JP4281008B2 - Distribution request management device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a method, apparatus, etc. for managing a distribution request for a signal including content data. Furthermore, it is most suitable when a signal including data in a streaming format is distributed to the mobile terminal device using wireless communication.

  For example, in a network (telecommunications network) such as the so-called Internet, distribution of signals including content (content) data such as sound and moving images (hereinafter referred to as content distribution) has been conventionally performed. In order to distribute content, a signal including an instruction to request distribution of necessary content is transmitted from a certain processing device (for example, a computer) to a computer called a content providing server that stores content data via a network. (Hereinafter, this signal is referred to as a distribution request, and sending a distribution request is referred to as a distribution request). For example, the instruction is distributed by instructing a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) in which the location on the network where the content data is stored and the content distribution method (protocol (contract), etc.) are described. The request is directed. The content providing server distributes content based on the distribution request. Here, there are various methods for distributing content.

  One of them is a method of distributing content in a streaming format. In the distribution in the streaming format, the content providing server distributes (successively) a signal including the content data in the packet format, for example, to the requesting processing device based on the distribution request. The distribution request source processing device temporarily stores (decodes) the data included in the received signal, for example, and sequentially reproduces the content (this is called streaming reproduction) (for example, Patent Documents). 1).

  Here, the content providing server is normally requested for distribution from a plurality of processing devices. However, if the number of distribution requests increases, the load on the distribution processing increases, and if a certain load is exceeded, all distribution requests cannot be processed. . In addition, there is a limit to the communication line network to which the content providing server is connected, and data signal distribution exceeding the amount that can be transmitted cannot be performed. Therefore, for example, when the number of distribution requests and the amount of signals that can be distributed in response to the request exceed a certain limit, processing for rejecting the distribution request for the excess is not performed. Therefore, when such processing is performed, the distribution processing is not performed for the distribution requests exceeding the above.

JP 2003-85084 A (page 4, FIG. 1)

  On the other hand, the received processing device sequentially processes the content data and performs streaming reproduction. Therefore, if the data processing is interrupted, the content is also interrupted. Therefore, in order to provide a highly reliable service (including the content providing server), the side providing the communication service delays the data signal distribution to the processing device as much as possible so as not to interrupt the streaming playback of the content. Must be done. In this way, stable data signal distribution is particularly required for streaming content.

  Here, there is a possibility that the data service delivery capability exceeding the delivery processing capability of the content providing server cannot be secured on the communication service providing side. For example, the case where the processing device is a mobile terminal device such as a WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) terminal capable of processing streaming data and performing streaming reproduction is the case. In this case, data signal distribution is finally performed by wireless communication between the wireless base station and the mobile terminal apparatus. However, in wireless communication, the amount of signal data that can be communicated is sacrificed from the viewpoint of ensuring reliability. . For this reason, restrictions are imposed on data signal distribution compared to wired signal distribution (however, this applies not only to wireless communication but also to wired communication in some cases). Further, even if a data signal distribution that exceeds the data signal distribution capability is performed from the content providing server, the communication load on the communication network that provides the communication service increases. For this reason, even the communication service provider cannot simply make all distribution requests to the content providing server and simply distribute the data signal from the content providing server.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a distribution request management method and the like that can perform data signal distribution while maintaining high reliability on the side of providing a communication service. Moreover, it is an object of the present invention to provide a distribution request management method and the like suitable particularly when distributing to a mobile terminal device via a mobile communication network.

A distribution request management apparatus according to the present invention is a streaming format content data distribution request transmitted from a mobile communication network to which a mobile terminal apparatus having a wireless communication function belongs to a communication network having at least one content providing server. A distribution request management apparatus for managing the distribution request, the counting means for counting the distribution request transmitted from the mobile terminal device, and the maximum number of deliverables determined in advance, based on the amount of data transmitted in the mobile communication network, In the range of the maximum number of deliverables, the number of reservations of distribution requests for content data related to at least one specific content, the reservation upper limit number of reservations more than the reservation number, and the content data arbitrarily determined in advance a setting storing means for storing the bandwidth range that represents the delivery tolerance of the bit rate, set Within the scope of the distributable than the maximum number stored in憶means, transmits a delivery request of content data to the content providing server, the distribution request for content data according to the specific content, the number of reservation stored in the setting storage unit If the distribution request is within the range, the content is sent to the content providing server, and if the distribution request is within the range from the reservation number to the reservation upper limit number, the distribution is performed for the content data related to a plurality of specific contents from the maximum distributable number. A transmission request for transmitting to the content providing server within a range obtained by subtracting the total number of reservations of the request, and a distribution request based on a signal transmitted from the content providing server when a content data distribution request is made to the content providing server. A confirmation means for confirming the bit rate of the content data related to the content data stored in the setting storage means. Based on the bandwidth range includes, when the bit rate of the content data is determined not to be included in the bandwidth range, and a transmission stopping means does not deliver the content data to a mobile terminal device that requested the delivery of the content data.

  The number of reservations is set so that the carrier can guarantee a certain number of line connections to the operator of the content providing server. A distribution request exceeding the number of reservations is transmitted to a specific content providing server, but connection is not guaranteed. The upper limit is (maximum number of deliverables−total number of reservations). The number of reservations is preferably set from the distribution request management device side.

  The reservation upper limit number is set for the purpose of permitting connection within a certain range when there is a distribution request exceeding the reservation number. Accordingly, the reservation upper limit number ≧ the reservation number is always satisfied, and the reservation upper limit number-reservation number distribution request is processed in the same manner as a normal distribution request, but the upper limit is (maximum number of deliverable-total number of reservations) Become. When there is a distribution request to a specific content providing server exceeding the reservation upper limit number, the distribution request is not transmitted, the connection is rejected, and an error message is displayed on the mobile terminal device side. The reservation upper limit number is preferably set from the distribution request management apparatus side. In the non-priority transmission process, when a reservation upper limit number is set, a distribution request exceeding the reservation number is transmitted in the same manner as a normal distribution request without performing the priority transmission process described later. It is. The upper limit is the reservation upper limit number when the reservation upper limit number is set, and the maximum deliverable number when the reservation upper limit number is not set.

Further, the transmission means of the distribution request management apparatus according to the present invention does not transmit a distribution request to a specific content providing server when the reservation upper limit number is zero.

In addition, the distribution request management apparatus according to the present invention determines whether or not a reservation start condition relating to the start of a distribution request for content data related to specific content stored in the setting storage unit is determined in advance. When it is determined that the reservation start condition is met, the transmission unit starts a transmission process related to a distribution request for content data related to specific content . In other words, even if the number of connections for other distribution requests increases, if (maximum number of distribution-total number of reservations) is exceeded, the distribution request is not transmitted, the connection is rejected, and the mobile terminal device side Displays an error message. Here, it is conceivable that the reservation start condition is that the reservation is started at a predetermined date and time, for example.

In addition, the distribution request management apparatus according to the present invention determines whether or not a reservation end condition relating to the end of a distribution request for content data related to a specific content, which is predetermined and stored in the setting storage unit, is met. When it is determined that the reservation end condition is met, the transmission unit stops the transmission process related to the distribution request for the content data related to the specific content.

  In addition, since the number of reservations is set within a range equal to or less than the maximum number, it is possible to determine the priority order for specific content regarding distribution. Further, by setting in advance, it is possible to ensure the minimum compensation of data signal distribution for specific content under the maximum number of restrictions, and to improve reliability. Then, by determining the reservation upper limit number, it is possible to deal with a distribution request larger than the reservation number. In addition, since the data signal distribution for the specific content can be suppressed in advance simply by setting the reservation upper limit number to 0, the setting is easy and it is possible to immediately cope with a failure of the content providing server. It is also convenient from the aspect of public order and morals.

  Then, based on the reservation start conditions, the number of unused requests is allocated until the set reservation number is reached, so that the number of reservations is secured, which affects the data signal distribution as much as the distribution request is made at that time. The number of reservations can be ensured smoothly without giving Conversely, if it is determined that the reservation end condition is satisfied, the reserved number of reservations is released, so that the number of reservations can be released smoothly.

  Further, according to the present invention, if it is determined that a signal including content data for which signal distribution is requested is a signal outside an arbitrarily defined band range, signal distribution including data of a certain content is not performed. As a result, the content distribution service can be made uniform and the quality can be improved. In addition, since the signals are uniformized, the number of users can be made constant within the range of given resources such as equipment. In addition, when the bandwidth is large, the amount of signal is large and stable distribution cannot be performed. Therefore, by not performing such data signal distribution in advance, the user (the person who requested the distribution) is consequently obtained. Contribute to satisfaction.

  In addition, since each setting of the present invention can be arbitrarily performed, it is possible to immediately cope with a condition change based on an equipment change or the like. In addition, in the case where a certain communication network is a mobile communication network for performing wireless communication with a mobile terminal device, an unstable factor of data signal distribution by wireless communication can be buffered, so that it is particularly effective. .

Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a system configuration according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, a mobile communication network 10 is a telecommunications network composed of, for example, a radio base station, a radio communication control device, an exchange, etc. (not shown). At least radio signal transmission / reception is performed between the mobile terminal apparatus 11 serving as the final data signal distribution destination and the radio base station (content data signal distribution is performed in the present embodiment).

  One or more content providing servers 31 exist on the communication network 30. Each content providing server 31 stores content data in one or more streaming formats. The stored content is distributed based on the distribution request.

  The service network 20 is a network composed of at least a proxy device 21 and a distribution request management device 22, and is an electric communication line that plays a role of bridging (relaying) between the mobile communication network 10 and the communication network 30 for data signal distribution. It is a net. The proxy processing device 21 is a node between the service network 20 and the communication network 30 and is configured by, for example, a computer or the like that acts as a proxy for data signal distribution from the content providing server 31 based on a distribution request transmitted from the mobile communication network 10 side. Server (processing device). First, based on a distribution request from the mobile communication network 10 side, a distribution request is made to the content providing server 31 that stores the content data. When the content distribution server 31 distributes the content in the streaming format, for example, after temporarily storing the content data, the data signal is distributed to the mobile communication network 10 side. This is for buffering a delay in data signal distribution that may occur depending on the traffic state of the communication network 30, for example. In some cases, data of one or a plurality of contents can be stored (stored) in the proxy processing device 21. In such a case, the proxy processing device 21 serves as the content providing server 31 and performs data signal distribution in response to the content distribution request.

  The distribution request management device 22 is provided between the mobile communication network 10 and the proxy processing device 21. In the present embodiment, only the distribution request from the mobile communication network 10 that satisfies a predetermined setting condition is satisfied. The data is transmitted to the content providing server 31 via the proxy processing device 21. The request processing means 22A is generally composed of a computer or the like called a server. Based on the setting data stored in the setting storage means 22C, it is determined whether or not the distribution request from the mobile communication network 10 satisfies the setting conditions. If the setting condition is satisfied, processing for requesting distribution to the proxy processing device 21 is performed, and the content providing server 31 causes the mobile terminal device 11 to perform data signal distribution via the proxy processing device 21. If the setting condition is not satisfied, a process of rejecting the distribution request without transmitting it to the proxy device 21 (hereinafter referred to as congestion avoiding process) is performed. A message to that effect is displayed on the display means (not shown) of the mobile terminal device 11 that has been subjected to the congestion avoidance process. It also has time measuring means (not shown) such as a timer, a clock, etc., and performs time management related to securing and releasing the number of reservation requests for specific content data. Further, each means constituting the distribution request management device 22 is controlled.

  The signal communication unit 22B converts a signal transmitted to the service network 20, such as a distribution request from the mobile communication network 10 and a signal based on data signal distribution from the communication network 30, into data in a format that can be processed by the request processing unit 22A. . Conversely, processing for converting data from the request processing means 22A into a signal that can be transmitted to the mobile communication network 10 and the communication network 30 via the service network 20 is performed. Hereinafter, although not specifically shown, transmission and reception of signals between the request processing unit 22A and the service network 20 are all performed through the signal communication unit 22B. The setting storage unit 22C stores (registers) setting data input in advance by the administrator via the setting input unit 22D so that the request processing unit 22A performs a series of request management processing. Further, the setting input unit 22D is a unit by which, for example, an operator on the communication service providing side inputs a setting instruction for request management as a signal and performs setting. Here, the setting storage unit 22C and the setting input unit 12 do not have to be directly connected to the request processing unit 22A, and are connected in an environment capable of transmitting and receiving signals including setting data, such as another communication network. It may be. Further, the signal processing unit 22B and the setting storage unit 22C may be built in the request processing unit 22A.

  2 and 3 are views showing an image of request management performed by the distribution request management apparatus 22 centering on the request processing means 22A. Next, distribution request management centering on the request processing means 22A will be described. First, the setting process of the maximum deliverable number will be described. The operator causes the setting storage unit 22C to store the arbitrarily set maximum distributable number (= maximum data signal distribution number) via the setting input unit 12. In this embodiment, it is assumed that data signal distribution is set for a maximum of 1000 distribution requests (including duplicate contents). For this reason, a congestion avoiding process is performed in which a count is counted by a counter or the like, the distribution request exceeding the maximum distributable number (1001 or more) and having no space for data signal distribution is rejected without being transmitted to the proxy device 21. Do. For example, a signal including message data indicating that distribution is not possible is transmitted to the mobile terminal apparatus 11 that has transmitted the distribution request signal rejected by the congestion avoidance process. Here, the maximum distributable number may be set based on the signal amount (data amount) that can be transmitted by the service network 20 and the mobile communication network 10.

  In addition, in order to secure a distribution request for specific content, a necessary number of reservations can be set from the maximum number of distributable numbers (hereinafter, this number is referred to as the number of reservation requests). In the case of making a reservation, the reservation securing start condition (start time) if the content name to be reserved, etc., specifies the content, the number of reservation requests, the upper limit number of requests, and the content is limited, for example, for a limited time Etc.), reservation end (opening) conditions (opening time, time, etc.), etc. can be set as setting data. Here, the number of reservation requests ≦ the upper limit number of requests ≦ the maximum number of deliverables is required. When the number of reservation requests is set, even if the number of distribution requests for specific content does not satisfy the number of reservation requests, it is necessary to secure the number of requests. Therefore, when the number of reservation requests is set, depending on the number of remaining requests (not only specific content data but also distribution requests for other content data; hereinafter referred to as general requests) Congestion avoidance processing is performed. Further, when making reservations for a plurality of contents, a total request upper limit number obtained by summing up the plurality of reservations can be set. This is to prevent a distribution request for a specific content from squeezing a general request, and to prevent a setting error in which the total number of reservations exceeds the maximum distributable number. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the total request upper limit number is only used for confirmation when making reservations for a plurality of contents. Also in the total request upper limit number, it is necessary that the total request upper limit number ≦ the sum of a plurality of request upper limit numbers. As described above, when a distribution request is made for a specific content exceeding the number of reservation requests, the distribution request is made to the proxy processing device 21 in the same manner as a general request within the range of the request upper limit number. If the number of reservation requests is equal to the upper limit number of requests, when a distribution request exceeding the number of reservation requests is made, the content distribution request is not handled in the same way as a general request, and congestion avoiding processing is performed.

  In FIG. 2A, the reservation request count is set to 200 and the request upper limit count is set to 400 for the content A distribution request. Similarly, for the content B distribution request, the reservation request count is set to 200, and the request upper limit count is set to 400. The total upper limit number of content A and content B is set to 500. Here, since the number of reservation requests for content A and content B (400 in total) must be secured, the general request portion (request number 600) as shown in FIG. Congestion avoidance processing is performed for the number of requests exceeding 601 (601 or more).

  Further, when the request upper limit number is set to 0 as in the content C (the reservation request number is necessarily 0), a distribution request for the content C is sent to the proxy device 21 as shown in FIG. By performing the congestion avoiding process without transmitting, the data signal distribution of the content C can be suppressed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3A, when 201 or more distribution requests greater than the number of reservation requests are made for the content A, the proxy is handled in the same manner as a general request within the range of the request upper limit number (400). The processing device 21 is requested to distribute the content. Therefore, a congestion avoiding process is performed in which a distribution request for content A 401 or more, which is larger than the request upper limit number 400, is rejected. 3B, since the number of reservation requests and the request upper limit number are the same, if a distribution request exceeding the number of reservation requests is made, the distribution request to content B is Congestion avoidance processing is performed.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the processing of the request processing means 22A when it is determined that a distribution request is made for the content for which the number of reservation requests is set based on the above description. This process can also be applied to content for which data signal distribution is suppressed. It is determined whether the distribution request transmitted from the mobile terminal device 11 via the mobile communication network 10 is made within the range of the number of reservation requests (S1). If it is determined that there is no free space for the number of reservation requests, it is first determined whether or not the reservation is made within the range of the request upper limit number (S2). If it is determined that the distribution request is a number of distribution requests larger than the request upper limit number, congestion avoidance processing by rejection is performed on the distribution request (S6).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the request is made within the range of the request upper limit number, it is determined whether or not a distribution request can be made in the same manner as a general request (S3). If it is determined that there is no vacancy in the general request and a distribution request cannot be made, a congestion avoidance process is performed on the distribution request (S6).

  If it is determined in S1 that the request is made within the number of reservation requests, or if it is determined in S3 that a distribution request can be made in the same manner as a general request, it is determined whether the number is within the range of the maximum number of deliverables (S4). ). If it is determined that it is within the range of the maximum deliverable number, a delivery request is made to the proxy device 21 (S5). If it is determined that the number of distribution requests is greater than the maximum distributable number, congestion avoiding processing is performed on the distribution request (S6).

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a signal flow when the setting condition is satisfied. A signal that contains data for negotiation of "DESCRIBE", "SETUP", and "PLAY", including control data, and status code of response to those signals (status code indicating "OK" in FIG. 5) After data transmission / reception is performed, data signal distribution in the actual streaming format is performed. In the case of termination, transmission / reception of a “TEARDOWN” signal and a response signal to the signal is performed, and distribution of content to the mobile terminal device 11 is terminated. In FIG. 5, a protocol called RTP (Real Time Transport Protocol), which is used for distributing sound and moving images, is used for distributing contents in the present embodiment. Also, a protocol called RTSP (Real Time Streaming Protocol) is used for distributing streaming content by RTP.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing processing for securing the number of reservation requests set for a certain content. FIG. 6A is a flowchart, and FIG. 6B is a diagram showing an image. Next, a procedure for securing the number of reservation requests set by the request processing means 22A will be described. At the set time, it is determined at that time whether or not the number of unused general request distribution requests is equal to or greater than the number of reservation requests (S11). If the unused number is equal to or greater than the number of reservation requests, all the reservation request numbers are secured as they are for reservation requests of the contents (S12). Here, securing means that a distribution request other than the content is not accepted. If the number of unused general requests is smaller than the number of reservation requests, the number of unused requests is reserved for reservation requests for the time being (S13). It is determined whether or not all the reservation request numbers have been secured (S14). If it is not secured, it is then determined whether or not a general request has a vacancy (S15), and if a vacancy is created, it is sequentially reserved for reservation (S13). And it keeps securing from a general request | requirement until it judges that it was securable (S14).

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an image of processing for releasing a reservation request. Next, a case where a reservation request for a certain content is released will be described. For example, 100 is set as the number of reservation requests for content C. When the set release condition (here, the release time) is reached, the request processing means 22A does not newly perform the processing shown in FIG. And assigning as part of the general request. In other words, the content C is handled in the same manner as a normal general request without determining whether or not the content C is a distribution request.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an image of processing that reflects data signal distribution suppression or the end of suppression. FIG. 8A shows reflection of suppression, and FIG. 8B shows reflection of suppression end. The operator inputs a setting instruction with a request upper limit number of 0 for specific content (content D in FIG. 8) via the setting input means 22D, and stores the setting data in the setting storage means 22C. When the request processing unit 22A determines that the setting data is stored in the setting storage unit 22C, the request processing unit 22A immediately executes a rejection of the distribution request for the content D.

  Next, the end of suppression of data signal distribution will be described. The operator inputs a setting instruction for deletion (end of inhibition) of specific content (content D in FIG. 8) with the requested upper limit number being 0 through the setting input means 22D, and stores the setting data in the setting storage means 22C. The data for deletion or suppression termination is stored. When the request processing unit 22A determines that the setting data stored in the setting storage unit 22C has been deleted or the suppression end setting is stored, the request processing unit 22A receives a general request or 0 from the distribution request for the content D If a large number of distribution reservations is set, it is treated as a reservation request, and processing for the distribution request is immediately executed.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, an arbitrary maximum deliverable number is input and registered (stored) in the setting storage unit 22C, and the request processing unit 22A is based on the maximum deliverable number. The distribution request within the range is requested to the content providing server 31 via the proxy processing device 21, so that the mobile communication network 10 is provided with, for example, a large number of packet formats. Since it is possible to prevent the signal from being distributed in advance, it is not necessary to apply a communication load to the mobile communication network 10. At that time, by arbitrarily setting the number of reservation requests for a specific content distribution request, compensation for at least a certain number of assumptions regarding the distribution of specific content can be made even under the restrictions on the maximum number of deliverables. Can be planned. In addition, by arbitrarily setting the reservation upper limit number, a distribution request for a specific content can be requested in the same manner as a general request if there is a space, so that a flexible response can be made. In addition, since the data signal distribution for the specific content can be suppressed in advance simply by setting the reservation upper limit number to 0, the setting is easy and it is possible to immediately cope with a failure of the content providing server. It is also convenient from the aspect of public order and morals.

  And when the request processing means secures the number of reservation requests based on the reservation start condition such as the reservation start time, the reservation number is secured by allocating until the number of reservations set to the unused number of general requests. The number of reservations can be ensured smoothly without affecting the data signal distribution as much as the distribution request is made at that time. Conversely, if it is determined that the reservation end condition is satisfied, the reserved number of reservations is released, so that the number of reservations can be released smoothly. Furthermore, since each setting can be performed arbitrarily, it is possible to immediately cope with a condition change based on equipment change or the like. In addition, when the data signal distribution destination (distribution request source) is the mobile terminal device 11 that is performed via the mobile communication network 10, the maximum number of deliverables in consideration of the instability of data signal distribution by wireless communication, etc. Since the instability can be buffered by setting the above, it is particularly effective. Here, the above-described distribution management method is particularly effective for data signal distribution of a streaming format content in which a large amount of signal amount must be stably distributed, but is particularly limited to the streaming format. It is not something that can be done.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an image of the bandwidth limiting process of the request processing unit 22A according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the above-described embodiment, the content data distributed by the data signal is not particularly defined. However, actually, there are various bit rate band data in the streaming content data to be distributed, and the signal (data) amount increases as the bit rate increases. In addition, when the bit rate is high, there is a mobile terminal device 11 that cannot process data and cannot perform streaming reproduction depending on the case. Nevertheless, it is not preferable from the viewpoint of communication load that such a large amount of data signals are distributed to the mobile communication network 10. In some cases, the data signal distribution of the content corresponding to the maximum distributable number cannot be performed.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, before data signal distribution is actually performed, band limitation processing is performed so that data signal distribution of content in a band larger than a preset bit rate is not performed. For example, in FIG. 10, a bit rate of 64 kbps permits data signal distribution, and a bit rate of 128 kbps indicates that data signal distribution is not permitted.

  As the method, for example, the signal indicating the bit rate of the content is included in the response signal to “DESCRIBE” in FIG. 5 described above. Specifically, the value of the bit rate band of the content is described in the area of Media Description B-Bandwidth information in the signal. Therefore, if the request processing means 22A determines that the bit rate is higher or higher than the bit rate set in advance by the operator, the request processing means 22A moves a signal including status code or message data indicating that delivery is impossible via the mobile communication network 10. It transmits to the terminal device 11. Based on the received signal, the mobile terminal device 11 displays that the distribution or streaming reproduction cannot be performed. With this series of processing, the session by connection with the content distribution server 31 (proxy processing device 21) is completed. Here, since the “PLAY” signal is not transmitted to the content providing server 31, data signal distribution from the content providing server 31 is not performed. If it is determined that the bit rate is lower or lower than the bit rate set in advance by the operator, data signal distribution is performed as shown in FIG. Since the bit rate is determined based on the data in the response signal, it can be determined before the signal containing content data with a large amount of data is actually distributed, so there is no load. I'm sorry. In addition, for example, when charging is performed according to the amount of signal (data amount) distributed, such as the amount of packets, it is more convenient for the user to determine at this stage.

  Another method is to store (register) data related to content exceeding the assumed bit rate (for example, content name) in the setting storage means 22C and include it in the distribution request when there is a distribution request. You may make it judge based on the data to be.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, when the request processing unit 22A determines that it is out of the band range of the arbitrarily determined bit rate, the data signal is not distributed for the content. Therefore, it is possible to make the content distribution service uniform and improve the quality. Also, since all signal amounts are within a certain bit rate range and uniform, the number of users can be made almost constant within the range of given resources such as equipment. In addition, content that has a high bit rate and cannot be distributed stably is not distributed in advance, so compensation for content interruptions can be made, resulting in the satisfaction of users (who requested distribution). To do. Furthermore, since each setting can be performed arbitrarily, it is possible to immediately cope with a condition change based on equipment change or the like. In addition, when the data signal distribution destination (distribution request source) is the mobile terminal device 11 that is performed via the mobile communication network 10, the maximum number of deliverables in consideration of the instability of data signal distribution by wireless communication, etc. Since the instability can be buffered by setting, the effect can be exhibited particularly.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
In the above-described embodiment, the description has been given on the assumption that one communication network on which the service network 20 bridges is the mobile communication network 10 and performs data signal distribution to the mobile terminal device 11, but the present invention is directed to the mobile terminal device 11. It is not limited to data signal distribution. For example, the present invention can be applied to the case where data signal distribution is performed to a processing apparatus such as a normal computer.

Embodiment 4 FIG.
In the above-described embodiment, the service network 20 includes the proxy processing device 21 and the distribution request management device 22. Normally, the proxy processing device 21 is usually provided from the viewpoint of reliability of data signal distribution, security measures, etc., but the present invention is not particularly limited to this, and the distribution request management device 22 directly Alternatively, a distribution request may be made to the content providing server 31. In the above-described embodiment, the distribution request management device 22 is made independent and separated from the proxy processing device. However, the proxy processing device 21 and the distribution request management device 22 may be configured by the same device. Good.

It is a figure showing the system form which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure (the 1) showing the image of the request management which the distribution request management apparatus 22 centering on the request processing means 22A performs. It is the figure (the 2) showing the image of the request management which the distribution request management apparatus 22 centering on the request processing means 22A performs. It is a figure showing the process of the request | requirement process means 22A when it is judged that the delivery request | requirement was made to the content in which the number of reservation requests etc. were set. It is a figure showing the flow of a signal at the time of satisfy | filling setting conditions. It is a figure showing the process for ensuring the reservation request number set with respect to a certain content. It is a figure showing the image of the process which cancels | releases a reservation request. It is a figure showing the image of the process which reflects the suppression of a data signal delivery, or the end of suppression. It is a figure showing the image of the band limiting process of the request | requirement process means 22A which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Mobile communication network 11 Mobile terminal apparatus 20 Service network 21 Proxy processing apparatus 22 Distribution request management apparatus 22A Request processing means 22B Signal communication means 22C Setting storage means 22D Setting input means 30 Communication network 31 Content providing server

Claims (4)

A distribution request management apparatus that manages a distribution request for streaming-format content data transmitted from a mobile communication network to which a mobile terminal device having a wireless communication function belongs to a communication network having at least one content providing server. ,
Counting means for counting the distribution request transmitted from the mobile terminal device;
Content related to at least one or more specific contents arbitrarily determined in advance within the range of the maximum number of deliverables determined in advance and the maximum number of deliverables based on the amount of data transmitted in the mobile communication network Setting storage means for storing the number of reservations of distribution requests for data, the upper limit number of reservations equal to or more than the number of reservations, and a bandwidth range representing a bit rate distribution allowable range in content data arbitrarily determined in advance ;
A content data distribution request is transmitted to the content providing server within a range equal to or less than the maximum distributable number stored in the setting storage means, and the setting storage means for the distribution request for the content data related to the specific content Is transmitted to the content providing server for the distribution request within the range of the number of reservations stored in the above, and for the distribution request within the range of the reservation number or more and the reservation upper limit number or less, from the maximum distributable number Transmitting means for transmitting to the content providing server within a range obtained by subtracting the total number of reservations of distribution requests for content data related to a plurality of the specific content ;
Confirming means for confirming the bit rate of the content data related to the distribution request based on a signal transmitted from the content providing server when a content data distribution request is made to the content providing server;
If it is determined that the bit rate of the content data is not included in the bandwidth range based on the bandwidth range stored in the setting storage means, the content data is sent to the mobile terminal device that has requested delivery of the content data. A distribution request management device comprising: transmission stop means for non-distribution . 2. The distribution request management apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the transmission unit does not transmit the distribution request to the specific content providing server when the reservation upper limit number is 0. 3. Reservation start determination means for determining whether or not a reservation start condition relating to the start of a distribution request for content data related to the specific content, which is predetermined and stored in the setting storage means,
The distribution request according to claim 2 , wherein the transmission unit starts a transmission process related to a distribution request for content data related to the specific content when it is determined that the reservation start condition is satisfied. Management device. Reservation end determination means for determining whether or not a reservation end condition relating to the end of a distribution request for content data related to the specific content, which is determined and stored in advance in the setting storage means,
The distribution request according to claim 2 , wherein the transmission unit stops a transmission process related to a distribution request for content data related to the specific content when it is determined that the reservation end condition is satisfied. Management device.

Images