁇ 1 to T k at predetermined time intervals.
  • the transmission timing control unit 204 outputs the read content file to the transmission unit 200.
  • the transmission timing control unit 204 outputs a content file of a predetermined bit rate read from the content acquisition unit 203 to the transmission unit 200 between T k ⁇ 1 and T k , and between T k and T k + 1 . Does not output the content file to the transmission unit 200.
  • the above-described predetermined bit rate is a value set in the distribution bit rate / timing control unit 202 and the transmission timing control unit 204 by the user of the distribution system of the present embodiment.
  • the transmission unit 200 stores the file input from the transmission timing control unit 204 in a TCP / IP packet and distributes it.
  • the terminal 170 includes a control signal transmission / reception unit 171, a reception unit 172, a throughput estimation unit 173, a throughput / timing calculation unit 174, a transmission unit 175, a decoding unit 176, a display unit 177, a reception buffer 178, and a transmission.
  • the buffer 179 is configured.
  • the control signal transmission / reception unit 171 performs call connection / disconnection processing to the packet transfer apparatus 190 on the network 150 in FIG. Further, when the call connection is made, the control signal transmission / reception unit 171 notifies the transmission unit 175 and the reception unit 172 that it is a call connection opportunity. When notified from the control signal transmission / reception unit 171 that it is a call connection trigger, the transmission unit 175 sends a request for content request to the network using, for example, an HTTP GET command. Further, the transmission unit 175 receives at least one of the throughput information and the distribution timing information from the throughput / timing calculation unit 174 and outputs it to the transmission buffer 179.
  • the transmission buffer 179 transmits the received throughput information and distribution timing information to the network 150 at predetermined time intervals and notifies the communication destination cache servers 110_1 to N.
  • the above-described predetermined time is a time set in advance in the transmission buffer 179 by the user of the distribution system of the present embodiment.
  • the reception buffer 178 receives a TCP / IP packet from the network 150 in FIG. 1 and temporarily stores it in itself. Further, the reception buffer 178 notifies the throughput / timing calculation unit 174 of the buffered data amount (hereinafter referred to as data amount information Buf n of the reception buffer). At this time, the reception buffer 178 may output the remaining data amount information Buf n of the reception buffer to the throughput / timing calculation unit 174 at predetermined time intervals. The reception buffer 178 may output the remaining data amount information Buf n of the reception buffer to the throughput / timing calculation unit 174 when requested by the throughput / timing calculation unit 174.
  • data amount information Buf n of the reception buffer hereinafter referred to as data amount information Buf n of the reception buffer.
  • the reception unit 172 When the reception unit 172 is notified of the call connection trigger from the control signal transmission / reception unit 171, the reception unit 172 extracts the TCP / IP packet once stored from the reception buffer 178. In addition, the receiving unit 172 extracts a content file stored in the payload of the TCP / IP packet. Then, the reception time R n of the n th TCP / IP packet and the file size F n of the content file stored in the n th received TCP / IP packet are output to the throughput estimation unit 173. In addition, the receiving unit 172 calculates an average bit rate K for the content files stored in the payloads of the packets received so far, and outputs K to the throughput / timing calculating unit 174.
  • K is an average value of values obtained by the content file size / time length using the content file size and the time length written in the header portion of the content file. That is, K is the average bit rate of the content file.
  • the content file size is described in the content file by the content file creator.
  • the time length may be written in the content file by the content file creator.
  • the throughput estimation unit 173 receives R n and F n from the reception unit 172, and estimates the TCP throughput B n at the time R n of the network 150 according to the following equation.
  • the calculation of Formula (2) and Formula (3) can be performed for every predetermined time interval. That is, the throughput estimation unit 173 estimates the TCP throughput B n as a network throughput value according to Expression (3) at predetermined time intervals, and outputs the estimated value to the throughput / timing calculation unit 174.
  • the above-described predetermined time interval and ⁇ are set in advance in the throughput estimation unit 173 by the user of the distribution system of the present embodiment.
  • the receiving unit 172 outputs the extracted content file to the decrypting unit 176.
  • the decoding unit 176 receives the content file from the receiving unit 172, extracts a video stream and an audio stream from the file, decodes each, and outputs the decoded video signal to the display unit 177.
  • the display unit 177 displays the decoded video signal on the display.
  • the throughput / timing calculator 174 receives the TCP throughput B n from the throughput estimator 173 at predetermined time intervals. Then, the throughput timing calculation unit 174 obtains the worst value S n from the B n at predetermined time intervals, and outputs the S n to the transmitter 175. Incidentally, the throughput timing calculation unit 174 obtains an average value S n of B n at a predetermined time interval time, may output the S n to the transmitting unit 175.
  • the throughput / timing calculation unit 174 receives the remaining data amount information Buf n of the reception buffer from the reception buffer 178. In this case, the throughput timing calculation unit 174 requests the reception buffer 178 to notify the data remaining information Buf n of the receive buffer, even when receiving the data remaining information Buf n of the receive buffer from the receive buffer 178 Good. Alternatively, the reception buffer 178 may periodically output the remaining data information Buf n , and the throughput / timing calculation unit 174 may periodically receive the remaining data information Buf n .
  • the throughput / timing calculation unit 174 uses the B n in a predetermined time interval or the remaining data amount information Buf n of the reception buffer received from the reception buffer 178, for example, to calculate the distribution timing information as follows. calculate. Note that the throughput / timing calculation unit 174 receives the average bit rate K of the content file from the reception unit 172.
  • B n calculates the time interval t1 as a K ⁇ B n consecutively from B n-1.
  • the throughput / timing calculation unit 174 may calculate the time interval t1 by the following equation (4).
  • t1 B n and B from n-1 consecutive K ⁇ number ⁇ predetermined time intervals expression of the TCP packet is B n (4)
  • the throughput / timing calculation unit 174 calculates the equation (5) to notify the cache servers 110_1 to N to transmit the content from Tk -1 to the time interval t1.
  • the delivery timing T k that satisfies the condition is calculated and output to the transmission unit 175.
  • T k T k-1 + t1 Formula (5)
  • B n calculates the time interval t2 as a K ⁇ B n consecutively from B n-1.
  • the throughput / timing calculation unit 174 may calculate the time interval t2 by the following equation.
  • T k + 1 T k + t2 Equation (7) If the user of the distribution system of the present embodiment uses the reception buffer remaining amount Buf n , t2 is a time interval in which the remaining data amount of the reception buffer 178 of the mobile terminal 170 is not emptied.
  • the subscript k of T k is incremented every time the time interval t1 or the time interval t2 is calculated, and the range thereof is 1 to (the number of times of calculation of the time interval t1 + the number of times of calculation of the time interval t2). .
  • the initial value T 0 of T k is set in the throughput / timing calculation unit 174 by the user of the distribution system of this embodiment. 0 may be sufficient.
  • the predetermined time interval and the predetermined time interval described above are set in the throughput / timing calculation unit 174 by the user of the distribution system according to the present embodiment.
  • the predetermined time interval may be a time interval transmitted by the transmission units 200 of the cache servers 110_1 to N.
  • the transmission unit 175 notifies the transmission buffer 179 of both or one of the throughput information Sn and the distribution timing information (T k and T k + 1 ) received from the throughput / timing calculation unit 174.
  • the transmission buffer 179 sends the notified throughput information and distribution timing information to the network 150 at predetermined time intervals.
  • the terminal 170 is configured to be connected to the packet transfer apparatus 190_1, but can be connected to another cache server.
  • the cache servers are connected to cooperate with each other, but a configuration in which the cache servers are not connected may be employed.
  • each cache server is connected to each packet transfer device, but as shown in FIG. 5, the cache server device 110 is installed between the packet transfer devices 190_1 to N and the distribution server device 121.
  • the cache server 110_1 to N may be arranged in the cache server device 110.
  • the cache servers are connected to each other, but may be configured not to be connected.
  • the broadband network 150 can also use NNI (Network-Network Interface).
  • the terminal 170 may be a terminal connected to the W-LAN network.
  • the formula for estimating the throughput is not limited to formula (2) and formula (3).
  • the expression for estimating the throughput may be an expression that takes a weighted average (weighted average) of the bit rates of received packets.
  • the transmission timing notification method is not limited to this.
  • the transmission timing notification method may be any method as long as the terminal 170 notifies the cache server 110 of the time intervals t1 and t2.
  • FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a distribution system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
  • the constituent elements having the same numbers as those in FIG. 1 perform the same operations as those in FIG.
  • the distribution system according to the second embodiment of the present invention uses an LTE (Long Term Evolution) / EPC (Evolved Packet Core) network 250 which is a 3.9 generation mobile network.
  • LTE Long Term Evolution
  • EPC Evolved Packet Core
  • the structure to be shown is shown.
  • LTE Long Term Evolution
  • EPC Evolved Packet Core
  • S / P-GW Serving / Packet Data-Gateway
  • the distribution system replaces the packet transfer apparatuses 190_1-N with S / P-GW apparatuses 290_1-N and a plurality of eNodeB apparatuses, for example, eNodeB devices 260_1 to M, eNodeB devices 261_1 to M, and the like are provided.
  • the subscript N means the number of S / P-GW devices
  • the subscript M means the number of eNodeB devices connected to one S / P-GW device.
  • the S / P-GW device means that the S-GW device and the P-GW device are integrated.
  • FIG. 6 shows a configuration in which M eNodeB devices are connected to one S / P-GW device.
  • the eNodeB devices 260_1 to 260_M are connected to the S / P-GW device 290_1.
  • Each eNodeB device communicates wirelessly with the mobile terminal 270 under the cell.
  • one cache server is connected to each S / P-GW device.
  • the cache server 410_1 is connected to the S / P-GW apparatus 290_1.
  • the cache servers are connected so that the contents can be linked.
  • mobile terminal 270 When portable terminal 270 describes the IP address of distribution server device 121 and issues a connection request message for distribution wirelessly, mobile terminal 270 is located in the eNodeB device (for example, one of eNodeB devices 261_1 to M in FIG. 6). Receives the connection request message.
  • eNodeB device for example, one of eNodeB devices 261_1 to M in FIG. 6.
  • Any of the eNodeB devices 261_1-M that have received the connection request message stores the connection request message in the payload portion of the GTP protocol together with information such as the IP address of the distribution server 121 and the IP address of the mobile terminal 270.
  • Any of the eNodeB devices 261_1 to 261_1-M that received the connection request message transfers the GTP packet and the location information of the mobile terminal 270 to the S / P-GW device, for example, the S / P-GW device 290_2.
  • the cache servers 410_1 to N have the same configuration as that of the cache servers 110_1 to N shown in FIG. 2, but in the second embodiment of the present invention, the connection destination of the control signal transmission / reception unit 111 is S / P ⁇ . GW devices 290_1 to N are provided. Accordingly, the cache server 410_1 receives the GTP packet storing the connection request message from the mobile terminal 270, the IP address, and the like, and the location information of the mobile terminal 270 from the S / P-GW apparatus 290_1. Similarly, the other cache servers 410_2 to N perform the above-described exchange with the S / P-GW apparatuses connected thereto. Since other operations are the same as those of the distribution system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the description thereof is omitted.
  • FIG. 7 shows a configuration example of the terminal 270 in the second embodiment of the present invention.
  • the terminal 270 has the same configuration and function as the terminal 170 in the first embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 7, except that it has a function of performing wireless communication with the eNodeB device.
  • the S / P-GW apparatus in which the S-GW apparatus and the P-GW apparatus are integrated is used.
  • the S-GW apparatus and the P-GW apparatus may be separated. it can.
  • cache servers 410_1 to N are not configured to connect each to the S / P-GW device, but may be configured to be provided in the cache device 110 illustrated in FIG.
  • the mobile terminal 270 may be a mobile phone, a smartphone, a PC equipped with a data communication card, or any other terminal that can communicate with the mobile 3.9G network.
  • a terminal can also be used.
  • the mobile LTE / EPC network 250 of FIG. 6 can be a mobile 3G network.
  • it can be realized by replacing the S / P-GW apparatus with a 3G network packet transfer apparatus and replacing the eNodeB apparatus with an RNC (Radio Network Controller) and NodeB apparatus.
  • RNC Radio Network Controller
  • the distribution system of the above-described embodiment can prevent the moving image being played back from being frozen at the terminal that receives the content, and the QoE (Quality of Experience) of the end user from being deteriorated.
  • the distribution system of the above-described embodiment estimates the network throughput at the terminal, and the cache server distributes the content so as not to exceed the throughput.
  • the distribution system of the above-described embodiment stops content distribution during a time interval in which the throughput in the network is estimated to be smaller than the bit rate of the content to be distributed.
  • the distribution system of the above embodiment can prevent data loss and delay on the network even if the network throughput varies, and the received data buffered at the terminal Will not be depleted.
  • the distribution system according to the above-described embodiment can prevent the moving image being reproduced from being frozen or the end user's QoE from being deteriorated because there is no data to be reproduced.
  • the distribution system of the above-described embodiment does not unnecessarily consume a network band such as a mobile network. be able to.
  • data loss and delay are prevented from occurring on the network, data is not retransmitted, and the distribution system according to the above-described embodiment does not unnecessarily consume network bandwidth such as a mobile network. Can be.
  • the cache server stops the distribution of content during a time interval in which the throughput in the network is estimated to be smaller than the bit rate of the content file to be distributed, but is buffered in the terminal. Stop the distribution of content so that the remaining amount of received data does not become empty. As a result, the received data buffered in the terminal is not easily depleted, and the distribution system of the above-described embodiment freezes the video being played because there is no data to be played back, or the QoE of the end user is Further deterioration can be prevented.
  • a terminal for receiving at least one bit rate file from a server on a network A throughput estimation unit that calculates the throughput value of the network at predetermined time intervals; A throughput calculation unit that calculates the smallest throughput value among the throughput values of at least one of the networks, or an average value of the throughput values of the network for each predetermined time interval; A timing calculation unit for obtaining a delivery time zone in which the throughput value of the network is larger than an average value of the bit rate of the file in the predetermined time interval; A transmission timing control unit for notifying a server of a throughput value calculated by the throughput calculation unit, or the delivery time zone, or both; A terminal comprising: (Appendix 2) The timing calculation unit obtains a delivery stop time zone in which the network throughput value is equal to or less than an average value of the bit rate of the file in the predetermined time interval; The transmission timing control unit notifies
  • the terminal characterized by: (Appendix 4) A server on a network for delivering at least one bit rate file to a terminal; A receiving unit that receives the throughput value notified from the terminal, the distribution time period, or both; A delivery bit rate control unit that calculates a bit rate of the file not exceeding the throughput value notified from the terminal; The file of the bit rate calculated by the delivery bit rate control unit is secured, or the average value of the bit rates calculated by the delivery bit rate control unit is multiplied by the number of delivery timings within the delivery time zone
  • the content acquisition unit that secures the file for a certain number of times, or secures the file having a predetermined bit rate for the number of times of distribution within the distribution time zone; A transmission timing control unit that constantly distributes the file secured by the content acquisition unit to the terminal, or distributes the file secured by the content acquisition unit to the terminal during the distribution time period;
  • a server comprising: (Appendix 5) The receiving unit receives the distribution stop time period notified from the terminal together with the distribution time period,
  • the content acquisition unit calculates the file by the distribution bit rate control unit and the content acquisition unit by multiplying the average value of the bit rates calculated by the distribution bit rate control unit by the number of times of the distribution timing within the distribution time zone. Any one of Supplementary notes 5 to 6, wherein the transmission timing control unit distributes the secured file to the terminal during the distribution time period and does not distribute the file during the distribution stop time period.
  • Server as described in the section. (Appendix 8) When the server receives the distribution time zone and the distribution stop time zone from the terminal by the receiving unit, the server obtains the content of the predetermined bit rate by the number of times of distribution timing within the distribution time zone. And the transmission timing control unit distributes the secured file to the terminal only during the distribution time period, and does not distribute the file during the distribution stop time period.
  • the server according to any one of the above.
  • (Appendix 9) A distribution system comprising a server and a terminal connected via a network, The terminal includes the terminal according to any one of appendices 1 to 3, The server comprises the server according to any one of appendices 4 to 8, A distribution system characterized by that.
  • (Appendix 10) A distribution method for distributing at least one bit rate file from a server on a network to a terminal, The terminal calculates a throughput value of the network at predetermined time intervals, and further calculates a minimum throughput value among at least one throughput value of the network or an average value of the throughput values of the network.
  • a delivery time zone in which the throughput value of the network is larger than the average value of the bit rate of the file, and the smallest throughput value, or the delivery time zone, Alternatively, both of them, or the average value of the throughput values of the network, or the distribution time period, or both, are notified to the server,
  • the server receives the throughput value notified from the terminal and / or the delivery time zone, and calculates the bit rate of the file that does not exceed the throughput value notified from the terminal.
  • the terminal obtains a distribution stop time zone in which the throughput value of the network is equal to or less than an average value of the bit rate of the file in the predetermined time interval, and notifies the server of the distribution stop time zone together with the distribution time zone And The server, when receiving the delivery stop time zone notified from the terminal together with the delivery time zone, does not deliver the file in the delivery stop time zone, The distribution method according to supplementary note 10, characterized by that.
  • the throughput estimation unit calculates a packet size per unit time of a received packet, and estimates a throughput value of the network by taking an average with the packet size per unit time calculated in the past. 4.
  • the terminal according to any one of appendices 1 to 3, which is characterized.
  • the timing calculation unit sets a time period shorter than a time period in which the remaining data amount of the file buffered in the terminal is 0 as the distribution stop time period, or the remarks The terminal according to any one of 12.
  • (Appendix 14) 14.
  • (Appendix 15) 9.
  • (Appendix 17) The distribution method according to any one of appendices 10 to 11, wherein the file is a content file.
  • Control signal transmission / reception unit 112 Content securing unit 113 Content temporary storage unit 114 Distribution unit 115 Analysis unit 116 Collection unit 117 Determination unit 118 Content list creation unit 121 Distribution server 145 Internet network 150 Broadband network 170 Terminal 171 Control signal Transmission / reception unit 172 Reception unit 173 Throughput estimation unit 174 Throughput / timing calculation unit 175 Transmission unit 176 Decoding unit 177 Display unit 178 Reception buffer 179 Transmission buffer 200 Transmission unit 201 Reception unit 202 Distribution bit rate / timing control unit 203 Content acquisition unit 204 Transmission Timing control unit 250 LTE / EPC network 260_1 to M eNodeB device 261_1 to eNodeB device 262_1 ⁇ M eNodeB device 290_1 ⁇ N S / P-GW apparatus 410_1 ⁇ N cache server

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Abstract

[Problem] The delivery system of patent document 1 is problematic in that a video freezes in the midst of being played back in the terminal receiving a content file, causing the end user quality of experience (QoE) to deteriorate. [Solution] A delivery system for delivering to a terminal at least one bit rate file from a server on a network, wherein the terminal is provided with a throughput estimation part for calculating network throughput value, a throughput calculation part for calculating the smallest throughput value from among the throughput values, and a transmission timing control part for notifying the server of the smallest throughput value. The server is provided with a delivery bit rate control part for calculating the bit rate of the file that does not exceed the notified throughput value, and a transmission timing control part for delivering to the terminal the file having the bit rate in question.

Description

配信システム、サーバ、端末、及び通信方法Distribution system, server, terminal, and communication method
　本発明は、サーバ、端末、配信システム、及び通信方法に関し、特に、動画コンテンツをネットワーク上にキャッシュした上で、種々の端末（例えば、携帯電話、スマートフォン、PC、ゲーム機など）に配信する配信システム、サーバ、端末、及び通信方法に関する。 The present invention relates to a server, a terminal, a distribution system, and a communication method, and in particular, distribution that distributes video content to various terminals (for example, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a PC, a game machine, etc.) after caching the video content on a network. The present invention relates to a system, a server, a terminal, and a communication method.
　モバイルネットワークは、ＬＴＥ（Long Term Evolution）やＥＰＣ（Evolved Packet Core）技術などにより、高速・大容量化されていく予定であり、この進展に伴い、今後、コンテンツを、前記ネットワークをとおして、携帯端末を含む種々の端末に配信するコンテンツ配信が普及すると予想される。 Mobile networks will be increased in speed and capacity by LTE (Long Term Evolution) and EPC (Evolved Packet Core) technologies. With this progress, content will be carried over the network in the future. Content distribution distributed to various terminals including terminals is expected to become widespread.
　今後、モバイルネットワークや固定網のネットワークにおいて、２０１３年にかけデータ系のトラヒック量が現状の８倍から１０倍以上に増大し、その中の大部分を映像コンテンツが占めるという予測がある。加えて映像コンテンツのサイズは、固定網での光ネットワークやブロードバンド網の普及化や、モバイル網ではスマートフォンの急速な普及にともなう端末能力の高性能化により、ますます大容量化しており、近い将来、固定網だけでなくモバイルネットワークでも、ハイビジョン解像度による大容量のコンテンツが配信されることが予想される。 In the future, in the mobile network and the fixed network, the traffic volume of the data system will increase from 8 times to 10 times or more over 2013, and it is predicted that the video content will occupy most of it. In addition, the size of video content has become larger and larger in the near future due to the spread of optical networks and broadband networks in fixed networks, and the improvement in terminal capabilities due to the rapid spread of smartphones in mobile networks. High-definition content is expected to be distributed not only on fixed networks but also on mobile networks.
　ところで、インターネット網等の固定網やモバイルネットワーク（以下、ネットワークという）でコンテンツ配信を行う場合、一般的な配信システムは、全ての端末からのコンテンツ要求は、インターネット網上に配置されるルータ等、所謂パケット転送装置を介して、インターネット網の配信サーバに伝えられ、配信サーバは要求のあった全ての端末に対し、パケット転送装置を介して、コンテンツを配信する。 By the way, when content distribution is performed on a fixed network such as the Internet network or a mobile network (hereinafter referred to as a network), a general distribution system is configured such that content requests from all terminals are received by routers arranged on the Internet network, etc. The content is transmitted to a distribution server of the Internet network through a so-called packet transfer device, and the distribution server distributes the content to all the requested terminals via the packet transfer device.
　このような配信システムとして、例えば、特許文献１が開示されている。 For example, Patent Document 1 is disclosed as such a distribution system.
　特許文献１の配信システムは、ネットワークを介して、第１の端末、第２の端末と接続されるＷＥＢサーバ、配信管理サーバ（以下、配信サーバという）を備える。ＷＥＢサーバは、コンテンツを有する。また、ＷＥＢサーバは、第１の端末からコンテンツの転送要求があった場合に、コンテンツを配信サーバに送信する。配信サーバは、ＷＥＢサーバからのコンテンツを、第1の端末からの転送要求毎に発行される転送識別子に対応して記憶する。また、配信サーバは、第２の端末から転送識別子を含む配信要求を受信し、受信された転送識別子に対応するコンテンツを読み出して第２の端末へ送信する。 The distribution system of Patent Document 1 includes a WEB server connected to a first terminal and a second terminal via a network, and a distribution management server (hereinafter referred to as a distribution server). The WEB server has content. Further, the WEB server transmits the content to the distribution server when there is a content transfer request from the first terminal. The distribution server stores the content from the WEB server corresponding to the transfer identifier issued for each transfer request from the first terminal. In addition, the distribution server receives a distribution request including a transfer identifier from the second terminal, reads out content corresponding to the received transfer identifier, and transmits the content to the second terminal.
　特許文献１の配信システムは、例えば、以下のように動作する。 For example, the distribution system of Patent Document 1 operates as follows.
　まず、ＷＥＢサーバは、第１の端末からコンテンツの転送要求があった場合に、コンテンツを配信サーバに送信する。次に、配信サーバは、ＷＥＢサーバからのコンテンツを、第1の端末からの転送要求毎に発行される転送識別子に対応して記憶する。さらに、配信サーバは、第２の端末から転送識別子を含む配信要求を受信し、受信された転送識別子に対応するコンテンツを読み出して第２の端末へ送信する。 First, when there is a content transfer request from the first terminal, the WEB server transmits the content to the distribution server. Next, the distribution server stores the content from the WEB server in correspondence with the transfer identifier issued for each transfer request from the first terminal. Further, the distribution server receives the distribution request including the transfer identifier from the second terminal, reads the content corresponding to the received transfer identifier, and transmits the content to the second terminal.
　上述の構成や動作により、特許文献１の配信システムは、ネットワーク機能付きテレビのような動画再生端末に配信される動画コンテンツの選択が、携帯やＰＣのようなＷＥＢ機能付き通信端末から可能な動画配信システムを提供することが可能となる。 With the above-described configuration and operation, the distribution system disclosed in Patent Document 1 allows the selection of moving image content to be distributed to a moving image playback terminal such as a TV with a network function from a communication terminal with a WEB function such as a mobile phone or a PC. It is possible to provide a distribution system.
特開２００９－１３５７７５公報JP 2009-135775 A
　しかし、特許文献１の配信システムは、コンテンツを受信する端末において、再生中の動画がフリーズし、エンドユーザのＱｏＥ（Quality of Experience）が悪化してしまうという課題があった。 However, the distribution system of Patent Document 1 has a problem in that the moving image being played is frozen at the terminal that receives the content, and the QoE (Quality of Experience) of the end user is deteriorated.
　その理由としては、特許文献１に記載の配信システムは、コンテンツを配信する際、モバイルネットワーク等のネットワークでスループットが時間的に変動するにもかかわらず、端末に一定のサイズのコンテンツを連続的に配信するからである。特許文献１に記載の配信システムは、ネットワークのスループットにあったサイズの配信データを端末に送信する機能がなく、一定のサイズの配信データを連続的に配信してしまう。例えば、動画コンテンツの場合、特許文献１の配信システムは、一定のビットレートのコンテンツを端末に連続的に配信しようとしてしまう。 The reason is that the distribution system described in Patent Document 1 continuously distributes content of a certain size to a terminal, even though the throughput varies with time in a network such as a mobile network when distributing content. It is because it delivers. The distribution system described in Patent Document 1 does not have a function of transmitting distribution data having a size suitable for the throughput of the network to the terminal, and continuously distributes distribution data having a certain size. For example, in the case of moving image content, the distribution system of Patent Document 1 tries to continuously distribute content with a constant bit rate to the terminal.
　もし、ネットワークのスループットが単位時間あたりの配信データのサイズ（以下、配信ビットレートという）を下回る時間が続く場合には、ネットワーク上で配信データのロスや遅延が発生し、データが端末に届かなかったり、遅延したりする。 If the network throughput falls below the size of distribution data per unit time (hereinafter referred to as distribution bit rate), loss or delay of distribution data occurs on the network, and the data does not reach the terminal. Or delay.
　その結果、特許文献１の配信システムは、端末において、バッファリングしている受信データが枯渇するようになり、再生するデータがない為に再生中の動画がフリーズし、エンドユーザのＱｏＥが悪化してしまう課題が発生する。 As a result, in the distribution system of Patent Document 1, the received data buffered in the terminal is depleted, and there is no data to be reproduced, so that the video being reproduced is frozen, and the QoE of the end user is deteriorated. A problem occurs.
　さらに、ＱｏＥが悪化することで、エンドユーザが途中で動画の視聴を停止した場合に、すでに配信済みである未再生のデータは使用されず、すべて無駄になってしまう。また、特許文献１のような一般的な配信システムは、データが端末に届かなかったり、遅延したりすると、配信データの再送を行う場合もある。言い換えると、特許文献１の配信システムは、モバイルネットワーク等のネットワークの帯域を不必要に消費するという課題も生じていた。 Furthermore, when QoE deteriorates, when the end user stops watching the video on the way, the unreproduced data that has already been distributed is not used and is all wasted. In addition, a general distribution system such as Patent Document 1 may retransmit distribution data when the data does not reach the terminal or is delayed. In other words, the distribution system of Patent Document 1 has a problem of unnecessarily consuming the bandwidth of a network such as a mobile network.
　本発明は、上記課題を解決する配信システム、サーバ、端末、及び通信方法を提供することを目的とする。 An object of the present invention is to provide a distribution system, a server, a terminal, and a communication method that solve the above problems.
　上記目的を達成するために、本発明のサーバは、ネットワーク上にあって、少なくとも１つのビットレートのファイルを端末に配信するサーバであって、前記端末から通知されたスループット値、または配信時間帯、或いはその両方を受信する受信部と、前記端末から通知された前記スループット値を超えない前記ファイルのビットレートを算出する配信ビットレート制御部と、前記配信ビットレート制御部が算出した前記ビットレートの前記ファイルを確保する、若しくは、前記配信ビットレート制御部が算出した前記ビットレートの平均値に前記配信時間帯内の配信タイミングの回数を乗じた分の前記ファイルを確保する、若しくは、所定のビットレートの前記ファイルを前記配信時間帯内の配信タイミングの回数分、確保する前記コンテンツ獲得部と、前記コンテンツ獲得部が確保した前記ファイルを前記端末に常に配信する、若しくは、前記コンテンツ獲得部が確保した前記ファイルを前記配信時間帯の間に前記端末へ配信する送信タイミング制御部と、を備える。 In order to achieve the above object, a server according to the present invention is a server that distributes at least one bit rate file to a terminal on a network, and is a throughput value or a distribution time zone notified from the terminal. Or a receiving unit that receives both, a distribution bit rate control unit that calculates a bit rate of the file that does not exceed the throughput value notified from the terminal, and the bit rate calculated by the distribution bit rate control unit The file is secured, or the file is secured by multiplying the average value of the bit rates calculated by the delivery bit rate control unit by the number of delivery timings within the delivery time zone, or a predetermined number The file that secures the bit rate file for the number of times of delivery within the delivery time zone. Tents acquisition unit and transmission timing control unit that always distributes the file secured by the content acquisition unit to the terminal, or distributes the file secured by the content acquisition unit to the terminal during the distribution time period And comprising.
　上記目的を達成するために、本発明の端末は、ネットワーク上のサーバから少なくとも１つのビットレートのファイルを受信する端末であって、前記ネットワークのスループット値を、所定の時間間隔毎に算出するスループット推定部と、少なくとも１つの前記ネットワークのスループット値の中で最も小さいスループット値、または前記ネットワークのスループット値の平均値を所定の前記時間間隔毎に算出するスループット算出部と、所定の前記時間間隔において、前記ネットワークのスループット値が前記ファイルのビットレートの平均値よりも大きい配信時間帯を求めるタイミング算出部と、前記スループット算出部が算出するスループット値、または前記配信時間帯、或いは、その両方をサーバに通知する送信タイミング制御部と、を備える。 In order to achieve the above object, a terminal of the present invention is a terminal that receives at least one bit rate file from a server on a network, and calculates a throughput value of the network at predetermined time intervals. An estimation unit, a throughput calculation unit that calculates the smallest throughput value among the throughput values of at least one network, or an average value of the throughput values of the network, for each predetermined time interval; and in the predetermined time interval A timing calculation unit for obtaining a distribution time zone in which the throughput value of the network is larger than an average value of the bit rate of the file, and a throughput value calculated by the throughput calculation unit, the distribution time zone, or both Transmission timing control section to notify , Comprising a.
　上記目的を達成するために、本発明の配信システムは、ネットワーク上のサーバから少なくとも１つのビットレートのファイルを端末に配信する配信システムであって、
前記端末は、ネットワーク上のサーバから少なくとも１つのビットレートのファイルを受信する端末であって、前記ネットワークのスループット値を、所定の時間間隔毎に算出するスループット推定部と、少なくとも１つの前記ネットワークのスループット値の中で最も小さいスループット値、または前記ネットワークのスループット値の平均値を所定の前記時間間隔毎に算出するスループット算出部と、所定の前記時間間隔において、前記ネットワークのスループット値が前記ファイルのビットレートの平均値よりも大きい配信時間帯を求めるタイミング算出部と、前記スループット算出部が算出するスループット値、または前記配信時間帯、或いは、その両方をサーバに通知する送信タイミング制御部と、を備え、
前記サーバは、ネットワーク上にあって、少なくとも１つのビットレートのファイルを端末に配信するサーバであって、前記端末から通知されたスループット値、または配信時間帯、或いはその両方を受信する受信部と、前記端末から通知された前記スループット値を超えない前記ファイルのビットレートを算出する配信ビットレート制御部と、前記配信ビットレート制御部が算出した前記ビットレートの前記ファイルを確保する、若しくは、前記配信ビットレート制御部が算出した前記ビットレートの平均値に前記配信時間帯内の配信タイミングの回数を乗じた分の前記ファイルを確保する、若しくは、所定のビットレートの前記ファイルを前記配信時間帯内の配信タイミングの回数分、確保する前記コンテンツ獲得部と、前記コンテンツ獲得部が確保した前記ファイルを前記端末に常に配信する、若しくは、前記コンテンツ獲得部が確保した前記ファイルを前記配信時間帯の間に前記端末へ配信する送信タイミング制御部と、を備える。 In order to achieve the above object, a distribution system of the present invention is a distribution system that distributes at least one bit rate file from a server on a network to a terminal,
The terminal is a terminal that receives a file of at least one bit rate from a server on a network, and a throughput estimation unit that calculates a throughput value of the network at predetermined time intervals; and at least one of the networks A throughput calculation unit that calculates the smallest throughput value among the throughput values or an average value of the throughput values of the network for each predetermined time interval; and the network throughput value of the file in the predetermined time interval. A timing calculation unit for obtaining a delivery time zone larger than an average value of the bit rate, and a transmission timing control unit for notifying the server of the throughput value calculated by the throughput calculation unit, the delivery time zone, or both. Prepared,
The server is a server that distributes at least one bit rate file to a terminal on a network, and receives a throughput value and / or a distribution time period notified from the terminal; A distribution bit rate control unit that calculates a bit rate of the file that does not exceed the throughput value notified from the terminal, and secures the file of the bit rate calculated by the distribution bit rate control unit, or The file is obtained by multiplying the average value of the bit rates calculated by the distribution bit rate control unit by the number of distribution timings within the distribution time period, or the file having a predetermined bit rate is allocated to the distribution time period The content acquisition unit to be secured for the number of times of distribution within the content and the content The resulting unit is always delivering the file to the terminal which has reserved, or, and a transmission timing control unit that distributes to the terminal during the file in which the content acquisition unit has secured the distribution time.
　上記目的を達成するために、本発明の通信方法は、ネットワーク上のサーバから少なくとも１つのビットレートのファイルを端末に配信する配信方法であって、
前記端末は、前記ネットワークのスループット値を、所定の時間間隔毎に算出し、さらに、少なくとも１つの前記ネットワークのスループット値の中で最も小さいスループット値、または前記ネットワークのスループット値の平均値を所定の前記時間間隔毎に算出し、所定の前記時間間隔において、前記ネットワークのスループット値が前記ファイルのビットレートの平均値よりも大きい配信時間帯を求め、前記最も小さいスループット値、または前記配信時間帯、或いは、その両方、若しくは、前記ネットワークのスループット値の平均値、または前記配信時間帯、或いは、その両方、をサーバに通知し、
前記サーバは、前記端末から通知された前記スループット値、または前記配信時間帯、或いはその両方を受信し、前記端末から通知された前記スループット値を超えない前記ファイルのビットレートを算出すると、算出した前記ビットレートの前記ファイルを確保する、若しくは、算出した前記ビットレートの平均値に前記配信時間帯内の配信タイミングの回数を乗じた分の前記ファイルを確保する、若しくは、所定のビットレートの前記ファイルを前記配信時間帯内の配信タイミングの回数分、確保した後、確保した前記ファイルを前記端末に常に配信する、若しくは、確保した前記ファイルを前記配信時間帯の間に前記端末へ配信する。 In order to achieve the above object, a communication method of the present invention is a delivery method for delivering a file of at least one bit rate from a server on a network to a terminal,
The terminal calculates a throughput value of the network at predetermined time intervals, and further calculates a minimum throughput value among at least one throughput value of the network or an average value of the throughput values of the network. Calculated for each time interval, and in the predetermined time interval, obtain a delivery time zone in which the throughput value of the network is larger than the average value of the bit rate of the file, and the smallest throughput value, or the delivery time zone, Alternatively, both of them, or the average value of the throughput values of the network, or the distribution time period, or both, are notified to the server,
The server receives the throughput value notified from the terminal and / or the delivery time zone, and calculates the bit rate of the file that does not exceed the throughput value notified from the terminal. Secure the file of the bit rate, or secure the file by multiplying the calculated average value of the bit rate by the number of distribution timings within the distribution time zone, or the predetermined bit rate of the file After securing the file for the number of times of delivery within the delivery time zone, the secured file is always delivered to the terminal, or the secured file is delivered to the terminal during the delivery time zone.
　本発明によれば、配信システムは、コンテンツを受信する端末において、再生中の動画がフリーズし、ＱｏＥ（Quality of Experience）が悪化してしまうことを防止することができる。また、配信システムは、モバイルネットワーク等のネットワークの帯域を不必要に消費しないようにすることができる。 According to the present invention, the distribution system can prevent the moving picture being played back from being frozen at the terminal that receives the content, and the quality of experience (QoE) from deteriorating. In addition, the distribution system can prevent unnecessary consumption of a network band such as a mobile network.
本発明の第１の実施の形態における配信システムの構成例を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the structural example of the delivery system in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の第１の実施の形態における配信システムを構成するキャッシュサーバ１１０＿１の構成例を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the structural example of the cache server 110_1 which comprises the delivery system in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の第１の実施の形態におけるキャッシュサーバ１１０＿１を構成する配信部１１４の構成例を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the structural example of the delivery part 114 which comprises the cache server 110_1 in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の第１の実施の形態における配信システムを構成する端末１７０の構成例を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the structural example of the terminal 170 which comprises the delivery system in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の第１の実施の形態における配信システムを構成するキャッシュサーバ１１０の中に複数のキャッシュサーバ１１０＿１～Ｎをもうけた構成例を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the structural example which provided the some cache server 110_1-N in the cache server 110 which comprises the delivery system in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の第２の実施の形態における配信システムの構成例を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the structural example of the delivery system in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の第２の実施の形態における配信システムを構成する端末２７０の構成例を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the structural example of the terminal 270 which comprises the delivery system in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention.
　次に本発明の実施形態について、図面を参照して詳細に説明する。 Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
　［第１の実施の形態］
　［構成の説明］
　図１は、本発明の第１の実施の形態における配信システムの構成例を示している。また、図２は、本発明の第１の実施の形態における配信システムを構成するキャッシュサーバ１１０＿１の構成例を示す。さらに、図３は、本発明の第１の実施の形態におけるキャッシュサーバ１１０＿１～Ｎを構成する配信部１１４の構成例を示す図である。 [First Embodiment]
[Description of configuration]
FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a distribution system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows a configuration example of the cache server 110_1 that constitutes the distribution system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the distribution unit 114 configuring the cache servers 110_1 to N in the first embodiment of the present invention.
　（１）第１の実施の形態における配信システムの説明
　図１に示されるように、第１の実施の形態における配信システムは、ネットワークとして、固定網のブロードバンドネットワーク１５０を用い、パケット転送装置として、ブロードバンドルータを用いる場合の構成を示している。すなわち、第１の実施の形態における配信システムは、ブロードバンドネットワーク１５０上のパケット転送装置１９０＿１～Ｎ及びキャッシュサーバ１１０＿１～Ｎと、端末１７０と、インターネット網１４５上の配信サーバ装置１２１とから構成される。ここで、添え字のＮは、パケット転送装置、及びキャッシュサーバの台数を意味する。インターネット網１４５とブロードバンドネットワーク１５０は接続されている。 (1) Description of Distribution System in First Embodiment As shown in FIG. 1, the distribution system in the first embodiment uses a broadband network 150 of a fixed network as a network, and as a packet transfer device. A configuration in the case of using a broadband router is shown. That is, the distribution system according to the first embodiment includes packet transfer apparatuses 190_1 to N and cache servers 110_1 to N on the broadband network 150, a terminal 170, and a distribution server apparatus 121 on the Internet network 145. . Here, the subscript N means the number of packet transfer apparatuses and cache servers. The Internet network 145 and the broadband network 150 are connected.
　インターネット網１４５上の配信サーバ装置１２１は、インターネット上で配信される種々のコンテンツを蓄積している。例えば、配信サーバ装置１２１は、動画像の圧縮符号化ビットストリームや圧縮符号化ビットストリームを格納したファイルを蓄積する。別の形態として配信サーバ装置１２１は、ＷＥＢ画面やソフトウェア、アプリケーション等を蓄積していてもよい。 The distribution server device 121 on the Internet network 145 stores various contents distributed over the Internet. For example, the distribution server device 121 accumulates a file that stores a compressed and encoded bit stream of a moving image and a compressed and encoded bit stream. As another form, the distribution server device 121 may store a WEB screen, software, an application, and the like.
　端末１７０は、固定網の端末であるが、別の構成として、無線LAN（Local Area Network）などに接続される携帯端末や他の端末を用いることもできる。 The terminal 170 is a fixed network terminal, but as another configuration, a portable terminal connected to a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or the like may be used.
　また、ブロードバンドネットワーク１５０上に配備された、N台（N≧２）のパケット転送装置１９０＿１～Ｎは、図１に示されるように、それぞれ１台のキャッシュサーバ１１０＿１～Ｎに接続する。例えば、パケット転送装置１９０＿１はキャッシュサーバ１１０＿１に接続する。また、図１に示すように、キャッシュサーバ１１０＿１～Ｎは、コンテンツの連携ができるよう、お互いに接続する。 Further, N (N ≧ 2) packet transfer apparatuses 190_1 to N deployed on the broadband network 150 are connected to one cache server 110_1 to N, respectively, as shown in FIG. For example, the packet transfer apparatus 190_1 is connected to the cache server 110_1. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the cache servers 110_1 to N are connected to each other so that the contents can be linked.
　端末１７０は、要求するコンテンツのＵＲＬ（Uniform Resource Locator）を記載して、コンテンツを要求する為のコンテンツ要求メッセージを発すると、このメッセージは、ブロードバンドネットワーク１５０上のパケット転送装置１９０を経由し、キャッシュサーバ１１０に送られる。図１では、コンテンツ要求メッセージがパケット転送装置１９０＿１を経由し、キャッシュサーバ１１０＿１に送られる場合を示している。 When the terminal 170 describes the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the requested content and issues a content request message for requesting the content, the message passes through the packet transfer device 190 on the broadband network 150 and is cached. Sent to the server 110. FIG. 1 shows a case where the content request message is sent to the cache server 110_1 via the packet transfer device 190_1.
　（２）配信システムを構成するキャッシュサーバ１１０＿１～Ｎの構成と動作の説明
　ここで、キャッシュサーバ１１０＿１～Ｎの構成と動作を説明する。キャッシュサーバ１１０＿１を代表例として説明するが、キャッシュサーバ１１０＿２～Ｎも同じ構成、機能を有する。 (2) Description of Configuration and Operation of Cache Servers 110_1-N that Configure the Distribution System Here, the configuration and operation of the cache servers 110_1-N will be described. The cache server 110_1 will be described as a representative example, but the cache servers 110_2 to N have the same configuration and function.
　図２に示す通り、キャッシュサーバ１１０＿１は、制御信号送受信部１１１、コンテンツ確保部１１２、コンテンツ一時蓄積部１１３、配信部１１４、解析部１１５、収集部１１６、判別部１１７、及びコンテンツリスト作成部１１８から構成される。 As shown in FIG. 2, the cache server 110_1 includes a control signal transmission / reception unit 111, a content securing unit 112, a content temporary storage unit 113, a distribution unit 114, an analysis unit 115, a collection unit 116, a determination unit 117, and a content list creation unit 118. Consists of
　制御信号送受信部１１１は、パケット転送装置１９０＿１から、端末１７０からのコンテンツ要求メッセージや端末の受信ＩＰアドレス、要求コンテンツのＵＲＬなどを格納したＧＴＰ（GPRS（General Packet Radio Service）Tunneling Protocol）パケットを受信する。 The control signal transmission / reception unit 111 receives a GTP (GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) Tunneling Protocol) packet storing the content request message from the terminal 170, the received IP address of the terminal, the URL of the requested content, and the like from the packet transfer device 190_1. To do.
　解析部１１５は、受信したＧＴＰパケットに対し、パケットのペイロード部分に格納されたコンテンツ要求メッセージの内容を読み出し、端末１７０の受信ＩＰアドレスと、端末１７０から要求されたコンテンツ（以下、要求されたコンテンツという）のＵＲＬなどの情報を抽出する。さらに、解析部１１５は、抽出した端末１７０の受信ＩＰアドレスや要求されたコンテンツのＵＲＬを含む情報（以下、コンテンツ情報という）を配信部１１４と判別部１１７に出力する。 The analysis unit 115 reads the content of the content request message stored in the payload portion of the received GTP packet, and receives the received IP address of the terminal 170 and the content requested from the terminal 170 (hereinafter, the requested content). Information) such as a URL is extracted. Further, the analysis unit 115 outputs information including the extracted received IP address of the terminal 170 and the URL of the requested content (hereinafter referred to as content information) to the distribution unit 114 and the determination unit 117.
　また、収集部１１６は、自身が蓄積するコンテンツのコンテンツリストと自身以外のキャッシュサーバ１１０＿２～Ｎが蓄積するコンテンツのコンテンツリストとを収集し、それらを判別部１１７に出力する。ここで、コンテンツリストの収集は、あらかじめ収集部１１６があらかじめ定められた時間間隔毎に行っても良いし、端末１７０から接続要求があったときに行っても良いし、他のキャッシュサーバから収集要求があったときに行っても良い。収集部１１６は、キャッシュサーバ１１０＿１～Ｎのコンテンツリスト作成部１１８からコンテンツリストを収集する。 Further, the collection unit 116 collects the content list of the content stored by itself and the content list of the content stored by the cache servers 110_2 to N other than itself, and outputs them to the determination unit 117. Here, collection of the content list may be performed at a predetermined time interval by the collection unit 116 in advance, may be performed when a connection request is received from the terminal 170, or collected from another cache server. It may be done when requested. The collection unit 116 collects the content list from the content list creation unit 118 of the cache servers 110_1 to N.
　判別部１１７は、端末１７０の受信ＩＰアドレスと、要求されたコンテンツのＵＲＬなどの情報を解析部１１５から受信する。また、判別部１１７は、自身が蓄積するコンテンツのコンテンツリストと、自身以外のキャッシュサーバ１１０＿２～Ｎが蓄積するコンテンツのコンテンツリストとを収集部１１６から受信する。判別部１１７は、端末１７０から要求されたコンテンツを自身が蓄積するか、他のキャッシュサーバ１１０＿２～Ｎが蓄積するかを、収集部１１６から受信したコンテンツリストから判別する。例えば、判別部１１７は、要求されたコンテンツのＵＲＬとコンテンツリストとを比較して、どこにコンテンツが蓄積されているかを判別してもよい。もし、自身に蓄積する場合は、判別部１１７は、コンテンツ一時蓄積部１１３と配信部１１４に要求されたコンテンツのＵＲＬも含めて、読み出し・配信指示を出す。一方、他のキャッシュサーバ１１０＿２～Ｎが蓄積する場合は、判別部１１７は、コンテンツ確保部１１２に対し、要求されたコンテンツのＵＲＬと、蓄積しているキャッシュサーバ１１０＿２～ＮのＩＰアドレスを伝え、キャッシュサーバ間連携により、当該キャッシュサーバからコンテンツを確保するよう指示を出す。なお、自身も自身以外のキャッシュサーバもいずれも要求されたコンテンツを蓄積していない場合は、判別部１１７は、配信サーバ装置１２１からコンテンツを確保するようコンテンツ確保部１１２に指示を出す。この際、判別部１１７は、要求されたコンテンツのＵＲＬと、配信サーバ装置１２１のＩＰアドレスもコンテンツ確保部１１２に通知する。 The discriminating unit 117 receives information such as the received IP address of the terminal 170 and the URL of the requested content from the analyzing unit 115. Further, the determination unit 117 receives from the collection unit 116 a content list of content stored by itself and a content list of content stored by cache servers 110_2 to N other than itself. The determination unit 117 determines whether the content requested by the terminal 170 is stored by itself or the other cache servers 110_2 to N from the content list received from the collection unit 116. For example, the determination unit 117 may determine where the content is stored by comparing the URL of the requested content with the content list. If it is stored in itself, the determination unit 117 issues a read / distribution instruction including the URL of the content requested to the temporary content storage unit 113 and the distribution unit 114. On the other hand, when the other cache servers 110_2 to N store, the determination unit 117 notifies the content securing unit 112 of the URL of the requested content and the IP addresses of the stored cache servers 110_2 to N, An instruction to secure content from the cache server is issued by cooperation between the cache servers. When neither the self nor the cache server other than itself has accumulated the requested content, the determination unit 117 instructs the content securing unit 112 to secure the content from the distribution server device 121. At this time, the determination unit 117 notifies the content securing unit 112 of the requested content URL and the IP address of the distribution server device 121.
　コンテンツ確保部１１２は、判別部１１７から、要求されたコンテンツのＵＲＬ、コンテンツ確保指示を受信する。加えて、コンテンツ確保部１１２は、要求されたコンテンツを他のキャッシュサーバ１１０＿２～Ｎから取得する場合には、蓄積しているキャッシュサーバ１１０＿２～ＮのＩＰアドレスを受信する。また、コンテンツ確保部１１２は、要求されたコンテンツを配信サーバ装置１２１から取得する場合には、配信サーバ装置１２１のＩＰアドレスを受信する。コンテンツ確保部１１２は、要求されたコンテンツの複製を確保した上で、その確保したファイルをコンテンツ一時蓄積部１１３に出力する。当該コンテンツは、コンテンツ一時蓄積部１１３で蓄積される。 The content securing unit 112 receives the requested content URL and content securing instruction from the determination unit 117. In addition, when acquiring the requested content from the other cache servers 110_2 to N, the content securing unit 112 receives the stored IP addresses of the cache servers 110_2 to N. In addition, when acquiring the requested content from the distribution server device 121, the content securing unit 112 receives the IP address of the distribution server device 121. The content securing unit 112 secures a copy of the requested content and outputs the secured file to the content temporary storage unit 113. The content is stored in the content temporary storage unit 113.
　次に、コンテンツ一時蓄積部１１３は、コンテンツ確保部１１２から受信したコンテンツのファイル（以下、コンテンツファイルという）を、そのビットレート毎に格納する。従い、コンテンツ一時蓄積部１１３は、少なくとも１つのビットレートのコンテンツファイルを格納することとなる。また、コンテンツ一時蓄積部１１３は、判別部１１７からコンテンツ読み出し指示を受信し、さらに、配信部１１４からコンテンツのＵＲＬと、そのコンテンツのファイルのビットレートが通知されると、複数のビットレートのコンテンツファイルの中から、通知されたコンテンツのＵＲＬに該当する、通知されたビットレートのコンテンツファイルを読み出し、配信部１１４に出力する。 Next, the content temporary storage unit 113 stores the content file received from the content securing unit 112 (hereinafter referred to as a content file) for each bit rate. Accordingly, the content temporary storage unit 113 stores at least one bit rate content file. Further, when the content temporary storage unit 113 receives the content read instruction from the determination unit 117 and further notifies the content URL and the bit rate of the content file from the distribution unit 114, the content temporary storage unit 113 receives a plurality of bit rate contents. The content file of the notified bit rate corresponding to the notified content URL is read from the file and output to the distribution unit 114.
　一方、コンテンツリスト作成部１１８は、コンテンツ一時蓄積部１１３が蓄積している全てのコンテンツのリストを随時作成する。コンテンツリスト作成部１１８は、あらかじめ定められた時間間隔毎に、または収集部１１６から要求があったときに、収集部１１６にコンテンツリストを出力する。さらに、コンテンツリスト作成部１１８は、あらかじめ定められた時間間隔毎に、または他のキャッシュサーバ１１０＿２～Ｎから要求があったとき、そのキャッシュサーバ１１０＿２～Ｎにコンテンツリストを出力する。なお、上述のあらかじめ定められた時間は、本実施形態の配信システムのユーザによって、コンテンツリスト作成部１１８に事前に設定される時間である。 On the other hand, the content list creation unit 118 creates a list of all the content stored in the content temporary storage unit 113 as needed. The content list creation unit 118 outputs the content list to the collection unit 116 at predetermined time intervals or when requested by the collection unit 116. Further, the content list creation unit 118 outputs the content list to the cache servers 110_2 to N at predetermined time intervals or when requested by other cache servers 110_2 to N. Note that the predetermined time described above is a time set in advance in the content list creation unit 118 by the user of the distribution system of the present embodiment.
　（３）キャッシュサーバ１１０＿１～Ｎを構成する配信部１１４の構成と動作の説明
　次に配信部１１４について、図３を参照して、その構成と動作を説明する。 (3) Description of Configuration and Operation of Distribution Unit 114 Constructing Cache Servers 110_1-N Next, the configuration and operation of distribution unit 114 will be described with reference to FIG.
　図３に示す通り、キャッシュサーバ１１０＿１～Ｎの配信部１１４は、送信部２００、受信部２０１、配信ビットレート・タイミング制御部２０２、コンテンツ獲得部２０３、及び送信タイミング制御部２０４から構成される。 As shown in FIG. 3, the distribution unit 114 of the cache servers 110_1 to 110-N includes a transmission unit 200, a reception unit 201, a distribution bit rate / timing control unit 202, a content acquisition unit 203, and a transmission timing control unit 204.
　受信部２０１は、端末１７０から、パケット転送装置を介して、定期的にスループット情報と配信タイミング情報の一方、若しくは両方を受信する。配信部１１４は、スループット情報のみを受信する場合と、配信タイミング情報のみを受信する場合と、スループット情報と配信タイミング情報の両方を受信する場合とで異なる動作を行う。以下に各動作を説明する。 The receiving unit 201 periodically receives one or both of the throughput information and the distribution timing information from the terminal 170 via the packet transfer device. The distribution unit 114 performs different operations when receiving only throughput information, when receiving only distribution timing information, and when receiving both throughput information and distribution timing information. Each operation will be described below.
　（３－１）スループット情報のみを受信する場合の動作
　まず、スループット情報のみを受信する場合の配信部１１４の動作を以下に説明する。 (3-1) Operation when Only Throughput Information is Received First, the operation of the distribution unit 114 when only throughput information is received will be described below.
　受信部２０１は、端末１７０からスループット情報Snをあらかじめ定められた時間毎に受信し、これを配信ビットレート・タイミング制御部２０２に出力する。配信ビットレート・タイミング制御部２０２は、スループット情報Snをあらかじめ定められた時間毎に受信し、受信したスループット情報Snを超えないコンテンツファイルのビットレートStを求める。そして、配信ビットレート・タイミング制御部２０２は、ビットレートStをコンテンツ獲得部２０３にあらかじめ定められた時間毎に出力する。また、配信ビットレート・タイミング制御部２０２は、配信タイミング制御はＯＦＦであることを送信タイミング制御部２０４に出力する。ここで、あらかじめ定められた時間とは、本実施形態の配信システムのユーザが、配信ビットレート・タイミング制御部２０２に予め設定する時間である。次に、コンテンツ獲得部２０３は、解析部１１５から要求されたコンテンツのＵＲＬを含むコンテンツ情報を受信する。また、コンテンツ獲得部２０３は、コンテンツ情報とビットレートStを受信すると、これらの情報をもとに、端末から要求されたコンテンツのファイルであって、ビットレートStのコンテンツファイルを獲得し、送信タイミング制御部２０４に出力する。具体的には、例えば、コンテンツ獲得部２０３は、コンテンツ情報とビットレートStとをコンテンツ一時蓄積部１１３に通知する。すると、コンテンツ一時蓄積部１１３は、コンテンツ情報に含まれるコンテンツのＵＲＬとビットレートStから、そのＵＲＬに該当し、ビットレートStのコンテンツファイルを複数のコンテンツファイルの中から獲得し、コンテンツ獲得部２０３に出力する。その結果、コンテンツ獲得部２０３は、得られたビットレートStのコンテンツファイルを送信タイミング制御部２０４に出力する。送信タイミング制御部２０４は、送信タイミング制御はＯＦＦであるため、受信したコンテンツファイルをそのまま送信部２００に出力する。送信部２００は受信したコンテンツファイルをＴＣＰ／ＩＰのパケットに格納して配信する。 Receiving unit 201 receives from time to time which is predetermined throughput information S n from the terminal 170, and outputs it to the delivery bit rate and timing control unit 202. Delivery bit rate and timing control unit 202 receives each time determined throughput information S n in advance, obtains the bit rate St content files that do not exceed the throughput information S n received. Then, the distribution bit rate / timing control unit 202 outputs the bit rate St to the content acquisition unit 203 at predetermined time intervals. Also, the delivery bit rate / timing control unit 202 outputs to the transmission timing control unit 204 that the delivery timing control is OFF. Here, the predetermined time is a time set in advance in the distribution bit rate / timing control unit 202 by the user of the distribution system of the present embodiment. Next, the content acquisition unit 203 receives content information including the URL of the content requested from the analysis unit 115. In addition, upon receiving the content information and the bit rate St, the content acquisition unit 203 acquires a content file requested from the terminal and having the bit rate St based on the information, and the transmission timing. Output to the control unit 204. Specifically, for example, the content acquisition unit 203 notifies the content temporary storage unit 113 of the content information and the bit rate St. Then, the content temporary storage unit 113 acquires the content file of the bit rate St corresponding to the URL from the content URL and the bit rate St included in the content information, and acquires the content file from the plurality of content files. Output to. As a result, the content acquisition unit 203 outputs the obtained content file of the bit rate St to the transmission timing control unit 204. Since the transmission timing control is OFF, the transmission timing control unit 204 outputs the received content file to the transmission unit 200 as it is. The transmission unit 200 stores the received content file in a TCP / IP packet and distributes it.
　（３－２）スループット情報と配信タイミング情報の両方を受信する場合の動作
　次に、スループット情報と配信タイミング情報の両方を受信する場合の配信部１１４の動作を以下に説明する。 (3-2) Operation when Receiving Both Throughput Information and Distribution Timing Information Next, the operation of the distribution unit 114 when receiving both the throughput information and the distribution timing information will be described below.
　まず、受信部２０１は、端末１７０からあらかじめ定められた時間毎に通知されるスループット情報Snと配信タイミング情報（TkならびにTk+1）を受信し、これらを配信ビットレート・タイミング制御部２０２に出力する。配信ビットレート・タイミング制御部２０２は、スループット情報Snのみを受信する場合と同様に、スループット情報SnをもとにコンテンツファイルのビットレートStを求め、Stをコンテンツ獲得部２０３に出力する。また、配信ビットレート・タイミング制御部２０２は、配信タイミング情報（TkならびにTk+1）を送信タイミング制御部２０４に出力する。さらに、配信ビットレート・タイミング制御部２０２は、配信タイミング制御がONであることを送信タイミング制御部２０４に出力する。送信タイミング制御部２０４は、端末１７０から指示された配信タイミング情報（TkならびにTk+1）を用いて、式（１）でファイルサイズFkを計算し、このファイルサイズFk分のコンテンツファイルをコンテンツ獲得部２０３から読み出す。例えば、送信タイミング制御部２０４は、コンテンツ獲得部２０３にファイルサイズFkを通知すると、コンテンツ獲得部２０３は、ビットレートがStであるコンテンツファイルを、ファイルサイズFkを超えない個数だけコンテンツ一時蓄積部１１３から獲得する。コンテンツ獲得部２０３は、獲得したコンテンツファイルを送信タイミング制御部２０４に通知する。送信タイミング制御部２０４は、Tk-1からTkの間、コンテンツファイルを送信部２００に出力し、TkからTk+1の間は、コンテンツファイルを送信部２００に出力しない。送信部２００は受信したコンテンツファイルをＴＣＰ／ＩＰのパケットに格納して配信する。 First, the receiving unit 201 receives throughput information Sn and distribution timing information (T k and T k + 1 ) notified from the terminal 170 every predetermined time, and these are received as a distribution bit rate / timing control unit. To 202. Delivery bit rate and timing control unit 202, similarly to the case of receiving only the throughput information S n, determine the bit rate St content files based on the throughput information S n, and outputs the St to the content acquisition section 203. Also, the delivery bit rate / timing control unit 202 outputs the delivery timing information (T k and T k + 1 ) to the transmission timing control unit 204. Further, the distribution bit rate / timing control unit 202 outputs to the transmission timing control unit 204 that the distribution timing control is ON. The transmission timing control unit 204 uses the distribution timing information (T k and T k + 1 ) instructed from the terminal 170 to calculate the file size F k according to the equation (1), and content for the file size F k A file is read from the content acquisition unit 203. For example, when the transmission timing control unit 204 notifies the content acquisition unit 203 of the file size F k , the content acquisition unit 203 temporarily stores content files whose bit rate is St as many as the number not exceeding the file size F k. Obtained from part 113. The content acquisition unit 203 notifies the transmission timing control unit 204 of the acquired content file. The transmission timing control unit 204 outputs the content file to the transmission unit 200 during T k−1 to T k , and does not output the content file to the transmission unit 200 during T k to T k + 1 . The transmission unit 200 stores the received content file in a TCP / IP packet and distributes it.
　Fk = Br * (Tk - Tk-1）　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　式（１）
　ここで、Tkは、k番目の配信タイミングの送信時刻を示し、Fkは第Tk-1時刻～第Tk時刻の間に送信部２００に送出するコンテンツファイルのサイズを、BrはStの平均ビットレートを、それぞれ示す。なお、配信ビットレート・タイミング制御部２０２は、Fkを算出時、Stの平均ビットレートであるBrを算出する。 F k = B r * (T k -T k-1 ) Equation (1)
Here, T k represents the transmission time of the k-th delivery timing, F k represents the size of the content file to be transmitted to the transmission unit 200 between the T k-1 time and the T k time, and Br represents The average bit rate of St is shown respectively. Incidentally, the distribution bit rate and timing control unit 202, the calculation of F k, calculates a B r is the average bit rate of St.
　（３－３）配信タイミング情報のみを受信する場合の動作
　次に、配信タイミング情報のみを受信する場合の配信部１１４の動作を以下に説明する。 (3-3) Operation when Receiving Only Distribution Timing Information Next, the operation of the distribution unit 114 when receiving only distribution timing information will be described below.
　まず、受信部２０１は、端末１７０からあらかじめ定められた時間毎に通知される配信タイミング情報（TkならびにTk+1）を受信し、これらを配信ビットレート・タイミング制御部２０２に出力する。配信ビットレート・タイミング制御部２０２は、送信タイミング制御部２０４に対し配信タイミング制御はONであることを出力する。また、配信ビットレート・タイミング制御部２０２は、配信タイミング情報（TkならびにTk+1）を送信タイミング制御部２０４に出力する。送信タイミング制御部２０４は、あらかじめ定められた時間間隔毎に、所定のビットレートのコンテンツファイルをTk-1からTk間の配信タイミングの回数分、コンテンツ獲得部２０３から読み出す。送信タイミング制御部２０４は、読み出したコンテンツファイルを送信部２００に出力する。すなわち、送信タイミング制御部２０４は、Tk-1からTkの間、コンテンツ獲得部２０３から読み出した所定のビットレートのコンテンツファイルを送信部２００に出力し、TkからTk+1の間は、コンテンツファイルを送信部２００に出力しない。ここで上述の所定のビットレートとは、本実施形態の配信システムのユーザが配信ビットレート・タイミング制御部２０２、及び送信タイミング制御部２０４に設定する値である。 First, the receiving unit 201 receives distribution timing information (T k and T k + 1 ) notified from the terminal 170 every predetermined time, and outputs these to the distribution bit rate / timing control unit 202. Distribution bit rate / timing control section 202 outputs to transmission timing control section 204 that distribution timing control is ON. Also, the delivery bit rate / timing control unit 202 outputs the delivery timing information (T k and T k + 1 ) to the transmission timing control unit 204. The transmission timing control unit 204 reads a content file having a predetermined bit rate from the content acquisition unit 203 by the number of delivery timings from T k −1 to T k at predetermined time intervals. The transmission timing control unit 204 outputs the read content file to the transmission unit 200. That is, the transmission timing control unit 204 outputs a content file of a predetermined bit rate read from the content acquisition unit 203 to the transmission unit 200 between T k−1 and T k , and between T k and T k + 1 . Does not output the content file to the transmission unit 200. Here, the above-described predetermined bit rate is a value set in the distribution bit rate / timing control unit 202 and the transmission timing control unit 204 by the user of the distribution system of the present embodiment.
　送信部２００は、送信タイミング制御部２０４から入力したファイルをＴＣＰ／ＩＰパケットに格納して配信する。 The transmission unit 200 stores the file input from the transmission timing control unit 204 in a TCP / IP packet and distributes it.
　（４）端末１７０の構成と動作の説明
　次に、図４を用いて端末１７０の構成と動作を説明する。 (4) Description of Configuration and Operation of Terminal 170 Next, the configuration and operation of the terminal 170 will be described with reference to FIG.
　図４に示す通り、端末１７０は、制御信号送受信部１７１、受信部１７２、スループット推定部１７３、スループット・タイミング計算部１７４、送信部１７５、復号部１７６、表示部１７７、受信バッファ１７８、及び送信バッファ１７９から構成される。 As illustrated in FIG. 4, the terminal 170 includes a control signal transmission / reception unit 171, a reception unit 172, a throughput estimation unit 173, a throughput / timing calculation unit 174, a transmission unit 175, a decoding unit 176, a display unit 177, a reception buffer 178, and a transmission. The buffer 179 is configured.
　制御信号送受信部１７１は、図１のネットワーク１５０上のパケット転送装置１９０に対し呼接続、切断の処理を行う。また、制御信号送受信部１７１は、呼接続を行うと、呼接続契機であることを送信部１７５と受信部１７２に通知する。送信部１７５は、制御信号送受信部１７１から呼接続契機であることを通知されると、コンテンツ要求を、例えば、ＨＴＴＰ　ＧＥＴ命令を用いて要求コンテンツのリクエスト命令をネットワークに送出する。さらに、送信部１７５は、スループット・タイミング計算部１７４から、スループット情報と配信タイミング情報の少なくとも一方を受信し、これを送信バッファ１７９に出力する。送信バッファ１７９は、あらかじめ定められた時間間隔毎に、受信したスループット情報と配信タイミング情報をネットワーク１５０に送出し、通信先のキャッシュサーバ１１０＿１～Ｎに通知する。上述のあらかじめ定められた時間は、本実施形態の配信システムのユーザによって、送信バッファ１７９に事前に設定される時間である。 The control signal transmission / reception unit 171 performs call connection / disconnection processing to the packet transfer apparatus 190 on the network 150 in FIG. Further, when the call connection is made, the control signal transmission / reception unit 171 notifies the transmission unit 175 and the reception unit 172 that it is a call connection opportunity. When notified from the control signal transmission / reception unit 171 that it is a call connection trigger, the transmission unit 175 sends a request for content request to the network using, for example, an HTTP GET command. Further, the transmission unit 175 receives at least one of the throughput information and the distribution timing information from the throughput / timing calculation unit 174 and outputs it to the transmission buffer 179. The transmission buffer 179 transmits the received throughput information and distribution timing information to the network 150 at predetermined time intervals and notifies the communication destination cache servers 110_1 to N. The above-described predetermined time is a time set in advance in the transmission buffer 179 by the user of the distribution system of the present embodiment.
　受信バッファ１７８は、図１のネットワーク１５０からＴＣＰ／ＩＰパケットを受信し、一旦自身に格納する。また、受信バッファ１７８は、バッファリングされているデータ量（以下、受信バッファのデータ残量情報Bufnという）をスループット・タイミング計算部１７４に通知する。この際、受信バッファ１７８は、あらかじめ定められた時間間隔毎に、スループット・タイミング計算部１７４に受信バッファのデータ残量情報Bufnを出力してもよい。また、受信バッファ１７８は、スループット・タイミング計算部１７４から要求があった場合に、スループット・タイミング計算部１７４に受信バッファのデータ残量情報Bufnを出力してもよい。 The reception buffer 178 receives a TCP / IP packet from the network 150 in FIG. 1 and temporarily stores it in itself. Further, the reception buffer 178 notifies the throughput / timing calculation unit 174 of the buffered data amount (hereinafter referred to as data amount information Buf n of the reception buffer). At this time, the reception buffer 178 may output the remaining data amount information Buf n of the reception buffer to the throughput / timing calculation unit 174 at predetermined time intervals. The reception buffer 178 may output the remaining data amount information Buf n of the reception buffer to the throughput / timing calculation unit 174 when requested by the throughput / timing calculation unit 174.
　受信部１７２は、制御信号送受信部１７１から呼接続契機であることを通知されると、受信バッファ１７８から一旦格納されていたＴＣＰ／ＩＰパケットを取り出す。また、受信部１７２は、ＴＣＰ／ＩＰパケットのペイロードに格納されたコンテンツファイルを抽出する。そして、第n番目のＴＣＰ／ＩＰパケットの受信時刻Rn、及び第n番目に受信したＴＣＰ／ＩＰパケットに格納されていたコンテンツファイルのファイルサイズFnをスループット推定部１７３に出力する。また、受信部１７２は、これまでに受信したパケットのペイロードに格納されたコンテンツファイルに対し、平均ビットレートKを計算し、Kをスループット・タイミング計算部１７４に出力する。ここで、Kは、コンテンツファイルのヘッダ部に書いてあるコンテンツファイルサイズと時間長を用いて、コンテンツファイルサイズ／時間長にて求められた値の平均値である。すなわち、Kは、コンテンツファイルの平均ビットレートである。コンテンツファイルサイズは、コンテンツファイル作成者がコンテンツファイルに記載する。時間長は、コンテンツファイル作成者がコンテンツファイルに記載してもよい。 When the reception unit 172 is notified of the call connection trigger from the control signal transmission / reception unit 171, the reception unit 172 extracts the TCP / IP packet once stored from the reception buffer 178. In addition, the receiving unit 172 extracts a content file stored in the payload of the TCP / IP packet. Then, the reception time R n of the n th TCP / IP packet and the file size F n of the content file stored in the n th received TCP / IP packet are output to the throughput estimation unit 173. In addition, the receiving unit 172 calculates an average bit rate K for the content files stored in the payloads of the packets received so far, and outputs K to the throughput / timing calculating unit 174. Here, K is an average value of values obtained by the content file size / time length using the content file size and the time length written in the header portion of the content file. That is, K is the average bit rate of the content file. The content file size is described in the content file by the content file creator. The time length may be written in the content file by the content file creator.
　次に、スループット推定部１７３は、受信部１７２からRnおよびFnを受信し、次式に従い、ネットワーク１５０の時刻RnにおけるＴＣＰスループットBnを推定する。 Next, the throughput estimation unit 173 receives R n and F n from the reception unit 172, and estimates the TCP throughput B n at the time R n of the network 150 according to the following equation.
　Pn  =  Fn ／ ［Rn - Rn-1］ 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　式（２）
　Bn  =  (1 － α)*Bn-1 + α*Pn　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　式（３）
　ここで、αは、0 < α < 1を満たす、あらかじめ定められた定数である。 P n = F n / [R n - R n-1] Equation (2)
B n = (1-α) * B n-1 + α * P n formula (3)
Here, α is a predetermined constant that satisfies 0 <α <1.
　なお、式（２）ならびに式（３）の計算は、あらかじめ定められた時間間隔毎に行なうことができる。すなわち、スループット推定部１７３は、あらかじめ定められた時間間隔毎に式（３）によりＴＣＰスループットBnをネットワークのスループット値として推定し、スループット・タイミング計算部１７４に出力する。上述のあらかじめ定められた時間間隔やαは、本実施形態の配信システムのユーザがスループット推定部１７３に予め設定する。 In addition, the calculation of Formula (2) and Formula (3) can be performed for every predetermined time interval. That is, the throughput estimation unit 173 estimates the TCP throughput B n as a network throughput value according to Expression (3) at predetermined time intervals, and outputs the estimated value to the throughput / timing calculation unit 174. The above-described predetermined time interval and α are set in advance in the throughput estimation unit 173 by the user of the distribution system of the present embodiment.
　ここで、受信部１７２は、抽出したコンテンツファイルを復号部１７６に出力する。すると、復号部１７６は、受信部１７２からコンテンツファイルを受信し、ファイルから映像ストリーム、オーディオストリームを抽出し、それぞれを復号し、復号した映像信号を表示部１７７に出力する。表示部１７７は復号した映像信号をディスプレイに表示する。 Here, the receiving unit 172 outputs the extracted content file to the decrypting unit 176. Then, the decoding unit 176 receives the content file from the receiving unit 172, extracts a video stream and an audio stream from the file, decodes each, and outputs the decoded video signal to the display unit 177. The display unit 177 displays the decoded video signal on the display.
　次に、スループット・タイミング計算部１７４は、あらかじめ定められた時間間隔毎に、スループット推定部１７３からＴＣＰスループットBnを受信する。そして、スループット・タイミング計算部１７４は、あらかじめ定められた時間区間でのBnの中から最悪値Snを求め、Snを送信部１７５に出力する。なお、スループット・タイミング計算部１７４は、あらかじめ定められた時間区間時間でのBnの平均値Snを求め、そのSnを送信部１７５に出力するとしてもよい。 Next, the throughput / timing calculator 174 receives the TCP throughput B n from the throughput estimator 173 at predetermined time intervals. Then, the throughput timing calculation unit 174 obtains the worst value S n from the B n at predetermined time intervals, and outputs the S n to the transmitter 175. Incidentally, the throughput timing calculation unit 174 obtains an average value S n of B n at a predetermined time interval time, may output the S n to the transmitting unit 175.
　ここで、スループット・タイミング計算部１７４は、受信バッファのデータ残量情報Bufnを受信バッファ１７８から受信する。この際、スループット・タイミング計算部１７４は、受信バッファのデータ残量情報Bufnを通知するように受信バッファ１７８に要求し、受信バッファ１７８から受信バッファのデータ残量情報Bufnを受信してもよい。また、受信バッファ１７８が周期的にデータ残量情報Bufnを出力し、スループット・タイミング計算部１７４が、データ残量情報Bufnを周期的に受信するものとしてもよい。 Here, the throughput / timing calculation unit 174 receives the remaining data amount information Buf n of the reception buffer from the reception buffer 178. In this case, the throughput timing calculation unit 174 requests the reception buffer 178 to notify the data remaining information Buf n of the receive buffer, even when receiving the data remaining information Buf n of the receive buffer from the receive buffer 178 Good. Alternatively, the reception buffer 178 may periodically output the remaining data information Buf n , and the throughput / timing calculation unit 174 may periodically receive the remaining data information Buf n .
　スループット・タイミング計算部１７４は、あらかじめ定められた時間区間でのBn、若しくは、受信バッファ１７８から受信する受信バッファのデータ残量情報Bufnを用いて、例えば、以下のように配信タイミング情報を計算する。なお、スループット・タイミング計算部１７４は、コンテンツファイルの平均ビットレートKを受信部１７２から受信する。 The throughput / timing calculation unit 174 uses the B n in a predetermined time interval or the remaining data amount information Buf n of the reception buffer received from the reception buffer 178, for example, to calculate the distribution timing information as follows. calculate. Note that the throughput / timing calculation unit 174 receives the average bit rate K of the content file from the reception unit 172.
　・Bnが連続してK < Bn となる場合
スループット・タイミング計算部１７４は、BnがBn-1から連続してK < Bnとなる時間区間t1を算出する。例えば、スループット・タイミング計算部１７４は、以下の式（４）により、時間区間t1を算出してもよい。
t1 = BnがBn-1から連続してK < BnであるTCPパケットの個数
×あらかじめ定められた時間間隔　　　　　　　　　　式（４）
次に、スループット・タイミング計算部１７４は、時間区間t1を算出すると、キャッシュサーバ１１０＿１～ＮにTk-1から時間区間t1の間、コンテンツを送出するように通知すべく、式（５）を満たす配信タイミングTkを計算し、送信部１７５に出力する。
Tk = Tk-1 + t1　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　式（５）
　・Bnが連続してK ≧ Bn となる場合
スループット・タイミング計算部１７４は、BnがBn-1から連続してK ≧ Bnとなる時間区間t2を算出する。例えば、スループット・タイミング計算部１７４は、以下の式により時間区間t2を算出してよい。
t2 = BnがBn-1から連続してK ≧ Bn であるTCPパケットの個数
×あらかじめ定められた時間間隔　　　　　　　　式（６）
次に、スループット・タイミング計算部１７４は、時間区間t2を算出すると、キャッシュサーバ１１０＿１～ＮにTkから時間区間t2の間、コンテンツを送出しないように通知すべく、式（７）を満たす配信タイミングTk+1を計算し、送信部１７５に出力する。
Tk+1 = Tk + t2　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　式（７）
もし、本実施形態の配信システムのユーザが、受信バッファ残量Bufnを用いる場合には、t2は、携帯端末１７０の受信バッファ１７８のデータ残量が空にならない時間区間であるとし、式（８）を満たす値とする。
t2 ＜ Bufn / K　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　式（８）
　すなわち、スループット・タイミング計算部１７４は、あらかじめ定められた時間区間内でのBn全てについて、一番添え字nの若いBnから、Bn-1から連続してK < Bn となる時間区間t1があるか、Bn-1から連続してK ≧ Bn となる時間区間t2があるかを判断して、TkとTk+1を算出する。 If & B n is consecutively K <B n throughput timing calculation unit 174, B n calculates the time interval t1 as a K <B n consecutively from B n-1. For example, the throughput / timing calculation unit 174 may calculate the time interval t1 by the following equation (4).
t1 = B n and B from n-1 consecutive K <number × predetermined time intervals expression of the TCP packet is B n (4)
Next, when the time interval t1 is calculated, the throughput / timing calculation unit 174 calculates the equation (5) to notify the cache servers 110_1 to N to transmit the content from Tk -1 to the time interval t1. The delivery timing T k that satisfies the condition is calculated and output to the transmission unit 175.
T k = T k-1 + t1 Formula (5)
If & B n is consecutively K ≧ B n throughput timing calculation unit 174, B n calculates the time interval t2 as a K ≧ B n consecutively from B n-1. For example, the throughput / timing calculation unit 174 may calculate the time interval t2 by the following equation.
t2 = B n is the number × predetermined time intervals expression of the TCP packet is K ≧ B n consecutively from B n-1 (6)
Next, after calculating the time interval t2, the throughput / timing calculation unit 174 distributes satisfying the equation (7) so as to notify the cache servers 110_1 to N to not transmit the content from T k to the time interval t2. Timing T k + 1 is calculated and output to the transmission unit 175.
T k + 1 = T k + t2 Equation (7)
If the user of the distribution system of the present embodiment uses the reception buffer remaining amount Buf n , t2 is a time interval in which the remaining data amount of the reception buffer 178 of the mobile terminal 170 is not emptied. It shall be a value satisfying 8).
t2 <Buf n / K formula (8)
In other words, the throughput timing calculation unit 174, the B n all at a predetermined time interval, from young B n of most subscript n, in succession from the B n-1 K <B n become time It is determined whether there is an interval t1 or a time interval t2 in which K ≧ B n continuously from B n−1 , and T k and T k + 1 are calculated.
　ここで、Tkの添え字kは、時間区間t1、若しくは時間区間t2を算出する度にインクリメントされ、その範囲は、１～（時間区間t1の算出回数＋時間区間t2の算出回数）である。Tkの初期値T0は、本実施形態の配信システムのユーザにより、スループット・タイミング計算部１７４に設定される。０であってもよい。また、上述したあらかじめ定められた時間区間、及び、あらかじめ定められた時間間隔は、本実施形態の配信システムのユーザにより、スループット・タイミング計算部１７４に設定される。なお、あらかじめ定められた時間間隔は、キャッシュサーバ１１０＿１～Ｎの送信部２００が送信する時間間隔であってもよい。 Here, the subscript k of T k is incremented every time the time interval t1 or the time interval t2 is calculated, and the range thereof is 1 to (the number of times of calculation of the time interval t1 + the number of times of calculation of the time interval t2). . The initial value T 0 of T k is set in the throughput / timing calculation unit 174 by the user of the distribution system of this embodiment. 0 may be sufficient. The predetermined time interval and the predetermined time interval described above are set in the throughput / timing calculation unit 174 by the user of the distribution system according to the present embodiment. The predetermined time interval may be a time interval transmitted by the transmission units 200 of the cache servers 110_1 to N.
　次に、送信部１７５は、スループット・タイミング計算部１７４から受信したスループット情報Ｓnと配信タイミング情報（TkならびにTk+1）の両方若しくは、一方を送信バッファ１７９に通知する。送信バッファ１７９は、あらかじめ定められた時間間隔毎に、通知されたスループット情報と配信タイミング情報をネットワーク１５０に送出する。 Next, the transmission unit 175 notifies the transmission buffer 179 of both or one of the throughput information Sn and the distribution timing information (T k and T k + 1 ) received from the throughput / timing calculation unit 174. The transmission buffer 179 sends the notified throughput information and distribution timing information to the network 150 at predetermined time intervals.
　ここで、図１では、端末１７０はパケット転送装置１９０＿１に接続する構成としたが、他のキャッシュサーバに接続することもできる。また、図１では、キャッシュサーバ間で連携するためにキャッシュサーバ同士を接続したが、キャッシュサーバ間を接続しない構成とすることもできる。さらに、図１では、各キャッシュサーバは各パケット転送装置に接続したが、図５に示す構成のように、パケット転送装置１９０＿１～Ｎと配信サーバ装置１２１の間にキャッシュサーバ装置１１０を設置し、当該キャッシュサーバ装置１１０のなかにキャッシュサーバ１１０＿１～Ｎを配備する構成とすることもできる。図５ではキャッシュサーバ同士を接続する構成としているが、接続しない構成とすることもできる。 Here, in FIG. 1, the terminal 170 is configured to be connected to the packet transfer apparatus 190_1, but can be connected to another cache server. In FIG. 1, the cache servers are connected to cooperate with each other, but a configuration in which the cache servers are not connected may be employed. Further, in FIG. 1, each cache server is connected to each packet transfer device, but as shown in FIG. 5, the cache server device 110 is installed between the packet transfer devices 190_1 to N and the distribution server device 121. The cache server 110_1 to N may be arranged in the cache server device 110. In FIG. 5, the cache servers are connected to each other, but may be configured not to be connected.
　また、図１でブロードバンドネットワーク１５０は、ＮＮＩ（Network-Network Interface）を用いることもできる。また、端末１７０はＷ－ＬＡＮ網に接続された端末とすることもできる。 In FIG. 1, the broadband network 150 can also use NNI (Network-Network Interface). The terminal 170 may be a terminal connected to the W-LAN network.
　加えて、スループットの推定を行う式は、式（２）ならびに式（３）に限らない。スループットの推定を行う式は、受信したパケットのビットレートの加重平均（重み付き平均）をとる式であればよい。送信タイミングの通知方法についても、これに限らない。送信タイミングの通知方法は、端末１７０からキャッシュサーバ１１０に、時間区間t1とt2を通知する方法であれば、どのような方法でも構わない。 In addition, the formula for estimating the throughput is not limited to formula (2) and formula (3). The expression for estimating the throughput may be an expression that takes a weighted average (weighted average) of the bit rates of received packets. The transmission timing notification method is not limited to this. The transmission timing notification method may be any method as long as the terminal 170 notifies the cache server 110 of the time intervals t1 and t2.
　［第２の実施の形態］
　次に、本発明の第２の実施の形態について説明する。 [Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
　［構成の説明］
　図６は、本発明の第２の実施の形態における配信システムの構成例を示す図である。図６において、図１と同じ番号を付した構成要素は、図１と同じ動作をするので説明は省略する。本発明の第２の実施の形態における配信システムは、図６に示すように、ネットワークとして、３．９世代のモバイル網であるＬＴＥ （Long Term Evolution）／ＥＰＣ（Evolved Packet Core）ネットワーク２５０を使用する構成を示している。ＬＴＥでは基地局装置とＲＮＣ装置の機能が縮退し、ｅＮｏｄｅＢ装置のみとなる。またＥＰＣではＳ／Ｐ－ＧＷ（Serving/Packet Data-GateWay）装置がｅＮｏｄｅＢ装置に接続される。 [Description of configuration]
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a distribution system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 6, the constituent elements having the same numbers as those in FIG. 1 perform the same operations as those in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the distribution system according to the second embodiment of the present invention uses an LTE (Long Term Evolution) / EPC (Evolved Packet Core) network 250 which is a 3.9 generation mobile network. The structure to be shown is shown. In LTE, the functions of the base station device and the RNC device are degraded, and only the eNodeB device is provided. In EPC, an S / P-GW (Serving / Packet Data-Gateway) device is connected to an eNodeB device.
　また、本発明の第２の実施の形態における配信システムは、図６に示すように、パケット転送装置１９０＿１～Ｎの代わりに、Ｓ／Ｐ－ＧＷ装置２９０＿１～Ｎと複数のｅＮｏｄｅＢ装置、例えば、ｅＮｏｄｅＢ装置２６０＿１～ＭやｅＮｏｄｅＢ装置２６１＿１～Ｍ等を備える。添え字のＮはＳ／Ｐ－ＧＷ装置の台数を意味し、添え字のＭは、１つのＳ／Ｐ－ＧＷ装置に接続されるｅＮｏｄｅＢ装置の台数を意味する。 In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, the distribution system according to the second embodiment of the present invention replaces the packet transfer apparatuses 190_1-N with S / P-GW apparatuses 290_1-N and a plurality of eNodeB apparatuses, for example, eNodeB devices 260_1 to M, eNodeB devices 261_1 to M, and the like are provided. The subscript N means the number of S / P-GW devices, and the subscript M means the number of eNodeB devices connected to one S / P-GW device.
　ここで、Ｓ／Ｐ－ＧＷ装置は、Ｓ－ＧＷ装置とＰ－ＧＷ装置が一体化された構成であることを意味する。また、図６では、M台のｅＮｏｄｅＢ装置が１台のＳ／Ｐ－ＧＷ装置に接続される構成を示している。例えば、Ｓ／Ｐ－ＧＷ装置２９０＿１にはｅＮｏｄｅＢ装置２６０＿１～Mが接続されている。各ｅＮｏｄｅＢ装置は、セル配下の携帯端末２７０と無線にて通信を行う。 Here, the S / P-GW device means that the S-GW device and the P-GW device are integrated. FIG. 6 shows a configuration in which M eNodeB devices are connected to one S / P-GW device. For example, the eNodeB devices 260_1 to 260_M are connected to the S / P-GW device 290_1. Each eNodeB device communicates wirelessly with the mobile terminal 270 under the cell.
　さらに、各Ｓ／Ｐ－ＧＷ装置に対し１台のキャッシュサーバが接続されている。例えば、Ｓ／Ｐ－ＧＷ装置２９０＿１にはキャッシュサーバ４１０＿１が接続されている。キャッシュサーバ同士はコンテンツを連携できるよう接続されている。 Furthermore, one cache server is connected to each S / P-GW device. For example, the cache server 410_1 is connected to the S / P-GW apparatus 290_1. The cache servers are connected so that the contents can be linked.
　以下に、本発明の第２の実施の形態における配信システムの動作を説明する。 The operation of the distribution system in the second embodiment of the present invention will be described below.
　携帯端末２７０は、配信サーバ装置１２１のＩＰアドレスを記載して配信の接続要求メッセージを無線にて発すると、在圏しているｅＮｏｄｅＢ装置（例えば、図６におけるｅＮｏｄｅＢ装置２６１＿１～Ｍのいずれか）が前記接続要求メッセージを受信する。 When portable terminal 270 describes the IP address of distribution server device 121 and issues a connection request message for distribution wirelessly, mobile terminal 270 is located in the eNodeB device (for example, one of eNodeB devices 261_1 to M in FIG. 6). Receives the connection request message.
　接続要求メッセージを受信したｅＮｏｄｅＢ装置２６１＿１～Ｍのいずれかは、前記接続要求メッセージをＧＴＰプロトコルのペイロード部分に、配信サーバ１２１のＩＰアドレス、携帯端末２７０のＩＰアドレスなどの情報と共に格納する。接続要求メッセージを受信したｅＮｏｄｅＢ装置２６１＿１～Ｍのいずれかは、そのＧＴＰパケットと携帯端末２７０のロケーション情報をＳ／Ｐ－ＧＷ装置、例えば、Ｓ／Ｐ－ＧＷ装置２９０＿２に転送する。 Any of the eNodeB devices 261_1-M that have received the connection request message stores the connection request message in the payload portion of the GTP protocol together with information such as the IP address of the distribution server 121 and the IP address of the mobile terminal 270. Any of the eNodeB devices 261_1 to 261_1-M that received the connection request message transfers the GTP packet and the location information of the mobile terminal 270 to the S / P-GW device, for example, the S / P-GW device 290_2.
　キャッシュサーバ４１０＿１～Ｎは、図２に示したキャッシュサーバ１１０＿１～Ｎの構成と同じ構成であるが、本発明の第2の実施の形態では、制御信号送受信部１１１の接続先がＳ／Ｐ－ＧＷ装置２９０＿１～Ｎになる。従い、キャッシュサーバ４１０＿１は、携帯端末２７０からの接続要求メッセージとＩＰアドレスなどを格納したＧＴＰパケットと携帯端末２７０のロケーション情報をＳ／Ｐ－ＧＷ装置２９０＿１から受信する。なお、他のキャッシュサーバ４１０＿２～Ｎでも同様に、それぞれに接続されるＳ／Ｐ－ＧＷ装置と上記のやりとりを行う。その他の動作については、本発明の第１の実施の形態における配信システムと同じである為、説明を省略する。 The cache servers 410_1 to N have the same configuration as that of the cache servers 110_1 to N shown in FIG. 2, but in the second embodiment of the present invention, the connection destination of the control signal transmission / reception unit 111 is S / P−. GW devices 290_1 to N are provided. Accordingly, the cache server 410_1 receives the GTP packet storing the connection request message from the mobile terminal 270, the IP address, and the like, and the location information of the mobile terminal 270 from the S / P-GW apparatus 290_1. Similarly, the other cache servers 410_2 to N perform the above-described exchange with the S / P-GW apparatuses connected thereto. Since other operations are the same as those of the distribution system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the description thereof is omitted.
　なお、図７に、本発明の第２の実施の形態における端末２７０の構成例を示す。端末２７０は、図示しないが、ｅＮｏｄｅＢ装置と無線通信を行う機能を有する以外、図７に示すように、本発明の第１の実施の形態における端末１７０と同じ構成や機能である。 FIG. 7 shows a configuration example of the terminal 270 in the second embodiment of the present invention. Although not shown, the terminal 270 has the same configuration and function as the terminal 170 in the first embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 7, except that it has a function of performing wireless communication with the eNodeB device.
　なお、図６では、Ｓ－ＧＷ装置とＰ－ＧＷ装置を一体化したＳ／Ｐ－ＧＷ装置を用いる構成としたが、Ｓ－ＧＷ装置とＰ－ＧＷ装置とを分離した構成をとることもできる。この構成の場合は、Ｓ－ＧＷ装置またはＰ－ＧＷ装置のいずれかに、キャッシュサーバを少なくとも1台、接続する構成をとることができる。 In FIG. 6, the S / P-GW apparatus in which the S-GW apparatus and the P-GW apparatus are integrated is used. However, the S-GW apparatus and the P-GW apparatus may be separated. it can. In the case of this configuration, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which at least one cache server is connected to either the S-GW device or the P-GW device.
　また、キャッシュサーバ４１０＿１～Ｎについても各々をＳ／Ｐ－ＧＷ装置に接続する構成ではなく、図５に示したキャッシュ装置１１０のなかにキャッシュサーバ４１０＿１～Ｎを配備する構成とすることもできる。 Further, the cache servers 410_1 to N are not configured to connect each to the S / P-GW device, but may be configured to be provided in the cache device 110 illustrated in FIG.
　さらに、携帯端末２７０は、携帯電話でもよいし、スマートフォンでもよいし、PCにデータ通信カードを搭載したものでもよいし、さらに、モバイル３．９Ｇ網と通信ができる端末であれば、他のいかなる端末をも使用することが出来る。 Furthermore, the mobile terminal 270 may be a mobile phone, a smartphone, a PC equipped with a data communication card, or any other terminal that can communicate with the mobile 3.9G network. A terminal can also be used.
　加えて、図６のモバイルＬＴＥ／ＥＰＣネットワーク２５０を、モバイル３Ｇネットワークとすることもできる。この場合、Ｓ／Ｐ－ＧＷ装置を３G網用のパケット転送装置に置き換え、ｅＮｏｄｅＢ装置をＲＮＣ（Radio Network Controller）およびＮｏｄｅＢ装置に置き換えることで実現することができる。 In addition, the mobile LTE / EPC network 250 of FIG. 6 can be a mobile 3G network. In this case, it can be realized by replacing the S / P-GW apparatus with a 3G network packet transfer apparatus and replacing the eNodeB apparatus with an RNC (Radio Network Controller) and NodeB apparatus.
　なお、上述した実施の形態は、その形態に限定されるものではなく、実施段階ではその要旨を逸脱しない範囲で種々変更可能である。 The embodiment described above is not limited to the embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage.
　［効果の説明］
　上述の実施形態の配信システムは、コンテンツを受信する端末において、再生中の動画がフリーズし、エンドユーザのＱｏＥ（Quality of Experience）が悪化してしまうことを防止することができる。 [Description of effects]
The distribution system of the above-described embodiment can prevent the moving image being played back from being frozen at the terminal that receives the content, and the QoE (Quality of Experience) of the end user from being deteriorated.
　その理由としては、上述の実施形態の配信システムは、ネットワークのスループットを端末で推定し、そのスループットを超えないように、キャッシュサーバがコンテンツを配信するからである。また、上述の実施形態の配信システムは、ネットワークにおけるスループットが、配信するコンテンツのビットレートよりも小さくなると推測される時間区間には、コンテンツの配信を停止するからである。 This is because the distribution system of the above-described embodiment estimates the network throughput at the terminal, and the cache server distributes the content so as not to exceed the throughput. In addition, the distribution system of the above-described embodiment stops content distribution during a time interval in which the throughput in the network is estimated to be smaller than the bit rate of the content to be distributed.
　上述の理由によって、上述の実施形態の配信システムは、ネットワークのスループットが変動したとしても、ネットワーク上でデータのロスや遅延の発生を防止することができ、端末において、バッファリングしている受信データが枯渇しなくなる。その結果、上述の実施形態の配信システムは、再生するデータがない為に再生中の動画がフリーズしたり、エンドユーザのＱｏＥが悪化してしまうことを防止することができる。 For the reasons described above, the distribution system of the above embodiment can prevent data loss and delay on the network even if the network throughput varies, and the received data buffered at the terminal Will not be depleted. As a result, the distribution system according to the above-described embodiment can prevent the moving image being reproduced from being frozen or the end user's QoE from being deteriorated because there is no data to be reproduced.
　また、ＱｏＥが悪化することで、エンドユーザが途中で動画の視聴を停止することもなくなるので、上述の実施形態の配信システムは、モバイルネットワーク等のネットワークの帯域を不必要に消費しないようにすることができる。さらに、ネットワーク上でのデータのロスや遅延の発生が防止されるので、データの再送は実施されず、上述の実施形態の配信システムは、モバイルネットワーク等のネットワークの帯域を不必要に消費しないようにすることができる。 In addition, since QoE deteriorates, the end user does not stop watching the video on the way, so that the distribution system of the above-described embodiment does not unnecessarily consume a network band such as a mobile network. be able to. Furthermore, since data loss and delay are prevented from occurring on the network, data is not retransmitted, and the distribution system according to the above-described embodiment does not unnecessarily consume network bandwidth such as a mobile network. Can be.
　また、上述の実施形態の配信システムは、ネットワークにおけるスループットが配信するコンテンツファイルのビットレートよりも小さくなると推測される時間区間には、キャッシュサーバがコンテンツの配信を停止するが、端末にバッファリングされている受信データの残量が空にならないようにコンテンツの配信を停止する。その結果、端末にバッファリングされている受信データは、さらに枯渇しづらくなくなり、上述の実施形態の配信システムは、再生するデータがない為に再生中の動画がフリーズしたり、エンドユーザのＱｏＥが悪化してしまうことをさらに防止することができる。 In the distribution system of the above-described embodiment, the cache server stops the distribution of content during a time interval in which the throughput in the network is estimated to be smaller than the bit rate of the content file to be distributed, but is buffered in the terminal. Stop the distribution of content so that the remaining amount of received data does not become empty. As a result, the received data buffered in the terminal is not easily depleted, and the distribution system of the above-described embodiment freezes the video being played because there is no data to be played back, or the QoE of the end user is Further deterioration can be prevented.
　上記の実施形態の一部又は全部は、以下の付記のようにも記載されうるが、以下には限られない。
（付記１）
　ネットワーク上のサーバから少なくとも１つのビットレートのファイルを受信する端末であって、
前記ネットワークのスループット値を、所定の時間間隔毎に算出するスループット推定部と、
少なくとも１つの前記ネットワークのスループット値の中で最も小さいスループット値、または前記ネットワークのスループット値の平均値を所定の前記時間間隔毎に算出するスループット算出部と、
所定の前記時間間隔において、前記ネットワークのスループット値が前記ファイルのビットレートの平均値よりも大きい配信時間帯を求めるタイミング算出部と、
前記スループット算出部が算出するスループット値、または前記配信時間帯、或いは、その両方をサーバに通知する送信タイミング制御部と、
を備えることを特徴とする端末。
（付記２）
　前記タイミング算出部は、所定の前記時間間隔において、前記ネットワークのスループット値が前記ファイルのビットレートの平均値以下である配信停止時間帯を求め、
前記送信タイミング制御部は、前記配信時間帯と共に、前記配信停止時間帯をサーバに通知する、
ことを特徴とする付記１に記載の端末。
（付記３）
　前記送信タイミング制御部は、前記配信時間帯、及び前記配信停止時間帯をサーバに通知するにあたり、前記配信時間帯、及び前記配信停止時間帯の始まり、若しくは終わりのタイミングをサーバに通知する、ことを特徴とする付記２に記載の端末。
（付記４）
　ネットワーク上にあって、少なくとも１つのビットレートのファイルを端末に配信するサーバであって、
前記端末から通知されたスループット値、または配信時間帯、或いはその両方を受信する受信部と、
前記端末から通知された前記スループット値を超えない前記ファイルのビットレートを算出する配信ビットレート制御部と、
前記配信ビットレート制御部が算出した前記ビットレートの前記ファイルを確保する、若しくは、前記配信ビットレート制御部が算出した前記ビットレートの平均値に前記配信時間帯内の配信タイミングの回数を乗じた分の前記ファイルを確保する、若しくは、所定のビットレートの前記ファイルを前記配信時間帯内の配信タイミングの回数分、確保する前記コンテンツ獲得部と、
前記コンテンツ獲得部が確保した前記ファイルを前記端末に常に配信する、若しくは、前記コンテンツ獲得部が確保した前記ファイルを前記配信時間帯の間に前記端末へ配信する送信タイミング制御部と、
を備えることを特徴とするサーバ。
（付記５）
　前記受信部は、前記端末から通知された配信停止時間帯を、前記配信時間帯と共に受信し、
前記送信タイミング制御部は、前記コンテンツ獲得部が確保した前記ファイルを前記配信停止時間帯では配信しない、
ことを特徴とする付記４に記載のサーバ。
（付記６）
　前記サーバは、前記端末から前記スループット値のみを前記受信部で受信すると、前記端末から通知された前記スループット値を超えない前記ファイルのビットレートを前記配信ビットレート制御部で算出し、前記ビットレートの前記ファイルを前記コンテンツ獲得部で確保し、確保した前記ファイルを前記送信タイミング制御部から前記端末に常に配信することを特徴とする付記５に記載のサーバ。
（付記７）
　前記サーバは、前記端末から前記スループット値、前記配信時間帯、及び前記配信停止時間帯の全部を前記受信部で受信すると、前記端末から通知された前記スループット値を超えない前記ファイルのビットレートを前記配信ビットレート制御部で算出し、前記配信ビットレート制御部が算出した前記ビットレートの平均値に前記配信時間帯内の前記配信タイミングの回数を乗じた分の前記ファイルを前記コンテンツ獲得部で確保し、前記送信タイミング制御部において、確保した前記ファイルを前記配信時間帯の間に前記端末へ配信し、前記配信停止時間帯では配信をしないことを特徴とする付記５乃至６のいずれか１項に記載のサーバ。
（付記８）
　前記サーバは、前記端末から前記配信時間帯、及び前記配信停止時間帯を前記受信部で受信すると、前記所定のビットレートの前記ファイルを前記配信時間帯内の配信タイミングの回数分、前記コンテンツ獲得部にて確保し、前記送信タイミング制御部において、確保した前記ファイルを前記配信時間帯の間だけ前記端末に配信し、前記配信停止時間帯では配信をしないことを特徴とする付記５乃至７のいずれか１項に記載のサーバ。
（付記９）
　ネットワークを介して接続されたサーバと端末を備えた配信システムであって、
前記端末は、付記１乃至３のいずれか１項に記載の端末を備え、
前記サーバは、付記４乃至８のいずれか１項に記載のサーバを備える、
ことを特徴とする、配信システム。
（付記１０）
　ネットワーク上のサーバから少なくとも１つのビットレートのファイルを端末に配信する配信方法であって、
前記端末は、前記ネットワークのスループット値を、所定の時間間隔毎に算出し、さらに、少なくとも１つの前記ネットワークのスループット値の中で最も小さいスループット値、または前記ネットワークのスループット値の平均値を所定の前記時間間隔毎に算出し、所定の前記時間間隔において、前記ネットワークのスループット値が前記ファイルのビットレートの平均値よりも大きい配信時間帯を求め、前記最も小さいスループット値、または前記配信時間帯、或いは、その両方、若しくは、前記ネットワークのスループット値の平均値、または前記配信時間帯、或いは、その両方、をサーバに通知し、
前記サーバは、前記端末から通知された前記スループット値、または前記配信時間帯、或いはその両方を受信し、前記端末から通知された前記スループット値を超えない前記ファイルのビットレートを算出すると、算出した前記ビットレートの前記ファイルを確保する、若しくは、算出した前記ビットレートの平均値に前記配信時間帯内の配信タイミングの回数を乗じた分の前記ファイルを確保する、若しくは、所定のビットレートの前記ファイルを前記配信時間帯内の配信タイミングの回数分、確保した後、確保した前記ファイルを前記端末に常に配信する、若しくは、確保した前記ファイルを前記配信時間帯の間に前記端末へ配信する、
ことを特徴とする、配信方法。
（付記１１）
　前記端末は、所定の前記時間間隔において、前記ネットワークのスループット値が前記ファイルのビットレートの平均値以下である配信停止時間帯を求め、前記配信時間帯と共に、前記配信停止時間帯をサーバに通知し、
前記サーバは、前記端末から通知された配信停止時間帯を、前記配信時間帯と共に受信すると、前記ファイルを前記配信停止時間帯では配信しない、
ことを特徴とする、付記１０に記載の配信方法。
（付記１２）
　前記スループット推定部は、受信したパケットの単位時間当たりのパケットサイズを算出し、過去に算出した前記単位時間当たりの前記パケットサイズとの平均をとることで、前記ネットワークのスループット値を推定することを特徴とする付記１乃至３のいずれか１項に記載の端末。
（付記１３）
　前記タイミング算出部は、端末にバッファリングされている前記ファイルのデータ残量が０になる時間帯よりも短い時間帯を前記配信停止時間帯とすることを特徴とする付記２乃至３、または付記１２のいずれか１項に記載の端末。
（付記１４）
　前記ファイルは、コンテンツファイルであることを特徴とする付記１乃至３、または付記１２乃至１３のいずれか１項に記載の端末。
（付記１５）
　前記ファイルは、コンテンツファイルであることを特徴とする付記４乃至８のいずれか１項に記載のサーバ。
（付記１６）
　前記ファイルは、コンテンツファイルであることを特徴とする付記９に記載の配信システム。
（付記１７）
　前記ファイルは、コンテンツファイルであることを特徴とする付記１０乃至１１に記載の配信方法。 A part or all of the above-described embodiment can be described as in the following supplementary notes, but is not limited thereto.
(Appendix 1)
A terminal for receiving at least one bit rate file from a server on a network,
A throughput estimation unit that calculates the throughput value of the network at predetermined time intervals;
A throughput calculation unit that calculates the smallest throughput value among the throughput values of at least one of the networks, or an average value of the throughput values of the network for each predetermined time interval;
A timing calculation unit for obtaining a delivery time zone in which the throughput value of the network is larger than an average value of the bit rate of the file in the predetermined time interval;
A transmission timing control unit for notifying a server of a throughput value calculated by the throughput calculation unit, or the delivery time zone, or both;
A terminal comprising:
(Appendix 2)
The timing calculation unit obtains a delivery stop time zone in which the network throughput value is equal to or less than an average value of the bit rate of the file in the predetermined time interval;
The transmission timing control unit notifies the server of the delivery stop time zone together with the delivery time zone,
The terminal according to supplementary note 1, wherein:
(Appendix 3)
The transmission timing control unit notifies the server of the delivery time zone and the start or end timing of the delivery stop time zone when notifying the server of the delivery time zone and the delivery stop time zone. The terminal according to appendix 2, characterized by:
(Appendix 4)
A server on a network for delivering at least one bit rate file to a terminal;
A receiving unit that receives the throughput value notified from the terminal, the distribution time period, or both;
A delivery bit rate control unit that calculates a bit rate of the file not exceeding the throughput value notified from the terminal;
The file of the bit rate calculated by the delivery bit rate control unit is secured, or the average value of the bit rates calculated by the delivery bit rate control unit is multiplied by the number of delivery timings within the delivery time zone The content acquisition unit that secures the file for a certain number of times, or secures the file having a predetermined bit rate for the number of times of distribution within the distribution time zone;
A transmission timing control unit that constantly distributes the file secured by the content acquisition unit to the terminal, or distributes the file secured by the content acquisition unit to the terminal during the distribution time period;
A server comprising:
(Appendix 5)
The receiving unit receives the distribution stop time period notified from the terminal together with the distribution time period,
The transmission timing control unit does not distribute the file secured by the content acquisition unit in the distribution stop time period;
The server according to appendix 4, which is characterized by the above.
(Appendix 6)
When the receiving unit receives only the throughput value from the terminal, the server calculates the bit rate of the file that does not exceed the throughput value notified from the terminal by the distribution bit rate control unit, and the bit rate The server according to claim 5, wherein the file is secured by the content acquisition unit, and the secured file is always distributed from the transmission timing control unit to the terminal.
(Appendix 7)
When the server receives all of the throughput value, the delivery time zone, and the delivery stop time zone from the terminal, the server sets the bit rate of the file that does not exceed the throughput value notified from the terminal. The content acquisition unit calculates the file by the distribution bit rate control unit and the content acquisition unit by multiplying the average value of the bit rates calculated by the distribution bit rate control unit by the number of times of the distribution timing within the distribution time zone. Any one of Supplementary notes 5 to 6, wherein the transmission timing control unit distributes the secured file to the terminal during the distribution time period and does not distribute the file during the distribution stop time period. Server as described in the section.
(Appendix 8)
When the server receives the distribution time zone and the distribution stop time zone from the terminal by the receiving unit, the server obtains the content of the predetermined bit rate by the number of times of distribution timing within the distribution time zone. And the transmission timing control unit distributes the secured file to the terminal only during the distribution time period, and does not distribute the file during the distribution stop time period. The server according to any one of the above.
(Appendix 9)
A distribution system comprising a server and a terminal connected via a network,
The terminal includes the terminal according to any one of appendices 1 to 3,
The server comprises the server according to any one of appendices 4 to 8,
A distribution system characterized by that.
(Appendix 10)
A distribution method for distributing at least one bit rate file from a server on a network to a terminal,
The terminal calculates a throughput value of the network at predetermined time intervals, and further calculates a minimum throughput value among at least one throughput value of the network or an average value of the throughput values of the network. Calculated for each time interval, and in the predetermined time interval, obtain a delivery time zone in which the throughput value of the network is larger than the average value of the bit rate of the file, and the smallest throughput value, or the delivery time zone, Alternatively, both of them, or the average value of the throughput values of the network, or the distribution time period, or both, are notified to the server,
The server receives the throughput value notified from the terminal and / or the delivery time zone, and calculates the bit rate of the file that does not exceed the throughput value notified from the terminal. Secure the file of the bit rate, or secure the file by multiplying the calculated average value of the bit rate by the number of distribution timings within the distribution time zone, or the predetermined bit rate of the file After securing a file for the number of times of delivery within the delivery time zone, the secured file is always delivered to the terminal, or the secured file is delivered to the terminal during the delivery time zone,
A delivery method characterized by the above.
(Appendix 11)
The terminal obtains a distribution stop time zone in which the throughput value of the network is equal to or less than an average value of the bit rate of the file in the predetermined time interval, and notifies the server of the distribution stop time zone together with the distribution time zone And
The server, when receiving the delivery stop time zone notified from the terminal together with the delivery time zone, does not deliver the file in the delivery stop time zone,
The distribution method according to supplementary note 10, characterized by that.
(Appendix 12)
The throughput estimation unit calculates a packet size per unit time of a received packet, and estimates a throughput value of the network by taking an average with the packet size per unit time calculated in the past. 4. The terminal according to any one of appendices 1 to 3, which is characterized.
(Appendix 13)
The timing calculation unit sets a time period shorter than a time period in which the remaining data amount of the file buffered in the terminal is 0 as the distribution stop time period, or the remarks The terminal according to any one of 12.
(Appendix 14)
14. The terminal according to any one of supplementary notes 1 to 3, or supplementary notes 12 to 13, wherein the file is a content file.
(Appendix 15)
9. The server according to claim 4, wherein the file is a content file.
(Appendix 16)
The distribution system according to appendix 9, wherein the file is a content file.
(Appendix 17)
The distribution method according to any one of appendices 10 to 11, wherein the file is a content file.
　この出願は、２０１２年１月３０日に出願された日本出願特願２０１２－０１６９１５を基礎とする優先権を主張し、その開示の全てをここに取り込む。 This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-016915 filed on January 30, 2012, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein.
　１１０＿１～Ｎ　　キャッシュサーバ
　１１１　　制御信号送受信部
　１１２　　コンテンツ確保部
　１１３　　コンテンツ一時蓄積部
　１１４　　配信部
　１１５　　解析部
　１１６　　収集部
　１１７　　判別部
　１１８　　コンテンツリスト作成部
　１２１　　配信サーバ
　１４５　　インターネット網
　１５０　　ブロードバンドネットワーク
　１７０　　端末
　１７１　　制御信号送受信部
　１７２　　受信部
　１７３　　スループット推定部
　１７４　　スループット・タイミング計算部
　１７５　　送信部
　１７６　　復号部
　１７７　　表示部
　１７８　　受信バッファ
　１７９　　送信バッファ
　２００　　送信部
　２０１　　受信部
　２０２　　配信ビットレート・タイミング制御部
　２０３　　コンテンツ獲得部
　２０４　　送信タイミング制御部
　２５０　　ＬＴＥ／ＥＰＣネットワーク
　２６０＿１～Ｍ　　ｅＮｏｄｅＢ装置
　２６１＿１～Ｍ　　ｅＮｏｄｅＢ装置
　２６２＿１～Ｍ　　ｅＮｏｄｅＢ装置
　２９０＿１～Ｎ　　Ｓ／Ｐ－ＧＷ装置
　４１０＿１～Ｎ　　キャッシュサーバ 110_1 to N Cache server 111 Control signal transmission / reception unit 112 Content securing unit 113 Content temporary storage unit 114 Distribution unit 115 Analysis unit 116 Collection unit 117 Determination unit 118 Content list creation unit 121 Distribution server 145 Internet network 150 Broadband network 170 Terminal 171 Control signal Transmission / reception unit 172 Reception unit 173 Throughput estimation unit 174 Throughput / timing calculation unit 175 Transmission unit 176 Decoding unit 177 Display unit 178 Reception buffer 179 Transmission buffer 200 Transmission unit 201 Reception unit 202 Distribution bit rate / timing control unit 203 Content acquisition unit 204 Transmission Timing control unit 250 LTE / EPC network 260_1 to M eNodeB device 261_1 to eNodeB device 262_1 ~ M eNodeB device 290_1 ~ N S / P-GW apparatus 410_1 ~ N cache server

Claims (17)

  1. 　ネットワーク上のサーバから少なくとも１つのビットレートのファイルを受信する端末であって、
    前記ネットワークのスループット値を、所定の時間間隔毎に算出するスループット推定部と、
    少なくとも１つの前記ネットワークのスループット値の中で最も小さいスループット値、または前記ネットワークのスループット値の平均値を所定の前記時間間隔毎に算出するスループット算出部と、
    所定の前記時間間隔において、前記ネットワークのスループット値が前記ファイルのビットレートの平均値よりも大きい配信時間帯を求めるタイミング算出部と、
    前記スループット算出部が算出するスループット値、または前記配信時間帯、或いは、その両方をサーバに通知する送信タイミング制御部と、
    を備えることを特徴とする端末。     A terminal for receiving at least one bit rate file from a server on a network,
    A throughput estimation unit that calculates the throughput value of the network at predetermined time intervals;
    A throughput calculation unit that calculates the smallest throughput value among the throughput values of at least one of the networks, or an average value of the throughput values of the network for each predetermined time interval;
    A timing calculation unit for obtaining a delivery time zone in which the throughput value of the network is larger than an average value of the bit rate of the file in the predetermined time interval;
    A transmission timing control unit for notifying a server of a throughput value calculated by the throughput calculation unit, or the delivery time zone, or both;
    A terminal comprising:
  2. 　前記タイミング算出部は、所定の前記時間間隔において、前記ネットワークのスループット値が前記ファイルのビットレートの平均値以下である配信停止時間帯を求め、
    前記送信タイミング制御部は、前記配信時間帯と共に、前記配信停止時間帯をサーバに通知する、
    ことを特徴とする請求項１に記載の端末。     The timing calculation unit obtains a delivery stop time zone in which the network throughput value is equal to or less than an average value of the bit rate of the file in the predetermined time interval;
    The transmission timing control unit notifies the server of the delivery stop time zone together with the delivery time zone,
    The terminal according to claim 1.
  3. 　前記送信タイミング制御部は、前記配信時間帯、及び前記配信停止時間帯をサーバに通知するにあたり、前記配信時間帯、及び前記配信停止時間帯の始まり、若しくは終わりのタイミングをサーバに通知する、ことを特徴とする請求項２に記載の端末。 The transmission timing control unit notifies the server of the delivery time zone and the start or end timing of the delivery stop time zone when notifying the server of the delivery time zone and the delivery stop time zone. The terminal according to claim 2.
  4. 　ネットワーク上にあって、少なくとも１つのビットレートのファイルを端末に配信するサーバであって、
    前記端末から通知されたスループット値、または配信時間帯、或いはその両方を受信する受信部と、
    前記端末から通知された前記スループット値を超えない前記ファイルのビットレートを算出する配信ビットレート制御部と、
    前記配信ビットレート制御部が算出した前記ビットレートの前記ファイルを確保する、若しくは、前記配信ビットレート制御部が算出した前記ビットレートの平均値に前記配信時間帯内の配信タイミングの回数を乗じた分の前記ファイルを確保する、若しくは、所定のビットレートの前記ファイルを前記配信時間帯内の配信タイミングの回数分、確保する前記コンテンツ獲得部と、
    前記コンテンツ獲得部が確保した前記ファイルを前記端末に常に配信する、若しくは、前記コンテンツ獲得部が確保した前記ファイルを前記配信時間帯の間に前記端末へ配信する送信タイミング制御部と、
    を備えることを特徴とするサーバ。     A server on a network for delivering at least one bit rate file to a terminal;
    A receiving unit that receives the throughput value notified from the terminal, the distribution time period, or both;
    A delivery bit rate control unit that calculates a bit rate of the file not exceeding the throughput value notified from the terminal;
    The file of the bit rate calculated by the delivery bit rate control unit is secured, or the average value of the bit rates calculated by the delivery bit rate control unit is multiplied by the number of delivery timings within the delivery time zone The content acquisition unit that secures the file for a certain number of times, or secures the file having a predetermined bit rate for the number of times of distribution within the distribution time zone;
    A transmission timing control unit that constantly distributes the file secured by the content acquisition unit to the terminal, or distributes the file secured by the content acquisition unit to the terminal during the distribution time period;
    A server comprising:
  5. 　前記受信部は、前記端末から通知された配信停止時間帯を、前記配信時間帯と共に受信し、
    前記送信タイミング制御部は、前記コンテンツ獲得部が確保した前記ファイルを前記配信停止時間帯では配信しない、
    ことを特徴とする請求項４に記載のサーバ。     The receiving unit receives the distribution stop time period notified from the terminal together with the distribution time period,
    The transmission timing control unit does not distribute the file secured by the content acquisition unit in the distribution stop time period;
    The server according to claim 4.
  6. 　前記サーバは、前記端末から前記スループット値のみを前記受信部で受信すると、前記端末から通知された前記スループット値を超えない前記ファイルのビットレートを前記配信ビットレート制御部で算出し、前記ビットレートの前記ファイルを前記コンテンツ獲得部で確保し、確保した前記ファイルを前記送信タイミング制御部から前記端末に常に配信することを特徴とする請求項５に記載のサーバ。 When the receiving unit receives only the throughput value from the terminal, the server calculates the bit rate of the file that does not exceed the throughput value notified from the terminal by the distribution bit rate control unit, and the bit rate The server according to claim 5, wherein the file is secured by the content acquisition unit, and the secured file is always distributed from the transmission timing control unit to the terminal.
  7. 　前記サーバは、前記端末から前記スループット値、前記配信時間帯、及び前記配信停止時間帯の全部を前記受信部で受信すると、前記端末から通知された前記スループット値を超えない前記ファイルのビットレートを前記配信ビットレート制御部で算出し、前記配信ビットレート制御部が算出した前記ビットレートの平均値に前記配信時間帯内の前記配信タイミングの回数を乗じた分の前記ファイルを前記コンテンツ獲得部で確保し、前記送信タイミング制御部において、確保した前記ファイルを前記配信時間帯の間に前記端末へ配信し、前記配信停止時間帯では配信をしないことを特徴とする請求項５乃至６のいずれか１項に記載のサーバ。 When the server receives all of the throughput value, the delivery time zone, and the delivery stop time zone from the terminal, the server sets the bit rate of the file that does not exceed the throughput value notified from the terminal. The content acquisition unit calculates the file by the distribution bit rate control unit and the content acquisition unit by multiplying the average value of the bit rates calculated by the distribution bit rate control unit by the number of times of the distribution timing within the distribution time zone. 7. The transmission timing control unit according to claim 5, wherein the transmission timing control unit distributes the secured file to the terminal during the distribution time period and does not distribute the file during the distribution stop time period. The server according to item 1.
  8. 　前記サーバは、前記端末から前記配信時間帯、及び前記配信停止時間帯を前記受信部で受信すると、前記所定のビットレートの前記ファイルを前記配信時間帯内の配信タイミングの回数分、前記コンテンツ獲得部にて確保し、前記送信タイミング制御部において、確保した前記ファイルを前記配信時間帯の間だけ前記端末に配信し、前記配信停止時間帯では配信をしないことを特徴とする請求項５乃至７のいずれか１項に記載のサーバ。 When the server receives the distribution time zone and the distribution stop time zone from the terminal by the receiving unit, the server obtains the content of the predetermined bit rate by the number of times of distribution timing within the distribution time zone. 8. The transmission timing control unit distributes the reserved file to the terminal only during the distribution time period, and does not distribute the distribution stop time period. The server according to any one of the above.
  9. 　ネットワークを介して接続されたサーバと端末を備えた配信システムであって、
    前記端末は、請求項１乃至３のいずれか１項に記載の端末を備え、
    前記サーバは、請求項４乃至８のいずれか１項に記載のサーバを備える、
    ことを特徴とする、配信システム。     A distribution system comprising a server and a terminal connected via a network,
    The terminal comprises the terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
    The server comprises the server according to any one of claims 4 to 8.
    A distribution system characterized by that.
  10. 　ネットワーク上のサーバから少なくとも１つのビットレートのファイルを端末に配信する配信方法であって、
    前記端末は、前記ネットワークのスループット値を、所定の時間間隔毎に算出し、さらに、少なくとも１つの前記ネットワークのスループット値の中で最も小さいスループット値、または前記ネットワークのスループット値の平均値を所定の前記時間間隔毎に算出し、所定の前記時間間隔において、前記ネットワークのスループット値が前記ファイルのビットレートの平均値よりも大きい配信時間帯を求め、前記最も小さいスループット値、または前記配信時間帯、或いは、その両方、若しくは、前記ネットワークのスループット値の平均値、または前記配信時間帯、或いは、その両方、をサーバに通知し、
    前記サーバは、前記端末から通知された前記スループット値、または前記配信時間帯、或いはその両方を受信し、前記端末から通知された前記スループット値を超えない前記ファイルのビットレートを算出すると、算出した前記ビットレートの前記ファイルを確保する、若しくは、算出した前記ビットレートの平均値に前記配信時間帯内の配信タイミングの回数を乗じた分の前記ファイルを確保する、若しくは、所定のビットレートの前記ファイルを前記配信時間帯内の配信タイミングの回数分、確保した後、確保した前記ファイルを前記端末に常に配信する、若しくは、確保した前記ファイルを前記配信時間帯の間に前記端末へ配信する、
    ことを特徴とする、配信方法。     A distribution method for distributing at least one bit rate file from a server on a network to a terminal,
    The terminal calculates a throughput value of the network at predetermined time intervals, and further calculates a minimum throughput value among at least one throughput value of the network or an average value of the throughput values of the network. Calculated for each time interval, and in the predetermined time interval, obtain a delivery time zone in which the throughput value of the network is larger than the average value of the bit rate of the file, and the smallest throughput value, or the delivery time zone, Alternatively, both of them, or the average value of the throughput values of the network, or the distribution time period, or both, are notified to the server,
    The server receives the throughput value notified from the terminal and / or the delivery time zone, and calculates the bit rate of the file that does not exceed the throughput value notified from the terminal. Secure the file of the bit rate, or secure the file by multiplying the calculated average value of the bit rate by the number of distribution timings within the distribution time zone, or the predetermined bit rate of the file After securing a file for the number of times of delivery within the delivery time zone, the secured file is always delivered to the terminal, or the secured file is delivered to the terminal during the delivery time zone,
    A delivery method characterized by the above.
  11. 　前記端末は、所定の前記時間間隔において、前記ネットワークのスループット値が前記ファイルのビットレートの平均値以下である配信停止時間帯を求め、前記配信時間帯と共に、前記配信停止時間帯をサーバに通知し、
    前記サーバは、前記端末から通知された配信停止時間帯を、前記配信時間帯と共に受信すると、前記ファイルを前記配信停止時間帯では配信しない、
    ことを特徴とする、請求項１０に記載の配信方法。     The terminal obtains a distribution stop time zone in which the throughput value of the network is equal to or less than an average value of the bit rate of the file in the predetermined time interval, and notifies the server of the distribution stop time zone together with the distribution time zone And
    The server, when receiving the delivery stop time zone notified from the terminal together with the delivery time zone, does not deliver the file in the delivery stop time zone,
    The distribution method according to claim 10, wherein:
  12. 　前記スループット推定部は、受信したパケットの単位時間当たりのパケットサイズを算出し、過去に算出した前記単位時間当たりの前記パケットサイズとの平均をとることで、前記ネットワークのスループット値を推定することを特徴とする請求項１乃至３のいずれか１項に記載の端末。 The throughput estimation unit calculates a packet size per unit time of a received packet, and estimates a throughput value of the network by taking an average with the packet size per unit time calculated in the past. The terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that:
  13. 　前記タイミング算出部は、端末にバッファリングされている前記ファイルのデータ残量が０になる時間帯よりも短い時間帯を前記配信停止時間帯とすることを特徴とする請求項２乃至３、または請求項１２のいずれか１項に記載の端末。 The timing calculation unit sets a time period shorter than a time period when the remaining data amount of the file buffered in the terminal is 0 as the distribution stop time period, or The terminal according to claim 12.
  14. 　前記ファイルは、コンテンツファイルであることを特徴とする請求項１乃至３、または請求項１２乃至１３のいずれか１項に記載の端末。 The terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 3 or claim 12 to 13, wherein the file is a content file.
  15. 　前記ファイルは、コンテンツファイルであることを特徴とする請求項４乃至８のいずれか１項に記載のサーバ。 The server according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the file is a content file.
  16. 　前記ファイルは、コンテンツファイルであることを特徴とする請求項９に記載の配信システム。 The distribution system according to claim 9, wherein the file is a content file.
  17. 　前記ファイルは、コンテンツファイルであることを特徴とする請求項１０乃至１１に記載の配信方法。 12. The distribution method according to claim 10, wherein the file is a content file.
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