JP3641887B2 - Communication network - Google Patents

Description

Ｃ：通信コスト（円／分）、Ｄ：人件費（円／秒）、Ｓ：データサイズ（ｂｉｔ）、Ｖ：伝送速度（ｂｉｔ／秒）、Ｑ：品質損失（円）
［Ｓ／６０Ｖ］はＳ／６０Ｖを超える最小の整数値を表す。
利用する通信媒体の通信コストと人件費ははあらかじめ本実施例の情報伝送装置１に入力されている。通信損失は、実際の通信費用と通信時間分の人件費である。人件費を計算する理由は、その画像を基に仕事をする場合、その画像が受信完了するまでは仕事が進まないため、その分は損失と考えられるからである。品質損失は、その画像を理解するのにかかる時間は無駄な時間であり、損失であるとし、コストに換算したものである。色数が多いほど画像を理解する時間が短く済むため、品質損失が小さくなる。このように損失コストの概念の導入によって通信時間と画像の色数の様な一見比較不可能のようなもの同士を定量的に比較可能となる。
【００３８】
もとの画像が白黒で、場合のユーザの全損失計算機能の具体例の説明を図６を使って行う。まず、伝送速度を通信制御部４０２から取得し、クライアント２が要求している画像の画素数と同じ内容を説明する文字列の文字数をデータ蓄積部４０６から取得してサイズを計算する（Ｓ６０１）。画素数をＰとする。白黒の場合のサイズはＰ（ｂｉｔ）である。文字の数をＮとすると、英数字のみの場合、サイズは８Ｎ（ｂｉｔ）である。つぎに通信コストはどの速度でも同じとして、人件費と合わせて通信損失を計算する（Ｓ６０２）。次に品質損失を計算する（Ｓ６０３）。ここでは、画像や文字を理解する時間をもとに損失を計算する。文献「難波，”パケット転送に基づく移動透過通信方式，”電子情報通信学会技術研究報告ＩＥ７６−７４，１９７６」によると、同じ情報量の内容を画像のみで理解する場合と文字のみで理解する場合では、画像のみで理解するほうが２倍の速さで理解できることが分かっている。画像を見て情報を理解するのに要する時間をＴ秒とする。この時間Ｔは画像情報と共にデータ蓄積部に入力されており、画像情報取得と同時に得られる。文字のみの場合は、２Ｔ秒である。よって、品質損失は以下のようになる。
【００３９】
【数２】
画像の場合 Ｑ＝Ｔ×Ｄ＝ＴＤ （円）
文字の場合 Ｑ＝２Ｔ×Ｄ＝２ＴＤ（円）
次に通信損失と合わせて全損失の計算を行い（Ｓ６０４）、結果をデータ処理制御部４０４に伝える（Ｓ６０５）。
【００４０】
ここで、一つの画像を取得する場合の全損失を図８に計算結果を示す。画像を取得できない場合の文字列はディスプレイ１画面分と仮定する。パラメータは以下の通りである。
【００４１】
【数３】
画素数： ６４０×４８０ （１画面分の大きさ）
文字数： ２０００ （１画面分の文字数）
人件費： ４０円／分 （平成６年の総務庁統計より平均人件費を概算）
通信費： ６０円／分 （携帯電話の場合）
内容理解時間： ５秒（画像の場合）
この結果、伝送速度が６０ｋｂｐｓより遅い場合は、文字のみで情報を送った方が有利であることが分かる。
【００４２】
データ処理制御部４０４は、伝送形式決定機能を持つ。この機能の実施例を図７を使って行う。まず、全損失計算部から全損失計算結果を取得し（Ｓ７０１）、伝送速度Ｖにおいて全損失が最も小さい形式を決定する（Ｓ７０２、Ｓ７０３、Ｓ７０４）。決定された形式をデータ処理部４０５に伝える（Ｓ７０５）。データ処理部４０５は、伝送形式変換機能を持ち、データ処理制御部４０４で決められた形式に合わせてデータ蓄積部４０６からその形式の情報を検索し、取得する。データ蓄積部４０６は、画像データ蓄積機能と文字データ蓄積機能と、画像データ検索機能と文字データ検索機能を持つ。画像データ蓄積機能と文字データ蓄積機能はメモリやディスクなどで実現される。画像検索機能と文字データ検索機能は既存のデータベースソフトウエアで実現される。
【００４３】
［実施例３］
つぎに本発明の実施例３を図４、図９、図１０、図１１を使って説明する。本実施例の情報伝送装置１は、静止画像伝送装置である。
【００４４】
本実施例の情報伝送装置１（サーバー装置）の構成は、実施例２と同じである（図４）。但し、実施例２と違い、データ蓄積部４０６は、静止画像データのみを蓄積している。またデータ処理部４０５は、例えば、画像処理プログラムのプロセスである。
【００４５】
また、本実施例においては、全損失計算部４０３、データ処理制御部４０４、データ蓄積部４０６の動作が実施例２と異なるのでこれらを中心に説明する。
【００４６】
全損失計算部４０３は、ユーザが情報を受信する際のユーザの全損失計算機能を持つ。本実施例では、もとの画像がフルカラーであるが、常にフルカラーで送るのではなく、ＱｏＳネゴシエーション機能によって決定された伝送速度に応じてその画像を２５６色、１６色、白黒に変換して送信する。その際、以下で説明する全損失を用い、通信制御部４０２で決定された伝送速度において最も全損失が小さくなる色数をデータ処理制御部４０４が決定する。決定された色数はデータ処理部４０５に伝えられる。
【００４７】
ここでは、全損失を以下のように定義して計算する。
【００４８】
【数４】

Ｃ：通信コスト（円／分）、Ｄ：人件費（円／秒）、Ｓ：画像サイズ（ｂｉｔ）、
Ｖ：伝送速度（ｂｉｔ／秒）、Ｑ：品質損失（円）
フルカラー、２５６色、１６色、白黒の場合のユーザの全損失計算機能の具体例の説明を図９を使って行う。まずクライアントが要求している画像の画素数を画像データ蓄積部から取得する（Ｓ９０１）。ここでは画素数をＰとする。その画素数を元にフルカラー、２５６色、１６色、白黒の場合のデータ量を計算する（Ｓ９０２）。各画素が、フルカラーの場合３原色８ｂｉｔずつの計２４ｂｉｔで作られ、２５６色は８ｂｉｔ、１６色は４ｂｉｔ、白黒は１ｂｉｔで作られているとすると、データ量は次のようになる。
【００４９】
【数５】
フルカラーの場合 ２４Ｐ（ｂｉｔ）
２５６色の場合 ８Ｐ（ｂｉｔ）
１６色の場合 ４Ｐ（ｂｉｔ）
白黒の場合 Ｐ（ｂｉｔ）
通信コストはどの速度でも同じとして、人件費と合わせて通信損失を計算する（Ｓ９０３）。
【００５０】
次に品質損失を計算する（Ｓ９０４）。同じ情報量であれば、画像を見て情報を理解する時間は、白黒の場合との伝送量の比の対数値に反比例して減少するとする。つまり、１＋ｌｏｇ（伝送量／白黒の場合の伝送量） に反比例するとする。これは、実施例２において、画像と文字の関係と合致する。
【００５１】
フルカラーの画像を見て情報を理解するのに要する時間をＴ秒とすると、２５６色、１６色、白黒の場合は、１．２Ｔ秒、１．５Ｔ秒、２．４Ｔ秒の時間がかかる。品質損失は以下の計算式で計算する。
【００５２】
【数６】
フルカラー Ｑ＝Ｔ×Ｄ＝ＴＤ （円）
２５６色の場合 Ｑ＝１．２Ｔ×Ｄ＝１．２ＴＤ（円）
１６色の場合 Ｑ＝１．５Ｔ×Ｄ＝１．５ＴＤ（円）
白黒の場合 Ｑ＝２．４Ｔ×Ｄ＝２．４ＴＤ（円）
通信損失と合わせて全損失の計算を行い（Ｓ９０５）、結果をデータ処理制御部４０４に伝える（Ｓ９０６）。
【００５３】
全損失のグラフは図１１の様に描くことができる。
【００５４】
データ処理制御部４０４は、画像フォーマット決定機能を持つ。この機能の実施例を図１０を使って行う。まず、全損失計算部から全損失計算結果を取得し（Ｓ１００１）、伝送速度Ｖにおける全損失を比較し、最も全損失が小さい色数を決定する（Ｓ１００２）。ここでは、図１１の速度Ｖａ、Ｖｂ、Ｖｃがフォーマット変換の変わり目で、
【００５５】
【数７】
Ｖ＜Ｖａ なら 白黒
Ｖａ≦Ｖ＜Ｖｂ なら １６色
Ｖｂ≦Ｖ＜Ｖｃ なら ２５６色
Ｖｃ≦Ｖ なら フルカラー
となる。そして決定されたフォーマットをデータ処理部４０５に伝える（Ｓ１００３）。
【００５６】
データ処理部４０５は、画像フォーマット変換機能を持ち、データ処理制御部４０４で決められた色数に合わせて送信する画像の色を変換する。
【００５７】
データ蓄積部４０６は、静止画像データ蓄積機能と、画像検索機能を持つ。静止画像データ蓄積機能はメモリやディスクなどで実現される。画像検索機能は既存のデータベースソフトウエアで実現される。
【００５８】
［実施例４］
つぎに本発明の実施例４を図４、図１２、図１３、図１４を使って説明する。本実施例の情報伝送装置１は、静止画像伝送装置である。
【００５９】
本実施例のサーバー装置の構成は、実施例３と同じである（図４）。但し、全損失計算部４０３、データ処理制御部４０４、データ処理部４０５が実施例３と異なるので説明する。
【００６０】
全損失計算部４０３は、ユーザが情報を受信する際のユーザの全損失計算機能を持つ。本実施例では、画像を常に同じ解像度で送るのではなく、ＱｏＳネゴシエーション機能によって決定された伝送速度に応じて画像の解像度をそのままか、２５％あるいは５０％減少させて送信する。その際、以下で説明する全損失を用い、通信制御部４０２で決定された伝送速度において最も全損失が小さくなる解像度をデータ処理制御部４０４が決定する。決定された解像度は、データ処理部４０５に伝えられる。
【００６１】
全損失の計算式は実施例３と同じである。
【００６２】
もとの画像の解像度のままの場合、解像度を２５％減らした場合、５０％減らした場合のユーザの全損失計算機能の具体例の説明を図１２を使って行う。まずクライアントが要求している画像の解像度とその画像のデータ量を画像データ蓄積部から取得する（Ｓ１２０１）。ここでは解像度Ｒの場合のデータ量をＳＲ（ｂｉｔ）とする。解像度が７５％、５０％の場合のデータ量を計算する（Ｓ１２０２）。
【００６３】
【数８】
解像度Ｒの場合 Ｓ_R（ｂｉｔ）
解像度０．７５Ｒの場合 ９Ｓ_R／１６（ｂｉｔ）
解像度０．５Ｒの場合 Ｓ_R／４（ｂｉｔ）
通信コストはどの速度でも同じとして、人件費と合わせて通信損失を計算する（Ｓ１２０３）。
【００６４】
次に品質損失を計算する（Ｓ１２０４）。解像度を落とすと画質が悪くなるため、情報を理解するのに要する時間は、解像度０．５Ｒの場合との伝送量の比の対数値に反比例して減少するとする。つまり、１＋ｌｏｇ（伝送量／解像度０．５Ｒの場合の伝送量） に反比例するとする。
【００６５】
もとの画像を見て情報を理解するのに要する時間をＴ秒とすると、解像度０．７５Ｒ、解像度０．５Ｒの場合の時間は、１．２Ｔ秒、１．６Ｔ秒となり、品質損失は以下の計算式で計算する。
【００６６】
【数９】
解像度Ｒの場合 Ｑ＝Ｔ×Ｄ＝ＴＤ （円）
解像度０．７５Ｒの場合 Ｑ＝１．２Ｔ×Ｄ＝１．２ＴＤ （円）
解像度０．５Ｒの場合 Ｑ＝１．６Ｔ×Ｄ＝１．６ＴＤ （円）
通信損失と合わせて全損失の計算を行い（Ｓ１２０５）、結果をデータ処理制御部４０４に伝える（Ｓ１２０６）。
【００６７】
全損失のグラフは図１４の様に描くことができる。
【００６８】
データ処理制御部４０４は、画像フォーマット決定機能を持つ。この機能の実施例を図１３を使って行う。まず、全損失計算部から全損失計算結果を取得し（Ｓ１３０１）、伝送速度Ｖにおける全損失を比較し、最も全損失が小さい解像度を決定する（Ｓ１３０２）。ここでは、図１４の速度Ｖａ、Ｖｂが解像度変換の変わり目で、
【００６９】
【数１０】
Ｖ＜Ｖａ なら 解像度０．５Ｒ
Ｖａ≦Ｖ＜Ｖｂ なら 解像度０．７５Ｒ
Ｖｂ≦Ｖ なら 解像度Ｒ
となる。そして決定された解像度をデータ処理部３０５に伝える（Ｓ１３０３）。
【００７０】
データ処理部３０５は、画像フォーマット変換機能を持ち、データ処理制御部３０４で決められた解像度に合わせて送信する画像の解像度を変換する。
【００７１】
［実施例５］
つぎに本発明の実施例５を図４、図１５、図１６、図１７を使って説明する。本実施例の情報伝送装置１は、静止画像伝送装置である。
【００７２】
本実施例の情報伝送装置１（サーバー装置）の構成は、実施例３と同じである（図４）。但し、全損失計算部４０３、データ処理制御部４０４、データ処理部４０５が実施例３と異なるので説明する。
【００７３】
全損失計算部４０３は、ユーザが情報を受信する際のユーザの全損失計算機能を持つ。本実施例では、画像を常にそのままの大きさで送るのではなく、ＱｏＳネゴシエーション機能によって決定された伝送速度に応じて画像をそのままか、圧縮率５０％あるいは１０％の圧縮をして送信する。その際、以下で説明する全損失を用い、通信制御部４０２で決定された伝送速度において最も全損失が小さくなる圧縮率をデータ処理制御部４０４が決定する。決定された圧縮率は、データ処理部４０５に伝えられる。
【００７４】
全損失の計算式は実施例３と同じである。
【００７５】
もとの画像のままの場合、圧縮率が５０％の場合、１０％の場合のユーザの全損失計算機能の実施例の説明を図１５を使って行う。まずクライアントが要求している画像のデータ量を画像データ蓄積部から取得する（Ｓ１５０１）。ここではデータ量をＳＰ（ｂｉｔ）とする。圧縮率が５０％の場合、１０％の場合のデータ量を計算する（Ｓ１５０２）。
【００７６】
【数１１】
圧縮しない場合 Ｓ_P（ｂｉｔ）
圧縮率５０％の場合 Ｓ_R／２（ｂｉｔ）
圧縮率１０％の場合 Ｓ_R／１０（ｂｉｔ）
通信コストはどの速度でも同じとして、人件費と合わせて通信損失を計算する（Ｓ１５０３）。
【００７７】
次に品質損失を計算する（Ｓ１５０４）。圧縮率が高くなると、伸縮時の画質が落ちることため、情報を理解するのに要する時間は、圧縮率１０％の場合との伝送量の比の対数値に反比例して減少するとする。つまり、１＋ｌｏｇ（伝送量／圧縮率１０％の場合の伝送量） に反比例するとする。
【００７８】
もとの画像を見て情報を理解するのに要する時間をＴ秒とすると、圧縮率５０％、圧縮率１０％の時間は、１．２Ｔ秒、２Ｔ秒となり、品質損失は以下の計算式で計算する。
【００７９】
【数１２】
圧縮しない場合 Ｑ＝Ｔ×Ｄ＝ＴＤ（円）
圧縮率５０％の場合 Ｑ＝１．２Ｔ×Ｄ＝１．２ＴＤ（円）
圧縮率１０％の場合 Ｑ＝２Ｔ×Ｄ＝２ＴＤ（円）
通信損失と合わせて全損失の計算を行い（Ｓ１５０５）、結果をデータ処理制御部４０４に伝える（Ｓ１５０６）。全損失のグラフは図１７の様に描くことができる。
【００８０】
データ処理制御部４０４は、画像フォーマット決定機能を持つ。この機能の実施例を図１６を使って行う。まず、全損失計算部から全損失計算結果を取得し（Ｓ１６０１）、伝送速度Ｖにおける全損失を比較し、最も全損失が小さい圧縮率を決定する（Ｓ１６０２）。ここでは、図１７の速度Ｖａ、Ｖｂが圧縮率変換の変わり目で、
【００８１】
【数１３】
Ｖ＜Ｖａ なら 圧縮率１０％
Ｖａ≦Ｖ＜Ｖｂ なら 圧縮率５０％
Ｖｂ≦Ｖ なら 圧縮なし
となる。そして決定された圧縮率をデータ処理部４０５に伝える（Ｓ１６０３）。
【００８２】
データ処理部４０５は、画像フォーマット変換機能を持ち、データ処理制御部４０４で決められた圧縮率に合わせて送信する画像を圧縮する。
【００８３】
［実施例６］
つぎに本発明の実施例６を図４、図１８、図１９、図２０、図２１を使って説明する。本実施例の情報伝送装置１は、動画像伝送装置である。
【００８４】
本実施例の情報伝送装置１（サーバー装置）の構成は、実施例３と同じである（図４）。但し、実施例３と違い、データ蓄積部４０６は、動画像データを蓄積している。また、全損失計算部４０３、データ処理制御部４０４の動作が実施例３と異なるので説明する。
【００８５】
本実施例では、動画像をいつでも同じフレーム数、色数で送るのではなく、ＱｏＳネゴシエーション機能によって決定された伝送速度Ｖに応じてフレーム数あるいは色数を変える。どちらを変えるかは、ユーザからのリクエストによって決まる。
【００８６】
全損失を以下の用に定義して計算する。
【００８７】
【数１４】

Ｍ：動画像サイズ（ｂｉｔ）、他のパラメータは実施例３と同じ。
【００８８】
元の動画像が２５６色（画素数Ｐ）、フレーム数Ｎ１（枚／秒）の場合について全損失計算部４０３の全損失計算機能の実施例の説明を図１８を用いて行う。まず、全損失計算部４０３は伝送速度を通信制御部４０２から取得し、クライアント２が要求している動画像の画素数とフレーム数を画像データ蓄積部４０６から取得する（Ｓ１８０１）。データ処理制御部４０４からの要求で、フレーム数優先で計算するか色優先で計算するかを判断する（Ｓ１８０２）。フレーム数優先の場合、つまり、フレーム数を維持することをユーザが要求する場合、伝送する１フレーム当たりの画像の画素数をＰ、１秒当たりのフレーム数は全て同じでＮ１（枚／秒）として各色数について、転送量（ｂｉｔ／秒）を次の計算式で計算する（Ｓ１８０３）。
【００８９】
【数１５】
２５６色の場合 ８×Ｐ×Ｎ１＝８ＰＮ１（ｂｉｔ／秒）
１６色の場合 ４×Ｐ×Ｎ１＝４ＰＮ１（ｂｉｔ／秒）
白黒の場合 １×Ｐ×Ｎ１＝ＰＮ１（ｂｉｔ／秒）
さらに通信コストはどの速度でも同じとして、通信損失を計算する（Ｓ１８０４）。
【００９０】
品質損失は実施例３と同じ計算である（Ｓ１８０５）。通信損失と合わせて全損失の計算を行い（Ｓ１８０６）、計算が終了したことをデータ処理制御部に伝える（Ｓ１８１１）。全損失のグラフは図２０の様に描くことができる。動画像の場合、伝送速度が各転送量（ｂｉｔ／秒）よりも小さいと再生に支障をきたすので、各全損失のグラフは、転送量を横軸の最小値として表される。
【００９１】
次に、色優先の場合、つまりあくまでも元の色数で伝送することをユーザが要求している場合、１秒当たりのフレーム数をＮ２、Ｎ３（Ｎ１＞Ｎ２＞Ｎ３）と減らして対応するとする。各フレーム数毎の転送量（ｂｉｔ／秒）を次の計算式で計算する（Ｓ１８０７）。
【００９２】
【数１６】
フレーム数Ｎ１の場合 ８Ｐ×Ｎ１＝８ＰＮ１（ｂｉｔ／秒）
フレーム数Ｎ２の場合 ８Ｐ×Ｎ２＝８ＰＮ２（ｂｉｔ／秒）
フレーム数Ｎ３の場合 ８Ｐ×Ｎ３＝８ＰＮ３（ｂｉｔ／秒）
さらに通信コストはどの速度でも同じとして人件費と合わせて通信損失を計算する（Ｓ１８０８）。
【００９３】
次に品質損失を計算する（Ｓ１８０９）。フレーム数が落ちると動画像の質が落ちるため、情報を理解するのに要する時間は、フレーム数Ｎ３（枚／秒）の場合との伝送量の比の対数値に反比例して減少するとする。つまり、１＋ｌｏｇ（伝送量／フレーム数Ｎ３（枚／秒）場合の伝送量）に反比例するとする。
【００９４】
フレーム数Ｎ１（枚／秒）の動画像を見て情報を理解するのに要する時間をＴ１秒とし、フレーム数Ｎ２、フレーム数Ｎ３の場合の時間をＴ２秒、Ｔ３秒と書くと、品質損失は次の計算式で計算される。
【００９５】
【数１７】
フレーム数Ｎ１の場合 Ｔ１×Ｄ＝Ｔ１Ｄ（円）
フレーム数Ｎ２の場合 Ｔ２×Ｄ＝Ｔ２Ｄ（円）
フレーム数Ｎ３の場合 Ｔ３×Ｄ＝Ｔ３Ｄ（円）
通信損失と合わせて全損失の計算を行い（Ｓ１８１０）、計算結果をデータ処理制御部に伝える（Ｓ１８１１）。全損失のグラフは図２１の様に描くことができる。動画像の場合、伝送速度が各転送量（ｂｉｔ／秒）よりも小さいと再生に支障をきたすので、各全損失のグラフは、転送量を横軸の最小値として表される。
【００９６】
データ処理制御部４０４の画像フォーマット決定機能を図１９を用いて説明する。通信制御部から決定された速度Ｖを取得し（Ｓ１９０１）、要求がフレーム数優先か色優先かを判断する（Ｓ１９０２）。フレーム数優先の場合、全損失計算部からフレーム数優先の場合の全損失計算結果を取得し（Ｓ１９０３）、通信制御部から入力された伝送速度Ｖにおいて全損失が最も小さい色数を決定する。ＬＣ１は伝送速度Ｖにおける２５６色画像の全損失で、ＬＣ２は１６色画像の全損失である。ここでは、図２０の速度ＶａとＶｂがフォーマット変換の変わり目で、
【００９７】
【数１８】
ＰＮ１≦Ｖ＜Ｖａ なら 白黒
Ｖａ≦Ｖ＜Ｖｂ なら １６色
Ｖｂ≦Ｖ なら ２５６色
と決定される。そして決定されたフォーマットをデータ処理部４０５に伝える。
【００９８】
色優先命令を受けると、全損失計算部から色数優先の場合の全損失計算結果を取得し（Ｓ１９０３）、伝送速度Ｖにおいて最も全損失が小さくなるフレーム数を決める。ＬＮ１は伝送速度Ｖにおけるフレーム数Ｎ１画像の全損失で、ＬＮ２はフレーム数Ｎ２画像の全損失である。
【００９９】
決定機能はこの全損失が常に最も小さくなるよう、フレーム数を選ぶ。ここでは、図２１の速度ＶａとＶｂがフォーマット変換の変わり目で、
【０１００】
【数１９】
８ＰＮ３≦Ｖ＜Ｖａ なら Ｎ３（枚／秒）
Ｖａ≦Ｖ＜Ｖｂ なら Ｎ２（枚／秒）
Ｖｂ≦Ｖ なら Ｎ１（枚／秒）
と決定される。そして決定されたフォーマットをデータ処理部４０５に伝える（Ｓ１９０４）。
【０１０１】
また送信不可となった場合も、送信不可メッセージがデータ処理部４０５に伝えられる。
【０１０２】
データ処理部４０５は、画像フォーマット変換機能を持ち、データ処理制御部４０４で決められたフレーム数や色数に合わせて送信する画像を変換する。送信不可の場合、その旨のメッセージをクライアントに送る。
【０１０３】
本実施例では、伝送サイズを小さくするためにフレーム数を減らしているが、ＭＰＥＧ（Ｍｏｖｉｎｉｇ Ｐｉｃｔｕｒｅ Ｅｘｐｅｒｔｓ Ｇｒｏｕｐ）などの動画像圧縮を使ってもよい。その際は、圧縮率が高くなると、伸縮時の画質が落ちることをから品質コストを計算する。また、色数とフレーム数を同時に変化する制御も可能である。
【０１０４】
［実施例７］
つぎに本発明の実施例７を図２２、図２３、図２４を使って説明する。本実施例では、クライアント２は、ネットワークコンピュータで、アプリケーションプログラムをダウンロードする場合を考える。
【０１０５】
ネットワークコンピュータの特徴は、記憶媒体が必要最小限のみで、アプリケーションプログラムやファイルをローカルには持たず、必要であれば、ネットワークを介してサーバー等の他の端末からプログラムやファイルをダウンロードすることである。
【０１０６】
本実施例の情報伝送装置１（サーバー装置）の構成は、実施例３と同じでである（図４）。但し、実施例３と違い、データ蓄積部４０６は、プログラムデータを蓄積している。データ処理部４０５は、例えば、実行可能プログラム加工プログラムのプロセスである。また、全損失計算部４０３、データ処理制御部４０４の動作が実施例３と異なるので説明する。
【０１０７】
本実施例では、プログラムを常に全てを送るのではなく、ＱｏＳネゴシエーション機能によって決定された伝送速度に応じて送信するプログラムの大きさを変える。例えば、そのＷＷＷのブラウザのようなプログラムの場合、最小限の機能、つまりテキストのみを表示する機能のプログラムセット（以下、セット１と呼ぶ）、さらに画像を表示することもできる機能を備えたプログラムセット（以下、セット２と呼ぶ）、そしてホームページのカスタマイズ機能もついたプログラム（以下、フルセットと呼ぶ）を用意し、以下で説明する全損失を用い、通信制御部４０２で決定された伝送速度において最も全損失が小さくなるプログラムセットをデータ処理制御部４０４が決定する。決まったプログラムセットは、データ処理部４０５に伝えられる。
【０１０８】
ここでは、全損失を以下のように定義して計算する。
【０１０９】
【数２０】

Ｃ：通信コスト（円／分）、Ｄ：人件費（円／秒）、Ｓ：プログラムサイズ（ｂｉｔ）、Ｖ：伝送速度（ｂｉｔ／秒）、Ｑ：品質損失（円）
品質損失は、ブラウザでホームページを見る場合、内容を理解するのにかかる時間は無駄な時間であり、損失であるとし、コストに換算したものである。テキストのみの表示よりも、画像が表示できる方が内容を理解する時間が少なくなる。さらに、編集機能が備わると、ユーザが理解しやすい様にカスタマイズすることが可能になることから、情報を理解するのに要する時間をさらに短くすることができる。
【０１１０】
全損失計算部４０３の全損失計算機能の実施例を図２２を使って説明する。まずクライアント２が要求しているプログラムのフルセット、セット１、セット２の場合のプログラムサイズの大きさを計算する（Ｓ２２０１）。ここでは、
【０１１１】
【数２１】
セット１の場合 Ｐ１（ｂｉｔ）
セット２の場合 Ｐ２（ｂｉｔ）
フルセットの場合 Ｐ３（ｂｉｔ）
（Ｐ１＜Ｐ２＜Ｐ３）
であったとする。通信コストはどの速度でも同じとして、人件費と合わせて通信損失を計算をする（Ｓ２２０２）。
【０１１２】
次に品質損失を計算する（Ｓ２２０３）。情報を理解するのに要する時間は、セット１の場合の場合との伝送量の比の対数値に反比例して減少するとする。つまり、１＋ｌｏｇ（伝送量／セット１の場合の伝送量）に反比例するとする。
【０１１３】
フルセットのプログラムを使って情報を見る場合に理解するのに要する時間をＴ秒とし、セット１、セット２の場合の時間をＴ１秒、Ｔ２秒と書くと、品質損失は次の計算式で計算される。
【０１１４】
【数２２】
セット１の場合 Ｔ１Ｄ（円）
セット２の場合 Ｔ２Ｄ（円）
フルセットの場合 ＴＤ（円）
通信損失と合わせて全損失の計算を行い（Ｓ２２０４）、結果をデータ処理制御部に伝える（Ｓ２２０５）。全損失のグラフは図２４の様に描くことができる。
【０１１５】
データ処理制御部４０４は、プログラムセット決定機能を持ち、全損失計算部４０３から全損失計算結果を、通信制御部４０２から伝送速度Ｖを取得し（Ｓ２３０１）、通信制御部４０２から入力された伝送速度Ｖにおいて全損失が最も小さいプログラムセットを決定する（Ｓ２３０２）。ここでは、図２４の速度ＶａとＶｂがプログラムの形態の変わり目で、
【０１１６】
【数２３】
Ｖ＜Ｖａ なら セット１
Ｖａ≦Ｖ＜Ｖｂ なら セット２
Ｖｂ≦Ｖ なら フルセット
と決定される。そして決定されたプログラムの形態をデータ処理部４０５に伝える（Ｓ２３０３）。
【０１１７】
データ処理部４０５は、プログラム編集機能を持ち、データ処理制御部４０４で決められたプログラムの形態に合わせて送信するプログラムを編集する。
【０１１８】
プログラム蓄積部４０６は、プログラムデータ蓄積機能と、プログラム検索機能を持つ。画像データ蓄積機能はメモリやディスクなどで実現される。画像検索機能は既存のデータベースソフトウエアで実現される。
【０１１９】
［実施例８］
つぎに本発明の実施例８を図２５、図２６、図２７、図２８、図２９、図３０を使って説明する。本実施例では、ユーザが画像受信中に伝送品質の変更を要求し、その要求を全損失に反映させることにより品質を変更する。
【０１２０】
本実施例の情報伝送装置（サーバー装置）１は実施例３と同じ構成である。
【０１２１】
図２５は本実施例のクライアント装置２のブロック図で、送受信部２５０１、通信制御部２５０２、データ処理部２５０３、ユーザ入力処理部２５０４、表示部２５０５を備えている。
【０１２２】
送受信部２５０１は、データリンク層／物理層のデータ送受信機能を持ち、既存のネットワークカードなどで実現される。通信制御部２５０２は、パケットの加工機能を持つソフトウエアあるいはＲＯＭなどで実現され、ユーザ入力処理部２５０４からの入力があれば、その要求を送受信部２５０１に伝え、送受信部２５０１が情報伝送装置１に送る。ユーザ入力処理部２５０４は、アプリケーションのユーザインタフェースのメニューやボタン等で「色数増」などの指示がされた際の入力処理を行うプログラムである。図２７がクライアントの画面の例で、車が２台表示されている。「色」のマークの上のボタンをマウスで押すと色数が多くなり、下のボタンを押すと色数が少なくなる。
【０１２３】
色数を増やしたいということは、ユーザにとって現時点では色数のより多いほうが価値があるということ、つまり実施例３の全損失計算式の品質損失の計算で、色数ごとの、理解に要する時間が初めに計算された以上に差があるということである。
【０１２４】
図２６を用いてユーザ入力処理部２５０４の説明をする。ここでは、図２７に示すインタフェースを用いた場合を述べる。色数を増やしたり減らしたりすることができる。まずユーザの入力待ちの状態で（Ｓ２６０１）、入力があれば、押されたボタンの種類を検知する（Ｓ２６０２）。もし、色数を増やすボタンであれば、時間Ｔの増加要求を通信制御部２５０２へ送る（Ｓ２６０３）。この増加値は、例えば、２倍とあらかじめ決められている。このメッセージが情報伝送装置１に送られると、実施例３では、フルカラーの時間はＴのままで、２５６色の場合２．４Ｔ、１６色の場合３Ｔ、白黒の場合４．８Ｔとなる。また、色数を減らすボタンであれば、時間Ｔの減少要求を通信制御部２５０２へ送り（Ｓ２６０３）、例えば、１／２とあらかじめ決められたメッセージが送られる。
【０１２５】
データ処理部２５０３は、受信したデータを表示するために画像を処理する画像処理機能を持ち、既存のグラフィックカードなどで実現される。表示部２５０５は、データ処理手段で処理されたデータを表示する機能を持ち、液晶などで実現される。
【０１２６】
本実施例の情報伝送装置１の全損失計算部４０３の動作を図２８を用いて説明する。図２８において、実施例３の全損失計算部４０３の動作（図９）に加え、全損失計算終了をデータ処理制御部４０４に送った後に、パラメータ変更を要求を待つステップ（Ｓ２８０７）があり、要求があれば時間Ｔを変更し（Ｓ２８０８）、再び品質損失を計算し（Ｓ２８０４）、全損失を計算した（Ｓ２８０５）後、再び計算終了メッセージをデータ処理制御部４０４に送る（Ｓ２８０６）。送信終了メッセージをデータ処理制御部４０４から受信すれば（Ｓ２８０９）、終了である。
【０１２７】
本実施例の情報伝送装置１のデータ処理制御部４０４の動作を図２９を用いて説明する。図２９において、実施例３のデータ処理制御部４０４の動作（図１０）に加え、データ処理部４０５に色数を伝達した後に、全損失計算部４０３から計算終了メッセージを待つステップ（Ｓ２９０４）があり、計算終了メッセージを受信すれば、再び損失結果を取得し（Ｓ２９０１）、全損失が最小となる色数を決定し（Ｓ２９０２）、データ処理部４０５に通知する（Ｓ２９０３）。データ処理部４０５から送信終了メッセージを受信すると（Ｓ２９０５）、全損失計算部４０３に送信終了メッセージを送信し（Ｓ２９０６）、終了する。
【０１２８】
本実施例の情報伝送装置１のデータ処理制御部４０４の動作を図３０を用いて説明する。図３０において、データ処理制御部４０４から色数を取得したあと（Ｓ３００１）、データ蓄積部４０６から要求されている画像を取得し、フルカラー以外の色数であれば、色を変換し（Ｓ３００２）、画像を送信する（Ｓ３００３）。途中で新たな色数メッセージをデータ処理制御部より受信すれば（Ｓ３００４）、送信を中止し（Ｓ３００５）、新たな色数に変換して送信する。ファイル終了文字を送信した後（Ｓ３００６）、データ処理制御部４０４に送信終了を通知する（Ｓ３００７）。
【０１２９】
［実施例９］
つぎに本発明の実施例９を説明する。本実施例の構成は、実施例３と同じである。本実施例では、実施例３の全損失計算式の項に情報伝送装置１の使用料が加わる。
【０１３０】
【数２４】

情報損失は、情報伝送装置１に蓄積されている情報の利用料で、フルカラー画像、２５６色画像、１６色画像、白黒画像の値段がそれぞれ一つＡ１円、Ａ２円、Ａ３円、Ａ４円とあらかじめ決められて、情報伝送装置１に入力されている。この式をもとに全損失が計算され、色数が決定される。
【０１３１】
以上、画像とプログラムの伝送を例にとって説明してきたが、本発明は画像・プログラム伝送には限定されない。音声、映像であっても構わない。
【０１３２】
【発明の効果】
本発明の通信ネットワークによれば、データ伝送の種々のパラメータをデータ受信側のコストに換算し、トータルのコストが最も小さな態様でデータ伝送を行うようにしているので、受信側にとって最も望ましいデータ伝送が行える。また画像はできるだけオリジナルに近い方がよいという要求に対しては、画質の劣化による影響を考慮した損失を、できるだけ早く画像を入手したいという要求に対しては取得時間の人件費損失を、できるだけ安くすませたいという要求に対しては通信コストを、より重視した上で画像を変換することにより、個々のユーザの要求に最適な画像を得ることが可能になる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】 本発明の実施例１における通信ネットワークの概念図である。
【図２】 本発明の実施例１における価値評価関数を示す図である。
【図３】 本発明の実施例２におけるネットワーク構成、サーバー装置、クライアント装置の概念図を示す図である。
【図４】 本発明の実施例２におけるサーバー装置の構成を示すブロック図である。
【図５】 本発明の実施例２における通信制御部ＱｏＳネゴシエーションの動作を示すフローチャートである。
【図６】 本発明の実施例２における全損失計算機能の動作を示すフローチャートである。
【図７】 本発明の実施例２におけるデータ処理制御部の画像フォーマット決定機能の動作を示すフローチャートである。
【図８】 本発明の実施例２における全損失のグラフである。
【図９】 本発明の実施例３における全損失計算機能の動作を示すフローチャートである。
【図１０】 本発明の実施例３におけるデータ処理制御部の画像フォーマット決定機能の動作を示すフローチャートである。
【図１１】 本発明の実施例３における全損失のグラフである。
【図１２】 本発明の実施例４における全損失計算機能の動作を示すフローチャートである。
【図１３】 本発明の実施例４におけるデータ処理制御部の画像フォーマット決定機能の動作を示すフローチャートである。
【図１４】 本発明の実施例４における全損失のグラフである。
【図１５】 本発明の実施例５における全損失計算機能の動作を示すフローチャートである。
【図１６】 本発明の実施例５におけるデータ処理制御部の画像フォーマット決定機能の動作を示すフローチャートである。
【図１７】 本発明の実施例５における全損失のグラフである。
【図１８】 本発明の実施例６における全損失計算機能の動作を示すフローチャートである。
【図１９】 本発明の実施例６におけるデータ処理制御部の画像フォーマット決定機能の動作を示すフローチャートである。
【図２０】 本発明の実施例６におけるフレーム優先の場合の全損失のグラフである。
【図２１】 本発明の実施例６における色数優先の場合の全損失のグラフである。
【図２２】 本発明の実施例７における全損失計算機能の動作を示すフローチャートである。
【図２３】 本発明の実施例７におけるデータ処理制御部のプログラムセット決定機能の動作を示すフローチャートである。
【図２４】 本発明の実施例７における全損失のグラフである。
【図２５】 本発明の実施例８におけるクライアント装置の構成を示すブロック図である。
【図２６】 本発明の実施例８におけるクライアント装置のユーザ入力処理部の動作を示すフローチャートである。
【図２７】 本発明の実施例８におけるクライアント装置の画面のを表す図である。
【図２８】 本発明の実施例８における全損失計算機能の動作を示すフローチャートである。
【図２９】 本発明の実施例８におけるデータ処理制御部の画像フォーマット決定機能の動作を示すフローチャートである。
【図３０】 本発明の実施例８におけるデータ処理部の動作を示すフローチャートである。
【符号の説明】
１ 情報伝送装置
２ クライアント装置
４０１，２５０１ 送受信部
４０２，２５０２ 通信制御部
４０３ 全損失計算部
４０４ データ処理制御部
４０５ データ処理部
４０６ データ蓄積部
２５０４ ユーザ入力処理部
２５０５ 表示部[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a communication network for performing information communication by switching the form of information such as an image to be transmitted according to a transmission speed when transmitting information such as an image between terminals.
[0002]
[Prior art]
With the recent improvement in terminal performance, it has become possible to handle moving images, high-definition still images, and the like, and there is an increasing demand for handling various classes of traffic on the communication side. For example, real-time characteristics are required for a moving image, and transmission with few errors is required for a high-definition still image even if real-time characteristics are not required. In other words, the user has a request (request (1)) that the image should be as close to the original as possible.
[0003]
Therefore, in order to handle various classes of traffic, research has been conducted on technology for starting communication after guaranteeing bandwidth and delay by changing communication quality depending on the application, that is, control by QoS (Quality of Service). Yes. For example, in a hierarchical network such as OSI, when the upper layer of 5 layers or more uses the communication function provided by the transport layer (4 layers) or lower, the QoS such as throughput and delay is specified, and the transport layer is This is realized by performing communication control so as to satisfy the requested QoS.
[0004]
However, communication traffic increases with an increase in the number of computers connected to the network, and there are many cases where the transmission rate required by the application cannot be guaranteed by the QoS control. In this case, if there is time, the connection is postponed, or transmission is performed little by little over time. Further, if there is no time, the transmission content is processed. For example, it is realized by color reduction or compression for a still image and thinning out the number of frames for a moving image. However, since the user also has a request (request (2)) for obtaining an image as soon as possible, there is often no time for the user.
[0005]
Eventually, the image is processed, and in this case, it is difficult to expect the original image. For the user, it may be required to understand the contents. In that case, when the communication cost is high, the user has a request (request (3)) that the user wants to make it as cheap as possible. However, even in this case, the closer to the original, the shorter the time required for understanding. Therefore, request (3) is prioritized, and even a low-quality image with a small size does not meet the user's request.
[0006]
In the information processing apparatus and communication method disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-152668, when a moving image is acquired from a server, the client selects in advance whether quality priority or time priority. If quality priority is given, the server does not process the image. If the time is given priority and the time is given priority, the server can send out the number of frames or compress the image according to the congestion state of the network.
According to the method of the above publication, the requested image can be obtained in time even though the network is congested, although it is processed. That is, although the requirements (1) and (2) can be satisfied, the communication cost of image transmission is not taken into consideration, and there is a problem in that transmission with a merit for the user is not always possible.
[0007]
By the way, as an idea for determining whether there is any merit for the user, there is a determination method using a loss function (Taguchi: “Quality Engineering Case Collection in Japan”, Quality Engineering Course 5, Japanese Standards Association). In this method, a measure that cannot be compared in the same column, such as time and material quality, is converted into a cost by using an appropriate conversion parameter to determine whether or not an action to be selected is appropriate. However, the loss function has been used so far when selecting actions before creating the system, and it has not been dynamically reflected in the action selection by the loss function after the system is up and running. It was.
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and calculates a user's loss by acquiring information other than the original form, and based on that, switches the information to the optimum form and performs information communication. An object of the present invention is to provide a communication network that can perform communication.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, in a communication network in which a first station sending information sends information to a second station via the communication network, transmission characteristics of the communication network are detected. Means for detecting transmission characteristics, information type switching means for switching the form of information to be transmitted by preparing another form of requested information, and the value of the information to be transmitted as seen from the second station And a value evaluation means for judging the optimum from the result.
[0010]
In this configuration, various parameters for data transmission are converted into costs on the data receiving side, and data transmission is performed in a manner with the smallest total cost, so that data transmission that is most desirable for the receiving side can be performed. In addition, for the request that the image should be as close as possible to the original, a loss that takes into account the effects of image quality degradation should be considered. For the request that the image should be obtained as soon as possible, the labor cost loss for acquisition time should be as low as possible. It is possible to obtain an optimal image for each user's request by converting the image with a greater emphasis on the communication cost in response to the request to proceed.
[0011]
Further, in this configuration, the value evaluation means calculates a loss required for communication, a means for calculating the value of the transmitted information as viewed from the reception side, a cost required for the communication, and the reception side. It is possible to have a means for calculating and calculating the total loss using at least one of the tangible losses and a means for determining that the smaller the total loss is, the better.
[0012]
Further, the transmission characteristic detecting means can be provided with a mechanism for measuring the transmission characteristic of the communication network in real time.
[0013]
The communication network further includes means for receiving a parameter change request for calculating various losses such as a loss required for communication and a loss evaluated on a receiving side from a user who uses information communication, and the total loss calculation There may be provided means for changing the parameter for calculating the total loss in the means, and means for recalculating the total loss based on the changed parameter.
[0014]
The communication network may further include request storage means for storing the request of the data requester.
[0015]
The transmitted information is an image or a moving image, and the information form to be switched may be one or more parameters selected from the resolution, the number of colors, and the frame rate in the case of video.
[0016]
The transmitted information may be part or all of a program that can be interpreted and executed by a computer.
[0017]
In addition, the waiting time for the receiver to wait until the reception is completed is converted to labor costs, and the loss required for communication is calculated using at least one of the communication line usage fee and the labor costs. May be.
[0018]
Further, the means for calculating the value of the transmitted information viewed from the receiving side as a loss is a calculating means having a mechanism for converting the time until the receiver grasps the content of the transmitted information into personnel expenses. May be. In this case, the loss may be calculated on the assumption that the time until the content of the information is grasped decreases in inverse proportion to the logarithm of the information transmission amount.
[0019]
According to the present invention, in order to achieve the above-mentioned object, in a transmitting apparatus for performing information communication with a receiving station via a communication network, transmission characteristic detecting means for detecting a transmission characteristic of the communication network, and the receiving station Characterized in that it comprises value evaluation means for calculating the value and loss required for transmission and determining the optimum form, and information form switching means for switching the form of transmitted information to the optimum form for transmission. Yes.
[0020]
Also in this configuration, various parameters of data transmission are converted into costs on the data receiving side, and data transmission is performed in a mode with the smallest total cost, so that data transmission most desirable for the receiving side can be performed.
[0021]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Examples of the present invention will be described below.
[Example 1]
First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, a case where the station 2 requests acquisition of information stored in the station 1 will be described as an example.
[0022]
FIG. 1 shows the configuration of the station 1 (101) and the station 2 (102) in this embodiment and a conceptual diagram of the network. In FIG. 1, a transmission characteristic detection unit 103 has a function of detecting transmission characteristics of a communication network, and is realized by a process of a throughput measurement program, for example. The information form switching unit 104 has a function of preparing another form of requested information and a function of switching and transmitting the form of transmitted information, and is realized by a process of a control program, for example. Based on the information form prepared by the information form switching part 104 and the transmission characteristic detected by the transmission characteristic detection part 103, the value evaluation part 105 loses the user when the user receives information in that form. And a function for determining the most suitable form based on the loss, for example, realized by a numerical calculation program process. The information storage unit 106 has a function of storing information and a function of searching for designated information, and is realized by, for example, a memory or a disk. The communication network 107 is a communication network connecting the station 1 and the station 2 and may be wired or wireless.
[0023]
In this configuration, when the station 2 transmits an information acquisition request to the station 1, if there is information requested by the information storage unit 106, the information form switching unit 104 prepares one or a plurality of information forms. Is notified to the value evaluation unit 105. When the value evaluation unit 105 is other than the station 1, this notification is performed using a packet via the wired or wireless communication network 107. When the value evaluation unit 105 is in the station 1, this notification is performed by inter-process communication. In the following description, it is assumed that two types of forms 1 and 2 have been prepared.
[0024]
The transmission characteristic detection unit 103 checks the transmission characteristic of the communication network 107 and notifies the value evaluation unit 105 of the result. At this time, if the transmission characteristic detection unit 103 is not in the same device as the value evaluation unit 105, it is notified by a packet via the wired or wireless communication network 107, and if it is in the same device, it is notified by inter-process communication. The value evaluation unit 105 calculates, for each form, an evaluation value when information is received in that form. FIG. 2 shows the loss value for each form as a graph with the transmission speed as a parameter. If the speed is lower than the speed Va, the form 2 is transmitted. If the speed is equal to or greater than Va, the form 1 is transmitted.
[0025]
The value evaluation unit 105 determines an optimum form, and notifies the result to the information form switching unit 104 via a communication network or interprocess communication. Based on the result, the information form switching unit 104 transmits information on the form to the station 2 via the communication network 107 (path 108).
[0026]
The transmission characteristic detection unit 103 and the value evaluation unit 105 may be in the station 1 or the station 2 or on a communication network. The protocol used for communication between the station 1 and the station 2 may be an existing one.
[0027]
[Example 2]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. FIG. In the present embodiment, the first station that supplies information is a still image transmission apparatus.
[0028]
FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram of a station and a network in this embodiment. In this figure, the information transmission apparatus 1 (corresponding to the station 1 in FIG. 1) transfers data to the client 2 (corresponding to the station 2 in FIG. 1). Perform transmission. The client 2 communicates with the information transmission apparatus 1 via a public wireless line.
[0029]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the information transmission apparatus 1 of this embodiment. In this figure, the information transmission apparatus 1 includes a transmission / reception unit 401, a communication control unit 402, a total loss calculation unit 403, a data processing control unit 404, and data processing. A unit 405 and a data storage unit 406.
[0030]
The transmission / reception unit 401 is realized by an existing network interface board or the like. The communication control unit 402 is a process composed of a traffic measurement program and a QOS control program, for example. The total loss calculation unit 403 is, for example, a numerical calculation program process. The data processing control unit 404 is, for example, a numerical processing program process. The data processing unit 405 is, for example, a search program process. The data storage unit 406 is, for example, a memory or a disk.
[0031]
The transmission / reception unit 401 has a data link layer / physical layer data transmission / reception function.
[0032]
The communication control unit 402 has a QoS negotiation function and a transmission rate control function. An embodiment of the QoS negotiation function will be described with reference to FIG. First, upon receiving an image acquisition request from the client 2 (S501), the communication control unit 402 determines whether the information transmission apparatus 1 and the client 2 are on the same network based on an address or the like (S502) and places them on another network. If there is a certain client 2, the network router on the route to the client 2 is inquired about the congestion state (S503). A transmission rate V (bit / second) at which the smallest value can be transmitted is determined from the collected information (S504, S505). When the information transmission apparatus 1 and the client 2 are on the same network (S506), the information transmission apparatus 1 measures the throughput and determines the transmission speed V (S507). The transmission speed V is transmitted to the data processing control unit 404 (S508).
[0033]
The transmission rate control function sends a transmission start command using the determined transmission rate as a parameter to the transmission / reception unit 401.
[0034]
The total loss calculation unit 403 has a function of calculating the total loss of the user when the user receives information.
[0035]
In this embodiment, an image is not always sent, but an image or a character string describing the content of the image is selected and sent according to the transmission rate determined by the QoS negotiation function. At that time, using the total loss described below, the data processing control unit 404 determines a format in which the total loss is the smallest at the transmission rate determined by the communication control unit 402. The determined format is transmitted to the data processing unit 405.
[0036]
Here, the total loss is defined and calculated as follows.
[0037]
[Expression 1]

C: Communication cost (yen / min), D: Personnel cost (yen / sec), S: Data size (bit), V: Transmission speed (bit / sec), Q: Quality loss (yen)
[S / 60V] represents a minimum integer value exceeding S / 60V.
The communication cost and labor cost of the communication medium to be used are input to the information transmission apparatus 1 of this embodiment in advance. The communication loss is the actual communication cost and the labor cost for the communication time. The reason for calculating the labor cost is that when work is performed based on the image, the work does not proceed until the image is completely received. For the quality loss, the time taken to understand the image is wasted time, and is a loss, which is converted into a cost. The greater the number of colors, the shorter the time for understanding the image, and the smaller the quality loss. In this way, introduction of the concept of loss cost makes it possible to quantitatively compare things that cannot be compared, such as communication time and the number of colors of an image.
[0038]
A specific example of the user's total loss calculation function when the original image is black and white will be described with reference to FIG. First, the transmission rate is acquired from the communication control unit 402, the number of characters in a character string that explains the same content as the number of pixels of the image requested by the client 2 is acquired from the data storage unit 406, and the size is calculated (S601). . Let P be the number of pixels. The size for black and white is P (bit). When the number of characters is N, the size is 8N (bit) in the case of only alphanumeric characters. Next, assuming that the communication cost is the same at any speed, the communication loss is calculated together with the labor cost (S602). Next, quality loss is calculated (S603). Here, the loss is calculated based on the time to understand the images and characters. According to the document “Namba,“ Transmitted and Transparent Communication System Based on Packet Transfer, ”IEICE Technical Report IE76-74, 1976, when understanding the same amount of information only with images and only with characters So, it is known that understanding only with images is twice as fast. The time required to understand the information by looking at the image is T seconds. This time T is input to the data storage unit together with the image information, and is obtained simultaneously with the acquisition of the image information. In the case of only characters, it is 2T seconds. Therefore, the quality loss is as follows.
[0039]
[Expression 2]
In case of image Q = T × D = TD (Yen)
In the case of letters Q = 2T × D = 2TD (yen)
Next, the total loss is calculated together with the communication loss (S604), and the result is transmitted to the data processing control unit 404 (S605).
[0040]
Here, FIG. 8 shows the calculation result of the total loss when one image is acquired. It is assumed that the character string when the image cannot be acquired is one display screen. The parameters are as follows.
[0041]
[Equation 3]
Number of pixels: 640 x 480 (size for one screen)
Number of characters: 2000 (number of characters for one screen)
Personnel costs: 40 yen / min (estimated average personnel costs based on Statistics of the General Affairs Agency in 1994)
Communication cost: 60 yen / minute (for mobile phones)
Content understanding time: 5 seconds (for images)
As a result, when the transmission rate is slower than 60 kbps, it can be seen that it is more advantageous to send the information only with characters.
[0042]
The data processing control unit 404 has a transmission format determination function. An example of this function will be described with reference to FIG. First, the total loss calculation result is acquired from the total loss calculation unit (S701), and the format having the smallest total loss at the transmission speed V is determined (S702, S703, S704). The determined format is transmitted to the data processing unit 405 (S705). The data processing unit 405 has a transmission format conversion function, and retrieves and acquires information on the format from the data storage unit 406 in accordance with the format determined by the data processing control unit 404. The data storage unit 406 has an image data storage function, a character data storage function, an image data search function, and a character data search function. The image data storage function and the character data storage function are realized by a memory or a disk. The image search function and the character data search function are realized by existing database software.
[0043]
[Example 3]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 4, 9, 10, and 11. FIG. The information transmission apparatus 1 of this embodiment is a still image transmission apparatus.
[0044]
The configuration of the information transmission apparatus 1 (server apparatus) of the present embodiment is the same as that of the second embodiment (FIG. 4). However, unlike the second embodiment, the data storage unit 406 stores only still image data. The data processing unit 405 is, for example, an image processing program process.
[0045]
Further, in this embodiment, the operations of the total loss calculation unit 403, the data processing control unit 404, and the data storage unit 406 are different from those in the second embodiment, and thus will be mainly described.
[0046]
The total loss calculation unit 403 has a function of calculating the total loss of the user when the user receives information. In this embodiment, the original image is full color, but it is not always sent in full color, but the image is converted into 256 colors, 16 colors, and black and white according to the transmission speed determined by the QoS negotiation function and transmitted. To do. At this time, using the total loss described below, the data processing control unit 404 determines the number of colors with the smallest total loss at the transmission rate determined by the communication control unit 402. The determined number of colors is transmitted to the data processing unit 405.
[0047]
Here, the total loss is defined and calculated as follows.
[0048]
[Expression 4]

C: Communication cost (yen / minute), D: Personnel cost (yen / second), S: Image size (bit),
V: Transmission speed (bit / second), Q: Quality loss (yen)
A specific example of the user's total loss calculation function in the case of full color, 256 colors, 16 colors, and black and white will be described with reference to FIG. First, the number of pixels of the image requested by the client is acquired from the image data storage unit (S901). Here, P is the number of pixels. Based on the number of pixels, the data amount for full color, 256 colors, 16 colors, and black and white is calculated (S902). If each pixel is full color, it is made up of 24 bits of 3 primary colors, 8 bits in total, 256 colors are made up of 8 bits, 16 colors are made up of 4 bits, and black and white are made up of 1 bit, the data amount is as follows.
[0049]
[Equation 5]
Full color 24P (bit)
In the case of 256 colors, 8P (bit)
In the case of 16 colors 4P (bit)
For black and white P (bit)
The communication cost is the same at any speed, and the communication loss is calculated together with the labor cost (S903).
[0050]
Next, quality loss is calculated (S904). If the amount of information is the same, the time required to understand the information by looking at the image decreases in inverse proportion to the logarithmic value of the ratio of the transmission amount to the monochrome case. That is, it is assumed to be inversely proportional to 1 + log (transmission amount / transmission amount in the case of monochrome). This is consistent with the relationship between images and characters in the second embodiment.
[0051]
If the time required to understand the information by viewing a full-color image is T seconds, it takes 1.2 T seconds, 1.5 T seconds, and 2.4 T seconds for 256 colors, 16 colors, and black and white. Quality loss is calculated using the following formula.
[0052]
[Formula 6]
Full color Q = T × D = TD (yen)
For 256 colors Q = 1.2T x D = 1.2TD (yen)
For 16 colors Q = 1.5T × D = 1.5TD (yen)
For black and white Q = 2.4T × D = 2.4TD (yen)
The total loss is calculated together with the communication loss (S905), and the result is transmitted to the data processing control unit 404 (S906).
[0053]
The graph of total loss can be drawn as shown in FIG.
[0054]
The data processing control unit 404 has an image format determination function. An example of this function will be described with reference to FIG. First, the total loss calculation result is acquired from the total loss calculation unit (S1001), the total loss at the transmission speed V is compared, and the number of colors with the smallest total loss is determined (S1002). Here, the speeds Va, Vb, and Vc in FIG.
[0055]
[Expression 7]
Black and white if V <Va
16 colors if Va ≦ V <Vb
If Vb ≦ V <Vc, 256 colors
Full color if Vc ≦ V
It becomes. Then, the determined format is transmitted to the data processing unit 405 (S1003).
[0056]
The data processing unit 405 has an image format conversion function, and converts the color of the image to be transmitted according to the number of colors determined by the data processing control unit 404.
[0057]
The data storage unit 406 has a still image data storage function and an image search function. The still image data storage function is realized by a memory or a disk. The image search function is realized by existing database software.
[0058]
[Example 4]
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 4, 12, 13, and 14. FIG. The information transmission apparatus 1 of this embodiment is a still image transmission apparatus.
[0059]
The configuration of the server device of this embodiment is the same as that of the third embodiment (FIG. 4). However, the total loss calculation unit 403, the data processing control unit 404, and the data processing unit 405 will be described because they are different from the third embodiment.
[0060]
The total loss calculation unit 403 has a function of calculating the total loss of the user when the user receives information. In this embodiment, the image is not always transmitted at the same resolution, but is transmitted as it is, or the image resolution is reduced by 25% or 50% according to the transmission speed determined by the QoS negotiation function. At this time, using the total loss described below, the data processing control unit 404 determines the resolution that minimizes the total loss at the transmission rate determined by the communication control unit 402. The determined resolution is transmitted to the data processing unit 405.
[0061]
The calculation formula of the total loss is the same as that in the third embodiment.
[0062]
A specific example of the user's total loss calculation function when the resolution of the original image is maintained, when the resolution is reduced by 25%, and when the resolution is reduced by 50% will be described with reference to FIG. First, the resolution of the image requested by the client and the data amount of the image are acquired from the image data storage unit (S1201). Here, the data amount in the case of resolution R is assumed to be SR (bit). The amount of data when the resolution is 75% or 50% is calculated (S1202).
[0063]
[Equation 8]
For resolution R S _R (Bit)
9S for resolution 0.75R _R / 16 (bit)
When the resolution is 0.5R S _R / 4 (bit)
The communication cost is the same at any speed, and the communication loss is calculated together with the labor cost (S1203).
[0064]
Next, quality loss is calculated (S1204). Since the image quality deteriorates when the resolution is lowered, the time required to understand the information decreases in inverse proportion to the logarithmic value of the ratio of the transmission amount with respect to the resolution 0.5R. In other words, it is assumed to be inversely proportional to 1 + log (transmission amount / transmission amount when the resolution is 0.5R).
[0065]
Assuming that the time required to understand the information by looking at the original image is T seconds, the time for resolution 0.75R and resolution 0.5R is 1.2T seconds and 1.6T seconds, and the quality loss is Calculate with the following formula.
[0066]
[Equation 9]
In case of resolution R Q = T × D = TD (Yen)
In case of resolution 0.75R Q = 1.2T × D = 1.2TD (circle)
In case of resolution 0.5R Q = 1.6T × D = 1.6TD (Yen)
The total loss is calculated together with the communication loss (S1205), and the result is transmitted to the data processing control unit 404 (S1206).
[0067]
The graph of total loss can be drawn as shown in FIG.
[0068]
The data processing control unit 404 has an image format determination function. An example of this function will be described with reference to FIG. First, the total loss calculation result is acquired from the total loss calculation unit (S1301), the total loss at the transmission speed V is compared, and the resolution with the smallest total loss is determined (S1302). Here, the speeds Va and Vb in FIG.
[0069]
[Expression 10]
If V <Va, resolution 0.5R
If Va ≦ V <Vb, the resolution is 0.75R.
If Vb ≦ V, then resolution R
It becomes. The determined resolution is transmitted to the data processing unit 305 (S1303).
[0070]
The data processing unit 305 has an image format conversion function, and converts the resolution of an image to be transmitted in accordance with the resolution determined by the data processing control unit 304.
[0071]
[Example 5]
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 4, FIG. 15, FIG. 16, and FIG. The information transmission apparatus 1 of this embodiment is a still image transmission apparatus.
[0072]
The configuration of the information transmission apparatus 1 (server apparatus) of the present embodiment is the same as that of the third embodiment (FIG. 4). However, the total loss calculation unit 403, the data processing control unit 404, and the data processing unit 405 will be described because they are different from the third embodiment.
[0073]
The total loss calculation unit 403 has a function of calculating the total loss of the user when the user receives information. In this embodiment, the image is not always sent as it is, but is sent as it is according to the transmission speed determined by the QoS negotiation function, or the image is compressed with a compression rate of 50% or 10%. At that time, using the total loss described below, the data processing control unit 404 determines the compression rate at which the total loss is the smallest at the transmission rate determined by the communication control unit 402. The determined compression rate is transmitted to the data processing unit 405.
[0074]
The calculation formula of the total loss is the same as that in the third embodiment.
[0075]
An example of the user's total loss calculation function in the case of the original image, the compression rate of 50%, and 10% will be described with reference to FIG. First, the image data amount requested by the client is acquired from the image data storage unit (S1501). Here, the data amount is assumed to be SP (bit). When the compression rate is 50%, the data amount when 10% is calculated (S1502).
[0076]
[Expression 11]
When not compressing S _P (Bit)
When the compression ratio is 50% S _R / 2 (bit)
When the compression ratio is 10% S _R / 10 (bit)
The communication cost is the same at any speed, and the communication loss is calculated together with the labor cost (S1503).
[0077]
Next, quality loss is calculated (S1504). As the compression rate increases, the image quality at the time of expansion / contraction decreases, so that the time required to understand the information decreases in inverse proportion to the logarithmic value of the transmission rate ratio with respect to the compression rate of 10%. That is, it is assumed to be inversely proportional to 1 + log (transmission amount / transmission amount when the compression rate is 10%).
[0078]
Assuming that the time required to understand the information by looking at the original image is T seconds, the compression rate of 50% and the compression rate of 10% are 1.2T seconds and 2T seconds. Calculate with
[0079]
[Expression 12]
When not compressed Q = T × D = TD (yen)
When the compression rate is 50% Q = 1.2T × D = 1.2TD (yen)
When the compression ratio is 10% Q = 2T x D = 2TD (yen)
The total loss is calculated together with the communication loss (S1505), and the result is transmitted to the data processing control unit 404 (S1506). A graph of total loss can be drawn as shown in FIG.
[0080]
The data processing control unit 404 has an image format determination function. An example of this function will be described with reference to FIG. First, the total loss calculation result is acquired from the total loss calculation unit (S1601), the total loss at the transmission speed V is compared, and the compression rate with the smallest total loss is determined (S1602). Here, the speeds Va and Vb in FIG.
[0081]
[Formula 13]
If V <Va, compression rate 10%
If Va ≤ V <Vb, compression rate 50%
If Vb ≦ V, no compression
It becomes. The determined compression rate is transmitted to the data processing unit 405 (S1603).
[0082]
The data processing unit 405 has an image format conversion function, and compresses an image to be transmitted in accordance with a compression rate determined by the data processing control unit 404.
[0083]
[Example 6]
Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 4, 18, 19, 20, and 21. FIG. The information transmission apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is a moving image transmission apparatus.
[0084]
The configuration of the information transmission apparatus 1 (server apparatus) of the present embodiment is the same as that of the third embodiment (FIG. 4). However, unlike the third embodiment, the data storage unit 406 stores moving image data. The operations of the total loss calculation unit 403 and the data processing control unit 404 are different from those of the third embodiment and will be described.
[0085]
In the present embodiment, the moving image is not always sent with the same number of frames and colors, but the number of frames or the number of colors is changed according to the transmission speed V determined by the QoS negotiation function. Which is changed depends on the request from the user.
[0086]
Calculate the total loss as defined below.
[0087]
[Expression 14]

M: size of moving image (bit), other parameters are the same as in the third embodiment.
[0088]
An example of the total loss calculation function of the total loss calculation unit 403 will be described with reference to FIG. 18 when the original moving image has 256 colors (number of pixels P) and the number of frames N1 (frames / second). First, the total loss calculation unit 403 acquires the transmission rate from the communication control unit 402, and acquires the number of pixels and the number of frames of the moving image requested by the client 2 from the image data storage unit 406 (S1801). In response to a request from the data processing control unit 404, it is determined whether to calculate with priority on the number of frames or with priority on color (S1802). When priority is given to the number of frames, that is, when the user requests to maintain the number of frames, the number of pixels of the image per frame to be transmitted is P, the number of frames per second is the same, and N1 (frames / second) For each color number, the transfer amount (bit / second) is calculated by the following calculation formula (S1803).
[0089]
[Expression 15]
In the case of 256 colors 8 × P × N1 = 8PN1 (bit / second)
In the case of 16 colors 4 × P × N1 = 4PN1 (bit / second)
For black and white: 1 x P x N1 = PN1 (bit / sec)
Further, assuming that the communication cost is the same at any speed, the communication loss is calculated (S1804).
[0090]
The quality loss is the same calculation as in the third embodiment (S1805). The total loss is calculated together with the communication loss (S1806), and the completion of the calculation is notified to the data processing control unit (S1811). A graph of total loss can be drawn as shown in FIG. In the case of a moving image, reproduction is hindered if the transmission speed is smaller than each transfer amount (bit / second). Therefore, the graph of each total loss is represented by the transfer amount as the minimum value on the horizontal axis.
[0091]
Next, in the case of color priority, that is, when the user is requesting transmission with the original number of colors, the number of frames per second is reduced to N2 and N3 (N1>N2> N3). . The transfer amount (bit / second) for each number of frames is calculated by the following calculation formula (S1807).
[0092]
[Expression 16]
In the case of the number of frames N1, 8P × N1 = 8PN1 (bit / second)
In the case of the number of frames N2, 8P × N2 = 8PN2 (bit / second)
When the number of frames is N3: 8P x N3 = 8PN3 (bit / second)
Further, the communication cost is the same at any speed, and the communication loss is calculated together with the labor cost (S1808).
[0093]
Next, quality loss is calculated (S1809). Since the quality of the moving image is lowered when the number of frames is lowered, the time required for understanding the information is assumed to decrease in inverse proportion to the logarithm of the ratio of the transmission amount with respect to the case of the number of frames N3 (frames / second). In other words, it is assumed to be inversely proportional to 1 + log (transmission amount / transmission amount when the number of frames is N3 (frames / second)).
[0094]
The time required to understand the information by looking at the moving image of the frame number N1 (frames / second) is T1 seconds, and the time in the case of the frame number N2 and the frame number N3 is written as T2 seconds and T3 seconds. Is calculated by the following formula.
[0095]
[Expression 17]
When the number of frames is N1 T1 x D = T1D (yen)
When the number of frames is N2 T2 x D = T2D (yen)
When the number of frames is N3: T3 x D = T3D (yen)
The total loss is calculated together with the communication loss (S1810), and the calculation result is transmitted to the data processing control unit (S1811). The total loss graph can be drawn as shown in FIG. In the case of a moving image, reproduction is hindered if the transmission speed is smaller than each transfer amount (bit / second). Therefore, the graph of each total loss is represented by the transfer amount as the minimum value on the horizontal axis.
[0096]
The image format determination function of the data processing control unit 404 will be described with reference to FIG. The speed V determined from the communication control unit is acquired (S1901), and it is determined whether the request is frame number priority or color priority (S1902). In the case of priority on the number of frames, the total loss calculation result in the case of priority on the number of frames is acquired from the total loss calculation unit (S1903), and the number of colors with the smallest total loss is determined at the transmission speed V input from the communication control unit. LC1 is the total loss of 256 color images at the transmission rate V, and LC2 is the total loss of 16 color images. Here, the speeds Va and Vb in FIG.
[0097]
[Expression 18]
Black and white if PN1 ≦ V <Va
16 colors if Va ≦ V <Vb
256 colors if Vb ≦ V
Is determined. The determined format is transmitted to the data processing unit 405.
[0098]
When the color priority command is received, the total loss calculation result in the case of priority on the number of colors is acquired from the total loss calculation unit (S1903), and the number of frames with the smallest total loss at the transmission speed V is determined. LN1 is the total loss of the frame number N1 image at the transmission rate V, and LN2 is the total loss of the frame number N2 image.
[0099]
The decision function chooses the number of frames so that this total loss is always the smallest. Here, the speeds Va and Vb in FIG.
[0100]
[Equation 19]
If 8PN3 ≦ V <Va, N3 (sheets / second)
If Va ≦ V <Vb, N2 (sheets / second)
If Vb ≦ V, N1 (sheets / second)
Is determined. The determined format is transmitted to the data processing unit 405 (S1904).
[0101]
Also, when transmission is disabled, a transmission disabled message is transmitted to the data processing unit 405.
[0102]
The data processing unit 405 has an image format conversion function, and converts an image to be transmitted according to the number of frames and the number of colors determined by the data processing control unit 404. If transmission is not possible, a message to that effect is sent to the client.
[0103]
In the present embodiment, the number of frames is reduced in order to reduce the transmission size, but moving picture compression such as MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) may be used. In this case, the quality cost is calculated from the fact that when the compression ratio increases, the image quality at the time of expansion and contraction deteriorates. Also, it is possible to control the number of colors and the number of frames at the same time.
[0104]
[Example 7]
Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, consider a case where the client 2 downloads an application program with a network computer.
[0105]
The feature of network computers is that they have only a minimum storage medium, do not have application programs and files locally, and if necessary, download programs and files from other terminals such as a server via the network. is there.
[0106]
The configuration of the information transmission apparatus 1 (server apparatus) of the present embodiment is the same as that of the third embodiment (FIG. 4). However, unlike the third embodiment, the data storage unit 406 stores program data. The data processing unit 405 is, for example, an executable program processing program process. The operations of the total loss calculation unit 403 and the data processing control unit 404 are different from those of the third embodiment and will be described.
[0107]
In the present embodiment, the size of the program to be transmitted is changed according to the transmission rate determined by the QoS negotiation function, instead of always sending all the programs. For example, in the case of a program such as a browser of the WWW, a program having a minimum function, that is, a program set of a function that displays only text (hereinafter referred to as set 1), and a function that can also display an image A set (hereinafter referred to as “set 2”) and a program having a homepage customization function (hereinafter referred to as “full set”) are prepared, and at the transmission rate determined by the communication control unit 402 using the total loss described below. The data processing control unit 404 determines a program set with the smallest total loss. The determined program set is transmitted to the data processing unit 405.
[0108]
Here, the total loss is defined and calculated as follows.
[0109]
[Expression 20]

C: Communication cost (yen / min), D: Personnel cost (yen / sec), S: Program size (bit), V: Transmission speed (bit / sec), Q: Quality loss (yen)
The loss of quality is the time taken to understand the content when viewing the home page with a browser, wasted time, and is converted into cost. It takes less time to understand the content when the image can be displayed than when only the text is displayed. Furthermore, if an editing function is provided, it is possible to customize it so that the user can easily understand it, so that the time required to understand the information can be further shortened.
[0110]
An embodiment of the total loss calculation function of the total loss calculation unit 403 will be described with reference to FIG. First, the program size for the full set, set 1 and set 2 of the program requested by the client 2 is calculated (S2201). here,
[0111]
[Expression 21]
For set 1 P1 (bit)
For set 2 P2 (bit)
Full set P3 (bit)
(P1 <P2 <P3)
Suppose that The communication cost is the same at any speed, and the communication loss is calculated together with the labor cost (S2202).
[0112]
Next, quality loss is calculated (S2203). It is assumed that the time required to understand the information decreases in inverse proportion to the logarithmic value of the ratio of the transmission amount with the case of set 1. That is, it is assumed to be inversely proportional to 1 + log (transmission amount / transmission amount in the case of set 1).
[0113]
If the time required to understand when viewing information using the full set of programs is T seconds, and the times for set 1 and set 2 are written as T1 seconds and T2 seconds, the quality loss is calculated by the following formula: Calculated.
[0114]
[Expression 22]
For set 1 T1D (yen)
For set 2 T2D (yen)
Full set TD (yen)
The total loss is calculated together with the communication loss (S2204), and the result is transmitted to the data processing control unit (S2205). A graph of total loss can be drawn as shown in FIG.
[0115]
The data processing control unit 404 has a program set determination function, acquires the total loss calculation result from the total loss calculation unit 403, the transmission rate V from the communication control unit 402 (S2301), and the transmission input from the communication control unit 402 The program set having the smallest total loss at the speed V is determined (S2302). Here, the speeds Va and Vb in FIG.
[0116]
[Expression 23]
If V <Va, set 1
If Va ≦ V <Vb, set 2
Full set if Vb ≦ V
Is determined. Then, the determined program form is transmitted to the data processing unit 405 (S2303).
[0117]
The data processing unit 405 has a program editing function, and edits a program to be transmitted according to the program form determined by the data processing control unit 404.
[0118]
The program storage unit 406 has a program data storage function and a program search function. The image data storage function is realized by a memory or a disk. The image search function is realized by existing database software.
[0119]
[Example 8]
Next, an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, and 30. FIG. In this embodiment, the user requests a change in transmission quality during image reception, and the quality is changed by reflecting the request on the total loss.
[0120]
The information transmission apparatus (server apparatus) 1 of the present embodiment has the same configuration as that of the third embodiment.
[0121]
FIG. 25 is a block diagram of the client device 2 of this embodiment, which includes a transmission / reception unit 2501, a communication control unit 2502, a data processing unit 2503, a user input processing unit 2504, and a display unit 2505.
[0122]
The transmission / reception unit 2501 has a data link layer / physical layer data transmission / reception function, and is realized by an existing network card or the like. The communication control unit 2502 is realized by software having a packet processing function, ROM, or the like. If there is an input from the user input processing unit 2504, the communication control unit 2502 transmits the request to the transmission / reception unit 2501, and the transmission / reception unit 2501 transmits the request to the information transmission apparatus 1. Send to. The user input processing unit 2504 is a program that performs input processing when an instruction such as “increase in the number of colors” is given by a menu or button on the user interface of the application. FIG. 27 shows an example of a client screen in which two cars are displayed. Pressing the button above the “color” mark with the mouse increases the number of colors, and pressing the button below decreases the number of colors.
[0123]
To increase the number of colors means that it is more valuable for the user to have more colors at the present time, that is, the time required for understanding for each number of colors in the quality loss calculation of the total loss calculation formula of the third embodiment. Means that there is a difference beyond what was initially calculated.
[0124]
The user input processing unit 2504 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, a case where the interface shown in FIG. 27 is used will be described. You can increase or decrease the number of colors. First, in the state of waiting for user input (S2601), if there is an input, the type of the pressed button is detected (S2602). If the button increases the number of colors, a request to increase the time T is sent to the communication control unit 2502 (S2603). This increase value is predetermined as, for example, twice. When this message is sent to the information transmission apparatus 1, in the third embodiment, the full color time remains T, and becomes 256T for 2.4 colors, 3T for 16 colors, and 4.8T for black and white. If the button is to reduce the number of colors, a request to reduce the time T is sent to the communication control unit 2502 (S2603), and a message predetermined as, for example, 1/2 is sent.
[0125]
The data processing unit 2503 has an image processing function for processing an image to display received data, and is realized by an existing graphic card or the like. The display unit 2505 has a function of displaying data processed by the data processing unit, and is realized by a liquid crystal or the like.
[0126]
The operation of the total loss calculation unit 403 of the information transmission apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 28, in addition to the operation of the total loss calculation unit 403 of the third embodiment (FIG. 9), there is a step (S2807) of waiting for a request for parameter change after sending the end of total loss calculation to the data processing control unit 404. If requested, the time T is changed (S2808), the quality loss is calculated again (S2804), the total loss is calculated (S2805), and then a calculation end message is sent again to the data processing control unit 404 (S2806). If the transmission end message is received from the data processing control unit 404 (S2809), the processing is completed.
[0127]
The operation of the data processing control unit 404 of the information transmission apparatus 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 29, in addition to the operation of the data processing control unit 404 of the third embodiment (FIG. 10), the step of waiting for a calculation end message from the total loss calculation unit 403 after transmitting the number of colors to the data processing unit 405 (S2904). If the calculation end message is received, the loss result is acquired again (S2901), the number of colors that minimizes the total loss is determined (S2902), and the data processing unit 405 is notified (S2903). When a transmission end message is received from the data processing unit 405 (S2905), a transmission end message is transmitted to the total loss calculation unit 403 (S2906), and the process ends.
[0128]
The operation of the data processing control unit 404 of the information transmission apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 30, after acquiring the number of colors from the data processing control unit 404 (S3001), the requested image is acquired from the data storage unit 406, and if the number of colors is other than full color, the color is converted (S3002). The image is transmitted (S3003). If a new color number message is received from the data processing control unit on the way (S3004), the transmission is stopped (S3005), and the new color number is converted and transmitted. After transmitting the file end character (S3006), the data processing control unit 404 is notified of the end of transmission (S3007).
[0129]
[Example 9]
Next, a ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The configuration of the present embodiment is the same as that of the third embodiment. In the present embodiment, the usage fee for the information transmission apparatus 1 is added to the term of the total loss calculation formula of the third embodiment.
[0130]
[Expression 24]

Information loss is a fee for using information stored in the information transmission apparatus 1 and the prices of full color images, 256 color images, 16 color images, and black and white images are A1, Y2, A3, A4, respectively. It is determined in advance and inputted to the information transmission apparatus 1. Based on this equation, the total loss is calculated and the number of colors is determined.
[0131]
The image and program transmission has been described above as an example, but the present invention is not limited to image / program transmission. It may be audio or video.
[0132]
【The invention's effect】
According to the communication network of the present invention, various parameters for data transmission are converted into costs on the data receiving side, and data transmission is performed in a mode with the lowest total cost. Can be done. In addition, for the request that the image should be as close as possible to the original, a loss that takes into account the effects of image quality degradation should be considered. For the request that the image should be obtained as soon as possible, the labor cost loss for acquisition time should be as low as possible. It is possible to obtain an optimal image for each user's request by converting the image with a greater emphasis on the communication cost in response to the request to proceed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a communication network in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a value evaluation function in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a conceptual diagram of a network configuration, a server device, and a client device in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a server device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation of communication control unit QoS negotiation in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation of a total loss calculation function in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation of an image format determination function of a data processing control unit in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a graph of total loss in Example 2 of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the total loss calculation function in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation of an image format determination function of a data processing control unit in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a graph of total loss in Example 3 of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the total loss calculation function in Embodiment 4 of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an image format determination function of a data processing control unit according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a graph of total loss in Example 4 of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of the total loss calculation function in Embodiment 5 of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an image format determination function of a data processing control unit according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 17 is a graph of total loss in Example 5 of the present invention.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the operation of the total loss calculation function in Embodiment 6 of the present invention.
FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an image format determination function of a data processing control unit according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 20 is a graph of total loss in the case of frame priority in Example 6 of the present invention.
FIG. 21 is a graph of total loss when priority is given to the number of colors in Example 6 of the present invention.
FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the operation of the total loss calculation function in Embodiment 7 of the present invention.
FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a program set determination function of a data processing control unit according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 24 is a graph of total loss in Example 7 of the present invention.
FIG. 25 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a client device according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the user input processing unit of the client device according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating a screen of a client device according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the operation of the total loss calculation function in Embodiment 8 of the present invention.
FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an image format determination function of a data processing control unit according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a data processing unit according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Information transmission equipment
2 Client device
401, 2501 transceiver
402, 2502 Communication control unit
403 Total loss calculator
404 Data processing control unit
405 Data processing unit
406 Data storage unit
2504 User input processing unit
2505 display unit

Claims (10)

A communication network in which the first station on the transmission side and the second station on the reception side perform information communication via the communication network, and includes the following means (a) to (c): .
(A) Transmission characteristic detection means provided in any of the first station, the second station, and the communication network, for detecting the transmission characteristic of the communication network.
(B) It is provided in any of the first station, the second station, and the communication network, and determines the optimum form by calculating the value viewed from the receiving side of the information to be transmitted and the loss required for transmission. Value evaluation means to do. This value evaluation means further includes the following means (b1) to (b4).
(B1) A means for calculating a loss required for communication.
(B2) Means for calculating the value of the transmitted information as viewed from the reception side as a loss.
(B3) Means for calculating the total loss using both the loss required for the communication and the loss related to the value of information viewed from the receiving side.
(B4) A means for determining that the smaller the total loss is, the better.
(C) Information form switching means provided on the first station side for switching the form of transmitted information to the optimum form for transmission.   2. The communication network according to claim 1, wherein the transmission characteristic detecting means includes a mechanism for measuring the transmission characteristic of the communication network in real time. 2. The communication network according to claim 1 , wherein said value evaluation means receives a parameter change request for calculating various losses such as a loss required for communication and a loss evaluated on the receiving side from a user who uses information communication. A communication network comprising: a means for changing a parameter for calculating the total loss in the total loss calculating means in response to the change request; and a means for recalculating the total loss based on the changed parameter. . 4. The communication network according to claim 3 , wherein said value evaluation means includes request storage means for storing a request of a data requester.   2. The communication network according to claim 1, wherein the information to be transmitted is an image or a moving image, and the information form to be switched is one or a plurality of parameters selected from the frame rate in the case of resolution, number of colors, and video. A featured communication network.   2. The communication network according to claim 1, wherein the transmitted information is a part or all of a program that can be interpreted and executed by a computer. 2. The communication network according to claim 1 , wherein the waiting time for the receiver to wait until the reception is completed is converted into personnel expenses, and the loss required for communication is calculated by using at least one of the communication line usage fee and the personnel expenses. A communication network characterized by using and calculating. 2. The communication network according to claim 1 , wherein the means for calculating the value of the transmitted information viewed from the receiving side as a loss is a mechanism for converting the time until the receiver grasps the content of the transmitted information into personnel expenses. A communication network characterized by comprising a calculation means. 9. The communication network according to claim 8 , wherein the loss is calculated on the assumption that the time until the content of the information is grasped decreases in inverse proportion to the logarithm of the amount of information transmitted. A transmitting apparatus for performing information communication with a receiving station via a communication network, comprising the following means (a) to (c):
(A) Transmission characteristic detection means for detecting transmission characteristics of the communication network.
(B) Value evaluation means for calculating the value viewed from the receiving station and the loss required for transmission and determining the optimum form. This value evaluation means further includes the following means (b1) to (b4).
(B1) A means for calculating a loss required for communication.
(B2) Means for calculating the value of the transmitted information as viewed from the reception side as a loss.
(B3) Means for calculating the total loss using both the loss required for the communication and the loss related to the value of information viewed from the receiving side.
(B4) A means for determining that the smaller the total loss is, the better.
(C) Information form switching means for switching the form of transmitted information to the optimum form for transmission.

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