- 1 -
SP316710
DESCRIPTION
Title of Invention: INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION DEVICE AND
METHOD, AND INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
Technical Field
[0001]
The present invention relates to an information
distribution device and method, and an information
distribution system, and particularly relates to an
information distribution device and method, and an
information distribution system to improve efficiency of
information distribution.
Background Art
[0002]
In recent years, development of information
communication means has led to a service which uses various
information communication means and distributes information
such as content coming into widespread use. Due to the
influence thereof, traffic amount of data communication has
been increasing, and there is demand for means to handle
| this increasing traffic.
| [0003]
As one of the means, a technique has been proposed
which is referred to as cognitive wireless communication,
- 2 -
SP316710
and which enables effective use of frequency by a terminal
device and a base station recognizing the wireless
environment and dynamically switching the communication
system and frequency being used. With this cognitive
wireless communication, practical implementation is being
advanced for a frequency sharing system which uses
frequencies allocated to existing wireless systems with a
different wireless system.
[0004]
For example, a frequency band which is allocated to an
existing wireless system but is not used in that area or of
which usage time is limited, may be used with a different
wireless system. In particular, in the U.S.A., practical
implementation thereof has been advanced as a technique to
utilize available channels of TV broadcasting, which is socalled
TV white space (for example, see NPL 1).
[0005]
In NPL 1, a system is described in which a database
: (white space database: WSDB (White Space Data Base)) in
which is registered available frequency and time slot for
| each area, is established, and wireless devices (TVBD (TV
Band Devices)) refer to whether or not the frequency can be
used, based on the current position.
I Citation List
I
Non Patent Literature
- 3 -
SP316710
[0006]
NPL 1: Koji Fujii, "Core technology of application of
White Space to reduce radio waste" [online], business
network.jp, [search December 13th, 2010], Internet
Summary of Invention
Technical Problem
[0007]
Incidentally, broadcasting media, of which TV
broadcasting is representative, has a function of global
broadcasting as distribution characteristic, however, there
is a need for the number of terminal devices receiving
globally broadcast data at the same time to be greatest, to
make the most of this distribution characteristic.
[0008]
To improve the capability of this global broadcasting
receiving, the number of terminal devices activated at the
same time should be the greatest, however, with the
conventional techniques, there is a limit to the number of
! terminal devices activated at the same time, so improving
I the function of global broadcasting receiving has been
difficult. Accordingly, the distribution property of the
broadcasting media called global broadcasting function is
far from having been fully utilized, and this has been a
- 4 -
SP316710
cause of inefficient information distribution.
[0009]
The present invention has been made in the light of
this situation, so as to enable to improve the efficiency of
information distribution.
Solution to Problem
[0010]
An aspect of the present invention is an information
distribution device including: content obtaining means to
obtain content to be distributed; frequency usage state
information obtaining means to obtain frequency usage state
information relating to usage state of a frequency band for
each time slot in each predetermined area; distribution
evaluation means to evaluate a distribution time slot to
distribute the obtained content and a distribution frequency
band to be used for the distribution, based on the obtained
frequency usage state information; distribution information
notifying means to notify the distribution information for
! the content to be distributed using the distribution
i frequency band for the distribution time slot, as to
multiple terminal devices within the areas; and content
distribution means to use, when the distribution time slot
arrives, the distribution frequency band to distribute the
obtained content to multiple terminal devices in a state
capable of being distributed to, in accordance with the
- 5 -
SP316710
distribution information.
[0011]
The information distribution device further includes:
evaluation reference information obtaining means to obtain
evaluation reference information which is a reference when
evaluating the distribution time slot and distribution
frequency band, wherein the distribution evaluation means
evaluates the distribution time slot and distribution
frequency band, based on the obtained evaluation reference
information.
[0012]
With the information distribution device, the
evaluation reference information is a reference to highly
evaluate the cost of a time slot where viewing of the
content by even more viewers is expected, and to highly
evaluate the cost of a frequency band where an even higher
| distribution bit rate of the content is expected.
| [0013]
I With the information distribution device, the
evaluation reference information is a reference to highly
evaluate the cost of a time slot where viewing of the
content by even more viewers is expected.
[0014]
With the information distribution device, the
evaluation reference information is a reference to highly
- 6 -
SP316710
evaluate the cost of a frequency band where an even higher
distribution bit rate of the content is expected.
[0015]
With the information distribution device, the frequency
usage state information obtaining means obtain the frequency
usage state information of each area from an information
management device managing the frequency usage state
information of each area.
[0016]
With the information distribution device, the
information distribution device is configured of a
distribution device and a management device, and wherein the
distribution device includes the content obtaining means and
the content distribution means, and wherein the management
device includes the frequency usage state information
obtaining means, distribution evaluation means, and
distribution information notifying means.
[0017]
An aspect of the present invention is an information
distribution method, including the steps of: an information
distribution device obtaining content to be distributed;
| obtaining frequency usage state information relating to an
| usage state of a frequency band for each time slot in each
I
| predetermined area; evaluating a distribution time slot to
distribute the obtained content and a distribution frequency
I i
- 7 -
SP316710
band to use to the distribution, based on the obtained
frequency usage state information; notifying distribution
information for the content to be distributed, using the
distribution frequency band for the distribution time slot,
as to multiple terminal devices within the areas; and
distributing, when the distribution time slot arrives, the
obtained content, to multiple terminal devices in a state
capable of being distributed to in accordance with the
distribution information, using the distribution frequency
band.
[0018]
With an information distribution device and method,
obtains content to be distributed; frequency usage state
information relating to a usage state of a frequency band
for each time slot in predetermined each area is obtained; a
distribution time slot to distribute the obtained content
and a distribution frequency band to be used for the
distribution are evaluated based on the obtained frequency
band usage state information; distribution information of
the content to be distributed using the distribution
frequency band for the distribution time slot, is notified
| as to multiple terminal devices within the areas; and when a
| distribution time slot arrives, the obtained content is
! distributed to multiple terminal devices in a state capable
I of being distributed to in accordance with the distribution
- 8 -
SP316710
information using the distribution frequency band.
[0019]
An information distribution system according to an
aspect of the present invention is an information
distribution system configured of an information
distribution device, an information management device, and
multiple devices, the information distribution device
including: content obtaining means to obtain content to be
distributed, frequency usage state information obtaining
means to obtain the frequency usage state information, from
the information management device managing frequency usage
state information relating to usage state of a frequency
band for each time slot in each predetermined area,
distribution evaluation means to evaluate a distribution
time slot to distribute the obtained content and a
distribution frequency band to be used for the distribution,
based on the obtained frequency usage state information, and
distribution information notifying means to notify the
distribution information of the content to be distributed,
using the distribution frequency band for the distribution
\ time slot, as to the plurality of terminal devices within
| the areas; each of the terminal devices including control
i I
i means to control the content to be distributed, using the
distribution frequency band in a receivable state for the
distribution time slot, based on the distribution
w
- 9 -
SP316710
information notified from the information distribution
device, when the distribution time slot arrives; the
information distribution device further including content
distribution means to distribute the obtained content, using
the distribution frequency band to a plurality of terminal
devices in a state capable of being distributed to in
accordance with the distribution information, when the
distribution time slot arrives; and each of the terminal
devices further including reception means to receive the
content to be distributed from the information distribution
device.
[0020]
With an information distribution system according to
the present invention, content to be distributed is obtained
by an information distribution device; frequency usage state
| information is obtained from an information managing device
!
! managing frequency usage state information relating to a
; usage state of a frequency band each time slot in
predetermined each area; a distribution time slot to
distribute the obtained content and a distribution frequency
i band to be used for the distribution are evaluated based on
the obtained frequency usage state information; distribution
i
information is notified as to multiple terminal devices
i
I within the area regarding the content to be distributed
i
using the distribution frequency band for the distribution
I
- 10 -
SP316710
time slot; content to be distributed using a distribution
frequency band is controlled by each of the terminal devices
so as to be in a receivable state in a distribution time
slot, based on distribution information notified from the
information distribution device, and further when a
distribution time slot has arrived, and the obtained content
is distributed by the information distribution device to
multiple terminal devices which are in a state capable of
being distributed to in accordance with distribution
information using the distribution frequency band; and
content distributed from the information distribution device
is received by each of the terminal devices.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0021]
According to the present invention, efficiency of
I information distribution can be improved.
| Brief Description of Drawings
| [0022]
i [Fig. 1] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating a
I
| configuration of an embodiment of a content distribution
I
system according to the present invention.
[Fig. 2] Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating a
configuration example of a broadcast server.
[Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating a
configuration example of a broadcast resource management
- 11 -
SP316710
server.
[Fig. 4] Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating a
configuration example of a WSDB.
[Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating a
configuration example of a TVBD.
[Fig. 6] Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating content
distribution processing.
[Fig. 7] Fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating content
distribution processing.
[Fig. 8] Fig. 8 is a flowchart illustrating details of
distribution evaluation processing.
[Fig. 9] Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating an
identifying method of a common available block.
[Fig. 10] Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating an
evaluation method of a cost evaluation graph (setting lowcost-
per-time).
[Fig. 11] Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating an
evaluation method of a cost evaluation graph (setting lowcost-
per- frequency).
[Fig. 12] Fig. 12 is a diagram illustrating an
| evaluation method of a cost evaluation graph (setting high-
I cost-per-time and low-cost-per-frequency).
| [Fig. 13] Fig. 13 is a diagram illustrating a screen
example of selecting content.
[Fig. 14] Fig. 14 is a diagram illustrating another
- 12 -
SP316710
configuration of an embodiment of the content distribution
system according to the present invention.
[Fig. 15] Fig. 15 is a diagram further illustrating
another configuration of an embodiment of the content
distribution system according to the present invention.
[Fig. 16] Fig. 16 is a diagram illustrating a
configuration example of a computer.
Description of Embodiments
[0023]
Hereinafter, description will be made regarding
embodiments according to the present invention. Note that
the description will be made in the following order.
1. First Embodiment
2. Second Embodiment
3. Third Embodiment
4. Modification
[0024]
<1. First Embodiment>
[Configuration of Content Distribution System]
! Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of
| an embodiment of a content distribution system according to
| the present invention.
; [0025]
| A content distribution system 1 is configured of a
I broadcast server 11, a broadcast resource management server
- 13 -
SP316710
12, WSDBs 21-1 through 21-N, and a TVBDs 31-1 through 31-M.
[0026]
The broadcast server 11 is a dedicated server to
perform distribution of the content. The broadcast server
11 is located within equipment of a service provider 3. The
service provider 3 is a provider to provide distribution
service of content such as TV programs and movies.
[0027]
The broadcast server 11 obtains content to be
distributed, and requests a distribution schedule of the
content to the broadcast resource management server 12.
[0028]
The broadcast resource management server 12 is a
dedicated server to manage distribution of content. The
broadcast resource management server 12 is located within
equipment of the service provider 3. The broadcast server
11 and the broadcast resource management server 12 are, for
example, located within the same equipment and exchanges
various types of data by performing cable or wireless
communication by a predetermined communication system.
[0029]
| In accordance with the request from the broadcast
| server 11, the broadcast resource management server 12
I inquires a usage state of the frequency band for each time
slot, to the WSDBs 21-1 through 21-N via a transmission path
- 14 -
SP316710
2.
[0030]
The WSDBs 21-1 through 21-N (N: 1, 2, 3, ..., N) are
dedicated servers to manage information regarding the usage
state of the frequency band each time slot in each area
(hereinafter, referred to as frequency usage state
information), by a white space database (WSDB: White Space
Data Base). The WSDBs 21-1 through 21-N are located within
equipment of the network provider 4. The network provider 4
is a provider to provide the frequency usage state
information.
[0031]
In accordance with the request from the broadcast
resource management server 12, the WSDBs 21-1 through 21-N
notify the frequency usage state information to the
broadcast resource management server 12 via the transmission
path 2.
! [0032]
The broadcast resource management server 12 determines
the distribution schedule of the content, based on the
frequency usage state information notified from the WSDBs
i
21-1 through 21-N, and notifies this to the broadcast server
11. Also, the broadcast resource management server 12
notifies the distribution schedule of the content to the
TVBDs 31-1 through 31-M via the transmission path 2.
I
c
- 15 -
SP316710
[0033]
The broadcast server 11 performs broadcast distribution
on the content to the TVBDs 31-1 through 31-M via the
transmission path 2, based on the distribution schedule
notified from the broadcast resource management server 12.
[0034]
The TVBDs 31-1 through 31-M (M: 1, 2, 3, ..., M) are
dedicated terminal devices to execute playing or storing of
the distributed content, referred to as a TV band device
(TVBD: TV Band Devices). For example, the TVBDs 31-1
through 31-M are used to be held by users or located in user
homes, or the like.
[0035]
The TVBDs 31-1 through 31-M perform preparation for
receiving distribution of the content, based on the
distribution schedule notified from the broadcast resource
| management server 12, and thus are in a state where the
j content is receivable. In the event that the content is
| distributed from the broadcast server 11, the TVBDs 31-1
| through 31-M receive the content thereof and plays or stores
; this.
i
[0036]
| The content distribution system 1 in Fig. 1 is thus
configured.
[0037]
- 16 -
SP316710
Note that, in the following description, in the event
that there is no need to distinguish between the WSDBs 21-1
through 21-N particularly, these will be referred to as a
WSDB 21 and described. Also, in the event that there is no
need to distinguish between the TVBDs 31-1 through 31-M in
particular, these will be referred to as TVBD 31 and
described.
[0038]
[Configuration of Each Device]
Next, description will be made in detail regarding each
of the broadcast server 11, broadcast resource management
server 12, WSDB 21, and TVBD 31 making up the content
distribution system 1 in Fig. 1, with reference to Fig. 2
through Fig. 5.
[0039]
[Configuration of Broadcast Server]
Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration
example of the broadcast server 11 in Fig. 1.
[0040]
I The broadcast server 11 is configured of a control unit |
110, a content acquisition unit 111, a communication unit
I 112, and a content distribution unit 113.
j [0041]
| The control unit 110 controls operation of each unit of
| the broadcast server 11.
|
1
)
!
1
I
I
I I
- 17 -
SP316710
[0042]
The content acquisition unit 111 obtains the content
which performs broadcast distribution to the TVBD 31, and
supplies this to the control unit 110.
[0043]
In the event that the content is supplied from the
content acquisition unit 111, the control unit 110 supplies
to the communication unit 112 the request of the
distribution schedule regarding the content.
[0044]
The communication unit 112 transmits the request of the
distribution schedule supplied from the control unit 110 to
the broadcast resource management server 12. The
communication unit 112 receives the distribution schedule
transmitted from the broadcast resource management server 12,
and supplies this to the control unit 110, in accordance
with the distribution schedule request.
[0045]
The control unit 110 executes scheduling of the
distribution processing, based on the distribution schedule
supplied from the communication unit 112. Upon a time slot
|
to distribute the content having arrived, the control unit j
i
110 supplies the content which has acquired by the content j
acquisition unit 111 to the content distribution unit 113.
[0046]
j
j
i I
I
- 18 -
SP316710
The content distribution unit 113 performs broadcast
distribution to the TVBDs 31-1 through 31-M via the
transmission path 2 the content supplied from the control
unit 110, using the frequency band to distribute the content
thereof.
[0047]
The broadcast server 11 is thus configured.
[0048]
[Configuration of Broadcast Resource Management Server]
Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration
example of the broadcast resource management server 12 in
Fig. 1.
[0049]
The broadcast resource management server 12 is
configured of a control unit 120, a communication unit 121,
a distribution evaluation unit 122, a WSDB reference unit
123, a frequency usage state information obtaining unit 124,
an evaluation reference information obtaining unit 125, a
distribution schedule generating unit 126, and a
distribution schedule notifying unit 127.
| [0050]
J |
I The control unit 120 controls each operation of the I
i
| broadcast resource management server 12.
! [0051]
| The communication unit 121 receives the distribution
i i
I j
I
!
i
1
- 19 -
SP316710
schedule request transmitted from the broadcast server 11,
and supplies this to the distribution evaluation unit 122.
[0052]
In the event that the request of the distribution
schedule from the communication unit 121 is supplied, the
distribution evaluation unit 122 instructs reference of the
WSDB 21 to the WSDB reference unit 123.
[0053]
In accordance with the instruction from the
distribution evaluation unit 122, the WSDB reference unit
123 inquiries the frequency usage state information to the
WSDBs 21-1 through 21-N via the transmission path 2. In
accordance with the inquiry, the WSDB reference unit 123
supplies the frequency usage state information notified from
each of the WSDBs 21-1 through 21-N to the frequency usage
state information obtaining unit 124.
[0054]
The frequency usage state information obtaining unit
; 124 obtains the frequency usage state information supplied
from the WSDB reference unit 123, and supplies this to the ]
I distribution evaluation unit 122. |
j [0055] |
1 The evaluation reference information obtaining unit 125
| obtains evaluation reference information, and supplies this
i
I to the distribution evaluation unit 122. i i
I
i
I
I
I
j
j
i
I
- 20 -
SP316710
[0056]
The evaluation reference information is information
which is a basis for evaluation at the time of the
distribution evaluation unit 122 executing distribution
evaluating processing, and for example, is set beforehand by
content production companies, broadcasting stations, an
individual, and other content providers who provide content
to be distributed. The evaluation reference information may
be held by the broadcast resource management server 12, or
may be obtained at the same time with the content to be
distributed.
[0057]
The frequency usage state information from the
frequency usage state information obtaining unit 124 and
evaluation reference information from the evaluation
reference information obtaining unit 125, in addition to the
distribution schedule request supplied from the
I communication unit 121, are supplied to the distribution
I evaluation unit 122.
I [0058]
! The distribution evaluation unit 122 executes
I i
I distribution evaluating processing to evaluate a time slot
! to distribute the content where the distribution schedule
I
i has been requested (hereinafter, referred to as a
i
i
! distribution time slot) and a frequency band to be utilized
jj
(
I
1
i
!
i
i
! i
- 21 -
SP316710
to the distribution (hereinafter, referred to as a
distribution frequency band), based on the frequency usage
state information and evaluation reference information. The
distribution evaluation unit 122 supplies the result of the
distribution evaluation obtained by the distribution
evaluating processing to the WSDB reference unit 123 and
distribution schedule generating unit 12 6.
[0059]
The WSDB reference unit 123 notifies of information to
reserve the distribution time slot and distribution
frequency band as a reserved block to the WSDBs 21-1 through
21-N via the transmission path 2, based on the result of the
distribution evaluation supplied from the distribution
evaluation unit 122. Also, in the event that distribution
of the content has ended, the WSDB reference unit 123
notifies information to release the reserved block to the
WSDBs 21-1 through 21-N via the transmission path 2.
[0060]
The distribution schedule generating unit 12 6 generates
the distribution schedule, based on the result of the
distribution evaluation supplied from the distribution
evaluation unit 122, and supplies this to the communication
unit 121 and distribution schedule notifying unit 127.
[0061]
The communication unit 121 transmits the distribution
- 22 -
SP316710
schedule supplied from the distribution schedule generating
unit 126 to the broadcast server 11.
[0062]
The distribution schedule notifying unit 127 notifies
of the distribution schedule supplied from the distribution
schedule generating unit 126 to the TVBDs 31-1 through 31-M.
[0063]
The broadcast resource management server 12 is thus
configured.
[0064]
[Configuration of WSDB]
Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration
example of the WSDB 21 in Fig. 1.
[0065]
The WSDB 21 is configured of a control unit 210, a
communication unit 211, DB management unit 212, and a WSDB
213.
[0066]
The control unit 210 controls each operation of the
components of the WSDB 21. The control unit 210 controls
the communication unit 211 and DB management unit 212,
collects information relating to a frequency and a time slot
to be used in a predetermined area under its management so i
: i
as to register this to the WSDB (White Space Data Base) 213.
: [0067] |
I
i
i
1
{
I
i|
- 23 -
SP316710
The communication unit 211 receives an inquiry of the
frequency usage state information notified via the
transmission path 2, from the broadcast resource management
server 12, and supplies this to the DB management unit 212.
[0068]
In accordance with the inquiry supplied from the
communication unit 211, the DB management unit 212 refers to
the WSDB 213 and obtains the frequency usage state
information. The DB management unit 212 supplies the
frequency usage state information to the communication unit
211.
[0069]
The communication unit 211 notifies of the frequency
usage state information supplied from the DB management unit
212 to the broadcast resource management server 12 via the
transmission path 2.
[0070]
Also, in the event that a reserved block or releasing
i of the reserved block thereof is notified from the broadcast
resource management server 12, the communication unit 211
! supplies the notification to the DB management unit 212.
| [0071]
In accordance with the notification supplied from the
| communication unit 211, the DB management unit 212 refers to
j the WSDB 213, and registers the reserved block, or executes
i
i
I
I
I
|
I
- 24 -
SP316710
processing to release the reserved block.
[0072]
The WSDB 21 is thus configured.
[0073]
[Configuration of TVBD]
Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration
example of the TVBD 31 in Fig. 1.
[0074]
The TVBD 31 is configured of a control unit 310, a
communication unit 311, a display unit 312, an input unit
313, a playing unit 314, a storage unit 315, and a
preference information acquiring unit 316.
[0075]
The control unit 310 controls each operation of the
TVBD 31.
[0076]
The communication unit 311 receives the distribution
schedule notified via the transmission path 2 from the
I broadcast resource management unit 12, and supplies this to j
| the control unit 310.
I [0077]
1
j The control unit 310 executes scheduling of the
I reception processing, based on the distribution schedule
I supplied from the communication unit 311. The control unit
1
310 displays the result of the scheduling to the display
- 25 -
SP316710
unit 312.
[0078]
The control unit 310 selects, of content regarding
which distribution is planned, desired content, based on the
operation signal from the input unit 313. Also, the control
unit 310 selects desired content, based on the preference
information obtained by the preference information acquiring
unit 316.
[0079]
The preference information is a user's history of
viewing and so forth, for example, and it may be held by the
TVBD 31 itself, or it may be obtained from an external
device, before selection processing of the desired content
will be executed.
i [0080]
| The control unit 310 activates the TVBD 31 and controls
i the desired content in the state where the desired content
is receivable, immediately before the distribution time slot
! of the desired content arrives.
j [0081]
I The communication unit 311 receives the content which
! is performed broadcast distribution via the transmission
I path 2 from the broadcast server 11, and supplies this to
the control unit 310.
! [0082]
I
i
j
I
i
- 26 -
SP316710
In the event of playing the content supplied from the
communication unit 311, the control unit 310 supplies the
content to the playing unit 314. In this case, the playing
unit 314 plays the content supplied from the control unit
310 in real time so as to be displayed in the display unit
312. Also, in the event that the content supplied from the
communication unit 311 is stored, the control unit 310
supplies the content to the storage unit 315 and stores. In
this case, the stored content is played by the playing unit
314.
[0083]
The TVBD 31 is thus configured.
[0084]
[Content Distribution Processing]
Next, description will be made regarding content
distribution processing executed in the content distribution
system 1 in Fig. 1, with reference to Fig. 6 and Fig. 7.
[0085]
Note that, here, to simplify the description, we will
assume that the TVBDs 31-1 through 31-M exist in the area
under management of the WSDBs 21-1 through 21-3 and
description will be made, representing, of the TVBDs 31-1
through 31-M, the TVBD 31-1 and TVBD 31-M.
; I
[0086]
With the broadcast server 11, upon the content being
i
1
i I
- 27 -
SP316710
obtained by the content obtaining unit 111 (step Sll), the
control unit 110 requests the distribution schedule to the
broadcast resource management server 12 (step S12).
[0087]
Note that, the content obtained by the content
obtaining unit 111 is provided from content production
companies, broadcasting stations, an individual, and other
content providers, via a terminal device or recording medium.
[0088]
In the broadcast resource management server 12, upon
the distribution schedule being requested from the broadcast
server 11, available blocks in the time slots and frequency
band areas are inquired to the WSDBs 21-1 through 21-3,
respectively, via the transmission path 2 by the WSDB
reference unit 123 (step S21).
[0089]
In step S31, the DB management unit 212 of the WSDB 21-
1 refers to the WSDB 213, identifies the available block
from the usage state each time slot in the area where it
manages, and notifies of the frequency usage state
information in accordance with the available block thereof
: to the broadcast resource management server 12. In the same
way as with the WSDB 21-1 and WSDB 21-3, the available
j blocks for each area are identified and the frequency usage
state information is notified to the broadcast resource
- 28 -
SP316710
management server 12 (steps S41 and S51).
[0090]
In the broadcast resource management server 12, the
frequency usage state information from the WSDB 21-1 through
WSDB 21-3 is obtained by the frequency usage state
information obtaining unit 124 (step S22) . In step S23, the
distribution evaluation unit 122 then, executes distribution
evaluating processing, based on the frequency usage state
information obtained by the frequency usage state
information obtaining unit 124.
[0091]
Here, description will be made in detail regarding
distribution evaluating processing corresponding to step S23
in Fig. 6, with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 8.
[0092]
The distribution evaluation unit 122 obtains the
; frequency usage state information obtained by the frequency
usage state information obtaining unit 124 and evaluation
I reference information obtained by the evaluation reference
t
| information obtaining unit 125 (steps S101 and S102).
[0093]
In step S103, the distribution evaluation unit 122
generates a cost evaluation graph weighted by the evaluation
reference information, based on the obtained frequency usage
state information and evaluation reference information. The
- 29 -
SP316710
distribution evaluation unit 122 evaluates the generated
cost evaluation graph (step S104) and identifies the
reserved block, in accordance with the result of the
distribution evaluation (step S105).
[0094]
| Here, description will be made in detail regarding an
I evaluation method of the cost evaluation graph, with
reference to Fig. 9 through Fig. 12.
[0095]
As illustrated in Fig. 9A through 9C, representing each
of the available blocks Bl through B3 notified by the
frequency usage state information obtained from the WSDBs
21-1 through 21-3 on the plane with time and frequency,
regions made up of the time slot and frequency band
identified by the available blocks B, are different for each
WSDB 21. The reason is because, as described above, the
regions regarding which the usage state of the time slots
and frequency bands are being managed for each WSDB 21 are
different, so the available time slots and frequency bands
are different in each of the regions.
[0096]
Representing the planes illustrated in Fig. 9A through
Fig. 9C on a plane in a superimposed manner, as illustrated
in Fig. 9D, includes either the region where all the
available blocks Bl though B3 are overlapped, the region
- 30 -
SP316710
where the available blocks Bl and B2 are overlapped, the
region where the available blocks Bl and B3 are overlapped,
the region where the available blocks B2 and B3 are
overlapped, and the region which is made up of the available
regions Bl, B2, and B3 only. The region where all the
available blocks Bl though B3 are overlapped are selected,
as illustrated in Fig. 9E, and four common available blocks
are obtained. These common available blocks are a commonly
available frequency band in a common time slot, in all the
areas under management of the WSDBs 21-1 through 21-3.
[0097]
That is to say, the broadcast server 11 can perform
broadcasting distribution of the content, by using the
distribution frequency band corresponding to the
distribution time slot in the distribution time slot within
the region of the common available blocks illustrated in Fig.
9E. This content to be subjected to broadcasting
distribution is then distributed to the TVBDs 31-1 through
31-M existing in the area under management of the WSDBs 21-1
through 21-3.
[0098]
Also, at the time of evaluating the time slot and
I
i frequency band within the common available blocks, weighting
is performed to the region of the available blocks and then
evaluation can be executed. For example, regarding the
- 31 -
SP316710
region which is expected the content to be viewed by manyviewers
such as the time slot between 19:00 to 22:00 on
Sundays, the usage cost of the available blocks is set high
and on the other hand, regarding the region which is
expected that the viewers become less such as early in the
morning or late at night, the usage cost of the available
blocks is set low.
[0099]
For example, as illustrated in Fig. 10A through 10C,
regarding the available blocks Bl through B3 in Fig. 9A
through Fig. 9C can be set, for each WSDB 21, as to a region
where more viewing by many more viewers can be expected and
the usage cost is high (hereinafter, referred to as highcost-
per-time region), on the graphs each represented on
planes of time and frequency.
[0100]
When the planes illustrated in Fig. 10A through Fig.
10C are then represented on a plane in a superimposed manner,
as illustrated in Fig. 10D, a high-cost-per-time region is
further superimposed to the available blocks Bl through B3
represented in a superimposed manner. That is to say, of
the regions of the common available blocks, with the common
available block within the high-cost-per-time region, the cost is expected to be high, while, with the common
available block in the region where the usage cost which is
- 32 -
SP316710
out of the high-cost-per-time region is lower (hereinafter,
referred to as low-cost-per-time region), the cost is
expected to be low.
[0101]
In the evaluation reference information is included a
cost parameter indicating which of the common available
blocks which belongs to the high-cost-per-time region or
low-cost-per-time region has priority.
[0102]
For example, in the event that the cost parameter
indicates the priority of the low-cost-per-time region, as
illustrated in Fig. 10E, the common available block within
the low-cost-per-time region is selected as a reserved block.
Note that while a case where the low-cost-per-time region
has priority has been illustrated in Fig. 10E, in the event
that the cost parameter indicates that the high-cost-per
time region has priority, the common available block within
the high-cost-per-time region is selected as a reserved
block.
[0103]
Also, the usage cost of the available block may be set
in accordance with rise and fall of the bit rates which
distributes content, i.e., cost of frequency band, besides a
time slot such as the date and time or point-in-time.
[0104]
»
- 33 -
SP316710
For example, as illustrated in Fig. 11A through 11C, a
region where the distribution bit rate to distribute the
content is expected to be high and the usage cost is high
(hereinafter, referred to as a high-cost-per-frequency
region), can be set for a graph representing the available
blocks Bl through B3 on a plane of time and frequency, for
each WSDB 21.
[0105]
When the plane illustrated in Fig. 11A through Fig. 11C
represented on a plane in a superimposed manner, as
illustrated in Fig. 11D, the high-cost-per-frequency region
is further superimposed to the available blocks Bl through
B3 represented in a superimposed manner. That is to say, of
the available blocks, the cost is expected to be high with
the common available block within the high-cost-perfrequency
region, while the cost is expected to be low with
the common available block outside of the high-cost-perfrequency
region where the usage cost is low (hereinafter,
referred to as low-cost-per-frequency region).
| [0106]
| A parameter indicating which of the common available
blocks belonging to the high-cost-per-frequency region or
low-cost-per-frequency region has priority, is included in
the evaluation reference information, as a cost parameter,
besides the parameter relating to the priority of the abovei
- 34 -
SP316710
described time cost region.
[0107]
For example, in the event that the cost parameter
indicates the priority of the low-cost-per-frequency region,
as illustrated in Fig. H E , the common available block
within the low-cost-per-frequency region is selected as a
reserved block. Note that in Fig. H E is illustrated the
case where the low-cost-per-frequency region has priority,
however, in the event that the cost parameter is indicating
the priority of the high-cost-per-frequency region, the
common available block within the high-cost-per-frequency
region is selected as a reserved block.
[0108]
Also, a reserved block may be selected from the common
available blocks, by combining the above-described time cost
illustrated in Fig. 10 and the frequency cost illustrated in
Fig. 11, in accordance with the combination of the time cost
and frequency cost thereof. A case where these combinations
are used is a case where the frequency cost is desired to be
kept to a minimum while the time cost may be the maximum,
for example.
[0109]
For example, as illustrated in Fig. 12A through 12C,
with the available blocks Bl through B3, the high-cost-pertime
region and high-cost-per-frequency can be set to the
- 35 -
SP316710
graph representing each of the time and frequency on the
plane.
[0110]
With the plane illustrated in Fig. 12A through Fig. 12C
represented on a plane in a superimposed manner, as
illustrated in Fig. 12D, the high-cost-per-time and highcost-
per-frequency regions are further superimposed to the
available blocks Bl through B3 represented in a
superimposing manner. That is to say, of the common
available blocks, with the common available block within the
high-cost-per-time or high-cost-per-frequency region, the
cost is expected to be high, while, with the common
available block within the low-cost-per-time region or lowcost-
per-frequency region, the cost is expected to be low.
[0111]
For example, in the event that the cost parameter
indicates the priority of the high-cost-per-time and the
priority of the high-cost-per-frequency, the common
available block which is within the high-cost-per-time
region and in the high-cost-per-frequency region are
selected as a reserved block, as illustrated in Fig. 12E.
[0112] !
Note that in Fig. 12E is illustrated the case where the
high-cost-per-time region and the low-cost-per-frequency
region have priority, however in the event that the cost
- 36 -
SP316710
parameter is indicating the priority of the high-cost-pertime
region and the priority of the high-cost-per-frequency
region, the common available block which is in the highcost-
per-time region and in the high-cost-per-frequency
region is selected as a reserved block. Also, even in the
event that the low-cost-per-time region and low-cost-perfrequency
region have priority and in the event that the
low-cost-per-time region and high-cost-per-frequency region
have priority, the common available block within the region
to have priority is selected as a reserved block.
[0113]
As described above, with the distribution evaluation
unit 122, evaluation is performed after weighting is
performed by a parameter indicating whether either of the
common available block belonging to either or both of the
high-cost-per-time region or low-cost-per-time region, and
high-cost-per-frequency region or low-cost-per-frequency
region, whereby the reversed block is identified.
[0114]
Note that, as described above, the cost parameter is
set beforehand by content providers such as content
production companies or the like, as evaluation reference
information.
[0115]
Accordingly, the content providers can set their
- 37 -
SP316710
content distribution conditions (distribution time slot and
distribution frequency band) from the point of view of
whether they want more viewers to view, or if they want the
content to be distributed with a higher bit rate, taking
into consideration of their own estimated cost, for example.
As a result, the content providers can distribute a desired
content with the best distribution conditions, within their
own estimated cost.
[0116]
Returning to the flowchart in Fig. 8, when the
processing in step S105 has ended, the processing further
returns to the flowchart in Fig. 6 and the processing in
step S23 and later is executed.
[0117]
In step S24, the WSDB reference unit 123 notifies the
reserved block identified by the distribution evaluation
processing to each of the WSDBs 21-1 through 21-3 via the
transmission path 2.
[0118]
In step S32, the DB management unit 212 of the WSDB 21-
1 registers the reserved block notified from the broadcast
resource management server 12 to the WSDB 213. In the same
way as with the WSDBs 21-2 and 21-3, the notified reserved
I block is registered to the WSDB 213, respectively.
[0119]
!
! j
- 38 -
SP316710
Thus, with each WSDB 21, the time slot and frequencyband
corresponding to the reserved block are secured for
distributing of the content by the broadcast server 11,
thereby preventing from being used for distribution of
another content.
[0120]
On the other hand, with the broadcast resource
management unit 12, a distribution schedule is generated,
based on the reserved block identified by the distribution
evaluation processing, by the distribution schedule
generating unit 126 (step S25).
[0121]
This distribution schedule is distribution information
of the content distributed by the distribution time slot and
distribution frequency band allocated to the reserved block,
serving as the file where the meta data is stored (manifest
file), for example. For example, the title, genre, overview,
purchasing price, and other such information relating to the
content to be distributed, for each distribution time slot
and distribution frequency band, is stored in the
distribution schedule (distribution information) as meta
data.
[0122]
The generated distribution schedule is notified to the
broadcast server 11 by the communication unit 121 while it
- 39 -
SP316710
is also notified to the TVBDs 31-1 through 31-M via the
transmission path 2 by the distribution schedule notifying
unit 127 (step S26).
[0123]
When the distribution schedule is notified, with the
broadcast server 11, scheduling of the distribution
processing is executed by the control unit 110 (step S13).
With this scheduling, based on the notified distribution
schedule, when a distribution time slot arrives, a schedule
to perform broadcasting on the content is made, using the
distribution frequency band.
[0124]
The broadcast server 11 then stands by until
determination is made by the control unit 110 that a
distribution time slot has arrived ("Yes" in step S14 in Fig.
7) .
[0125]
On the other hand, with the TVBD 31-1, when the
distribution schedule is notified, scheduling of the
reception processing is executed by the control unit 310
(step S61). With this scheduling, based on the notified
| distribution schedule, when a distribution time slot arrives,
I
a schedule where the desired content which is distributed
from the broadcasting server 11 is in the receivable state, j
| is made using the distribution frequency band.
i ^ :
!
i
- 40 -
SP316710
[0126]
For example, based on the meta data of the content
included in the distribution schedule, as illustrated in Fig.
13, the control unit 310 displays the distribution schedule
where information relating to the title, genre, overview,
price, and other content each content where the distribution
will be scheduled, is represented on the plane with time and
frequency to the display unit 312. A user confirms the
distribution schedule displayed on the display unit 312 and
selects, of the content where distribution is scheduled, the
desired content which he/she wants to view by operating the
input unit 313.
[0127]
Note that the distribution schedule in Fig. 13 is an
example of screen displaying so as cause a user to select
the content to be distributed, but display methods may be
made such as an electronic program guide (EPG: Electronic
Program Guide) usable with the TVBD 31, a radio/TV schedule
in a newspaper, or the like.
[0128]
Also, the control unit 310 executes processing to
analogize the content which is to user's preference who is
using the TVBD 31-1, of the content to be distributed, based
on the user's preference information obtained by the
preference information obtaining unit 316 and the analogized
- 41 -
SP316710
content may be taken as content which the user wants to view.
In this case, the user does not have to select desired
content. Also, as for the preference information, the
above-described user's history of viewing and so forth is
used, and content with genre and title according to the
histories of viewing thereof is selected.
[0129]
The TVBD 31-1 then stands by until determination is
made that it is immediately before a distribution time slot
(for example, few minutes before the distribution), by the
control unit 310 ("Yes" in step S62 in Fig. 7).
[0130]
Also, with the TVBD 31-2 through 31-M, in the same way
as with the above-described TVBD 31-1, when the distribution
schedule is notified, scheduling of the reception processing
is executed. With this scheduling, a schedule is made to
enable reception of the desired content which is distributed
from the broadcast server 11 when a distribution time slot
arrives, using the distribution frequency band. In the same
way as with the TVBD 31-1, the TVBD 31-2 through 31-M then
stands by until determination is made that it is immediately
before the distribution time slot ("Yes" in step S72 in Fig.
7) .
[0131]
In the event that determination is made that it is
- 42 -
SP316710
immediately before the distribution time slot ("Yes" in step
S62 and "Yes" in step S72), the TVBDs 31-1 through 31-M are
activated by each control unit 310 and transitions to a
state capable of receiving the desired content, from the
standby state (steps S63 and S73). That is, we can also say
that according to the distribution schedule, the TVBDs 31-1
through 31-M are in a state capable of being distributed to,
from the perspective of the broadcast server 11 and
broadcast resource management server 12 side.
[0132]
On the other hand, with the broadcast server 11, in the
event that determination is made that it is a distribution
time slot ("Yes" in step sl4), the processing proceeds to
step S15. In step S15, the content distribution unit 113
then uses the distribution frequency band and performs
broadcasting distribution on the content obtained by the
content obtaining unit 111 to the TVBDs 31-1 through 31-M.
[0133]
At this time, the TVBDs 31-1 through 31-M was activated
and has been already in the receivable state, so the content
to be distributed from the broadcast server 11 is received
by the communication unit 311 (steps S64 and S74).
[0134]
With the TVBD 31-1, the received content is played by
the playing unit 314 and displayed to the display unit 312.
- 43 -
SP316710
Note that, as described above, the content to be distributed
does not have to be played in real time and of the TVBD 31-2
through 31-M, with the TVBD 31-M, the received content is
stored by the storage unit 315, for example.
[0135]
Thus, the user who uses the TVBDs 31-1 through 31-M can
view the desired content, or store and view it later.
[0136]
The control unit 310 then determines whether or not the
distribution processing of the content by the broadcast
server 11 has ended and in the event that the distribution
of the content has not ended ("No" in step S66 and "No" in
S76) and the processing returns to the steps S64 and S74.
The reception of the content and processing of playing or
storage thereof is executed until the distribution of the
content has ended.
[0137]
On the other hand, in the event that the distribution
of the content has ended ("Yes" in step S66 and "Yes" in
S76), the control unit 310 transitions the state of the TVBD
31 to the standby state from the receivable state. Thus,
with the TVBDs 31-1 through 31-M, receiving and playing or
storing of the content is ended.
[0138]
Also, with the broadcast resource management server 12,
- 44 -
SP316710
when the distribution of the content has ended ("Yes" in
step S27), the processing proceeds to step S28. In step S28,
the WSDB reference unit 123 notifies of release of the
reserved block using the distribution of the content to each
of the WSDBs 21-1 through 21-3 via the transmission path 2.
[0139]
In step S33, the DB management unit 212 of the WSDB 21-
1 releases the reserved block notified by the broadcast
resource management server 12, which has been registered in
the WSDB 213. In the same way as with the WSDB 21-2 and
WSDB 21-3, the reserved block which has been registered in
the WSDB 213 is released. Thus, in each WSDB 21, the time
slot and frequency band corresponding to the reserved block
are released, enabling to use for distribution of other
content.
[0140]
As described above, with the content distribution
system 1, frequency usage state information managed by the
WSDB 21 is obtained at the time of distributing the content,
and the distribution time slot and distribution frequency
band of the distributed content are evaluated based on the
frequency usage state information. The distribution
schedule is then notified to the TVBDs 31-1 through 31-M,
which is within the region under management of the WSDB 21,
and performs broadcasting on the content to the TVBDs 31-1
- 45 -
SP316710
through 31-M which are in the receivable state by the
distribution schedule.
[0141]
Thus, when performing broadcasting distribution of a
predetermined content, the TVBD 31 of the user who wants to
view the content is activated in a sure manner, thereby
improving the above-described capabilities of global
broadcast receiving. As a result, the properties of the
broadcasting distribution are fully utilized, thereby
improving efficiency of information distribution such as
content.
[0142]
Also, at the time of evaluating the distribution time
slot and distribution frequency band, evaluation is
performed after weighting in accordance with the time slot
and frequency band, so, from the content providers' side,
the content can be distributed with the time slot and bit
rate of the distribution to meet their cost which they can
pay. Accordingly, improving of efficiency of the
information distribution can be realized according to the
distribution cost, thereby improving cost effectiveness of
the content distribution.
[0143]
<2. Second Embodiment>
[Another Configuration of Content Distribution System]
- 46 -
SP316710
Fig. 14 is a diagram illustrating another configuration
of an embodiment of the content distribution system
according to the present invention.
[0144]
In Fig. 1, description has been made that the broadcast
server 11 and broadcast resource management server 12 are
each independent devices, however these devices can be
conceived to be a single broadcast server 11, as illustrated
in Fig. 14.
[0145]
That is to say, the broadcast server 11 in Fig. 14 is a
device made up of a broadcasting distributing unit 11A as
one processing unit corresponding to the broadcasting
serving 11 in Fig. 1 and a broadcast resource management
server 12A as one processing unit corresponding to the
broadcast resource management server 12. The broadcast
server 11 in Fig. 14 is located within the equipment of the
service provider 3.
[0146]
The broadcasting distributing unit 11A is configured of
the control unit 110 through content distribution unit 113
in Fig. 2. The operation of the control unit 110 through
content distribution unit 113 in Fig. 2 is as described
above.
[0147]
- 47 -
SP316710
The broadcast resource management server 12A is
configured of the control unit 120 through distribution
schedule notifying unit 127 in Fig. 3. The operation of the
control unit 120 through distribution schedule notifying
unit 127 in Fig. 3 is as described above.
[0148]
The content distribution system 1 in Fig. 14 is thus
configured.
[0149]
<3. Third Embodiment>
[Another Configuration of Content Distribution System]
Fig. 15 is a diagram further illustrating another
configuration of an embodiment of a content distribution
system according to the present invention.
[0150]
In Fig. 1, description has been made that the broadcast
server 11, broadcast resource management unit 12, WSDBs 21-1
through 21-N are independent devices, however, these devices
can be also conceived to be a single broadcast server 11, as
illustrated in Fig. 15.
[0151]
That is to say, the broadcast server 11 in Fig. 15 is a
device made up of a WSDB 21A as one processing device
corresponding to the WSDB 21, other than the above-described
broadcasting distributing unit 11A and broadcast resource
- 48 -
SP316710
management unit 12A in Fig. 14. The broadcast server 11 in
Fig. 15 is located within the equipment of the service
network provider 5. The service network provider 5 is a
provider which provides both content distribution services
and frequency usage state information.
[0152]
The WSDB 21A is configured of the control unit 210
through WSDB 213 in Fig. 4. The operation of the control
unit 210 through WSDB 213 in Fig. 4 is as described above.
[0153]
The content distribution system 1 in Fig. 15 is thus
configured.
[0154]
<4. Modification>
With the above-described description, description has
been made regarding an example in which weighting is
performed with the two-stage cost of "low" and "high" along
with the time and frequency, however, it is not limited to
the above-described two stages, and weighting may be
performed with the cost of three stages or more, such as
three stages of "low", "middle", and "high", four stages of
"level 1", "level 2", "level 3", and "level 4", for example.
[0155]
Also, the distribution of the content according to the
broadcast server 11 is not limited to broadcasting such as
- 49 -
SP316710
broadcasting like TV broadcasting, needless to say, but also
other communication methods may distribute the content.
Note that, here, the term communication may be communication
where wireless communication and cable communication coexist,
where in some sections wireless communication is performed,
and in other sections cable communication is performed, not
to mention wireless communication and cable communication.
Further, communication from one device to another device may
be performed by cable communication and communication from
another device to the one device may be performed by
wireless communication.
[0156]
[Description of Computer in Which Present Invention Has Been
Applied]
The above-described series of processing may be
performed by hardware, or may be performed by software. In
the event that the series of processing is performed by
software, the program making up the software is installed in
a general-purpose computer or the like.
[0157]
Accordingly, Fig. 16 illustrates a configuration
example of an embodiment of the computer where the program
executing the above-described series of processing is
installed.
[0158]
- 50 -
SP316710
The program can be recorded beforehand in a recording
unit 408 such as a hard disk or ROM (Read Only Memory) 402
built in the computer 400.
[0159]
Alternatively, the program can be temporarily or
permanently stored (recorded) in a removable recording
medium 411 such as a flexible disc, CD-ROM (Compact Disc
Read Only Memory), MO (Magneto Optical) disc, DVD (Digital
Versatile Disc), Magnetic Disc, semiconductor memory, or the
like. Such removable recording medium 411 can be provided
as so-called packaged software.
[0160]
Note that, besides being installed from the abovedescribed
removable recording medium 411 to the computer 400,
the program may be transferred by wireless to the computer
400 via an artificial satellite for digital satellite
broadcasting from a download site, or transferred by cable
to the computer 400 via a network such as LAN (Local Area
Network) and the Internet, and at the computer 400, the
program transferred thus can be received at a communication
unit 409 and installed in the recording unit 408.
[0161]
The computer 400 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit)
401 built in. An input/output interface 405 is connected
via a bus 404 to the CPU 401, and when an instruction is
- 51 -
SP316710
input by a input unit 406 configured of a keyboard, a mouse,
a microphone, or the like, being operated by the user via
the input/output interface 405, the CPU 401 executes the
program stored in the ROM 402 accordingly. Alternatively,
the CPU 401 loads a program stored in a recording unit 408,
a program transferred from a satellite or a network,
received at the communication unit 409, and installed in the
recording unit 408, or a program read out from the removable
recording medium 411 mounted to a drive 410 and installed in
the recording unit 408, to RAM (Random Access Memory) 403,
and executed. Thus, the CPU 401 performs processing
following the above-described flowchart and processing
performed by the configuration of the above-described block
diagram. The CPU 401 then outputs the processing result
from the output unit 407 configured of an LCD (Liquid
Crystal Display), speaker, and so forth, or transmits from
the communication unit 409, and further records in the
recording unit 408, or the like for example, according to
need, via the input/output interface 405.
[0162]
Here, according to the present specification,
processing steps describing the program to cause the
computer to perform various types of processing do not
necessarily have to be processed in the time sequence
following the order described as a flowchart, and also
I
i
- 52 -
SP316710
include processing executed in a parallel or individual
manner (for example, parallel processing or processing by
object).
[0163]
Also, the program may be processed by a single computer,
or may be performed by distributed processing by multiple
computers. Further, the program may be transferred to a
remote computer and executed.
[0164]
Note that, according to the present specification, the
term system represents the entirety of devices configured of
multiple devices.
[0165]
Further, the embodiment of the present invention is not
restricted to the above-described embodiments, and that
various modifications may be made without departing from the
scope of the essence of the present invention.
Reference Signs List
[0166]
1 content distribution system
2 transmission path
11 broadcast server
11A broadcast distribution unit
12 broadcast resource management server
12A broadcast resource management unit
c
- 53 -
SP316710
21, 21A, 21-1 through 21-N WSDB
31, 31-1 through 31- M TVBD
110 control unit
111 content obtaining unit
112 communication unit
113 content distribution unit
120 control unit
121 communication unit
122 distribution evaluation unit
123 WSDB reference unit
124 frequency usage state information unit
125 evaluation reference information obtaining unit
126 distribution schedule generating unit
127 distribution schedule notifying unit
210 control unit
211 communication unit
212 DB management unit
213 WSDB
310 control unit
311 communication unit
312 display unit
313 input unit
314 playing unit
315 storage unit
316 preference information obtaining unit
- 54 -
SP316710
400 computer
401 CPU

c
- 55 -
SP316710
CLAIMS
[Claim 1]
An information distribution device comprising:
content obtaining means to obtain content to be
distributed;
frequency usage state information obtaining means to
obtain frequency usage state information relating to usage
state of a frequency band for each time slot in each
predetermined area;
distribution evaluation means to evaluate a
distribution time slot to distribute the obtained content
and a distribution frequency band to be used for the
distribution, based on the obtained frequency usage state
information;
distribution information notifying means to notify the
distribution information for the content to be distributed
using the distribution frequency band for the distribution
time slot, as to a plurality of terminal devices within the
areas; and
content distribution means to use, when the
distribution time slot arrives, the distribution frequency
band to distribute the obtained content to a plurality of
terminal devices in a state capable of being distributed to
in accordance with the distribution information.
[Claim 2]
t
- 56 -
SP316710
The information distribution device according to Claim
1, further comprising:
evaluation reference information obtaining means to
obtain evaluation reference information which is a reference
when evaluating the distribution time slot and distribution
frequency band;
wherein the distribution evaluation means evaluate the
distribution time slot and distribution frequency band,
based on the obtained evaluation reference information.
[Claim 3]
The information distribution device according to Claim
2, wherein the evaluation reference information is a
reference to highly evaluate the cost of a time slot where
viewing of the content by even more viewers is expected, and
to highly evaluate the cost of a frequency band where an
even higher distribution bit rate of the content is expected.
[Claim 4]
The information distribution device according to Claim
2,
wherein the evaluation reference information is a
reference to highly evaluate the cost of a time slot where
viewing of the content by even more viewers is expected.
[Claim 5]
The information distribution device according to Claim !
2,
I
- 57 -
SP316710
wherein the evaluation reference information is a
reference to highly evaluate the cost of a frequency band
where an even higher distribution bit rate of the content is
expected.
[Claim 6]
The information distribution device according to Claim
1,
wherein the frequency usage state information obtaining
means obtain the frequency usage state information of each
area from an information management device managing the
frequency usage state information of each area.
[Claim 7]
The information distribution device according to Claim
1,
wherein the information distribution device is
configured of a distribution device and a management device;
and wherein the distribution device includes the
content obtaining means and the content distribution means;
and
and wherein the management device includes the
frequency usage state information obtaining means,
distribution evaluation means, and distribution information
notifying means.
[Claim 8]
An information distribution method, including the steps
- 58 -
SP316710
of:
an information distribution device
obtaining content to be distributed;
obtaining frequency usage state information relating to
an usage state of a frequency band for each time slot in
each predetermined area;
evaluating a distribution time slot to distribute the
obtained content and a distribution frequency band to use to
the distribution, based on the obtained frequency usage
state information;
notifying distribution information for the content to
be distributed, using the distribution frequency band for
the distribution time slot, as to a plurality of terminal
devices within the areas; and
distributing, when the distribution time slot arrives,
the obtained content, to a plurality of terminal devices in
a state capable of being distributed to in accordance with
the distribution information, using the distribution
frequency band.
[Claim 9]
An information distribution system configured of an
information distribution device, information management
device, and a plurality of terminal devices;
the information distribution device including
content obtaining means to obtain content to be
f
5
- 59 -
SP316710
distributed,
frequency usage state information obtaining means
to obtain frequency usage state information, from the
information management device managing frequency usage state
information relating to usage state of a frequency band for
each time slot in each predetermined area,
distribution evaluation means to evaluate a
distribution time slot to distribute the obtained content
and a distribution frequency band to be used for the
distribution, based on the obtained frequency usage state
information, and
distribution information notifying means to notify
the distribution information for the content to be
distributed, using the distribution frequency band for the
distribution time slot, as to the plurality of terminal
devices within the areas;
each of the terminal devices including
control means to control the content to be
distributed, using the distribution frequency band in a
receivable state for the distribution time slot, based on
the distribution information notified from the information
distribution device, when the distribution time slot
arrives;
the information distribution device further including
content distribution means to distribute the
{
t
- 60 -
SP316710
obtained content, using the distribution frequency band, to
a plurality of terminal devices in a state capable of being
distributed to in accordance with the distribution
information, when the distribution time slot arrives; and
each of the terminal devices further including
reception means to receive the content distributed
from the information distribution device.