JP2003067280A - Multimedia data download reservation control method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] The present invention relates to a reservation control method for downloading multimedia data provided in a service provider to a terminal via a network, and ensures that contents are guaranteed by a specified date and time of download completion requested by a user. The purpose is to be able to transfer data. A terminal sends a sample file request to a service provider to measure a transfer speed, and a speed measuring unit for measuring a file transfer time from the service provider, and a reservation request including content and a download completion desired time. A reservation calculation unit that determines whether the reservation can be realized by determining the time to start the download based on the speed information and, if possible, registers the reservation contents in a reservation information database; A time activation control unit that performs activation control on the service provider.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to multimedia data for which a service level agreement (SLA: Service Level Agreement) is established by making a reservation by designating a time when it is desired to complete the content download from a service provider via a network. The present invention relates to a download reservation control system and a program.

[0002] The number of Internet users is increasing explosively, and the Internet is becoming less special in the lives of ordinary people. Behind this are the fact that the contents and services that are published on the Internet have been enriched, the realization of broadband services using ADSL, CATV, FTTH, etc., and the review of the charge system (the introduction of a flat-rate system, etc.). The fact that the infrastructure aspects are starting to be in place is one of the reasons.

It is considered that network infrastructure such as broadband services will be further enhanced and the number of users will further increase in the future. In addition, services that will be deployed on the Internet will also be diverse, and it is expected that the content requested by users for content providing services will be of high quality, as described below.

Specifically, the method of utilizing information downloaded from the Internet is changing. For example, in the past, the idea was to “use it when you can download it”, but recently, “I want to use it (view it, create data, etc.) on this day.
"I want to download the content by time" and "I do not need this content if I can't download it by XX days △△".

The present invention relates to downloading of multimedia data using a network such as the Internet, an intranet, or an extranet, and in particular, specifies the time when the content download is desired to be completed (reverse time specification), and downloads by that time. The present invention relates to a multimedia data reverse time designation reservation method for completing the.

[0006]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 25 shows an example of connection configuration via a conventional network. In the figure, 90 is a service provider, 9
1 is the Internet, 92 is an access point to the Internet, 93 is a PSTN (Public Switched Teleph)
one Network), 94 is a user's computer.
In the service provider 90, 90a is content data in which multimedia data such as text, still images, moving images, and audio are stored, 90b is a server, and 90c is provided to provide high-speed content data to users. Is the cache server.

Conventionally, a user uses a computer 94 to
When a request is made to download the content data published on the Internet 91, the server 90b connects to the service provider 90 of the Internet 91 via the access point 92 of the PSTN 93, and the server 90b transfers the data from the content data 90a or the cache server 90c. However, there were many cases where the download work did not complete easily, or an error was displayed during the download and the process ended.

In many cases, the cause is the processing of the service provider 90 of FIG. 25, which will be described below.

In the content data transfer processing within the service provider, if there is a content download request from a user terminal station connected to the Internet,
It is done mechanically in the order in which the transactions are established.
When the number of accesses or requests increases, a heavy load is placed on the service provider, making it impossible to keep up with the processing, and the processing speed of the server performing the transfer processing decreases. In the worst case, the server may go down, and the service provider may not be able to provide content data.

In order to avoid these problems, the service provider (90 in FIG. 25) side has a cache server (90c in FIG. 25), a load balancing server, and a high-class cluster system (hardware for managing contents by a plurality of servers). In addition to introducing the above, we have implemented workarounds such as monitoring the number of accesses and requests and not accepting accesses and requests that exceed the server processing capacity, but if there is a delay, recover that processing. There was no mechanism to do it.

As a result, the download is not completed even at the time when the download will be completed normally from the viewpoint of the user, and the service provider can provide the service that meets the user's needs. could not.

[0012]

Although the network infrastructure is beginning to be prepared at a rapid pace (Broadband
DSL: Asynchronous Digital Subscriber Line, FT
TH: Fiber To The Home etc.), the user can match the expectation and the degree of dependence on his / her network contents from the items such as the width of the band for data transfer, the time of use, the total time of use, etc. Is selected to enter into a service contract with a carrier (telecommunications carrier).

In general, a user who desires a better Internet environment pays more than a user who does not, and enters into a high-grade contract with a carrier.

However, as described in the above conventional technique, if there is a problem in the processing of the service provider,
No matter how high-grade the user made a network contract with the carrier, due to the limitation of the service provider, he was not able to receive sufficient service in accordance with the contract.

Further, while there are accesses and requests that exceed the service processing capability of the service provider, the average operation rate at which the equipment within the service provider is operating for the content data providing service is not necessarily high (day, week, See it on a monthly basis).

[0016] In the service processing on the service provider side, the present application enables recovery of the processing even if a delay occurs in the service processing, and considers the Internet environment of the user in the service processing and responsibility of the service provider side. A first object of the present invention is to provide a multimedia data download reservation control system and program capable of reliably transferring content data by a designated date and time of completion of download requested by a user.

In addition to realizing the first object,
A second object is to increase the operating rate of facilities for providing content data services provided to service providers.

[0018]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a first principle configuration of the present invention. The first principle configuration is a principle configuration for measuring the processing speed between the service provider and the terminal performing the download, predicting the data transfer rate from the measurement result, and starting the download. In the figure,
1 is a terminal, 10 is a client tool having a function of browsing and downloading a list of contents published by a service provider, 11 is a monitoring unit for monitoring the communication state between the service provider and the terminal,
110 is a speed measurement unit that measures the data transfer speed between the service provider and the terminal, and 11 in the speed measurement unit 110.
0a is a file request unit that issues a sample download request to the service provider in order to measure the download time between the service provider and the terminal, and 110b performs the download between the service provider and the terminal. A time measuring unit that measures the amount of time that is spent and calculates the data transfer rate, 111 is a download monitoring unit that monitors the download, and 12 is the speed information database 1
Calculate the predicted speed from the speed information managed in 3a,
A reservation calculator that calculates the time at which the download must be started from the reservation information managed by the reservation information database 13b, and 13a is a speed information database that manages the data transfer speed measured between the service provider and the terminal ( Displayed in DB, the same applies hereinafter), 13b is a reservation information database for managing reservation information, 14 is a time activation control unit for activating a specified application as specified at a preset time, and 18 is information for reservation An input / output unit for inputting and outputting (displaying) results. 2 is a service provider, 20 is a web (W
eb) server, 21 is a file server, 22a is a sample file, and 22b is a content storage unit. Also,
Reference numeral 3 denotes a network that connects the terminal 1 and the service provider 2, and includes the PSTN, access point, and Internet shown in FIG.

In the terminal 1 of FIG. 1, when the user operates the input / output unit 18 to activate the speed measuring unit 110 of the monitoring unit 11 to measure the data transfer speed between the service provider 2 and the terminal 1, The speed measuring unit 110 activates the file requesting unit 110a. The file request unit 110a requests the service provider 2 for a sample file.
The file server 21 returns the number of bytes of the sample file 22a via the web server 20 of the service provider 2 and transfers the sample file. The download monitoring unit 111 of the terminal 1 uses the file request unit 11
0a monitors the time from when the sample file 22a is requested until the download is completed, and the time measuring unit 110b
To notify.

The time measuring unit 110b measures the time taken for downloading, obtains the data transfer speed, and registers it in the speed information database 13a together with the measurement date and time (date, day of the week, time, etc.). When there is a content data download request from the user, the reservation calculation unit 12
Request from user (location with contents (UR
L), size of content, desired download completion time, etc.), speed information managed in the speed information database 13a, and reservation information already registered in the reservation information database 13b. ， Calculate the time when the download has to start.

The time when the download must be started calculated by the reservation calculator 12 depends on the user's request (location (URL) of content, content size, desired download completion time, etc.) and content data transfer. It is registered in the reservation information database 13b together with the information such as the estimated speed.

On the other hand, the time activation control unit 14 has a function of activating a designated application at a designated time, and when the reservation information is registered in the reservation information database 13b, the content data is downloaded to the time activation control unit 14. The information required by the client tool 10 in order to do so (the location (URL) where the content is, etc.) and the time at which the client tool must be activated to start the download are set. The time activation control unit 14 activates the client tool 10 at the designated time, accesses the service provider 2, and starts downloading the designated content.

Next, FIG. 2 shows a second principle configuration of the present invention. In this second principle configuration, the service level agreement (SLA) that defines the penalty (rate discount) according to each delay time with respect to the time to complete the download
That is, the service level agreement is registered when making a reservation, and when the download is actually executed, the result is reflected in the SLA.

In FIG. 2, 10, 11, 13 in the terminal 1
a, 13b, 14, 18 and reference numerals 20, 21, 22a, 22b and 3 in the service provider 2 are the same as those in FIG.
As a component different from FIG. 1 corresponding to each part of the same reference numeral of 112, 112 in the terminal 1 compares the SLA (contracted service level) agreed with the service provider with the service execution result, and stores the execution result in the SLA information database. An SLA monitoring unit for reflecting, 13c is SLA information contracted with the temporary SLA and the service provider, and an SLA information database for managing the service execution result, and 15 is a reservation for notifying (requesting) the reservation request made by the user to the service provider side The request unit, 16 displays the reservation result of the request requested to the service provider, reflects the management information such as request information and temporary SLA information managed by the user side terminal, and the service execution result to the service provider. It is a result display / notification section for notifying, and 23 in the service provider 2 is a preliminary A reception unit, 23a is a reservation reception unit that performs a request reception process, 23b is a reservation determination unit that determines whether the received request can be executed, and 24a is a user having almost the same contents as the speed information database 13a provided in the terminal 1. The speed information database (DB) 24b for managing the data transfer speed between the service provider and the user terminal notified by
SLA information database (DB) for managing SLA information including LA information, 24c is a reservation information database (DB) for managing reservation information when a user's request is reserved, and 25 is a reservation acceptance of request The notification unit reflects the result and reservation ID to the sender of the reservation request and the service execution result after the transfer service is received from the result display / notification unit 16 of the terminal 1 in the SLA information database 24b.

In the principle configuration of FIG. 2, in the terminal 1, the above-mentioned FIG.
Request information managed by the reservation information database 13b created according to the principle of
The provisional SLA is created after being combined with information such as the size of the content, the desired download completion time) and the estimated speed for transferring the content data, and is registered in the SLA information database 13c as the provisional SLA. The reservation request unit 15 uses the user ID and request information (contents location (UR) managed by the reservation information database 13b.
L), content size, desired download completion time, expected speed of content data transfer, etc.),
Temporary SL managed in the SLA information database 13c
The service provider 2 is notified of the A information, speed information managed by the speed information database 13a (if the service provider has not notified the speed information), and the like. These pieces of information are received by the reservation reception unit 23a of the reservation reception unit 23 of the service provider 2 and after the reception processing, the reservation determination unit 23b.
To notify. If there is speed information in the data sent from the reservation requesting unit 15 of the terminal 1, the reservation judging unit 23b registers it in the speed information database 24a, refers to the reservation information database 24c, and provides the service as requested. Judge whether it can be provided and create an SLA.

When there is no difference between the received provisional SLA information and the SLA created on the service provider side, a reservation ID is issued, and the notification unit 25 notifies the result display / notification unit 16 of the reservation ID, the reservation result, and the SLA. Result display / notification unit 16
After the user confirms the contents, the reservation information is added to the reservation information database 13b and the corresponding request information in the SLA information database 13c, and the reservation ID is updated.
After that, the request registered in the reservation information database 13b is treated as reservation information, and the provisional SLA registered in the SLA information database 13c is a regular SLA.
Treat as. On the other hand, when the reservation determination unit 23b determines that the service cannot be provided according to the received request, the reason and alternative plan are created and passed to the notification unit 25. In this case, the user checks the contents and then makes the request again.

The reservation information registered in the reservation information database 13b is stored in the time activation control unit 14 described with reference to FIG.
The task is set by the action of, and when it is time to start the download, Client Tool 1
Start 0 to start downloading the reserved content. When the download is started, the download monitor 111 of the monitor 11 monitors the download and notifies the SLA monitor 112 of the start and the completion. Upon receiving the download completion notification, the SLA monitoring unit 112 receives the SLA.
The SLA managed by the information database 13c is compared with the SLA of the monitoring result and reflected (updated) in the SLA information. The SLA information database 13c passes the SLA information in which the result is reflected to the result display / notification unit 16, and the result display / notification unit 16 displays it on the input / output unit 18 so that the result of the content data transfer service is displayed. When confirmed by the user, the result is notified to the notification unit 25 on the service provider 2 side.

The notification unit 25 reflects the received contents in the SLA information database 24b. When the service according to the user's request cannot be provided, the service provider accepts the content of the service execution result managed in the SLA information database 24b, investigates it, and refunds the user based on the SLA. .

Next, FIG. 3 shows a third principle configuration of the present invention. The third principle configuration is a configuration for issuing a request to a service provider and accepting a reservation on the service provider side.

In FIG. 3, 10, 13a, 1 in the terminal 1
3b, 14, 15, 16, 18 and 20, 21, 22, 22b, 23, 24a, 24c, 2 in the service provider 2
Reference numerals 5 and 3 are the same as those shown in FIG. In the configuration of FIG. 3, the request creation unit 17 is provided in the terminal 1, and the monitoring unit 11 provided in FIG. 2 is not included. The request creating unit 17 creates a request to be sent to the service provider when there is content that the service provider wants to download.

The user browses the content list published by the service provider with the client tool 10 at the input / output unit 18, finds the content data that he / she wants to download, and activates the request creating unit 17 to request the user ID and request. Enter the location (URL) of the content, the size of the content, the desired download completion time, etc. The reservation calculator 12 is the same as that shown in FIG.
According to the same principle as above, the time required to start downloading is calculated, and if a request is possible, it is registered in the reservation information database 13b (managed as request information). When it is determined that the request cannot be made, the reason why the request cannot be made, an alternative plan, and the like are passed to the result display / notification unit 16. When the request information is registered in the reservation information database 13b, the reservation requesting unit 15 registers the registered request information (the location of the content, the desired download completion time, the expected transfer speed for transferring the content data, etc.), the user ID. Is transmitted to the reservation acceptance unit 23 of the service provider 2.

The reservation accepting unit 23a performs a process of accepting the received request and passes it to the reservation judging unit 23b. The reservation determining unit 23b refers to the speed information database 24a and the reservation information database 24c for the speed information and the reservation information of the corresponding user based on the user ID, and determines whether or not the service provider can accept the request reservation. To do.
If a reservation is possible, a reservation ID is issued and the reservation reception unit 2
It is registered in the reservation information database 24c together with the related data received in step 3, and the notification that the reservation has been made as requested and the reservation ID are given to the notification unit 25. The notification unit 25 is
The reservation ID and the reservation result are notified to the result display / notification unit 16 of the terminal that downloads. If the reservation is not possible, please inform the notification section 25 of the reason why the reservation cannot be made and alternatives,
The result is returned to the result display / notification unit 16 of the terminal 1. The user confirms the result on the display of the input / output unit 18 and recreates the request.

Next, FIG. 4 shows a fourth principle configuration of the present invention. The fourth principle configuration is a configuration in which a request is made to the service provider from an information terminal (for example, a mobile terminal) different from the one that actually executes the download, and the service provider can accept the request reservation. is there.

In FIG. 4, 10 in the terminal 1 is a client tool, 13b is a reservation information database, and 13c is S.
LA information database, 14 is a time activation control unit, 17 is reservation information, SLA information, etc. held by the user side terminal that carries out the download, and reservation information of the user, which is held by the service provider side, A reservation information synchronization unit 18 for synchronizing with SLA information and the like is an input / output unit.
Further, the inside of the service provider 2 is similar to the service provider 2 of the second principle configuration shown in FIG. 2, 20 is a (Web) server, 21 is a file server, 22b is a content storage unit, 23 is a reservation reception unit, 23a is a reception section,
23b is a reservation judgment unit, 24a is a speed information database,
Reference numeral 24b is an SLA information database, 24c is a reservation information database, and 25 is a notification unit. 3 is a network,
Reference numeral 4 is an information terminal for making a reservation different from the terminal 1 for downloading.

The information terminal 4 connects to the server 20 on the service provider side and sends request information (location of content, desired download completion time, expected transfer speed for transferring content data, etc.) and user ID. Reception processing is performed by the reception section 23a of the reservation reception section 23, and the reservation determination section 23b is activated. Reservation judgment unit 23
b refers to the speed information database 24a and the reservation information database 24c for the speed information and the reservation information of the corresponding user based on the user ID, and at what time the download must be started in order to perform the service as requested. It is calculated whether or not the reservation should be accepted, and the service provider 2 determines whether or not the reservation can be accepted.

When reservation is possible, a reservation ID is issued,
The SLA is created and is registered in the SLA information database 24b and the reservation information database 24c together with the related data accepted by the acceptance unit 23a, and the notification unit 25 is passed the fact that the reservation was made as requested and the reservation ID. If the reservation is not possible, the reason and alternatives are notified by the notification unit 25.
The notification unit 25 returns the content received from the reservation determination unit 23b to the information terminal 4 via the server 20. When the reservation can be made on the service provider side, the reservation information synchronization unit 17 is activated from the terminal 1 side for subsequent downloading at regular intervals or by the user's operation of the input / output unit 18, and the service provider 2 is connected. And drives the reservation information synchronization unit 26 to transfer the reservation information in the reservation information database 24c and the SLA information in the SLA information database 24b managed by the service provider 2 to the terminal 1.
Each database 13 of reservation information and SLA information of terminal 1
Synchronize by registering with b and 13c. In addition, when the reservation information is registered in the reservation information database 13b and the SLA information database 13c of the terminal 1 which performs the download, and the synchronization with the service provider side is performed, the reservation information synchronization unit 1
By activating 7, the reservation information registered in terminal 1, S
The LA information is sent to the service provider side, the reservation information synchronization unit 26 of the service provider compares the reservation content from the terminal with the reservation content on the service provider side to determine whether there is a difference, and notifies the terminal if there is a difference. By doing so, it is possible to synchronize.

Next, FIG. 5 shows a fifth principle configuration of the present invention. In the fifth principle configuration, the server can be switched while the content is being downloaded.

In the figure, 1 is a terminal for downloading, 2 is a service provider, 3 is a network, 20 in the service provider 2, 20 is a server, 27 is a server load in the service provider, and processes, logs, etc. are monitored. A monitoring unit 270 for monitoring the download service of the content provided by the service provider to the user, and a process 271 for transferring the content requested by the user to the download terminal on the user side. A transfer management unit for managing 271, a divided transfer instruction unit for issuing an instruction to a file server for downloading a divided file, and 271b for a divided file transferred from the file server, as if requested by a user terminal that is downloading. Heading as if it were a content name Header rewriting rewriting unit, 27
Reference numeral 2 denotes a request reception reservation confirmation unit that checks when the download request is valid by collating with the reservation information managed by the service provider when the download is started from the user side download terminal.

Reference numeral 273 is a server monitoring unit for monitoring the operation status (load etc.) of the server in the service provider, 27
When the server switching is determined to be necessary, 3a is a switching instructing unit that determines which file server should be switched from the operating status (load) of the file server in the service provider and issues a switching instruction. Applicable SL
A time comparison switching determination unit that determines whether or not server switching is necessary based on the information, the current time, and how much time is required until the transfer is completed. 274 is the transfer status of the divided files, the service provider and the user-side terminal. Depending on the data transfer speed between the
How much time will be required for transfer, SLA with user
The speed / time measuring unit 275 calculates how much transfer speed is necessary to protect the SLA, and the SLA monitoring unit 275 checks whether the SLA can be protected by checking the reservation ID with the corresponding SLA.

Further, 210 is a file server which is currently transferring contents to the terminal 1, 211 is a file server having a relatively low server load among a plurality of file servers at present, 220 and 221 are contents, and 24a is used. Speed information database that manages the data transfer speed between the service provider and the terminal on the user side notified by the user,
24b is an S for managing the SLA information notified by the user.
An LA information database, 24c is a reservation information database, and 24d is a content file correspondence information database (DB display not shown) that manages the correspondence relationship between content names and divided file names.

Reservation information in which a request for content transmission (file name "aaa.mpeg" in this example) is preset from the terminal 1 where the user downloads (information provided in each terminal in FIGS. 1 to 4). According to the above, the request reception reservation confirmation unit 272 in the download monitoring unit 270 of the monitoring unit 27 of the service provider 2 compares the transmission request, the content name, the reservation person ID, and the information and the value of the reservation information database 24c. If the request is valid, the transfer management unit 271 is activated. On the other hand, in this configuration, the contents (multimedia data) are stored / managed in two file servers 220 and 221, and the correspondence between the content data name and the divided files is managed in the content file correspondence information database 24d.

The transfer management unit 271 controls the divided transfer instruction unit 2
When 71a is called, based on the content file correspondence information database 24d, the requested content name is actually the divided file name to be transferred (in this case, "a"
aa1.mpeg "," aaa2.mpeg ", ..." aaa.mpeg10 ") and sends a transmission request to the file server 210. The file server 210 transfers the divided files in order. Rewrites the header as if the file (file name) sent from the file server 210 is the content name requested to be transferred from the downloading terminal 1, and transfers the file.
The content name, the reservation ID, the name of the divided file being transmitted, and the number of bytes are notified to the speed / time measuring unit 274. From the information received from the header rewriting unit 271b, the speed / time measuring unit 274 determines how many divided files have been transferred, the elapsed time, and the speed information managed by the speed information until the transfer is completed. It calculates how long it will take, and notifies the time comparison switching determination unit 273b.

The time comparison switching determination unit 273b uses the SLA.
Using the monitoring unit 275, it is determined whether the server needs to be switched based on the corresponding SLA, the current time acquired from the system clock 28, the estimated time required to complete the transfer, and the like. Indicator 273
a, and the switching instructing unit 273a notifies the transfer management unit 27
1 is notified of the reservation ID, content name, and the like. When the transfer management unit 271 calls the split transfer instructing unit 271a, the split transfer instructing unit 271a starts from the next split file currently being transferred to another file server 2 having a relatively low load.
Switch to 11 and perform transmission.

The header rewriting section 271b rewrites the header and transfers it to the terminal 1 in the same manner as when it is sent from the file server 210 before switching, and then continues the transfer start time, the content name, the reservation ID, and the transmission in progress. The divided file name, the number of bytes, etc. are notified to the speed / time measuring unit 274. After this, the speed / time measuring unit 27 is also operated by the same function.
The expected completion time is calculated in 4, and the time comparison switching determination unit 27
3b, and the time comparison switching determination unit 273b determines whether the server can be returned to the original state. When it is determined that the server can be returned, from the next division file being transferred,
The file is returned to the file server 210 and transmission is performed.

[0045]

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment. In the figure, 1, 10-12, 13a-13c, 14-1
6 and 2, 20, 21, 22, 22a, 22b, 23, 24a
24 to 24c, 25 and 27 and 3, the same components as those provided in FIGS. 1 to 5 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. In addition, 18 is the above-mentioned FIG.
The keyboard and display corresponding to the input / output unit shown in FIG. Each unit having each function configuring FIG. 6 can be realized by a program of a computer having a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM, and a flowchart thereof will be described later.

When the contents to be downloaded and the desired download completion time are input by the client tool 10 and the request creation unit 17 and a request is created, the created request is created by the reservation calculation unit 12.
The predicted transfer rate, the time at which the download should be started, the provisional SLA, etc. are calculated, and after the user confirms the content, the reservation request unit 15 sends it together with the user ID to the service provider 2. The created request and provisional SLA are managed by the reservation information database 13b and the SLA information database 13c of the terminal 1 which performs the download. The transmitted request is accepted by the reservation acceptance unit 23, and it is determined whether or not the reservation is possible. If the reservation is possible, the reservation ID is issued, the SLA is created, and then the notification unit 25
Notify them of their content. The notification unit 25 returns the received content to the request sender.

In the terminal 1, the result display / notification unit 16
When the contents are confirmed by the user, the SLA reservation information database 13c and the reservation information database 13b are updated. At this time, the reservation ID issued by the service provider is added. At the time when the reservation ID is added, the request information is treated as reservation information and the temporary SLA is treated as SLA.
The time activation control unit 14 has a function of automatically executing the application based on the reservation information, whereby the download execution of the reservation managed by the reservation information database 13b is automated. When the download is actually started, the monitoring unit 27 monitors the situation. Then, the start / completion time of the download, the execution result, etc. are reflected in the SLA information database 13c. When the execution result is reflected in the SLA information database 13c, the result display / notification unit 16 displays the result. Result display / notification unit 16
When the user confirms the service implementation result at, the service provider 2 is notified. Reservation information database 13
The request information registered in b is treated as reservation information after the reservation ID issued by the service provider 2 is added. Similarly, the temporary SLA registered in the reservation information database 13b is also treated as an SLA after adding the reservation ID.

7 to 16 are flow charts for realizing the functions corresponding to the principles shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 by the programs of the computer forming the terminal and the computer forming the service provider in the configuration of FIG. And described below.

7 and 8 are for request creation, reservation acceptance,
The flowcharts (1) and (2) up to notification are shown.

At the terminal, the user creates a request by inputting the content name, desired download completion time, etc. (S1 in FIG. 7). Speed information from this request,
Reservation calculation is performed using the reservation information database (S
2). A detailed flowchart of this reservation calculation is shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 which will be described later, but it is determined whether a request is possible (download is possible at a desired completion time) (at step S3).
If it is determined that the request cannot be made, an alternative plan is created (S4 in FIG. 7), it is determined whether the alternative plan is OK (S5), and if OK, the process returns to S3 and ends if not OK. If the request is accepted in S3, the request information is registered in the reservation information database (S6 in FIG. 7) and the provisional SLA is entered.
Is created (at step S7). In this case, for example, "10 minutes ~
It will be something like "30% late, one discount". By checking the contents of this temporary SLA, it is determined whether it is OK (S in FIG. 7).
8) If OK, register the temporary SLA in the SLA information database (at step S9). The processes of S2 to S9 correspond to the function of the reservation calculator (12 in FIG. 3).

Next, the reservation request is confirmed (S1 in FIG. 7).
0), it is determined whether or not to request the reservation (at step S11), and if requested, the reservation request is sent to the service provider (at step S1).
Along with 2), the result is displayed (S13 in FIG. 8), and it is determined whether the reservation can be made on this display (S14). If not, the request / reservation is canceled (S15). If it is possible, the reservation ID is registered. Perform (S16) and set a timer (S17). The processing of S13 to S16 corresponds to the result display / notification unit (16 in FIG. 2), and the function of S17 corresponds to the time activation control unit (14 in FIG. 2).

Upon accepting the reservation (S18 of FIG. 8), the service provider judges the contents (S19 of the same) and judges whether the reservation can be accepted (S20 of the same). A detailed flow chart of this reservation acceptance determination is shown in FIG. 15 described later, and if it is determined that it is not possible, an alternative plan is created (S2).
1) If possible, issue a reservation ID (at step S22) and register the reservation ID, user ID, password, content name, download completion time, etc. in the reservation information database,
The SLA information is also registered (at step S23), the reservation result is notified to the terminal (at step S24), and the process ends.

Next, FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are flowcharts (part 1) of monitoring at the time of download by content request,
(Part 2) is shown.

First, the client tool of the terminal makes a content request (S1 in FIG. 9), confirms the request reception reservation from the service provider (S2), and determines whether the reservation confirmation is OK (accepted) (Same). S3), if not OK, an error message is sent to the terminal (step S3).
4). The client tool at the terminal discriminates whether the acceptance is OK (S5 in FIG. 9), and if no, an error message is displayed (S6). Reservation confirmation is O at service provider
In the case of K, the transfer start is notified to the terminal (reservation ID, content name) (S7 in FIG. 9), and when it is received by the client tool of the terminal, the transfer start notification is sent to the download monitoring unit of the terminal (S20). . When the content is transferred to the terminal by the service provider (S10 of FIG. 9), the client tool receives it (S13 of the same), and when the service provider ends the transfer, the transfer end notification is issued (S1 of the same).
0), when this is received by the client tool, transfer completion notification is sent to the download monitoring unit (FIG. 10) of the terminal (at step S14).

Upon receiving this, the client tool saves the downloaded content (S1 in FIG. 9).
5) After that, when the SLA result notification from the download monitoring unit is received, the transfer result is displayed (at step S16), the transfer result is confirmed (at step S17), and if the result is OK, the transfer result is notified to the service provider. (S18) If not OK, the user of the terminal edits the complaint message (S19) and sends it to the service provider as a notification of the transfer result. When the service provider receives the transfer result from this terminal (S11 in FIG. 9), the reservation information and SLA information, which are the transfer results, are registered in their respective databases (S12 in the same figure).

FIG. 10 is a flow chart of the monitoring unit of the terminal. When the client monitoring unit receives the reservation ID from the client tool in S8 of FIG. 9 above, it records the transfer start time (S20 in FIG. 10), and FIG. When the transfer end notification is received in S14, the transfer end time is recorded (S21 of the same), and then the reservation ID and the content name are supplied to S.
LA monitoring is activated (at step S22). In response to this, SLA
The monitoring unit performs SLA search and comparison from the content transfer results in the database of SLA information and reservation information (S.
23) The client tool is notified of the obtained SLA result (at step S24). As the SLA result, the reservation ID,
Content name, download start time, end time, SL
There is OK of A or violation information.

11 and 12 are flowcharts (No. 1) and (No. 2) of the switching control of the divided files at the time of downloading. When you send a content request from the terminal,
The service provider receives (S4 in FIG. 11), confirms the reservation person (S5), and searches the reservation information database with the content name and the reservation person ID (S6). It is determined whether or not there is a reservation by the search (S7 in FIG. 11), and if there is no reservation, a refusal of acceptance is notified and the process ends (S8). If there is a reservation, the reception is notified (S9 of FIG. 11), the split file name corresponding to the content name is expanded (S10 of the same), and the file server is instructed to start transmission of the split file (S1 of the same).
1), The file transmission start notification is sent to the speed / time measuring unit (at step S12). When the file server receives the transmission request (S15 in FIG. 11), it transmits the content (S1 in the same figure).
6) When it is finished, the transmission end notification is given (at step S17).

Upon receiving the file transmission start notification in S12 of FIG. 11, the speed / time measuring unit stores the transmission start time (S13 of FIG. 11). The download monitor is
When the contents are transmitted from the file server, the transmission file header is converted (S14 in FIG. 11), and when the transmission completion notification is received from the file server, a file transmission completion notification is sent to the speed / time measuring unit (same as above). S1
8). Upon receiving the file transmission end notification, the speed / time measuring unit stores the transmission end time (S2 in FIG. 12).
4) Determine whether all files have been transferred (S2
5) When completed, the process proceeds to S30 described later, but if not completed, the transmission rate is calculated (S26). In this case, the average transmission speed = total number of bytes of transmitted divided files / Σ
Calculated by calculating (divided file transmission end time-divided file transmission start time), and using this to calculate the expected transmission end time. That is, it is calculated by calculating the number of remaining bytes / average transmission speed.

With respect to this estimated transmission end time, it is judged whether the transfer is completed by the reservation time by referring to the reservation information database (S28 in FIG. 12), and if it is judged that the transfer is not completed, a server switching instruction is given. (S29 of the same). Upon receiving the switching instruction of the server downloads the monitoring unit, determines whether the server switching is required (in FIG. 12 S20), when it is judged necessary in receiving the switching instruction by referring to the server load information database switching server Select (at step S21), switch the instruction destination server to transmit the divided files (at step S22), S11
Return to. When the transfer of all files is completed (S1 in FIG. 12)
9), the content transmission end notification is transmitted to the terminal (at the same S
23). When the speed / time measuring unit determines that all files have been transferred (S25 in FIG. 12), SLA data (user ID, content name, transmission date and time, average speed,
The SLA monitoring unit is notified of whether or not the process can be completed in time, delay time, etc. (at step S30). The SLA monitoring unit sends the SLA information to S
It is reflected in the LA information database (S3 in FIG. 12)
1).

FIGS. 13 and 14 are flowcharts (1) and (2) of the reservation calculation, which are executed in S2 of FIG. 7 and the function of the reservation calculator 12 provided in the terminal 1 of FIG. Corresponding to. It should be noted that the same function as shown in FIG.
The reservation accepting unit 23a of the service provider of FIG. 4 is also provided.

When the terminal first creates a request (S1 in FIG. 13), the contents of the request such as the reservation ID, password, content name, size, desired download completion time, etc. are sent to the reservation calculation section of the terminal, and the download starts. The time is calculated (at step S2). The formula for this time is (content size / expected transfer rate). Then, the start time is calculated (S3 in FIG. 13). This calculation formula is (request time-download time). The obtained start time is compared with the current time (S4 in FIG. 13), and it is determined whether the time is later than the current time (S5). If it is after the current time (the download can be completed before the desired time), It is compared with the existing reservation information (at step S8), and it is determined whether or not the existing reservation and the download execution time overlap (at step S9). If they overlap, S of FIG. 14 of the alternative creation process
If it does not overlap, it is determined whether the download can be completed before the request time (Fig. 14).
S13). This determination is the same as the calculation and determination of S2 to S5. If it is determined that the request cannot be completed, a notification is displayed on the request result display screen to indicate that the request cannot be downloaded by the desired time, the downloadable time, and the like, and the process ends. If it is determined that the request can be completed, a notification to that effect, the download start date and time, and the completion date and time are displayed to be displayed on the request result display screen.

In S5, if the download start time is not later than the current time, the process proceeds to the alternative creation process, and the download time is calculated in the current time zone (S6 in FIG. 13). Calculate whether the download can be completed as soon as possible (S7). The download start time / end time and the download time thus obtained are supplied to the process of S8. Then, in the alternative creation process, it is calculated whether the download can be started before the overlapping reservations (S10 in FIG. 14). This calculation formula is: download start time of overlapping reservations- (content size / expected transfer rate) -margin time. It is determined whether the result obtained by this calculation is a time later than the current time (S11 in FIG. 14), and if it is later, the process proceeds to S8 in FIG. 13 above. It is calculated whether the download can be completed (download completion time of overlapping reservations + (content size / expected transfer rate) + margin time) (at step S12). The download start time / end time and the download time obtained as a result are supplied to the process of S8 in FIG.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the reservation acceptance judgment, which is executed in S19 of FIG. 8 in the service provider. When the service provider accepts the reservation (S1 in FIG. 15), in the main flow of the reservation acceptance judgment, the reservation information is searched for the judgment about the received contents (user ID, password, content name, desired download completion time, etc.). Perform (S2 of the same). First, it is determined whether there is a reservation for the same time zone from the user model requested (S3), and if there is a reservation, the sub-flow of the reservation acceptance judgment (alternative plan) Created) (S6 of the same),
If there is no reservation, then it is judged whether there is still room in the reservation status at the applicable date and time (S4 in the same figure). If there is no room, the flow moves to the sub flow above. If there is room, it is not the scheduled service stop date and time. It is determined (at step S5). If it is the scheduled service stop date and time, the flow shifts to a sub-flow. If it is not the scheduled service stop date and time, a reservation ID is issued (S7 in FIG. 15), reservation registration is performed (S8), and the process ends. In addition, in the sub flow of the reservation reception, S6, S7 of FIG. 13 and FIG.
An alternative is created by the same process as the alternative creation flow shown in S10 to S12 (S6 in FIG. 15).

FIG. 16 is a flow chart of synchronization when the reservation terminal and the download terminal are different. This process is
According to the principle shown in FIG. 4, the information terminal (a terminal different from the download terminal) makes a reservation with the service provider, and thereafter, the reservation information is registered in the download terminal.

When the reservation user ID and password are entered in the download terminal, the reservation information synchronizing section is activated, the reservation information registered in the download terminal is searched, and the reservation information and SLA information registered in the terminal are searched. Then
Notify the service provider of the reservation details (S in FIG. 16)
1). When the reservation information synchronization unit of the service provider receives this, it confirms the reservation person (password check) and retrieves the reservation information (reservation information from the reservation terminal different from the download terminal) by the content name and reservation ID (Fig. 16 S3). By comparing the retrieved reservation information with the reservation information received from the download terminal, it is determined whether there is a difference (reservation change) (S4 and S5 in FIG. 16). If there is a difference, the difference is generated (S6) and the difference is calculated. The reservation or cancellation information is notified to the terminal (at step S7). Upon receiving the notification from the service provider, the reservation information synchronization unit of the terminal determines whether there is a difference (S8 in FIG. 16), and if there is, reflects the difference in the database of reservation information and SLA information held by the terminal. (S9 of the same), and notifies the completion of synchronization (S1 of the same)
0). With this notification, the terminal saves / displays the result (S11 in FIG. 16).

Next, an example of a display screen for reservation of download in the terminal and a change of the screen by the operation will be described. FIG. 17 is an example of the main screen and the request creation screen. 17A. Is the main screen of the menu, with items such as "View contents", "Reservation confirmation", "Reservation reservation", "Sync tool", "Speed measurement", "Service result", "Time adjustment", etc. When any one of these is selected (clicked), the processing of the corresponding item is started. Here, if you click "View Contents",
B. When a browser or a dedicated client tool as shown in (3) is started and "genre" is displayed, and when "movie" is selected from various genres, many movie titles are displayed as content names. If one is selected from these, C.I. An input screen for making a request is displayed as shown in, and the user ID, password, content name, size (in giga units), desired download completion time, etc. can be input. Furthermore, buttons for selecting "speed measurement", "request creation", and "cancel" are displayed.
Corresponding processing is executed by selecting any one.

FIG. 18 shows an example of a display screen when selection is made. When "speed measurement" is selected (clicked) on the screen of FIG. When the screen shown in is displayed and "OK" is selected, the sample file is downloaded and its speed is measured.
B. As shown in, the measurement result (in this example, xxxbpbp
s) is displayed. When "OK" is selected for this result, the measured speed information is registered in the speed information database. The speed information database is provided with items such as "measurement date", "whether a holiday or not", "measurement time", "file size", "required time", and "speed".
The speeds corresponding to each measurement date and time are registered in order.

Further, as shown in FIG. On the screen of FIG. 18, when "Request creation" is selected and it is determined that the client (terminal side) can accept the request, the process shown in FIG. The request registration information is displayed as shown in. Regarding this content, when the download start time and the desired completion time are confirmed and "OK" is selected, the request information is registered in the reservation information database, and the reservation ID is issued from the service provider at this time. The information registered in the reservation information database includes items such as reservation ID, registration date, download completion date and time, content name, size, expected speed, download start time, and the like. Moreover, C.I.
If you select "Create request" on the screen and it is judged that the request cannot be accepted, the message "Request cannot be accepted" and the reason (for example, if a reservation has already been made for that time period, If the download cannot be completed at the desired completion time, etc.), a screen will be displayed that presents multiple alternatives with different download completion times and start times.

Further, at the time of request, a temporary SLA is presented to the terminal, and C.C. An example is shown in. This provisional SLA
In, a discount rate is set for each delay time range, and when "OK" is selected on this screen, A. The screen shown in is displayed. This provisional SLA information is registered in the SLA information database after that (when OK is selected), and the reservation ID, registration date, download completion time, content name, delay 10 minutes, 30 minutes, ... , 1 discount, 1.5 discount, ..., And the result of the download (for example, +10: 10 minutes delay, −5: 5 minutes early download completion, etc.).

FIG. 19 shows an example of the operation screen after the request is transmitted. C. of FIG. This is a "request transmission" screen displayed when "OK" is selected in. If you select "Refer request contents" to "Do you want to send the request?"
C. Content) is displayed and "OK" is selected,
Request details are sent to the service provider. In response to this transmission, the service provider sends a “request result notification”. B. of FIG. Is a request result notification when a request is accepted and a reservation is registered. When "OK" is selected, this result is registered in each database of reservation information and SLA information of the terminal and issued by the service provider. The reserved ID is set. At this time, the request information managed in the reservation information database becomes reservation information, and the temporary SLA information managed in SLA information becomes SLA. If the request is not accepted, the reason and request result notification including the alternative plan are displayed (not shown). If "OK" is selected on the request result notification screen when the request cannot be accepted, the request information is canceled and the temporary SLA is also canceled.

FIG. 20 shows the result after downloading is SL.
It is an example of the screen for reflecting to A. After the reservation information database is updated, the information necessary for time start control is set, and the download starts at the download start time, and the monitoring unit monitors the download. And
When the download is completed, the A. SL like
The result is registered in the A information database. B. of FIG.
Is a display screen of "content transfer completed". If there is no problem after confirming the content and selecting "OK", the result is reported to the service provider. If there is a problem, select "I disagree" to open the text entry screen and edit the message and notify the service provider. The service provider receiving the service execution result sends the terminal C. Display the "Message" screen of.

FIG. 21 shows an example of a screen for synchronizing reservation information. When a request is issued from an information terminal other than the terminal that downloads, it is necessary to reflect the reservation information and SLA information managed only by the service provider in the information terminal that downloads. A. of FIG. If you select "Synchronization Tool" in the main screen of A., A. When the "OK" button is selected when the "Sync Tool" screen shown in is displayed, the reservation information and SLA information are synchronized by communicating with the service provider.
If the reservation is canceled, A. of FIG. When you select the "Reservation information" button on the main screen of, the reservation information and SLA managed by the terminal that performs the download
After canceling the information and the setting of the time activation control unit, it is necessary to cancel the reservation information and SLA information managed by the service provider. In this case, as shown in FIG. Is displayed,
When "OK" is selected, the service provider is notified and the corresponding information is canceled. The same applies when the reservation is canceled from a terminal different from the terminal that executes the download. When "Synchronization tool" is selected, the C. Is displayed, and the relevant information managed by the downloading terminal is canceled.

22 to 24, as an application example of the present invention, an example of the screen display when the download of the specified homepage and the content linked from the specified homepage is completed by the specified time, with reference to FIGS. Explain.

FIG. 22 shows an example of a content list and a request creation screen for designating a download target from the content list. Documents such as manuals are divided into chapters in advance and registered. If you specify the URL of the homepage with a list and complete these downloads by the specified time, the name of the content you want to download, the location (URL) where the content list is posted, the type of content you want to download (extended Child), up to what level of the existing link is the target of the download request (link of the link), download destination, completion time, etc. are input to the request creation tool (client tool). After that, when the "Create request" button is selected, the service provider adds the sizes of the content files and returns them to the user.
On the client side, the expected transfer rate and other reservation conditions of the user are checked to determine whether or not the request can be accepted, and the result is returned to the terminal.

The present invention can be applied to the case of collectively designating a plurality of contents and completing the download of them by a designated time. That is, there are cases in which it is desired to obtain a plurality of materials in order to perform a certain work, for example, the work of preparing a report.

FIG. 23 is an example of a request creation screen for collectively designating and downloading a plurality of contents. Request name, content name to download and its U
RL, request creation tool (client tool)
And specify the download destination and the desired download completion time. The operation in this case is similar to that in FIG. 22 described above, but there are a plurality of contents to be downloaded, and one request or reservation is treated as one and managed by the request name. The server switching by the download monitoring unit on the service provider side is also performed on a content (URL) basis. SLA and the like are performed on a request or reservation basis (not on a content basis).

The present invention can be applied to the case where the search result (including the linked content) is transferred to the user as one content. FIG. 24 shows a request creation screen for downloading the content hit by the search function. Is an example of.

From this screen, the user inputs the search keyword, search comparison, option, number of downloads, designation of download destination, what to download, desired download completion time, and the like. "Search Request"
Selecting the button will notify the service provider of the search request. The service provider adds up the sizes of the contents (files) that match the request, and sends a reply to the user by email (not shown). A URL is attached to the mail returned from the service provider, and when this URL is set by the tool (client tool) that sets the search request and sent, this UR
The L information includes the search keyword specified by the user, the search target, the option, the number of downloads to be executed, the one to be transferred, the DW destination specification, the desired download completion time, and the total information of the content file sizes that meet the request. The client tool is
By accessing the RL, this information can be obtained and the search request registration screen is displayed. After that, the reservation to the service provider and the start of the download are the same as the above-mentioned operations.

The server switching by the download monitoring unit (270 in FIG. 5) performed on the service provider side can be performed for each content file as in the example of FIG. That is, although there are multiple contents to be downloaded, they are handled as one request or reservation. The switching of servers by the download monitoring unit on the service provider side can be performed for each search result list or for each content hit in the search.

(Supplementary Note 1) In a reservation control method for downloading multimedia data provided in a service provider to a terminal via a network, the terminal makes a file request for a sample to the service provider to measure a transfer rate. , A speed measuring unit for measuring a transfer time of a file from the service provider and storing it in a speed information database, and a content requesting a reservation request including a desired download completion time, based on the speed information of the speed information database A time to start the reservation and determine whether or not the reservation can be realized; and if possible, a reservation calculator that registers the reservation content in a reservation information database, and to the service provider based on the registered reservation information. A time start control unit for controlling start A download reservation control method for multimedia data characterized by the following.

(Supplementary Note 2) In Supplementary Note 1, when the speed measuring unit of the terminal is activated either at a fixed cycle or when a file transfer is reserved, a file requesting unit for requesting a file transmission from the service provider. And a download reservation control method for multimedia data, comprising: a time measurement unit that measures a transfer time when a sample file is transmitted from the service provider in response to the file transmission request.

(Supplementary Note 3) In Supplementary Note 1, in response to a download request from the terminal designating a desired download completion time, the reservation calculation unit causes the reservation calculation unit to determine the requested multimedia data amount and the conditions in the speed information database. Calculate the transfer time of the requested multimedia data by using the transfer speed that conforms to the above, and determine whether the download is completed before the requested download completion time by the transfer time and determine whether it can be accepted. A download reservation control method for multimedia data, which is set as reservation information when it can be accepted and displays that fact when it cannot be accepted.

(Supplementary Note 4) In any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, the terminal activates the download start control operation for the service provider at the download start time in the set reservation information. A download reservation control method for multimedia data, comprising:

(Supplementary Note 5) In Supplementary Note 1, the service provider is provided with a reservation receiving section, and a database for storing speed information, reservation information and service level agreement (SLA) similar to the content provided in the terminal is provided.
The terminal creates a temporary service level agreement (temporary SLA) including a download execution time, a delay time, etc. based on the reservation information database and the speed information database when making a request for download reservation, and as a reservation request, the service provider When the reservation requesting unit receives the reservation request from the reservation requesting unit, the reservation receiving unit refers to each database of speed information, reservation information, and service level contract to receive the provisional service level contract. A reservation reservation control method for multimedia data, comprising a notifying section for judging whether or not the reception is possible and notifying the terminal of the judgment result.

(Supplementary Note 6) In Supplementary Note 5, user ID, SLA information, speed information, and reservation information such as content name and completion reservation time are provided as reservation request information from the reservation request unit of the terminal to the service provider. A multimedia data download reservation control method, characterized in that a reservation ID, a reservation result, and an SLA created by the service provider are notified as a judgment result sent from the reservation reception unit of the service provider to the terminal.

(Supplementary Note 7) In Supplementary Note 5, when the reservation accepting unit of the service provider determines that the service corresponding to the reservation request from the reservation requesting unit of the terminal cannot be provided, the reason and / or alternative plan is created. A multimedia data download reservation control system characterized in that the notification unit notifies the terminal.

(Supplementary Note 8) In a reservation control method for downloading multimedia data provided in a service provider to a terminal via a network, the terminal wants to refer to a content list published by the service provider and see the desired data. Select its size,
A request creation unit that executes the calculation by the reservation calculation unit that starts when the desired download completion time is input and calculates the time to start the download, and a reservation request unit that sends the reservation information to the service provider and requests the reservation In addition, the service provider includes a reservation receiving unit, receives the reservation information from the terminal, determines whether the reservation can be received by referring to the speed information sent from the terminal, and registers the reservation information if possible. , A multimedia data reservation control method characterized in that the result is notified to the terminal.

(Supplementary Note 9) In Supplementary Note 8, if the service provider can accept the reservation, the reservation I
A notification unit for issuing D and registering it in the reservation information database and notifying the terminal is provided, and when the reservation reception is not possible, the reason and alternative plan are notified from the notification unit to the terminal, and the terminal notifies the notification. A method for controlling reservation of multimedia data, characterized by displaying the result of the reservation.

(Supplementary Note 10) In a reservation control method for downloading multimedia data provided in a service provider to a terminal via a network, the service provider includes a reservation acceptance unit, and an information terminal different from the terminal performing the download is used. When request information including the location of content, desired download completion time, expected transfer speed, and user ID is transmitted to the service provider, the reservation reception unit of the service provider starts download based on the speed information of the user. The time is calculated to determine whether or not the reservation can be accepted. If the reservation can be accepted, the reservation ID is issued and registered, and the subscriber ID, the reservation information, and the SLA information are notified and synchronized with the downloading terminal. Reservation control method for multimedia data characterized by taking.

(Supplementary Note 11) In the reservation control method for downloading the multimedia data provided in the service provider to the terminal via the network, the service provider activates upon receiving a content download request from the terminal based on the reservation information. When the requested content is divided into a plurality of files, the download monitoring unit refers to the correspondence information between the content and the divided files, and sequentially makes an order to the file server that manages each divided file. A reservation control method for multimedia data, characterized in that it issues an instruction to switch to a divided transfer.

(Supplementary Note 12) In Supplementary Note 11, the download monitoring unit includes a speed / time measuring unit for generating speed information in transferring each file and a time required for switching from the elapsed time to the speed / time measuring unit. A reservation control method for multimedia data, comprising: a switching instruction unit for instructing switching of the file server by comparing the time information of the above with the current time.

(Supplementary Note 13) Means for requesting a sample file for measuring a transfer speed from a computer which constitutes a terminal which reserves a download of multimedia data from a service provider connected via a network. And means for measuring the transfer time of the file from the service provider and storing it in the speed information database, and for the request for reservation including the content and the desired download completion time, start downloading based on the speed information in the speed information database. A means for registering the reservation content in a reservation information database when it is possible to determine whether or not the reservation can be realized by obtaining time and a control for starting the service provider based on the registered reservation information A professional to act as a means Gram.

(Supplementary Note 14) When a computer constituting a service provider that receives a reservation for download from a terminal connected via a network receives a request for reservation including contents and a desired download completion time from the terminal, the computer is connected to the service provider. A means for deciding whether or not to accept the request by referring to speed information between terminals, and a reservation information is registered and a reservation result including a reservation identification number is notified to the terminal when it is judged that the request can be accepted, and the request cannot be accepted A program for functioning as means for notifying the terminal of a reason and an alternative plan when judged, and means for downloading content to the terminal based on the reservation information registered by the request to start downloading from the terminal.

[0094]

According to the present invention, the user can complete the download of the desired content by the reserved time, and is guaranteed to use or watch the downloaded content. It was On the other hand, on the service provider side, when the request is received from the user, it is possible to improve the quality of the content data transfer service by determining whether or not the service is possible, and if it is not possible, presenting an alternative plan. It is possible (elimination of delay), and it is possible to increase the facility utilization rate within the provider without the server within the service provider going down.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a first principle configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a second principle configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a third principle configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a fourth principle configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a fifth principle configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of an example.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart (part 1) of request creation, reservation acceptance, and notification.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a flowchart (part 2) up to request creation, reservation acceptance, and notification.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a flowchart (part 1) of monitoring at the time of download by a content request.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a flowchart (part 2) of monitoring at the time of download by content request.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a flowchart (part 1) of switching control of divided files at the time of download.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a flowchart (part 2) of switching control of divided files at the time of download.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a flowchart (part 1) of reservation calculation.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart (part 2) of reservation calculation.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a flowchart of reservation acceptance determination.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a flowchart of synchronization when the reservation terminal and the download terminal are different.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a main screen and a request creation screen.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen when selection is made.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen after transmitting a request.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for reflecting the result after execution of download on the SLA.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for synchronizing reservation information.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a content list and a request creation screen for designating a download target from the list.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a request creation screen for collectively designating and downloading a plurality of contents.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of a request creation screen for downloading content hit by a search function.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of a connection configuration via a conventional network.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 terminal 10 client tools 11 Monitor 110 Speed measurement unit 110a file request section 110b Time measurement unit 111 Download monitoring unit 12 Reservation calculator 13a Speed information database (DB) 13b Reservation information database (DB) 14 Time activation control unit 2 service providers 20 Web server 21 File Server 22a sample file 22b content storage 3 network

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Tomoko Yamamoto             4-1, Kamiodanaka, Nakahara-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa             No. 1 within Fujitsu Limited

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. In a reservation control method for downloading multimedia data provided to a service provider to a terminal via a network, the terminal makes a file request for a sample to the service provider to measure a transfer rate, A speed measurement unit that measures the transfer time of the file from the service provider and stores it in the speed information database, and in response to a request for reservation that includes the content and desired download completion time, starts downloading based on the speed information in the speed information database. It is determined whether or not the reservation can be realized by determining the time to be performed, and if possible, a reservation calculation unit that registers the reservation content in the reservation information database, and starts the service provider based on the registered reservation information. And a time start-up control unit for performing control. Download reservation control method for multimedia data to be collected. 2. In a reservation control method for downloading multimedia data provided in a service provider to a terminal via a network, the terminal refers to a content list published by the service provider and selects data to be viewed. Then, when you enter the size and desired download completion time, it starts up and calculates the time to start downloading. The request creation unit that executes the calculation by the reservation calculation unit and the reservation information is sent to the service provider to request the reservation. The service provider includes a reservation requesting unit for performing reservation, and the service provider includes a reservation accepting unit. When the reservation information is received from the terminal, it is determined whether or not the reservation can be accepted by referring to the speed information sent from the terminal. A multimedia characterized by registering reservation information and notifying the result to the terminal. A data download reservation control method. 3. A reservation control method for downloading multimedia data provided to a service provider to a terminal via a network, wherein the service provider includes a reservation acceptance unit, and the service is provided from an information terminal different from the terminal performing the download. For the provider,
When the request information including the location of the content, the desired download completion time, the expected transfer speed, and the user ID is transmitted, the reservation reception unit of the service provider calculates the download start time based on the speed information of the user and makes the reservation. If it is possible to make a reservation, the reservation I
A download reservation control method for multimedia data, which issues and registers D, and synchronizes notification of a reservation person ID, reservation information, and SLA information with a terminal for downloading. 4. In a reservation control method for downloading multimedia data provided in a service provider to a terminal via a network, the service provider activates upon receiving a content download request from the terminal based on reservation information. Parts,
When the requested content is divided into a plurality of files, the download monitoring unit refers to the correspondence information between the content and the divided files, and issues an instruction to the file server managing each divided file to switch in order. A reservation reservation control method for multimedia data, which is characterized by performing divided transfer in a divided manner. 5. A means for making a sample file request to the service provider for measuring a transfer rate, wherein a computer constituting a terminal which reserves a download of multimedia data from a service provider connected via a network, A means for measuring the transfer time of the file from the service provider and storing it in the speed information database, and a time for starting the download based on the speed information in the speed information database for the reservation request including the content and the desired download completion time. As means for deciding whether or not the reservation can be realized and registering the reservation content in the reservation information database when possible, and means for performing control for starting the service provider based on the registered reservation information A program to make it work.