JP6444013B1 - Video distribution server, program, and method for distributing video content by a distribution method according to viewing conditions - Google Patents

Abstract

A video distribution server or the like that distributes video content by a distribution method according to a viewing situation is provided. In a video distribution server capable of transmitting video content to a plurality of clients by different distribution methods, for each video content, viewing status acquisition means for acquiring viewing status information in the plurality of clients, and all the video contents Based on the viewing status information of each video content with respect to the viewing status information, video priority calculation means for sorting each video content in order of priority, and for each video content, a distribution method is set according to the priority of each video content. A distribution method selection unit for selecting, and a video distribution unit for distributing each video content by the selected distribution method. [Selection] Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a technology of a video distribution server that distributes video content for a broadcasting / communication cooperation system.

  The terrestrial / BS / CS broadcasting is currently distributed with HD (High Definition) / SD (Standard Definition) image quality, but 4K / 8K broadcasting will be started in the future. Accordingly, 4K broadcasting is expected for cable TV and Internet TV.

  Conventionally, as a technique for selecting broadcasting and communication, for example, there is a technique in which a receiving apparatus selects a communication path from a transmitting apparatus according to a data reception state (see, for example, Patent Document 1). According to this technique, when an error occurs in data received by a broadcast wave, the receiving device transmits the retransmission request to the transmitting device via the bidirectional communication path. Then, the reception device receives retransmission data from the transmission device via the bidirectional communication path. In this case, the receiving apparatus selects a broadcast wave or a communication path and receives data.

  There is also a system that allows a user to freely select a broadcast path and a communication path (see, for example, Patent Document 2). According to this technique, for a program that has been broadcast via a broadcast path, the digest of the program is made available for distribution via a communication path. A program currently being broadcast or a program broadcast in the past can be selected seamlessly without the user being aware of it.

  As another conventional technique based on the audience rating of the user, there is a receiver that receives a plurality of broadcast / communication programs at the same time and emphasizes a screen with a high audience rating when reproducing a recorded program. (For example, refer to Patent Document 3). According to this technique, the receiving device receives audience rating information from the audience rating management server, and reproduces and displays a recorded program based on the audience rating information.

JP 2002-232478 A JP 2004-193920 A JP 2011-182275 A

In any of the above-described conventional techniques, the receiving device takes the lead and switches between a broadcast path for receiving video content from the transmitting apparatus and a communication path.
That is, it is not based on the premise that the video content is distributed under the initiative of the transmission apparatus, seamlessly switching between the broadcast path and the communication path. Of course, it is not possible to switch and deliver video content in different quality media formats.
However, considering the distribution of 4K video content, efficient use of the transmission path band is important. In particular, when video content is distributed in cooperation with broadcasting and communication, it is necessary to select a transmission path led by the transmission device.

On the other hand, the inventors of the present application do not set a distribution method (broadcast communication switching and / or media format switching) for each video content in advance, but according to the viewing situation of the user. I thought that should be switched.
That is, when considering efficient use of the transmission band, video content that is viewed by a large number of users should be broadcasted via the broadcast route, and conversely, only a small number of users can view the content. I thought that video content should be distributed via a communication channel. Distributing video content that has been viewed by only a small number of users via broadcast waves is not preferable from the viewpoint of effective use of broadcast wave bands.
On the other hand, in the case of a communication path such as cable television or Internet television, the video distribution server and the relay device must establish a session for each terminal. For this reason, it is necessary to establish a large number of sessions with the terminal and transmit them separately for video content being viewed by a large number of users. In this case, there is a risk of congestion caused by specific video content on the transmission path that becomes a bottleneck of the communication path. By effectively distributing such video content by broadcast waves, efficient use of the transmission band can be realized.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a video distribution server, a program, and a method for distributing video content by a distribution method according to a viewing situation.

According to the present invention, in a video distribution server capable of transmitting video content to a plurality of clients by different distribution methods,
Viewing status acquisition means for acquiring viewing status information in a plurality of clients for each video content;
Video priority calculating means for sorting each video content in order of priority based on viewing status information of the video content ;
Distribution method selection means for selecting a distribution method according to the priority of each video content for each video content;
Video distribution means for distributing video content by a selected distribution method ;
A reference point is associated with each distribution method, and for the highest evaluation score obtained by multiplying the total value of viewing status information in all video contents by the highest reference point, the viewing status information in each video content is added to the video content. Viewer satisfaction calculation means for calculating a ratio of the current evaluation score that is the sum of all the video contents multiplied by the corresponding reference point as viewer satisfaction;
Have
The video priority calculation unit and the distribution method selection unit update the distribution method of each video content when the viewer satisfaction changes under a predetermined condition .

According to another embodiment of the video distribution server of the present invention,
The viewing status information is preferably based on the viewing rate and / or viewing time of each video content.

According to another embodiment of the video distribution server of the present invention,
Viewing status information is associated with each video content attribute in advance,
The viewing status information is also preferably based on the attributes of each video content.

According to another embodiment of the video distribution server of the present invention,
Viewing status information is associated in advance for each congestion state of a predetermined transmission path from the video distribution server to each client,
The viewing status information is also preferably based on the congestion state of a predetermined transmission path for each video content.

According to another embodiment of the video distribution server of the present invention,
The viewing status information is also preferably based on the urgency of distribution of each video content.

According to another embodiment of the video distribution server of the present invention,
Distribution method is broadcast distribution method and communication distribution method,
It is also preferable that the distribution method selection unit selects a broadcast distribution method for video content with a high priority and a communication distribution method for video content with a low priority under a predetermined condition.

According to another embodiment of the video distribution server of the present invention,
The delivery method is a media format with different quality,
It is also preferable that the distribution method selection means selects a high quality media format for video content with a high priority and a low quality media format for video content with a low priority under a predetermined condition.

According to another embodiment of the video distribution server of the present invention,
The distribution method is a mixture of broadcast distribution method and communication distribution method and media formats with different quality.
The distribution method selection means selects a broadcast distribution method and a high quality media format for video content having a high priority under predetermined conditions, and a communication distribution method and a low quality media format for video content having a low priority. It is also preferable to select.

According to another embodiment of the video distribution server of the present invention,
Broadcast distribution method is a broadcast method,
The communication distribution method is preferably a multicast method and / or a unicast method.

According to another embodiment of the video distribution server of the present invention,
The broadcast method is a wide area wireless broadcast method,
The multicast method and / or unicast method is preferably an IP (Internet Protocol) communication method.

According to another embodiment of the video distribution server of the present invention,
It is also preferable that the media format is different from one or more of resolution, codec, and modulation degree.

According to another embodiment of the video distribution server of the present invention,
The delivery method is specified by the channel selection information,
It is also preferable to further include channel selection information distribution means for distributing PSI (Program Specific Information) information including NIT (Network Information Table) describing channel selection information of each video content to the client.

According to another embodiment of the video distribution server of the present invention,
As a predetermined condition, the distribution method selection means determines that each video image when the absolute difference between the viewer satisfaction level at the first time point and the viewer satisfaction level at the second continuous time point is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. It is also preferable to update the content distribution method.

According to the present invention, in a program for causing a computer mounted on a server capable of transmitting video content to a plurality of clients by different distribution methods to function,
Viewing status acquisition means for acquiring viewing status information in a plurality of clients for each video content;
Video priority calculating means for sorting each video content in order of priority based on viewing status information of the video content ;
Distribution method selection means for selecting a distribution method according to the priority of each video content for each video content;
Video distribution means for distributing video content by a selected distribution method ;
A reference point is associated with each distribution method, and for the highest evaluation score obtained by multiplying the total value of viewing status information in all video contents by the highest reference point, the viewing status information in each video content is added to the video content. Causing the computer to function as a viewer satisfaction calculation means for calculating a ratio of the current evaluation score, which is the sum of all the video contents multiplied by the corresponding reference points, as a viewer satisfaction ;
The video priority calculation means and the distribution method selection means are characterized in that the computer functions so as to update the distribution method of each video content when the viewer satisfaction changes under a predetermined condition .

According to the present invention, in a video distribution device of a device capable of transmitting video content to a plurality of clients by different distribution methods,
The device
A first step of obtaining viewing status information in a plurality of clients for each video content;
A second step of sorting each video content in order of priority based on viewing status information of the video content ;
A third step of selecting a delivery method for each video content according to the priority of each video content;
A fourth step of distributing each video content according to the selected distribution method;
Run
A reference point is associated with each distribution method, and for the highest evaluation score obtained by multiplying the total value of viewing status information in all video contents by the highest reference point, the viewing status information in each video content is added to the video content. The percentage of the current evaluation score that is the sum of all the video content multiplied by the corresponding reference point is calculated as viewer satisfaction,
The second step and the third step are executed so as to update the distribution method of each video content when the viewer satisfaction changes under a predetermined condition .

  According to the video delivery server, program, and method of the present invention, video content can be delivered by a delivery method according to the viewing situation.

It is a system configuration diagram in the present invention. It is a function block diagram of the video delivery server in this invention. It is an example of the information table acquired by the viewing condition acquisition part of a video delivery server. It is explanatory drawing which sorted the video content in order of priority based on audience rating and viewing time. It is explanatory drawing which sorted the video content in order of priority based on the attribute. It is explanatory drawing which sorted the video content in order of priority based on transmission line congestion. It is the 1st explanatory view showing change progress of a distribution system of video contents. It is the 2nd explanatory view showing change progress of a distribution system of video contents. It is the 3rd explanatory view showing change progress of a distribution system of video contents. It is the 4th explanatory view showing change progress of a distribution system of video contents. It is the 5th explanatory view showing change progress of a distribution method of video contents. It is explanatory drawing showing the calculation method of viewer satisfaction. It is explanatory drawing showing the update timing of the delivery system based on viewer satisfaction.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram according to the present invention.

  1, the video distribution server 1, the broadcast distribution device 2, the communication distribution device 3, the video database 4, the set top box (client) 5, the audience rating management device 6, the transmission path congestion. It is comprised with the management apparatus 7. FIG.

[Video distribution server 1]
The video distribution server 1 transmits a plurality of video contents to the set top box 5 by “different distribution methods”. The video distribution server 1 of the present invention distributes each video content to the set top box 5 via either the broadcast distribution device 2 or the communication distribution device 3.
The video content to be distributed is a multicast stream multiplexed at the TS (Transport Stream) packet level.

[Broadcast distribution device 2]
The broadcast distribution device 2 distributes the video content received from the video distribution server 1 to the set top box 5 by the broadcast distribution method. As broadcast distribution methods, there are, for example, combinations of terrestrial / BS / CS and 8K / 4K / 2K (media format).

[Communication Distribution Device 3]
The communication distribution device 3 distributes the video content received from the video distribution server 1 to the set top box 5 by a communication distribution method. As the communication distribution method, for example, there are choices of a combination of a multicast method or a unicast method and 4K / 2K / SD (media format).

[Video database 4]
Regardless of the distribution method, the video database 4 also stores a mixture of terrestrial / BS / CS broadcast programs and programs distributed on cable TV and Internet TV. The video distribution server 1 selects which distribution method is used to distribute each video content.
The video content stored in the video database 4 also stores content attributes (for example, contents) and production time (for example, how many hours ago it was produced) in association with each other.

[Set Top Box (Client) 5]
The set top box 5 is installed in a home, for example, and receives a plurality of video contents. The set-top box 5 receives video content from the broadcast distribution device 2 via a broadcast wave and also receives video content from the communication distribution device 3 via a network. Only the video content desired by the user is output to the television by the user's channel switching.

[Audience Rating Management Device 6]
The audience rating management device 6 collects viewing information of the channel (video content) that the user is viewing from the set top box 5. The viewing information is the viewing start date / time and end date / time of the viewed video content. Specifically, the audience rating management device 6 acquires viewing information with the set-top box 5 using a message transmission protocol (BBR TR-069).
Then, the audience rating management device 6 can derive the audience rating and the viewing time for each video content based on the viewing information acquired from a large number of set top boxes 5.

[Transmission path congestion management device 7]
The transmission path congestion management device 7 collects transmission path information for receiving video content from the set top box 5. The transmission path information is path information (for example, a relayed router) when the set-top box 5 receives video content from the communication distribution device 3.
Then, the transmission path congestion management device 7 can derive the congestion state in a predetermined transmission path that becomes a bottleneck for each video content based on the path information acquired from a large number of set top boxes 5.

  FIG. 2 is a functional configuration diagram of the video distribution server in the present invention.

According to FIG. 2, the video distribution server 1 can transmit video content to a plurality of set-top boxes (clients) 5 by different distribution methods.
The video distribution server 1 includes an audience rating status acquisition unit 11, a video priority calculation unit 12, a distribution method selection unit 13, a video distribution unit 14, a channel selection information distribution unit 15, and a viewer satisfaction calculation unit 16. And have. These functional components are realized by executing a program that causes a computer mounted on the server to function. Of course, the processing flow of these functional components can also be understood as a video distribution method.

[Viewing Rate Status Acquisition Unit 11]
The audience rating status acquisition unit 11 acquires “viewing status information” in the plurality of set-top boxes 5 from an external device for each video content. The viewing status information is based on information collected from a large number of set top boxes 5 and network devices by an external device.

As viewing status information, there are the following four embodiments, for example.
<Rating / viewing time>
<Content attribute>
<Transmission line congestion>
<Delivery urgency>

FIG. 3 is an example of an information table acquired by the viewing status acquisition unit of the video distribution server.
According to FIG. 3, the viewing rate, viewing time, content attribute, transmission path congestion, and distribution urgency are associated with each channel in the current broadcast communication system.

<Rating / viewing time>
The viewing status information may be based on the viewing rate and / or viewing time of each video content.
The audience rating and / or viewing time for each video content is received from the audience rating management device 6.

<Content attribute>
The viewing status information may be based on the attribute of each video content. In this case, viewing status information is associated in advance for each attribute of the video content. For example, video content with the attribute “news” can be set relatively high as viewing status information, and video content with the attribute “mail order” can be set relatively low as viewing status information.
The attribute for each video content is received from the video database 4.

<Transmission line congestion>
The viewing status information may be based on a congestion state of a predetermined transmission path of each video content. In this case, viewing status information is associated in advance for each congestion state of a predetermined transmission path from the video distribution server 1 to the set top box 5.
Here, the “predetermined transmission path” may be a transmission path to which the communication distribution device 3 is directly connected, or may be a transmission path that is a bottleneck specified in advance. For example, the ratio occupied by the transmission capacity of a specific video content in the transmission capacity of a predetermined transmission path may be expressed by a congestion state ratio (%).
The congestion state of the predetermined transmission path for each video content is received from the transmission path congestion management device 7.

<Delivery Urgency>
The viewing status information may be based on the urgency of distribution of each video content.
For example, video content (for example, earthquake damage situation) that all citizens need to know immediately is assumed to have the highest distribution urgency. This is preferably set by the operator.

  Of course, the viewing status information may be based on all or any combination of the above-described four elements (viewing rate / viewing time, content attribute, transmission path congestion, distribution urgency).

[Video priority calculation unit 12]
The video priority calculation unit 12 sorts each video content in order of priority based on the viewing status information of each video content with respect to the viewing status information of all video content.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram in which video contents are sorted in order of priority based on audience rating / viewing time.
According to FIG. 4A, a video content with a higher audience rating has a higher priority.
According to FIG.4 (b), a video content with high viewing time becomes a high priority.
Note that, according to FIG. 4, the video content to which a high distribution urgency level is given has the highest priority regardless of the audience rating and viewing time.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram in which video contents are sorted in order of priority based on attributes.
According to FIG. 5, distribution levels A to E are associated as content attributes for each category and each production time. As a category, for example, “earthquake” is associated with a high distribution level, and “regional advertisement” is associated with a low distribution level. As the production time, for example, “3 hours ago” is associated with a high distribution level, and “one year ago” is associated with a low distribution level.
As a result, the video content having a higher distribution level of the entire content attribute has a higher priority.
Note that, according to FIG. 5, the video content to which a high distribution urgency level is given has the highest priority regardless of the content attribute.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram in which video contents are sorted in order of priority based on transmission path congestion.
According to FIG. 6, the higher the priority is, the higher the video content having a higher congestion ratio of the predetermined transmission path.
Note that, according to FIG. 6, the video content to which a high distribution urgency level is assigned has the highest priority regardless of transmission path congestion.

[Distribution method selection unit 13]
The distribution method selection unit 13 selects a distribution method for each video content according to the priority of each video content. As the “distribution method”, there are three embodiments as follows.
<Switching between broadcasting and communication>
<Media format switching>
<Broadcasting / communication and media format switching>

<Switching between broadcasting and communication>
According to the broadcasting / communication cooperation system, the distribution methods are a broadcast distribution method and a communication distribution method.
The distribution method selection unit 13 selects a broadcast distribution method for video content with a high priority, and selects a communication distribution method for video content with a low priority.
The broadcast distribution method is a broadcast method, for example, a wide area radio (RF) broadcast method.
The communication distribution method is a multicast method and / or a unicast method, and is an IP (Internet Protocol) communication method.

<Media format switching>
Further, the delivery method may be a media format having a different quality. The media format is different from one or more of resolution, codec, and modulation degree. For example, the difference may be 8K, 4K, 2K, or SD.
The distribution method selection unit 13 selects a high quality media format for video content with a high priority, and selects a low quality media format for video content with a low priority.

<Broadcasting / communication and media format switching>
The distribution method may be a mixture of the above-described broadcast distribution method and communication distribution method and the above-described media formats having different qualities.
The distribution method selection unit 13 selects a broadcast distribution method and a high-quality media format for video content with high priority, and selects a low-quality media format with a communication distribution method for video content with low priority. .

The distribution method selection unit 13 sets the distribution method selection order according to the priority as follows.
Priority: High RF4K (broadcast + 4K)
↓ IP4K (communication + 4K)
↓ RF2K (broadcast + 2K)
↓ IP2K (communication + 2K)
Priority: Low IPSD (communication + SD)

[Video distribution unit 14]
The video distribution unit 14 distributes each video content by a selected distribution method.

FIG. 7 is a first explanatory diagram showing the change process of the distribution method of the video content.
According to the present invention, all video contents are desired to be realized as if they are all 4K-compatible when viewed from the user. Therefore, first, all video contents are tried to be distributed on the RF4K channel. Even in this case, not all video contents can be distributed on the RF4K channel.
According to FIG. 7, the video content is shifted to the IP4K channel in order from the video content with the lowest priority.

FIG. 8 is a second explanatory diagram showing the change process of the distribution method of the video content.
According to FIG. 8, as in FIG. 7, the video content is shifted to the IP4K channel in order from the video content with the lowest priority.

FIG. 9 is a third explanatory diagram showing the change of the video content distribution method.
According to FIG. 9, the video content that cannot be accommodated in the IP4K channel and has the lowest priority is shifted to the RF2K channel in order.

FIG. 10 is a fourth explanatory diagram illustrating a change process of the video content distribution method.
According to FIG. 10, the video content that cannot be accommodated in the RF2K channel and has the lowest priority is shifted to the IP2K channel in order.

FIG. 11 is a fifth explanatory diagram illustrating a change process of the video content distribution method.
According to FIG. 11, video content that cannot be accommodated in the IP2K channel and has a low priority is shifted to the IPSD channel in order.

[Channel selection distribution unit 15]
The channel selection information distribution unit 15 distributes PSI (Program Specific Information) information including NIT (Network Information Table) in which channel selection information of each video content is described to the client. The distribution method (broadcast / communication, 8K / 4K / 2K / SD, other resolution, codec, modulation degree, etc.) is specified by the channel selection information.

  The set top box 5 establishes one dedicated session with the video distribution server 1. This session is for distributing channel selection information regarding all video contents, and is different from the channel session for transmitting the video contents themselves.

  The video distribution server 1 sequentially distributes “PSI (Program Specific Information) information (transmission control signal)” including channel selection information in all video contents to the set-top box 5 via the previously established dedicated session. . By receiving the NIT of the PSI information, the set top box 5 can know which distribution method is used to distribute each video content.

In the PSI information, the following table is defined as “channel selection information”.
PAT (Program Association Table): Table showing the relationship of TS-> program PMT (Program Map Table): Table showing the relationship of program-> ES CAT (Conditional Access Table): Table showing information related to conditional access control NIT ( Network Information Table): A table showing the relationship of network-> TS

  In the NIT, in the case of a broadcast distribution system, a broadcast system (terrestrial / BS / CS) and its channel number are described. In the case of a communication delivery method, the address (and port number) of a CDN (Content Delivery Network) server or router is described.

  The set top box 5 stores the NIT and determines whether or not the distribution method has been updated by comparing with the newly received NIT. When the distribution method is updated, the video content being viewed is switched to a new channel. In the case of the communication distribution method, a session is established toward a new address, and reception of the video content is started.

[Viewer satisfaction calculation unit 16]
The viewer satisfaction is the maximum score when all video content is distributed in 4K. The viewer satisfaction means QoE (Quality of Experience, user experience quality) in many users who are viewing a plurality of video contents.

Assume that the reference points are associated as follows for each distribution method.
(Distribution method) (Reference point) (Bit rate example)
RF8K 30 points 120Mbps
RF4K 8 points 32Mbps
IP4K 7 points 28Mbps
RF2K 5 points 20Mbps
IP2K 4 points 16Mbps
IPSD 1 point 4Mbps
The ratio of the reference points may be the same as the bit rate ratio of the distribution method, for example. As a result, the viewer satisfaction is not lowered even though the distribution is performed with a high quality distribution method as a whole.

The viewer satisfaction calculation unit 16 calculates the ratio of the current evaluation score to the highest evaluation score as the viewer satisfaction.
The highest evaluation score is a score obtained by multiplying the total value of viewing status information in all video contents by the highest reference point.
The current evaluation score is a score that is the sum of all the video contents of the multiplication value obtained by multiplying the viewing status information of each video content by the reference point corresponding to the video content.
When “viewing status information = viewing rate”, the viewer satisfaction is specifically expressed by the following equation.
Viewer satisfaction = current evaluation point / highest evaluation point current evaluation point = Σ _{i = 1} ⁿ (viewing rate of all video contents of distribution method i × reference point of distribution method i)
Highest evaluation score = total audience rating of all distribution methods Σi × highest reference point

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a method for calculating viewer satisfaction.

According to FIG. 12, it is represented in three stages of 4K / 2K / SD.
4K current rating = 30% audience rating for all video content x 8 reference points
= 240 points 2K current evaluation points = 15.5 (%) audience rating of all video content x 5 reference points
= 77.5 points Current SD evaluation score = Audience rating of all video content 5.5 (%) x 1 reference point
= 5.5 points Current evaluation score = 240 points + 77.5 points + 5.5 points
= 323 points Highest evaluation score = Total audience rating of all distribution methods Σi × highest reference point
= (30 (%) + 15.5 (%) + 5.5 (%)) x 8 points
= 408 viewer satisfaction = current rating / highest rating
= 323 points / 408 points
= 79.2 points In the case of FIG. 12, the viewer satisfaction is calculated as 79.2 points.

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the update timing of the distribution method based on viewer satisfaction.

The distribution method selection unit 13 selects a distribution method for each video content when the viewer satisfaction changes under a predetermined condition. According to FIG. 13, the distribution method is updated when the viewer satisfaction is below a predetermined threshold.
By incorporating the video content distribution method as shown in FIGS. 7 to 11, the viewer satisfaction can always be the maximum score.

Originally, it is preferable to update and switch the distribution method at a short time interval from the viewpoint of increasing viewer satisfaction. On the other hand, the number of times of redistribution of the distribution method increases, and not only the processing load of the video distribution server 1 but also the processing load of channel switching of the set top box 5 increases.
Therefore, specifically, as a result of simulating the update time interval of the distribution method with a decrease in viewer satisfaction within 10% of the maximum value as an allowable range, the update time interval is 120 seconds. The update threshold was calculated to be optimal when it was reduced by 20 points.

  In another embodiment, the distribution method selection unit 13 determines, as a predetermined condition, the difference absolute value between the viewer satisfaction at the first time point and the viewer satisfaction at the second continuous time point is a predetermined threshold value. When it becomes above, it is also preferable to update the distribution method of each video content.

  As described above in detail, according to the video distribution server, program, and method of the present invention, video content can be distributed by a distribution method according to the viewing situation.

According to the present invention, a distribution method (broadcast communication switching and / or media format switching) is not set in advance for each video content, but the video content distribution method can be switched according to a user's viewing situation. .
That is, in consideration of efficient use of the transmission band, video content that is viewed by a large number of users is distributed by broadcast via a broadcast route, and conversely, video content that is viewed by only a small number of users. And delivered via a communication path.
Also, the video content being viewed by a large number of users via the communication path is distributed by broadcast waves, so that efficient use of the transmission band can be realized.

  Various changes, modifications, and omissions of the above-described various embodiments of the present invention can be easily made by those skilled in the art. The above description is merely an example, and is not intended to be restrictive. The invention is limited only as defined in the following claims and the equivalents thereto.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Video distribution server 11 Audience rating status acquisition part 12 Video priority calculation part 13 Distribution method selection part 14 Video distribution part 15 Channel selection information distribution part 16 Viewer satisfaction calculation part 2 Broadcast distribution apparatus 3 Communication distribution apparatus 4 Video database 5 Set Top Box, Client 6 Audience Rating Management Device 7 Transmission Line Congestion Management Device

Claims (15)

In a video delivery server that can send video content to multiple clients using different delivery methods,
Viewing status acquisition means for acquiring viewing status information in a plurality of clients for each video content;
Video priority calculating means for sorting each video content in order of priority based on viewing status information of the video content ;
Distribution method selection means for selecting the distribution method according to the priority of each video content for each video content;
For each video content, a video distribution means for distributing by the selected distribution method ;
A reference point is associated with each delivery method, and the video content is added to the viewing status information in each video content with respect to the highest evaluation point obtained by multiplying the total value of the viewing status information in all video content by the highest reference point. Viewer satisfaction calculation means for calculating a ratio of the current evaluation score, which is a sum of all the video contents multiplied by the reference point corresponding to
Have
The video distribution server, wherein the video priority calculation means and the distribution method selection means update the distribution method of each video content when the viewer satisfaction changes under a predetermined condition . The video distribution server according to claim 1, wherein the viewing status information is based on a viewing rate and / or a viewing time of each video content. Viewing status information is associated with each video content attribute in advance,
The video distribution server according to claim 1, wherein the viewing status information is based on an attribute of each video content. Viewing status information is associated in advance for each congestion state of a predetermined transmission path from the video distribution server to each client,
The video distribution server according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the viewing status information is based on a congestion state of a predetermined transmission path of each video content. The video distribution server according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the viewing status information is based on a distribution urgency level of each video content. The distribution method is a broadcast distribution method and a communication distribution method,
2. The distribution method selection means, under a predetermined condition, selects a broadcast distribution method for video content having a high priority and selects a communication distribution method for video content having a low priority. 6. The video distribution server according to any one of items 1 to 5. The delivery method is a media format of different quality,
The distribution method selecting means selects a high quality media format for video content with a high priority and selects a low quality media format for video content with a low priority under a predetermined condition. Item 6. The video distribution server according to any one of Items 1 to 5. The distribution method is a mixture of a broadcast distribution method and a communication distribution method, and media formats having different qualities,
The distribution method selection means selects a broadcast distribution method and a high quality media format for video content having a high priority under predetermined conditions, and a communication distribution method and low quality media for a video content having a low priority. 6. The video distribution server according to claim 1, wherein a format is selected. The broadcast distribution method is a broadcast method,
The video distribution server according to claim 6 or 8, wherein the communication distribution method is a multicast method and / or a unicast method. The broadcast method is a wide area wireless broadcast method,
The video distribution server according to claim 9, wherein the multicast method and / or unicast method is an IP (Internet Protocol) communication method. 9. The video distribution server according to claim 7, wherein the media format is one or more different in resolution, codec, and modulation degree. The delivery method is specified by channel selection information,
12. A channel selection information distribution means for distributing PSI (Program Specific Information) information including NIT (Network Information Table) in which channel selection information of each video content is described to a client. The video distribution server according to any one of the above. The distribution method selection means, as the predetermined condition, when the absolute difference between the viewer satisfaction at the first time point and the viewer satisfaction at the second continuous time point is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, video distribution server according to claim 1, any one of 12, wherein the updating the distribution method of the video content. In a program for causing a computer mounted on a server capable of transmitting video content to a plurality of clients by different delivery methods,
Viewing status acquisition means for acquiring viewing status information in a plurality of clients for each video content;
Video priority calculating means for sorting each video content in order of priority based on viewing status information of the video content ;
Distribution method selection means for selecting the distribution method according to the priority of each video content for each video content;
For each video content, a video distribution means for distributing by the selected distribution method ;
A reference point is associated with each delivery method, and the video content is added to the viewing status information in each video content with respect to the highest evaluation point obtained by multiplying the total value of the viewing status information in all video content by the highest reference point. The computer functions as a viewer satisfaction calculation means for calculating the ratio of the current evaluation score, which is the sum of all the video content multiplied by the reference point corresponding to ,
The video priority calculation means and the distribution method selection means make the computer function so as to update the distribution method of each video content when the viewer satisfaction changes under a predetermined condition. A video distribution program. In a video distribution device of a device capable of transmitting video content to a plurality of clients by different distribution methods,
The device is
A first step of obtaining viewing status information in a plurality of clients for each video content;
A second step of sorting each video content in order of priority based on viewing status information of the video content ;
For each video content, a third step of selecting the distribution method according to the priority of each video content;
A fourth step of distributing video content by the selected distribution method;
Run
A reference point is associated with each delivery method, and the video content is added to the viewing status information in each video content with respect to the highest evaluation point obtained by multiplying the total value of the viewing status information in all video content by the highest reference point. The percentage of the current evaluation score that is the sum of all the video content multiplied by the reference point corresponding to is calculated as viewer satisfaction.
The video of the apparatus , wherein the second step and the third step are executed so as to update a distribution method of each video content when the viewer satisfaction changes under a predetermined condition. Delivery method.

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