JP6635873B2 - Content distribution method, program, information processing apparatus, and information processing system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a content distribution method, a content reception method, a program, an information processing device, and an information processing system.

  2. Description of the Related Art It is widely used that a user acquires content such as a moving image from a server using a terminal and reproduces the content on the terminal. In addition, the server adjusts the compression ratio of the content in accordance with the quality of the network between the terminal and the server, or the applied charging rate, and distributes the content to the terminal. For example, when the terminal is connected to a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) that is not charged per data amount, the server provides the content at a low compression rate, and the terminal connects to a mobile phone network that is charged per data unit. Server is providing content with a high compression rate.

  It has also been proposed to adjust the compression ratio in consideration of the reception quality of the content of the terminal. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes that when streaming streaming of a moving image is performed from a server, the server increases the compression ratio of a moving image frame in which an error has occurred during reception at the terminal and retransmits the frame.

JP 2007-174035 A

  As described above, although the compression ratio is widely adjusted when the server distributes the content, the size of the content to be distributed cannot be significantly reduced. In particular, when distributing moving image content, there is a problem that the moving image content is not compressed to a desired size even if the compression ratio is improved because the size of the original content is large.

  Also, by compressing the audio data and the like included in the moving image content at a high compression rate, there is a possibility that the quality of the audio and the like of the content reproduced on the terminal that has received the content may fall below the user's allowable level.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to distribute content in an appropriate format according to the status of a terminal.

A content distribution method according to an embodiment of the present invention is a content distribution method executed by an information processing device, the method comprising: receiving a content distribution request from a terminal; Distributing the content in a first distribution mode in which audio data and video data included in the content are distributed; and when the content is distributed in the first distribution mode, the terminal transmits the content. Receiving a request to change a second distribution mode in which the audio data included in the video data and the still image data extracted from the moving image data are distributed; and receiving the change request in response to the change request. Distributing the content in the distribution mode of the first distribution mode, and after the change to the second distribution mode, the static content distributed first. Image data already corresponds to a part of the moving image data delivered by the first delivery mode, and wherein the.
Also, a program according to an embodiment of the present invention is a program distribution method contents, receiving a distribution request of the content from the terminal, receiving the distribution request, sound included in the content Distributing the content in a first distribution mode in which data and moving image data are distributed; and when the content is distributed in the first distribution mode, the audio included in the content from the terminal. Receiving a change request for a second distribution mode in which data and still image data extracted from the moving image data are distributed; and receiving the change request in the second distribution mode in response to receiving the change request. Distributing the content, and a program for causing the information processing apparatus to execute, after the mode is changed to the second distribution mode, The still image data to be distributed to the first already corresponds to a part of the moving image data delivered by the first delivery mode, and wherein the.
Further, an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is an information processing apparatus that distributes content, a receiving unit that receives a distribution request of the content from a terminal, and receives the distribution request, and A distribution unit that distributes the content in a first distribution mode in which included audio data and moving image data are distributed; and when the content is distributed in the first distribution mode, the terminal transmits the content to the content. The receiving unit that receives a request for changing a second distribution mode in which the included audio data and the still image data extracted from the moving image data are distributed, and the second receiving unit that receives the change request. And the distribution unit that distributes the content in the second distribution mode, and the still image data distributed first after being changed to the second distribution mode is: Corresponding to a part of the moving image data delivered by the first delivery mode in, characterized in that.
Further, an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention is an information processing system including an information processing device that distributes content and a terminal that receives the content, wherein the terminal is a A receiving unit that receives an instruction to receive the content, and a receiving unit that receives the content in a first distribution mode in which audio data and video data included in the content are distributed in response to receiving the instruction. Changing the second distribution mode in which the audio data included in the content and the still image data extracted from the moving image data are distributed when the content is distributed in the first distribution mode A transmitting unit that transmits a request, and the receiving unit that receives the content in the second distribution mode in response to transmitting the change request Wherein the information processing apparatus comprises: a receiving unit that receives a distribution request for the content from the terminal; a distribution unit that receives the distribution request and distributes the content in the first distribution mode; A receiving unit that receives a change request for the second distribution mode when the content is being distributed in a first distribution mode; and a receiving unit that receives the change request in the second distribution mode. The distribution unit that distributes the content, and after being changed to the second distribution mode, the still image data that is distributed first is already distributed in the first distribution mode. It corresponds to a part of moving image data.

  Content can be distributed in an appropriate format according to the status of the terminal.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a distribution sequence of moving image content according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method of specifying still image data according to the embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of the setting screen of the terminal concerning an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a terminal according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a computer according to the embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of the functional composition of the terminal concerning an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a content management table according to the embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of operation flow of a terminal concerning an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram (part 1) illustrating an example of an operation flow of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram (part 2) illustrating an example of an operation flow of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment.

[First Embodiment]
<System configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of an information processing system 1 according to the embodiment. The information processing system 1 includes an information processing device 10 and a terminal 20. The information processing device 10 and the terminal 20 are connected via the backbone network 2 and the wireless access system. The information processing system 1 has a plurality of wireless access systems. In the example of FIG. 1, the information processing system 1 includes a first wireless access system 3 and a second wireless access system 4.

  The information processing device 10 is realized by a server, for example, and may be called a content distribution server. Terminal 20 may be a computer (eg, desktop, laptop, tablet, etc.), media computer platform (eg, cable, satellite set-top box, digital video recorder), handheld computer device (eg, PDA (personal digital assistant), e-mail Clients, etc.), mobile phones (eg, smartphones, feature phones, etc.), wearable terminals (eg, glasses-type devices, watch-type devices, etc.) or other types of computers, or communication platforms, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Absent.

  The information processing device 10 distributes the content to the terminal 20. The information processing device 10 changes the content into an appropriate format and distributes the content in response to a request from the terminal 20. The changing method will be described later.

  The terminal 20 reproduces the content distributed from the information processing device 10. The terminal 20 transmits a request for changing the format of the content to the information processing apparatus 10, receives the content whose format has been changed to an appropriate format, and reproduces the content on the terminal 20. For example, the terminal 20 installs an application for reproducing the content, and reproduces the content using the application.

  The backbone network 2 is, for example, the Internet. The first wireless access system 3 is, for example, a mobile phone network such as LTE (Long Term Evolution) and 3G. The second wireless access system 4 is, for example, a wireless LAN.

  In the first wireless access system 3, a fee is charged according to the amount of data transmitted and received by the terminal 20.

  When the amount of data transmitted and received by the terminal 20 exceeds the predetermined data amount, the first wireless access system 3 sets the capacity of the communication path used by the terminal 20 to transmit and receive data to be equal to or less than a predetermined capacity (for example, 128 kbps). May be controlled. The terminal 20 can continuously connect to the first wireless access system 3 even during high-speed movement, but since one base station covers a wide area, the communication speed is greatly increased by connecting a large number of terminals 20 at the same time. In some cases.

  The second wireless access system 4 does not charge for the amount of data. Further, in the second wireless access system 4, the number of terminals 20 connected simultaneously is smaller than that in the first wireless access system 3, so that when the terminal 20 is connected to the second wireless access system 4, In many cases, data can be transmitted and received at a higher speed than when connected to the first wireless access system 3.

  For this reason, when the user of the terminal 20 is connected to the second wireless access system 4, the terminal 20 receives the large-capacity content from the information processing device 10 and connects to the first wireless access system 3. In such a case, it is assumed that the terminal 20 is used in such a form that the terminal 20 receives content whose format has been changed so as to reduce the capacity from the information processing server. The terminal 20 transmits to the information processing apparatus 10 a request to specify the format of content reception in response to an instruction from the user.

  Hereinafter, a case where the moving image content is distributed from the information processing apparatus 10 to the terminal 20 will be described as an example.

<Distribution operation of video content>
The distribution operation of the moving image content will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a distribution sequence of the moving image content according to the embodiment. Although illustration of the backbone network 2 is omitted in FIG. 2, data is transmitted and received between the terminal 20 and the information processing device 10 via the backbone network 2.

  The information processing device 10 distributes the audio data and the moving image data included in the moving image content in the normal mode, which is a distribution format for continuously distributing the audio data, and the audio data in the same manner as in the normal mode. A saving mode in which still image data extracted from the data is distributed at a predetermined timing. The information processing device 10 receives the request from the terminal 20 and distributes the moving image content in the normal mode or the saving mode.

  In step S201, the terminal 20 receives the moving image content from the information processing device 10 via the second wireless access system 4. Here, the information processing device 10 distributes the moving image content to the terminal 20 in the normal mode in response to receiving the request for distributing the moving image content in the normal mode from the terminal 20. The terminal 20 reproduces the received moving image content using a content reproduction application (hereinafter, a reproduction application).

  In step S202, the terminal 20 connects to the first wireless access system 3. For example, when the terminal 20 moves from the area of the second wireless access system 4 to the first wireless access system 3, the terminal 20 connects to the first wireless access system 3. Thereafter, data is transmitted and received via the first wireless access system 3.

  In step S203, the reproduction application of the terminal 20 detects that the connection destination wireless access system has been changed from the second wireless access system 4 to the first wireless access system 3.

  In step S204, the reproduction application of the terminal 20 displays information for inquiring whether to change the mode for receiving the moving image content from the normal mode to the saving mode.

  In step S205, the terminal 20 receives an instruction to start the saving mode from the user.

  In step S206, the terminal 20 transmits a saving mode activation request to the information processing device 10.

  In step S207, the information processing device 10 changes the distribution mode of the moving image content addressed to the terminal 20 from the normal mode to the saving mode.

  In step S208, the information processing device 10 distributes the audio data to the terminal 20. Thereafter, the audio data is continuously distributed to the terminal 20.

  In step S209, the information processing device 10 distributes the still image data # 1 to the terminal 20. Step S208 and step S209 are performed simultaneously.

  In step S210, the information processing apparatus 10 distributes the still image data # 2 to the terminal 20 after a lapse of the period T1 from the distribution of the still image data # 1.

  In step S211, the information processing apparatus 10 distributes the still image data # 3 to the terminal 20 after a lapse of the period T2 from the distribution of the still image data # 2.

  In step S212, the information processing apparatus 10 distributes the still image data # 4 to the terminal 20 after a lapse of the period T2 from the distribution of the still image data # 3.

  Here, the still image data (# 1 to # 4) is generated based on the moving image content. For example, when the moving image content in the normal mode is reproduced, the still image data # 1 is the moving image data displayed on the screen of the distribution destination terminal 20 after T has elapsed from the start of reproduction (T is a period), that is, Still image data # 2 corresponds to screen capture after elapse of (T + T1) after reproduction, and still image data # 3 corresponds to screen capture after elapse of (T + T1 + T2) after reproduction. The still image data # 4 corresponds to screen capture after the lapse of (T + T1 + T2 × 2) after reproduction.

  Next, a method of specifying the still image data of the information processing apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method of specifying still image data according to the embodiment.

  The moving image data 25 in the moving image content includes a plurality of still image data 30. When distributing the moving image content, the information processing apparatus 10 extracts the still image data 30 to be distributed to the terminal 20 in the saving mode. In the example of FIG. 3, the information processing apparatus 10 extracts the still image data 30 every time the period T2 elapses from the start of the distribution of the moving image content.

  FIG. 3 shows that the information processing apparatus 10 has received a request to change to the saving mode from the terminal 20 at the time Ta. The information processing device 10 distributes the moving image content in the normal mode until the time Ta, and distributes the moving image content in the saving mode from the time Ta.

  In the normal mode, the information processing device 10 continuously distributes the moving image data 25 to the terminal 20. That is, the information processing apparatus 10 distributes the still image data 30 included in the moving image data from the distribution start time Tb to the time Ta, that is, corresponds to a part of the moving image data, to the terminal 20.

  In the saving mode, the information processing device 10 distributes a part of the still image data 30 included in the moving image data 25 at a predetermined timing. For example, when a request to change to the saving mode is received at time Ta, the information processing device 10 distributes still image data # 1 (30B) corresponding to time Tc. Here, the still image data # 1 (30B) is the extracted still image data 30 to be delivered to the terminal 20 in the saving mode at the timing immediately before the time Ta. That is, when the mode is changed to the saving mode, the still image data distributed first is extracted from the already distributed moving image data.

  When the period T1 has elapsed from the time Ta, that is, at the time Td, the information processing device 10 delivers the corresponding still image data # 2 (30C). Here, the still image data # 2 (30C) is still image data extracted when T2 has elapsed since the extraction of the still image data # 1 (30B).

  Thereafter, the still image data 30 (still image data # 3 (30D), still image data # 4 (30E), still image data # 5 (30F)) is distributed every time the period T2 elapses. Note that the information processing device 10 may distribute the still image data in a cycle of the period T2, starting from the time Ta at which the change request is received.

  The terminal 20 reproduces the moving image content using the audio data and the still image data of the moving image content. The user views the moving image content based on the audio data and the extracted still image data at the timing. This allows the user to roughly recognize the flow of the video of the moving image content while significantly reducing the capacity of the moving image content.

  The quality of the audio data in the saving mode is the same as the quality of the audio data in the normal mode. For this reason, it is preferable to apply the saving mode to a moving image content in which audio data is more useful than moving image data, such as a music program or a talk program.

  The period T2 is set by the information processing device 10 for each content. The information processing apparatus 10 may set the period T2 in response to an instruction from the terminal 20. It is preferable that the period T2 be set so that the user can roughly recognize the flow of the video while reducing the capacity of the moving image content. For example, a value of about 30 seconds to 3 minutes is set in the period T2.

  In the above-described embodiment, the still image data is delivered to the terminal 20 in the cycle of the period T2, but the still image data may be delivered at a predetermined timing, not periodically.

  For example, the information processing apparatus 10 may deliver the corresponding still image data to the terminal 20 at a timing when the moving image data in the predetermined range has significantly changed from the period T2. For example, when the period T2 is set to 1 minute, the information processing apparatus 10 sets the still image when the moving image data greatly changes between 50 seconds to 1 minute and 10 seconds since the previous distribution of the still image data. The data may be delivered to the terminal 20. For example, the still image data at the timing after the scene of the moving image content is switched may be distributed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the information processing apparatus 10 distributes the extracted still image data # 1 (30B) to the terminal 20 immediately before the saving mode is activated. When the moving image content stored in the processing device 10 is distributed, the information processing device 10 may distribute the still image data # 2 (30C) extracted immediately after to the terminal 20.

  In the above-described embodiment, the still image data distributed in the saving mode is the same regardless of the timing at which the saving mode is activated. That is, all terminals 20 in which the saving mode is activated receive the same still image data. For this reason, the load on the information processing apparatus 10 for setting the still image data for the saving mode is reduced. It should be noted that the saving mode still image data may be set for each terminal 20 and may be distributed according to the timing set for each terminal 20.

<Screen display>
The screen display of the terminal 20 when the saving mode is set will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen of the terminal 20 according to the embodiment.

  FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams showing an example of the screen of the terminal 20 in step S204 of FIG. When the selection of “Data saving (OFF)” 41 on the screen is received from the user, the terminal 20 displays the screen of FIG. When the selection of ON (43) is received from the user on the screen of FIG. 4B, the terminal 20 distributes a saving mode activation request to the information processing apparatus 10.

  FIG. 4C shows an example of a screen of the terminal 20 during the saving mode activation. After step S208, the screen of the terminal 20 indicates that the saving mode is being activated. In the example of FIG. 4C, a mark “data saving 44” indicating that the saving mode is being activated is displayed on the screen. Still image data 45 is displayed on the screen. The still image data 45 is changed at a predetermined timing. When the still image data 45 is changed, the terminal 20 may use an effect such as fade-out.

<Hardware configuration>
The hardware configuration of each device included in the information processing system 1 will be described.

(1) Terminal FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the terminal 20 according to the embodiment.

  The terminal 20 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a storage device 204, an input / output device 205, a communication I / F 206, and a display 207 (display device). The components of the hardware of the terminal 20 are mutually connected via a bus B.

  The storage device 204 stores various programs. The CPU 201 is a computer that executes various programs stored in the storage device 204.

  The ROM 202 is a nonvolatile memory. The ROM 202 stores various programs and data necessary for the CPU 201 to execute various programs stored in the storage device 204.

  The RAM 203 functions as a work area that is developed when various programs are executed by the CPU 201.

  The input / output device 205 includes a function of an input device for inputting various instructions to the terminal 20, and a function of an output device for outputting a processing result processed by the terminal 20. The input / output device 205 is connected to the display 207. In the present embodiment, the display 207 can be a touch-sensitive display (touch panel). The communication I / F 206 performs communication between the terminal 20 and the information processing device 10 via a wireless access network.

(2) Information processing device The information processing device 10 has a configuration of a general computer.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a computer according to the embodiment. 6, a computer 300 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 301, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 302, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 303, a storage device 304, an input device 305, a display device 306, and a communication I / F. (Interface) 307 and an external I / F 308, and each component of the hardware is connected via a bus B.

  The CPU 301 is an arithmetic device that realizes control and functions of the computer 300 by reading out programs and data from a memory such as the ROM 303 and the storage device 304 onto the RAM 302 and executing processes. The ROM 303 stores programs and data such as BIOS (Basic Input / Output System), OS (Operating System) settings, and various settings that are executed when the computer 300 is started. The RAM 302 is a volatile memory that temporarily stores programs and data. The storage device 304 is a large-capacity storage device that stores programs and data.

  The input device 305 is, for example, a keyboard or a mouse, and is used by a user to input various operation signals. The display device 306 is, for example, a display or the like, and displays a processing result by the computer 300. Note that the input device 305 and / or the display device 306 may be connected and used when necessary.

  The communication I / F 307 is an interface for connecting the computer 300 to the backbone network 2. The external I / F 308 is an interface with an external device. The external device includes an external storage medium 308a and the like. Thereby, the computer 300 can read and / or write to the external storage medium 308a via the external I / F 308. The external storage medium 308a includes, for example, various optical disks, various memory cards, and the like.

<Functional configuration>
Next, a functional configuration of each device of the information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described.

(1) Functional Configuration of Terminal FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the terminal 20 according to the embodiment. The terminal 20 includes a transmission / reception unit 210, a reception unit 220, a connection control unit 230, and a content control unit 240. These functions are realized by the CPU 201 executing one or more programs stored in the ROM 202 or the like. The terminal 20 has an information storage unit 250. The information storage unit 250 is realized by the storage device 204.

  The transmission / reception unit 210 connects to the wireless access system and transmits / receives data to / from the information processing device 10. The transmission / reception unit 210 connects to the wireless access system according to an instruction from the connection control unit 230.

  The receiving unit 220 receives various instructions for the terminal 20 from the user.

  The connection control unit 230 detects the area of the first wireless access system 3 and the area of the second wireless access system 4, and determines which wireless access system to connect to.

  The content control unit 240 controls playback of the moving image content distributed from the information processing device 10. Upon receiving the moving image content, the content control unit 240 causes the moving image data to be displayed on the screen of the terminal 20 and causes the audio data to be output from a speaker or the like.

  When connected to the first wireless access system 3, the content control unit 240 displays information for inquiring whether to start the saving mode on the screen. When receiving the saving mode start instruction from the user, the content control unit 240 transmits a saving mode start request to the information processing apparatus 10. The saving mode can be started regardless of the connected wireless access system, but it is assumed that the saving mode is often started by the first wireless access system 3. Therefore, when connecting to the first wireless access system 3, information to be inquired is displayed. When connecting to the second wireless access system 4, the content control unit 240 may display information inquiring whether to start the saving mode on the screen. When the accepting unit 220 accepts the selection of the distribution mode of the saving mode or the normal mode, the content control unit 240 notifies the information processing device 10 of the selected distribution mode via the transmission / reception unit 210. .

  The setting of the saving mode may be performed when connecting to the wireless access system and when switching the wireless access system, may be performed when starting the reception of the moving image content, or may be performed once received from the user. May be continued.

  When the audio data and the still image data of the moving image content are received when the saving mode is activated, the content control unit 240 displays the still image data on the screen and outputs the audio data from a speaker or the like. When changing the still image data displayed on the screen when the saving mode is activated, the content control unit 240 may use an effect such as fade-out.

  The information storage unit 250 stores various information. For example, the information storage unit 250 may temporarily store the received moving image content and the like.

(2) Functional Configuration of Information Processing Apparatus FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the information processing apparatus 10 according to the embodiment. The information processing device 10 includes a transmission / reception unit 110, a distribution control unit 120, and an extraction unit 130. These functions are realized by reading one or more programs stored in the ROM 303 or the like and causing the CPU 301 to execute the programs. The information storage unit 140 is realized by, for example, the storage device 304.

  The transmission / reception unit 110 transmits / receives data to / from the terminal 20. In addition, the transmitting / receiving unit 110 acquires moving image content to be delivered to the terminal 20 from an external server.

  The distribution control unit 120 controls distribution of moving image content to be distributed to the terminal 20. The distribution control unit 120 causes the transmission / reception unit 110 to distribute the moving image content stored in the information storage unit 140. The content is distributed in accordance with the distribution mode activated on the terminal 20. The distribution control unit 120 receives the notification from the terminal 20 and specifies the activated distribution mode.

  When the normal mode is activated, the distribution control unit 120 causes the transmitting / receiving unit 110 to distribute the moving image data and the audio data included in the moving image content. When the saving mode is activated, the distribution control unit 120 causes the transmitting and receiving unit 110 to distribute the audio data and the still image extracted from the moving image data.

  The extraction unit 130 extracts still image data at a predetermined timing from the moving image data of the moving image content. For example, the extraction unit 130 may extract still image data at a predetermined cycle from the moving image data, or may extract moving image data at a timing when the moving image data is significantly changed. The extraction unit 130 causes the information storage unit 140 to store the extracted still image data.

  The information storage unit 140 stores the moving image content, the mode (normal mode, saving mode) during activation of the distribution destination terminal 20, and the like. The information storage unit 140 has a content management table 141. The content management table 141 is distributed to the terminal 20.

  FIG. 9 illustrates an example of the content management table 141 according to the embodiment. In the content management table 141, a moving image content identifier that uniquely specifies a moving image content, a distribution mode of the moving image content, and data to be distributed are stored in association with each other. In the example of FIG. 9, when the moving image content # 1 is distributed in the normal mode, the distribution data “XXX.mp4” is distributed. Here, the distribution data “XXX.mp4” includes moving image data and audio data.

  On the other hand, when the moving image content # 1 is distributed in the saving mode, the audio data “YYY.m4a” and the still image data “ZZZ1.jpg” are distributed. Here, the time associated with the still image data indicates the timing at which the still image data is distributed during the distribution of the moving image content. For example, the still image data “ZZZ3.jpg” is still image data distributed to the terminal 20 180 seconds after the start of the reproduction of the moving image content.

  Here, the distribution time set for each of the still image data and the moving image data distributed in the normal mode at the distribution time need not correspond. The extracting unit 130 may extract the still image data at or near the distribution time based on the moving image data distributed in the normal mode.

  If a request to change to the saving mode is received from the terminal 20 when N seconds have elapsed since the start of the distribution of the moving image content in the normal mode, the information processing apparatus 10 transmits the latest still image data among the already distributed still image data. The data may be distributed to the terminal 20, or still image data distributed at the next distribution timing may be distributed. For example, when N seconds are 90 seconds, the still image data “ZZZ2.jpg” may be distributed, or “ZZZ3.jpg” may be distributed. If the moving image content being distributed is a live broadcasting moving image content, the still image data that has already been distributed is distributed because still image data distributed at the next timing has not been extracted.

  The information processing apparatus 10 is capable of distributing live video content in addition to delivering the stored video content. For example, when the live broadcast video content is distributed, the process of storing the video content received from the external server in the content management table 141 is performed during the live broadcast, and the transmission / reception unit 110 stores the video content in accordance with an instruction from the distribution control unit 120. The moving image content for which the processing is performed is read out and distributed to the terminal 20.

<Operation flow>
(1) Operation Flow of Terminal The operation flow of the terminal 20 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation flow of the terminal 20 according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 shows an operation flow when the terminal 20 is changed to the saving mode while receiving the moving image content in the normal mode.

  In step S1001, the transmission / reception unit 210 receives the moving image content via the second wireless access system 4. Since the terminal 20 operates in the normal mode, the moving image content includes moving image data and audio data.

  In step S1002, the content control unit 240 executes a content reproduction process. That is, the content control unit 240 displays the moving image data of the moving image content on the screen and outputs the audio data from a speaker or the like.

  In step S1003, the connection control unit 230 searches for nearby wireless access systems, and finds the first wireless access system 3 in addition to the connected second wireless access system 4. The connection control unit 230 determines whether to change the connection destination to the first wireless access system 3. When the connection destination is changed to the first wireless access system 3 (step S1003, Yes), the process proceeds to step S1004. On the other hand, if the connection to the second wireless access system 4 is to be continued (No in step S1003), the process returns to step S1001. For example, when the terminal 20 moves out of the area of the second wireless access system 4 to an area where only the first wireless access system 3 exists, the connection control unit 230 needs to change the connection destination. to decide.

  In step S1004, the transmission / reception unit 210 connects to the first wireless access system 3 in response to the instruction from the connection control unit 230.

  In step S1005, the content control unit 240 displays information (for example, a message) prompting the user to determine whether to switch from the normal mode to the saving mode on the screen.

  In step S1006, content control unit 240 determines whether reception unit 220 has received an instruction to switch to the saving mode. If a switching instruction has been received (step S1006: Yes), the process proceeds to step S1007. On the other hand, if the switching instruction has not been received (No in step S1006), the process returns to step S1001.

  In step S1007, content control section 240 instructs transmission / reception section 210 to transmit a saving mode activation request.

  In step S1008, the transmission / reception unit 210 receives the audio data of the moving image content and the still image data extracted from the moving image data. The transmission / reception unit 210 continuously receives audio data and receives still image data at a predetermined timing.

  In step S1009, the content control unit 240 performs a moving image content reproduction process. Specifically, the content control unit 240 displays the still image data on the screen and outputs the audio data from a speaker or the like.

(2) Operation Flow of Information Processing Apparatus The operation flow of the information processing apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation flow of the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 illustrates an operation flow when the information processing apparatus 10 receives a distribution request for moving image content.

  In step S1101, the transmission / reception unit 110 receives a distribution request for moving image content from the terminal 20.

  In step S1102, the distribution control unit 120 determines whether to distribute the moving image content in the normal mode or the saving mode. When the distribution request received from the terminal 20 includes the specification of the mode, the distribution control unit 120 determines to apply the specified mode. When the wireless access system to which the terminal 20 is connected can be specified from the received distribution request, the mode may be determined according to the type of the wireless access system. For example, when the terminal 20 is connected to the first wireless access system 3, the distribution control unit 120 may determine to distribute in the saving mode. When the terminal 20 is connected to the second wireless access system 4, the distribution control unit 120 may determine that distribution is to be performed in the normal mode.

  If it is determined that the moving image content is to be distributed in the normal mode, the process proceeds to step S1103. If it is determined that the moving image content is to be distributed in the saving mode, the process advances to step S1105.

  In step S1103, the distribution control unit 120 refers to the content management table 141, and specifies audio data and video data when the video content is distributed in the normal mode.

  In step S1104, the transmission / reception unit 110 continuously distributes the audio data and the moving image data specified by the distribution control unit 120 to the terminal 20.

  In step S1105, the distribution control unit 120 refers to the content management table 141 and specifies audio data and still image data when distributing the moving image content in the saving mode.

  In step S1106, transmission / reception section 110 continuously distributes the audio data specified by distribution control section 120 to terminal 20.

  In step S1107, the transmission / reception unit 110 distributes the specified still image data to the distribution control unit 120 at a predetermined timing.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation flow of the information processing apparatus 10 according to the embodiment. FIG. 12 shows an operation flow when the information processing apparatus 10 receives a request to change the mode to the saving mode during distribution of the moving image content.

  In step S1201, the transmission / reception unit 110 distributes the moving image content to the terminal 20 in the normal mode.

  In step S1202, distribution control section 120 determines whether or not a request to change to saving mode has been received from terminal 20. If a request to change to the saving mode has been received (Yes at Step S1201), the process proceeds to Step S1203. On the other hand, if a request to change to the saving mode has not been received, the process returns to step S1201 and distribution of the moving image content is continued.

  In step S1203, the distribution control unit 120 refers to the content management table 141, and specifies audio data and still image data when distributing the moving image content in the saving mode. The distribution control unit 120 instructs the transmission and reception unit 110 to distribute the specified audio data and still image data to the terminal 20.

  Here, when the transmission / reception unit 110 receives a request to change to the saving mode from the terminal 20 at the time Ta, the distribution control unit 120 determines from the still image data to be delivered to the terminal 20 in the saving mode at the timing immediately before the time Ta. The transmission / reception unit 110 is instructed to distribute.

  In step S1204, transmitting / receiving section 110 distributes the audio data to terminal 20. The audio data is continuously distributed to the terminal 20.

  In step S1205, the transmission / reception unit 110 distributes the still image data to the terminal 20. The still image data is delivered to the terminal 20 at a predetermined timing. Note that, in the saving mode, the timing at which the distribution of audio data and still image data is started is the same.

[Modification]
In the embodiment described above, the case where the normal mode and the saving mode are changed according to the type of the wireless access system has been described. However, the mode may be changed according to other situations. For example, when the moving image content is not displayed on the screen and is operating in the background, the content control unit 240 may transmit a request to change to the saving mode via the transmission / reception unit 210. Further, the content control unit 240 may determine to change to the saving mode based on the processing load of the terminal 20, the battery usage rate, and the like. In the saving mode, the processing load on the terminal 20 is reduced because the moving image playback processing is not required.

  Further, a plurality of saving modes may be provided. For example, the saving mode in which the information processing device 10 delivers only still image data, the saving mode in which the information processing device 10 delivers only audio data, and the information processing device 10 delivering audio data, load information such as subtitles, and still image data. Saving mode may be provided.

  In the above-described embodiment, the mode in which the terminal 20 is activated is selected, but the mode applied by the information processing apparatus 10 may be determined. The information processing device 10 may determine the mode to be applied based on the quality of the communication path between the terminal 20 and the information processing device 10. In this case, the mode applied in response to the change request from the terminal 20 may be changed.

  The distribution timing of the still image data when the saving mode is activated may be adjusted for each terminal 20. For example, the cycle at which the still image data is distributed may be adjusted based on an instruction from the user of the terminal 20 or the quality of the communication path. For example, a cycle of about 10 seconds may be set for the terminal 20 having a high communication path quality, and a cycle of about 3 minutes may be set for the terminal 20 having a poor communication path quality. In this case, the extraction unit 130 of the information processing device 10 executes a process of extracting still image data corresponding to a plurality of cycles from the moving image content.

[Others]
The content control unit 240 is an example of a display control unit. The transmission / reception unit 210 is an example of a transmission unit. The transmission / reception unit 110 is an example of a reception unit and a distribution unit. The distribution control unit 120 is an example of a determining unit.

  A storage medium storing program codes of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments may be supplied to the information processing device 10 and the terminal 20. The information processing apparatus 10 and the terminal 20 read and execute the program code stored in the storage medium, and needless to say, the above-described embodiment is achieved. In this case, the storage medium stores a program that causes the information processing apparatus 10 and the terminal 20 to execute the above-described distribution method and reception method.

  Specifically, the program is a content distribution method program, wherein the step of receiving the content distribution request from a terminal, and receiving the distribution request, the audio data and the moving image data included in the content are distributed. Deciding to distribute the content in a first distribution mode or in a second distribution mode in which the audio data included in the content and the still image data extracted from the moving image data are distributed; And distributing the content to the terminal in the determined distribution mode. If the content is distributed in the second distribution mode, the new still image A program characterized in that data is distributed at a predetermined timing is stored in a storage medium.

  A method for receiving content executed by a terminal, the method comprising: receiving an instruction to receive the content from a user of the terminal; and, in response to receiving the instruction, audio data and a moving image included in the content. In any one of the first distribution mode in which data is distributed, or the second distribution mode in which the audio data included in the content and the still image data extracted from the moving image data are distributed. Displaying the information prompting the user to select or acquire the content, transmitting the content distribution request including the selected distribution mode to the information processing apparatus, causing the terminal to execute the second distribution, When the content is distributed in the mode, the new still image data is distributed at a predetermined timing. Program that is stored in the storage medium.

  Then, the program codes themselves read from these storage media realize the functions of the above-described embodiments.

  The functions of the above-described embodiments are not only realized by executing the readout program code by the computer device. An operating system (OS) or the like running on the computer device may perform part or all of the actual processing according to the instructions of the program code. Further, it goes without saying that the functions of the above-described embodiments may be realized by the processing.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and substitutions can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 information processing system 2 backbone network 3 first wireless access system 4 second wireless access system 10 information processing device 20 terminal 110 transmission / reception unit 120 distribution control unit 130 extraction unit 140 information storage unit 141 content management table 204 storage device 205 Output device 207 Display 210 Transmission / reception unit 220 Reception unit 230 Connection control unit 240 Content control unit 250 Information storage unit

Claims (8)

A content distribution method executed by the information processing device,
Receiving a content distribution request from a terminal;
Receiving the distribution request and distributing the content in a first distribution mode in which audio data and video data included in the content are distributed;
A second distribution mode in which the audio data included in the content and the still image data extracted from the moving image data are distributed from the terminal when the content is distributed in the first distribution mode Receiving a change request for
Distributing the content in the second distribution mode in response to receiving the change request,
After being changed to the second distribution mode, the still image data distributed first corresponds to a part of the moving image data already distributed in the first distribution mode. Content delivery method. The still image data includes:
Extracted from the video data distributed for a predetermined period in the first distribution mode,
Corresponding to the moving image data at a timing when the moving image data has significantly changed,
The content distribution method according to claim 1, wherein:   The method according to claim 1, wherein the distribution mode is determined based on a wireless access system to which the terminal is connected.   The content distribution method according to claim 1, wherein the distribution mode is determined based on a quality of a communication path between the terminal and the information processing device. Detecting a wireless access system to connect to;
When the terminal is connected to a predetermined wireless access system, a step of displaying information prompting the user to select which of the first distribution mode and the second distribution mode to acquire the content in is performed. The content distribution method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the method is performed. A program of content distribution method,
Receiving a content distribution request from a terminal;
Receiving the distribution request and distributing the content in a first distribution mode in which audio data and video data included in the content are distributed;
A second distribution mode in which the audio data included in the content and the still image data extracted from the moving image data are distributed from the terminal when the content is distributed in the first distribution mode Receiving a change request for
And distributing the content in the second distribution mode in response to receiving the change request.
After being changed to the second distribution mode, the still image data distributed first corresponds to a part of the moving image data already distributed in the first distribution mode. program. An information processing device for distributing content,
A receiving unit that receives the content distribution request from a terminal,
A distribution unit that distributes the content in a first distribution mode in which audio data and video data included in the content are distributed in response to the distribution request;
A second distribution mode in which the audio data included in the content and the still image data extracted from the moving image data are distributed from the terminal when the content is distributed in the first distribution mode The receiving unit for receiving a change request of
The distribution unit that distributes the content in the second distribution mode in response to receiving the change request,
After being changed to the second distribution mode, the still image data distributed first corresponds to a part of the moving image data already distributed in the first distribution mode. Information processing device. An information processing system having an information processing device that distributes content and a terminal that receives the content,
The terminal is
A receiving unit that receives an instruction to receive the content from a user of the terminal,
A receiving unit that receives the content in a first distribution mode in which audio data and moving image data included in the content are distributed in response to receiving the instruction;
A second distribution mode change request in which the audio data included in the content and the still image data extracted from the moving image data are distributed when the content is distributed in the first distribution mode A transmitting unit for transmitting
The receiving unit that receives the content in the second distribution mode in response to transmitting the change request,
The information processing device,
A receiving unit that receives the content distribution request from the terminal,
A distribution unit that distributes the content in the first distribution mode in response to the distribution request;
The receiving unit that receives the second distribution mode change request while distributing the content in the first distribution mode;
The distribution unit that distributes the content in the second distribution mode in response to receiving the change request,
After being changed to the second distribution mode, the still image data distributed first corresponds to a part of the moving image data already distributed in the first distribution mode. Information processing system.

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