JP3270703B2 - Multimedia network system and communication method thereof - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a multimedia network system and a multimedia communication method capable of efficiently and systematically providing information and services.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Multimedia network systems that combine media such as computers, broadcasting, and publishing have been researched and developed. The multimedia network system proposed to date is ISDN (integrated services digital network).
work) communication line, cable television (CATV) communication line and asynchronous transmission mode (ATM)
(sfer mode) Through a digital communication line such as a communication line, providing a large number of user terminals using a so-called multimedia computer and multimedia information such as audio / video data and text data, or
An information / service provider that provides services such as banking business or shopping is connected, and is configured to transmit data between these nodes.

In such a multimedia network system, a service provider accumulates contents and provides the contents on a network, and a user connects to a server of the provider to receive information. This applies to the Internet and other networks such as CATV communication lines. Alternatively, a network provider has a service providing function and realizes a similar service. The content is explicitly stored on the server before being provided to the network.

[0004] However, as the configuration of the multimedia network system becomes more complicated and sophisticated, the types of nodes (network elements) having different functions increase.
For example, in a current multimedia network system, an information provider that provides multimedia information and a service provider that provides a service are handled in the same manner without distinction. However, in the provision of multimedia information, for example, audio / video information, the amount of data transmitted from the provider side to the user is enormous, and the data transmitted from the user to the provider is It is limited to data for specifying, etc., and has a feature that the data amount is very small. On the other hand, in the provision of services, the total amount of data to be transmitted is smaller than in the case of provision of multimedia information, but it is necessary to perform bidirectional data transmission between the service provider and the user. There are features. As described above, if the processing contents of nodes having different characteristics and playing different roles are handled without distinction, communication control between the nodes of the multimedia network system becomes complicated, and systematic provision of multimedia information and services is provided. Becomes difficult.

[0005] For example, a VOD that distributes arbitrary audio / video data (VOD data) in response to a user request
In the case of a system, a VOD data generation device that generates VOD data and a VOD data transmission device that transmits the generated VOD data to a viewer are required. in this way,
In order to realize complicated and advanced data processing and communication processing, it is necessary to realize a single function by causing a plurality of nodes interconnected via a multimedia network system to operate in cooperation with each other. May be required. However, the multimedia network system currently proposed does not have a function of supporting the cooperative operation of a plurality of nodes. For this reason, it is necessary to provide all the components required by each data service providing system including a plurality of nodes, and it is difficult to share device resources among the plurality of data service providing systems.

[0006] Further, there may be a case where a plurality of multimedia network systems are required to be interconnected to form a larger network system. In such a case, a plurality of multimedia network systems are not always configured using the same communication line. For example, a CATV communication line or an ISD
It may be necessary to interconnect a multimedia network system using an N line and a multimedia network system using an ATM communication line.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and has a plurality of types of nodes each having a characteristic and a different role to be dealt with separately. An object of the present invention is to provide a multimedia network system and a multimedia communication method capable of providing information and services.

Further, the present invention supports the cooperative and cooperative operation of a plurality of nodes connected to each other via a communication line, and provides one data service function by cooperating the plurality of nodes. It is an object of the present invention to provide a multimedia network system and a multimedia communication method that can realize a data service providing system and that can share device resources among a plurality of data service providing systems. .

Further, according to the present invention, a plurality of multimedia network systems in which nodes are interconnected using different communication lines can be connected to form a larger-scale multimedia network system. It is an object of the present invention to provide a multimedia network system and a multimedia communication method capable of realizing the same function as a closed multimedia network system as a whole in a large-scale multimedia network system.

[0010] Further, according to the present invention, a service provider mainly implements management functions such as customer management, user authentication, and billing processing.
An object of the present invention is to provide a multimedia network system and a communication method having a configuration in which content storage is functionally independent. Another object of the present invention is to provide a multimedia network system and a multimedia communication method capable of realizing an information providing service on a network in which a plurality of servers for storing content exist and the servers are mixed. I do.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multimedia network system and a multimedia communication method capable of making a function for searching for the location and contents of a service independent of a service provider and realizing the function in a wide range. And The present invention also provides a method for generating content from
An object of the present invention is to provide a multimedia network system and a multimedia communication method that can systematize a data flow leading to storage, distribution, and consumption.

Further, the present invention provides a multimedia network system and a multimedia communication method which enable services to be provided between users or between providers of the same kind between network components by coordination and cooperation. The purpose is to provide.

[0013]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a multimedia network system in which a plurality of data processing means transmits a plurality of types of data via a communication line. In the system, the plurality of data processing means includes, via the communication line, first type guidance information for guiding contents of data to be provided, and data according to request information from the communication line. Data providing means for providing to the other data processing means, first type guidance information for guiding the contents of the service to be provided using the data provided from the data providing means, and request information from the communication line Service providing means for providing a service according to the above to other data processing means via the communication line, the data providing means and the service Receiving the first type of guidance information provided by the providing means via the communication line, including the received first type of guidance information, and information indicating the locations of the data providing means and the service providing means; Mediating means for mediating two types of guidance information to the other data processing means via the communication line; and a first type of mediating means which the data providing means, the service providing means and the mediating means voluntarily provide. Guidance information and a second type of guidance information, or a first type of guidance information and a second type of guidance information provided by the data providing means, the service providing means and the intermediary means in response to a request from another data processing means. types of guidance information received via the communication line, a request for data and service or request information indicating either of these via the communication line other of said data processing And sent to the stage, via the communication line includes a data utilization unit utilizing the data or services provided by other said data processing means in response to sending the above request information.

[0014] A multimedia communication method according to a second aspect of the present invention includes:
A multimedia communication method for transmitting a plurality of types of data between a plurality of nodes via a communication line, wherein one or more of the plurality of nodes includes a first type of guidance for guiding contents of data to be provided. Providing information and data corresponding to request information from the communication line to another node via the communication line, wherein one or more of the plurality of nodes use and provide the provided data. A first type of guidance information for guiding the contents of the service and a service according to the request information from the communication line are provided to the other nodes via the communication line, and one or more of the plurality of nodes are provided. Receives the first type of guidance information provided via the communication line, and includes the received first type of guidance information, and information indicating the location of a node that provides the data and service. Two types Guidance information is mediated to other nodes via the communication line, and one or more of the plurality of nodes is provided voluntarily by the other node, or is provided at the request of the other node. The first type of guidance information and the second type of guidance information are received via the communication line , and requested data and / or request information indicating any of them is transmitted to another node via the communication line. And uses data or services provided from another node via the communication line in accordance with the transmitted request information.

Further, the intermediary device according to a third aspect of the present invention provides, via the communication line, first type guidance information for guiding the contents of the data to be provided, and data according to the request information from the communication line. Receiving, from the service providing means via the communication line, a first type of guidance information for guiding the contents of the service to be provided and the service according to the request information from the communication line; means,
In response to request information from the service providing means, another intermediary means or data using means, the received first type guide information and information indicating the location of the data providing means and the service providing means are included. There is a mediating means for providing the second type of guidance information to the data providing means, the service providing means, another mediating means or the data utilizing means which issued the request information via the communication line.

A multimedia system network system according to a fourth invention is a multimedia network system in which a plurality of data processing means transmit a plurality of types of data via a communication line, wherein the plurality of data processing means are provided. The first to guide the contents of the data to be provided
Data providing means for providing the type of guidance information and data corresponding to the request information from the communication line to the other data processing means via the communication line, and data provided from the data providing means. A program module for using and providing a service to be provided is provided to the other data processing means via the communication line, and the first type of guidance information for guiding the contents of the provided service and the communication line Service providing means for providing a service according to the request information to the other data processing means via the communication line; and a first type of guidance information provided by the data providing means and the service providing means. A first type of guidance information received and received via a communication line, and information indicating the location of the data providing means and the service providing means. And intermediary means for mediating the other of said data processing means types of guidance information through said communication line,
The first type of guidance information and the second type of guidance information voluntarily provided by the data providing means, the service providing means and the mediating means, or the data providing means, the service providing means and the mediating means Supplies the first type of guidance information and the second type of guidance information provided in response to a request from another data processing means via the communication line.
And sends request information indicating the requested data and service or any of them to the other data processing means via the communication line, and transmits the request information via the communication line according to the transmitted request information. And data utilization means utilizing data or services provided by the other data processing means.

Further, a multimedia network system according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is a multimedia network system in which a plurality of planes transmit a plurality of types of data via a communication line, wherein each of the plurality of planes includes:
It has a plurality of data processing means for transmitting a plurality of types of data via a communication line, the plurality of data processing means includes guidance information for guiding the contents of data to be provided, and request information from the communication line. Data providing means for providing the data corresponding to the above to the other data processing means via the communication line, connected via the data providing means and the communication line, via the communication line, or directly Information content providing means for generating data provided by the data providing means, using the data provided from the data providing means, providing guidance information for guiding the content of the service to be provided, and request information from the communication line. Service providing means for providing a corresponding service to the other data processing means via the communication line, and the data providing means and the service providing means The guide information via the communication line that
And sends request information indicating the requested data and service or any of them to the other data processing means via the communication line, and transmits the request information via the communication line according to the transmitted request information. A data use unit that uses data or a service provided from another data processing unit; and a node having the data use unit of any of the planes and the information content provision unit of another plane. Have.

A multimedia system network system according to a sixth invention is a multimedia network system in which a plurality of data processing means transmits a plurality of types of data via a communication line, wherein the plurality of data processing means are provided. Contains data provision means, service provision means,
An intermediary means and a data utilization means are included, and the data providing means transmits the first type of guidance information for guiding the contents of the data to be provided and data corresponding to request information from the communication line to the communication line. The first type of guidance information for providing the contents of the service to be provided, using the data provided from the data providing means, and the communication line. Providing a service according to the request information from the other data processing means via the communication line, the mediation means,
The first type of guidance information provided by the data providing means and the service providing means is received via the communication line, and the received first type of guidance information, and the first type of guidance information received by the data providing means and the service providing means. A second type of guidance information including information indicating the location is mediated through the communication line to the other data processing means, and a secondary information generated by processing the guidance information received from the data providing means is generated. Providing guidance information to the data using means and acting as a service providing means for the service providing means as required, wherein the data using means is voluntarily provided by the data providing means, the service providing means and the mediating means. The first type of guidance information and the second type of guidance information, or the data providing unit, the service providing unit, and the intermediary unit perform other data processing. The communication guidance information of the first kind of the guidance information and the second type to provide in accordance with the stage requirements
Via the communication line, sending out request information indicating the requested data and / or service to the other data processing means via the communication line, and according to the sent request information, the communication line And data or services provided by the other data processing means via the data processing means.

[0019]

[0020]

[0021]

[0022]

[0023]

[0024]

[0025]

[0026]

[0027]

[0028]

[0029]

[0030]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First Embodiment Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a multimedia network system 1 according to the present invention in the present embodiment.

Multimedia network system 1
Deals with media such as computers, broadcasting, and publishing. As shown in FIG. 1, the multimedia network system 1 includes mediator nodes 12, information content provider nodes 14, information providers nodes 16, network providers 16, and information consumers nodes. 20, information server node (i
nformation servers) 32 and service provider nodes
Multiple nodes including (service organizers) 30 are shown in FIG.
As shown by arrows in the figure, data transmission is performed mutually via the communication line 2. Further, the information user node 20 and the information content provider 14 are connected to the local server (l
ocal servers) 38.

In the following, the term "node" is not limited to a component of a physical network, but may be, for example, an application module in a node connected to the communication line 2. The communication line 2 is a LAN such as an ISDN communication line, an ATM communication line, a data communication line, and an Ethernet, for example, and mutually transmits data between nodes included in the multimedia network system 1.

The network provider node 16 performs a communication control process for the communication line 2 and provides a network infrastructure to each node of the multimedia network system 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of the information server node 32 shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, a multiple network interface (MNIF)
e) hardware such as 320, streamer 334 and pump 338, and a navigation interpreter (navig
ation interpreter) 322, server operator (intra
server operator) 324, searcher 32
6, authentication 328, billing 330, bulk data transmission 33
2, software such as a bulk data reception 336 and a server database 340. The server database 340 stores misc data 34.
2. Application driver bank (application dri
ver bank) 344 and video data bank (video dat
a bank) 346.

The navigation interpreter 322 interprets the navigation request input from the intermediary node 12 shown in FIG. 1 and outputs a search instruction to the searcher 326. The searcher 326 searches for predetermined information from the server database 340 according to the search instruction.

The in-server operator 324 controls the components of the information server node 32 in an integrated manner.
The bulk data reception 336 outputs, for example, information input from the information content provider node 14 shown in FIG. 1 to the server database 340 via the multiple network interface 320 and causes the server database 340 to store the information.

The bulk data transmission 332 outputs, for example, information obtained from the server database 340 by the search processing by the searcher 326 to the information user node via the multiple network interface 320. The authentication 328 receives use request data from a request source device such as an information user node via the multiple network interface 320, and sends the request data signed by itself and the encryption key signed by the certification authority to the request source device. . The request source device adds, for example, a digital signature to each of the purchase order data and the payment instruction data including information such as data for requesting use, encrypts the data with the received encryption key, and outputs the encrypted data to the authentication 328. The authentication 328 decrypts the data from the request source device with the decryption key, and confirms from the digital signature that the purchase order data is valid. Output to data reception 336. Navigation interpreter 32
2. The billing 330, the bulk data transmission 332, and the bulk data reception 336 execute a series of processes related to information provision upon input of the confirmation result.

For example, upon input of the confirmation result from the authentication 328, the charging unit 330 performs a predetermined charging process based on the order form data and the payment instruction data. At this time, when the metering system is adopted, the billing 330 is between the billing 210 of the information user node 20 shown in FIG.
For example, charging processing for each title such as a movie or news, or micropayment processing for charging for each scene or each page is performed in cooperation with each other.

The information server node 32 has, for example, VOD (v
The system provides an information user node 20 with a real-time data stream such as VOD data or a service required for distribution of VOD data. Note that real-time data is transmitted from the information server node 32 to the information user node 20 via the communication line 2.
, And data for realizing a service function related to data provision is transmitted between the information server node 32 and the information user node 20.

When the information server node 32 and the service provider node 30 operate in cooperation with each other to realize a service function related to data provision, the information server node 32 and the service provider node 30 operate between the information server node 32 and the service provider node 30. In addition, data required for a cooperative operation for realizing a service function related to data provision is transmitted via the communication line 2.

Further, guide data (guide information) for guiding the contents of the data stream provided by the information server node 32 is transmitted from the information server node 32 to the intermediary node 12 via the communication line 2. Also, generally, the user of the information user node 20 sends the information server node 32
, Request data (request information) designating the requested data stream is transmitted. When the intermediary node 12 functions as a relay device, request data (request information) specifying a data stream requested by the user of the information user node 20 to the information server node 32
Is transmitted from the information user node 20 to the intermediary node 12, and then transmitted to the information server node 32.

The information server node 32 transmits the VOD data to the information user node 20 as shown in FIG.
In the case of an information processing unit that is composed of a plurality of nodes for distributing service processing or distributes service processing during a busy period, a single information processing unit is closed between the mediator node 12 and the information processing unit. Data for coordinating and coordinating operations between devices or data for coordinating and coordinating operations between devices between information processing units is further transmitted. The VOD data is provided by the information content provider node 14.

The local server 38 records the data stream provided by the information content provider node 14 on a recording medium such as a magnetic recording medium such as a digital video tape or a magneto-optical disk, and provides it to the information user node 20. I do. The information content provider node 14 supplies or updates data or services provided by the service provider node 30, the information server node 32, and the local server 38.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of the information content provider node 14. As shown in FIG. 3, the information content provider node 1
Reference numeral 4 denotes an information manager 510, a service provider profile 511, a media data DB 512, a media sequence editor 516, a multiple network interface 520, and a media product DB (Database).
521, authentication 528, and billing 530.

The media data DB 512 includes a script skeleton 513 and a media data segment 514. The media data segment 514 includes media data 515. The media sequence editor 516 includes a sequence generator 517, a timing simulator 518, and a media processor 5.
19 is provided.

The media product DB 521 has a media data compound 522. The media data compound 522 includes a sequence script 5
23 and media data 524 are included. In the media sequence editor 516, based on the timing control by the timing simulator 518, the script data from the script skeleton 513 and the media data from the media data segment 514 are transmitted to the media data shown in FIG. Editing is performed so as to realize the sequence 523c. Thereby, the sequence script 523 and the media data 52 constituting the media data compound 522 are formed.
4 is generated.

As shown in FIG. 4, the sequence script 523 includes a header 523a, a media data reference 523b, and a media data sequence 523c. Here, the location information of the media data described in the media data sequence 523c is described in the media data reference 523b.

The sequence script 523 is finally processed by the multimedia browser 228 of the information user node 20 shown in FIG. 9 based on the instruction from the user process evaluation 216. The information manager 510
For example, it is possible to exchange information with another information content provider node 14 connected to the network.

The data provided to the information user node 20 by so-called package media is stored in a local information server node on the same node as the information user node 20, for example, a digital video disk device (D
VD device) is used by the user of the information user node 20. That is, in the multimedia network system 1, even when the information user node 20 handles package media locally, the local server 38
The provision of data via is configurable.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of the service provider node 30. As shown in FIG. 5, the service provider node 3
0 is the service manager 610, service profile 611, user profile 612, server information provision management profile 613, navigation interpreter 614, multiple network interface 6
20, authentication 628 and billing 630.

The service profile 611 has information on the contents of the service provided by itself. The user profile 612 includes customer (subscriber) information, information on services provided to the customer, payment status, usage frequency, and the like.

Server Information Provision Management Profile 613
Is provided with information on the location of the used information server node 32 and the information content provider node 14 and the service contents. The service provider node 30 provides the information user node 20 with a service such as a shopping service via the communication line 2 or a provision of banking business via the communication line 2. In other words, a program module for realizing the function of the service is provided and provided to the information user node 20 according to the requested information. Further, incidental functions related to service provision, for example, service management, maintenance, customer management And functions such as billing processing. Note that the service provider node 30 also has the same configuration as the information server node 32.
A service providing unit (information processing unit) in which a plurality of devices cooperate to provide one service may be used.

It is to be noted that the service provider node 30 and the information server node 32 are hierarchically connected to realize a trust server, or a plurality of information server nodes 32 call each other in a business alliance, so-called recursion. A hierarchical structure is also possible.

The service provider node 30 sends data to the information user node 20 in addition to the program module for realizing the service function described above, data indicating acceptance of service provision, and data used for service use guidance. Alternatively, interactive data or the like related to service provision is transmitted via the communication line 2.

Further, guide data for guiding the contents of the service provided by the service provider node 30 is transmitted from the service provider node 30 to the mediator node 12 via the communication line 2. Also, the request data (request information) for causing the intermediary node 12 to function as a relay device and specifying the service requested by the user of the information user node 20 to the service provider node 30 is transmitted to the information user node 20.
Is transmitted to the mediator node 12 and then transmitted to the service provider node 30.

In such a case, the service provider node 3
If 0 is an information processing unit composed of a plurality of nodes, for example, devices for providing a program module for realizing the service, managing and maintaining the service, managing the customer, and performing billing processing, the information server node Similarly to the case where 32 is the information processing unit, data for coordinating and coordinating the operation between the devices with the intermediary node 12 is further transmitted.

[0057] Figure 6, when the information server node 32 ₁ capacity is close to the limit, is a diagram showing a case that functions entrusted to another information server node 32 _2. 7, a plurality of services are utilized integratedly, in actual use, the service provider node 30 ₃ without the service provider node 3
0 ₁ is a diagram showing a case where 30 is commissioned structure between _two taken.

FIG. 8 shows a plurality of information server nodes 32 ₁ ,
32 ₂ is a diagram illustrating a case controlled by the one information user node 20. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a plurality of service provider nodes 30 and information server nodes 32
It is possible to delegate functions between them and take an integrated configuration.

[0059] Further, as shown in FIG. 8, it is also possible to carry out the service to multiple information server node 32 _1, 32 ₂ is one in cooperation with the information user node 20. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration of the information user node 20 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, the information user node 20
Is, for example, a so-called multimedia computer, and a multiple network interface 20
0, a decoder device 224, a controller 226, a multimedia browser 228 and a recording device 202, a navigation processor 204, a billing 210, an authentication 212, a searcher 214, a user process evaluation 216, and a user interface driver 21.
8, software such as an application driver installer 220 and stream data reception 222.

When starting the use of the service, the authentication 212 includes the authentication 6 of the service provider node 30 shown in FIG.
28, and performs a user authentication procedure. In addition, the authentication 212 starts when using the service data.
The user authentication procedure is performed in cooperation with the authentication 328 of the information server node 32 shown in FIG. When requesting information guidance, the authentication 212 performs a user authentication procedure in cooperation with the authentication 728 of the intermediary node 12 shown in FIG. 10, if necessary.

If the charging 210 is a subscription system, a charging procedure is performed in cooperation with the charging 630 of the service provider node 30 shown in FIG. If the billing 210 is a pay-as-you-go system, a billing procedure is performed in cooperation with the billing 330 of the information server node 32 shown in FIG. If the charge 210 is a paid guide, the charge 7 of the intermediary node 12 shown in FIG.
In cooperation with 30, a billing procedure is performed.

The preprocessor 206 of the navigation 204 prepares request data for making an inquiry to the intermediary node 12. Also, post processor 2
08 interprets, arranges, and processes (uses) information from the intermediary node 12 according to the request data.

The user process evaluation 216 controls data processing in the information user node. The information user node 20 displays a data stream provided from the information server node 32 to the user, or executes a program module for realizing the service provided from the service provider node 30 and executes the program module. Performs control and management.

As described in the description of the service provider node 30 and the information server node 32, the information user node 20 and the service provider node 30 and the information server node 32 are connected in real time. Data streams or program modules, and
The data related to these is transmitted.

Further, from the information user node 20 to the intermediary node 12, data streams that can be provided from the service provider node 30 and the information server node 32 and data for inquiring about services are transmitted via the communication line 2. Transmitted, and furthermore, the information server node 3
2 and the service provider node 30 are the mediator nodes 12
Is configured to receive data relating to the provision of data and services via the service provider node 30 and the information server node 32, as described above. And data designating the service are transmitted via the communication line 2.

Further, guide information corresponding to an inquiry from the information user node 20 is transmitted from the mediator node 12 to the information user node 20 via the communication line 2, and the mediator node 12 provides a service. When the service is performed on behalf of the mediator node 30, the mediator node 12
Is transmitted via the communication line 2.

FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of the mediator node 12. As shown in FIG. 10, the mediator node 12 includes a multiple network interface 720, a mediator profile 721, and a navigation interpreter 72.
2, search engine 723, production engine 7
24, mediation information 725, authentication 728, and billing 730.

The mediator profile 721 has information on the neighboring mediator nodes 12. The navigation interpreter 722 interprets the request data input via the multiple network interface 720 and outputs the request data to the outside via the multiple network interface 720.

The search engine 723 outputs request data to the service provider node 30 and the information server node 32. In the case shown in FIG. 11, the search engine 723 and the production engine 724
Communicates with another intermediary node 12 while referring to the intermediary profile 721 and cooperating. The production engine 724 inputs guidance information from the service provider node 30 and the information server node 32.

The mediation information 725 includes a service profile 726 and a service provider / information server profile 727. The service profile 726 includes:
Service provider node 30 and information server node 32
Is related to the first type of guidance information on services and data provided by the service provider / information server profile 727.
And the second type of guidance information indicating the location of the information server node 32. Note that the service profile 726 and the service provider / information server profile 727 have a relationship of mutually referring to information.

The mediator node 12 receives guide information from the service provider node 30 and the information server node 32 via the communication line 2 and generates the guide information based on information on the communication line 2 received from the network provider node 16 and the like. The location of the service provider node 30 and the information server node 32, or the secondary guidance information generated by processing the guidance information from the service provider node 30 and the information server node 32, etc., as requested by the information user Transmit to node 20. Further, the mediator node 12 is an information processing unit in which the service provider node 30 provides services as necessary, and the service provider node 30 and the information server node 32 are composed of a plurality of devices. Case and service provider node 3
0 and the information server node 32 operate in cooperation with each other, between these devices, between devices inside the information processing unit, between devices between a plurality of information processing units, and the service provider. Node 30 and information server node 32
Coordination of operations during

As described above in the description of the information user node 20, guidance information corresponding to the request of the information user node 20, and further information from the intermediary node 12 to the information user node 20. When data indicating the location of the user node 20 and the information server node 32 is transmitted via the communication line 2 and the intermediary node 12 performs the service of the service provider node 30, the information is transmitted to the intermediary node 12. Data relating to the service to be provided is transmitted via the communication line 2 between the user node 20 and the user node 20.

As already described in the description of the service provider node 30 and the information server node 32,
Service provider node 30 and information server node 32
Is transmitted to the information user node 20 via the communication line 2, and when the service provider node 30 is an information processing unit, etc. Data for coordinating and coordinating the operation is transmitted between the intermediary node 12 and the information processing unit via the communication line 2.

When a plurality of intermediary nodes 12 are connected to the communication line 2, the data for entrusting / consigning the transmission of the guide information to the information user node 20 among the plurality of intermediary nodes 12. Is transmitted via the communication line 2. Figure 11 is a diagram showing a case where a plurality of mediator nodes 12 ₁ to 12 ₃ operate in cooperation.

As shown in FIG. 11, a plurality of intermediary nodes 12 can cooperate. In this case, data used for search and search is transmitted between the intermediary nodes 12. Hereinafter, the operation of the multimedia network system 1 (FIG. 1) will be described.

First, the operation of the multimedia network system 1 when the information user node 20 receives a service from the service provider node 30 will be described.
When the service provider node 30 starts providing a service, the service provider node 30 transmits, via the communication line 2, guidance information indicating the content of the service to be provided to the intermediary node 12. The mediator node 12 stores the guide information transmitted from the service provider node 30.

The user of the information user node 20 inputs operation data from the controller 226 (FIG. 9) of the information user node 20, and the information user node 20 connects to the mediator node 12 via the communication line 2. Then, data for requesting guidance information indicating the contents of the service provided by the service provider node 30 is transmitted.

The mediator node 12 is the information user node 2
When data from 0 is received, guide information is transmitted to the information user node 20 according to the received data. The information user node 20 that has received the guidance information from the mediator node 12 outputs the guidance information to the multimedia browser 228 and shows the information to the user.

The user who has viewed the guide information can use the controller 2
26, data for designating a service to be provided is input. The information user node 20 transmits the input data to the service provider node 30 via the communication line 2. The service provider node 30 receiving the data from the information user node 20 transmits the program module for realizing the service to the information user node 20 via the communication line 2 and sends the program module to the information user node 20. The requested service is provided by executing the communication or interactively transmitting data with the information user node 20 via the communication line 2.

Next, the operation of the multimedia network system 1 when the information user node 20 receives a data stream from the information server node 32 will be described. When the information server node 32 starts providing a data stream, the information server node 32 transmits to the intermediary node 12 via the communication line 2 guidance information indicating the contents of the data stream to be provided. The mediator node 12 stores the guide information transmitted from the information server node 32.

The user of the information user node 20 inputs operation data from the controller 226 of the information user node 20 and transmits the information server node from the information user node 20 to the mediator node 12 via the communication line 2. 32 sends out data for requesting guidance information indicating the contents of the data stream provided.

The mediator node 12 is the information user node 2
When data from 0 is received, guide information is transmitted to the information user node 20 according to the received data. The information user node 20 that has received the guidance information from the mediator node 12 displays the guidance information on the multimedia browser 228 and shows it to the user.

The user who has viewed the guidance information can use the controller 2
26, data for specifying a data stream to be provided is input. The information user node 20
The input data is transmitted to the information server node 32 via the communication line 2. The information server node 32 that has received the data from the information user node 20 transmits the requested data stream to the information user node 20 via the communication line 2, or further transmits the requested data stream to the information user node 20. The transmission of data necessary for providing a data stream is performed between.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the node shown in FIG. 1 will be described. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a realization configuration of the nodes (application nodes) shown in FIG. 1 and a communication configuration between the nodes. As shown in FIG. 12, each application node 900 is realized in a computer 903 based on a network function 902 and a service execution module 901. The application 900 and the application 905 of the computer 904 are connected by a logical interface, and the network function 902 and the network function 907 are connected via the communication line 2 (network).

Service execution modules 901 and 906
Uses functions provided as system functions in an extended platform such as a billing function, a navigation function for searching, and a multimedia database function for efficiently handling multimedia data.

Here, the navigation function, for example, relates related multimedia information linked by a link,
It is a function to search and present along a link. The service execution modules 901 and 906 have predetermined functions necessary to realize the application nodes 900 and 905, respectively.

The network functions 902 and 907 are provided with necessary functions according to the application nodes 900 and 905, respectively. Specifically, FIG.
Information user node 20 and information server node 3 shown in FIG.
2 are application nodes 900 and 9 shown in FIG.
13 are realized as the information user node 20 and the information server node 32, respectively, as shown in FIG.

In this case, as the service execution modules 901 and 906 shown in FIG. 12, an information user service execution module having predetermined functions necessary for realizing the information user node 20 and the information server node 32, respectively. 911 and an information server service execution module 916 are used.

The network function 90 shown in FIG.
The network stream receiving function 912 and the network stream transmitting function 917 are respectively used as 2907. FIG. 14 shows a more detailed system configuration example of each computer shown in FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 14, each node includes an application programming interface 101, an extended support platform 102, and a basic support platform 103. The application programming interface 101 includes a service execution module group 104, an MMDB (multimedia database) extension function module group 105, an authentication extension function module group 106, a charging extension function module group 107, and a navigation extension function module group 108.

The service execution module group 104 provides various services based on the functions of the basic support platform 103. The MMDB extended function module group 105, the authentication extended function module group 106, the charging extended function module group 107, and the navigation extended function module group 108 are respectively composed of an MMDB basic function module group 110, an authentication basic function module group 11
1. Based on the functions of the basic charging function module group 112 and the basic navigation function module group 113, the functions provided by extending these functions are provided.

The basic support platform 10
3 includes a multimedia calculation processing core 109, an MMDB basic function module group 110, an authentication basic function module group 111, a charging basic function module group 112, a navigation basic function module group 113, and a distributed processing platform 114.

The multimedia calculation processing core 109 includes:
A multimedia data processing extension unit 119 is provided. The multimedia data processing extension unit 119 has a function of comprehensively controlling various functions provided in the basic support platform 103, and a continuous media processing (such as a programming interface function, sending, interrupting, fast-forwarding, and rewinding of a stream). Stream data processing) function.

The MMDB basic function module group 11
0 is composed of, for example, a monomedia database management layer, a multimedia management layer, and an interactive layer. The mono-media database management layer provides the functions essentially required to manage individual media. The multimedia management layer performs, for example, integration of mono-media and coordination of mono-media databases arranged in a distributed manner. The interactive layer is composed of various user interface functions that support the multimedia presentation function.

The authentication basic function module group 111 implements a user authentication function using a password as described above. The charging basic function module group 112 realizes the charging function as described above. The distributed processing platform 114 includes a network function module 115, a local communication function module 116, a remote communication function module 117, and a stream communication function module 1
18 are provided.

Hereinafter, other modified examples of the configuration and operation of the multimedia network system 1 will be described. That is, the information user node 20 sends the communication line 2 to the service provider node 30 and the information server node 32.
The data may be transmitted via the mediator node 12 instead of directly transmitting the data specifying the service and data stream to be provided via the intermediary node 12.

Further, a plurality of information user nodes 20 may be connected to the communication line 2. In such a case, for example, as shown in FIG.
_1, 20 ₂ are each mediator node 12 by transmitting the data via the communication line 2 with the service provider node 30 and the information server node 32, or the information user node 20 and the service provider as described Node 3
0 and an operation of providing a data stream with the information server node 32 can be realized.

[0098] In addition, between the information user nodes 20 _1, 20 _2, for the same information provided by the service provider node 30 and the information server node 32, a plurality of information user nodes 20 _1, 20 ₂ Data to be used while exchanging information between them, for example, data for joint search and viewing of news, search of reservation information, and joint shopping is transmitted.

[0099] Further, as shown in FIG. 16, each node _{4a 1 ~4a 5, 4b 1 ~4b} 2, 4c 1 ~4c 3,
4d ₁ , 4d ₂ , 4e _{1 to} 4e ₃ (media node 12,
A plurality of multimedia network systems 1a to 1e having information user nodes 20, service provider nodes 30, and information server nodes 32) and different types of communication lines 2a to 2e are connected to a gateway processor (G).
W) By connecting via 5a-5d etc., a large-scale multimedia network system can be configured. In such a large-scale multimedia network system, predetermined data is transmitted between nodes of the multimedia network systems 1a to 1e, and the information user node 20, the service provider node 30, and the information server node 32 described above are transmitted. The operation of providing a service and a data stream to and from the server can be realized.

The case of interconnecting a plurality of multimedia network systems will be further described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a case where a plurality of multimedia network systems are interconnected.

As shown in FIG. 17, the Internet 800
And a cable net 810 to form a large-scale multimedia network system. The Internet 800 includes a guide 830 ₃ , information server nodes 821 ₃ , 821 ₄ , 821 ₅ , and users 822 ₁ , 8.
22 _4, 822 _5, 822 _6, 822 _7, video shopping provider 825, and routers 826 _1, 826 ₂ are connected. The cable net 810 includes guides 820 ₁ and 820 ₂ , and information server nodes 821 ₁ and 821.
21 ₂ , 821 ₃ , users 822 ₁ , 822 ₂ , 822
_3, 822 _8, game providers 823, VoD provider 82
4 and the routers 826 ₁ and 826 ₂ are connected.

In the large-scale multimedia network system shown in FIG. 16, the space management in the logical network is performed by the mediator node 12, but in FIG.
In the large-scale multimedia network system shown in FIG. 7, the space management in the logical network is performed by the service provider.

Second Embodiment Hereinafter, an application of the above-described embodiment will be described.
FIG. 18 shows the general form (multimedia) of this application form.
1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an information service providing system 60. FIG.

The general information service providing system 60
As shown in FIG. 18, a plurality of processing planes, that is, a content authoring plane (contents authering pl
ane) 61, service authoring (service authering p
lane) 62 and consumer service plane (consume
r service plane) 63 and two authoring tool provision planes 6
4, 65, and a consumer application provision plane 66.

The nodes constituting each plane are shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 20, it is configured using the service execution module shown in FIG. 12, which is the basis of the various nodes shown in FIG. In this example, the information user node 2
0, a case where a node is configured using the service execution module of the information server node 32 and the information content provider node 14 is shown. In each plane, a service provider node 30 that manages the service of each plane, and each plane And a network provider node 16 that provides communication means for each plane.

First Authoring Tool Supply Plane 6
In 4, the tool developer node 75 including the information content provider module 14a develops a content editing tool, and outputs and stores the content editing tool to the tool component node 84 including the information server module 32a.

This content editing tool is the information user module 20a of the content authoring node 72.
Downloaded to Fig. 9
Is incorporated as a function of an editor into the information user module 20a of the content authoring node 72 by the application driver installer 220 shown in FIG.

Second Authoring Tool Supply Plane 6
In 5, the tool developer node 76 including the information content provider module 14a develops a title editing tool,
This is output to the tool component node 85 provided with the information server module 32a and stored.

This title editing tool is downloaded to the information user module 20a of the content authoring node 73. The title editing tool is incorporated as an editor function into the information user module 20a of the service authoring node 73 by the application driver installer 220 shown in FIG.

Consumer application plane 66
Then, the consumer application developer node 77 including the information content provider module 14a develops an application program, and outputs and stores the application program to the application node 86 including the information server module 32a.

This application program is downloaded to the information user module 20a of the consumer node 74. The application program is shown in FIG.
Is incorporated into the information user module 20a of the consumer node 74 as an editor function by the application driver installer 220 shown in FIG. In the content authoring plane 61, as shown in FIG. 19, the information user module 20a of the content authoring node 72 receives the service of the content editing tool from the tool component node 84 of the first authoring tool supply plane 64. Further, the information user module 20a includes the information content provider module 14
Mono-media editor node 7 with a
From 1, material data is input via a material server node 81. The monomedia editor node 71 stores the material data on a magneto-optical disk or the like, and conveys the magneto-optical disk to the content authoring node 72 for mounting.
May be configured to input material data.

[0112] The information user module 20a edits the input material into one program. The content data after the editing process is transmitted to the information content provider module 14
a to the content server node 82. As described above, the content authoring plane 61 is realized using the material data providing service.

In the service authoring plane 62,
As shown in FIG. 20, the service authoring node 73
The information user module 20a receives the title editing tool service from the tool component node 85 of the second authoring tool supply plane 65. Further, the information user module 20a includes the information content provider module 14 of the content authoring node 72.
From a, content data is input via the content server node 82. The content authoring node 72 stores content data on a magneto-optical disk or the like, and transports and mounts the magneto-optical disk to the service authoring node 73 so that the information user module 20a inputs material data. It may be.

The information user module 20a edits the input content data as title data by editing advertisement control data and insertion / admission control data. The title data after this editing process is sent from the information content provider module 14a to the title server node 83. Thus, the service authoring plane 6
2 is realized using a content providing service.

In the consumer service plane 63, as shown in FIG. 20, a consumer node 74 having an information user module 20a receives an application program service from an application node 86 of a consumer application supply plane 66. The information user module 20a inputs title data from the information content provider module 14a of the service authoring node 73 via the title server node 83. The service authoring node 73 stores the content data on a magneto-optical disk or the like, and transports and mounts the magneto-optical disk to the consumer node 74 so that the information user module 20a inputs title data. You may. In the consumer node 74, the input title data is used.

As described above, in the consumer service plane 63, a title providing service for general consumers is realized. These services are, for example, VOD or video shopping. Hereinafter, FIGS. 18 to 2
0, the flow from data generation to processing (editing) and consumption will be described.

First, raw data from a camera or VTR is transferred to the information content provider module 14 of the monomedia node 71.
A is taken in as the media data 515 in the media data DB 512 shown in FIG. Next, in the media sequence editor 516 shown in FIG. 3, mono-media editing is performed, and mono-media data (material data) is generated. This mono-media data is stored in the media product DB 521.

Next, after the mono-media data is stored in the information server node 81, the information user module 20 of the content authoring node 72 shown in FIG.
output to a. Next, the mono media data is stored in the media data DB 51 in the information content provider module 14a shown in FIG.
2 is stored as media data 515, the content is edited in the sequence generator 517, and the edited content data is stored in the media product DB 521. At this time, the media sequence editor 516 performs an editing process based on the content editing tool incorporated by the application driver installer 220 of the information user module 20a of the content authoring node 72 shown in FIG.

Next, after the content data is stored in the information server node 82, it is output to the information user module 20a of the content authoring node 73. Next, the content data is stored in the information content provider module 1 shown in FIG.
4a, stored as media data 515 in the media data DB 512,
At 17, a title editing process is performed, and the edited title data is stored in the media product DB 521. At this time, the media sequence editor 516
Then, an editing process is performed based on the title editing tool incorporated by the application driver installer 220 of the information user module 20a of the service authoring node 73 shown in FIG.

Next, after the title data is stored in the information server node 83, it is output to the consumer node 74 having the information user module 20a shown in FIG. Processing based on the application program incorporated by the application driver installer 220 shown is performed.

The material data providing service, the content providing service and the title providing service described above,
The tool supply service of the authoring tool supply planes 64 and 64 and the application supply service of the consumer application supply plane 66 are application forms of the multimedia service system of the circuit configuration 1 in FIG.

In the system shown in FIG. 18, the intermediary node 12 further cooperates with the operation of the service provider node 30 and the information server node 32 so that
Highly processed data stream to information user node 2
0 can be provided. Also, between processing planes,
Processing tools can be shared.

Further, according to the system shown in FIG. 18, which is an application form of the present invention, it is possible to construct a consistent application system from information generation to distribution and consumption. By the way, the content authoring node 72 and the service authoring node 73 shown in FIGS. 18 to 20 are realized in a form inheriting a plurality of service execution modules shown in FIG.

For example, the service authoring node 73 shown in FIGS. 18 and 20 is used in the information user service execution module 20a used in the service authoring plane 62 and the consumer service plane 63 as shown in FIG. This is realized by inheriting the information content provider service execution module 14a.

[0125]

As described above, according to the multimedia network system and the multimedia communication method according to the present invention, a plurality of types of nodes each having a characteristic and playing a different role can be handled separately. ,
Enables the provision of systematic multimedia information and services.

According to the multimedia network system and the multimedia communication method of the present invention, a plurality of nodes connected to each other via a communication line are supported in cooperation and cooperative operation, and the plurality of nodes are connected to each other. It is possible to realize a data service providing system that provides one data service function in cooperation with each other, and it is possible to share device resources among a plurality of data service providing systems.

Further, according to the multimedia network system and the multimedia communication method according to the present invention, a plurality of multimedia network systems in which nodes are interconnected using different communication lines are connected.
Further, it is possible to configure a large-scale multimedia network system, and as a whole, it is possible to realize the same function as that of a case where the single multimedia network system is closed.

Further, according to the multimedia network system and the multimedia communication method of the present invention, the service provider mainly implements management functions such as customer management, user authentication, and billing processing, and functions to store content. It can be configured to be independent from each other.

Further, according to the multimedia network system and multimedia communication method of the present invention, there are a plurality of servers for storing content, and an information providing service can be realized on a network in which these are mixed. . Further, according to the multimedia network system and the multimedia communication method of the present invention, the function of searching for the location and contents of a service can be made independent of the service provider, and the function can be realized in a wide range.

Further, according to the multimedia network system and the multimedia communication method according to the present invention, it is possible to systematize a data flow from content generation to storage, delivery, and consumption. Further, according to the multimedia network system and the multimedia communication method according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a service by cooperation or cooperation between users or between providers of the same type among network components. .

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a multimedia network system according to the present invention in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an information server node illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an information content provider node illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining description contents of a sequence script shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a service provider node illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a case where a function is entrusted to another information server node when the capability of the information server node approaches a limit.

FIG. 7 shows a case where a plurality of services are used in an integrated manner;
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a case where a consignment configuration is adopted not with the service provider node (30 ₃ ) but with the service provider nodes (30 ₁ , 30 ₂ ) at the time of actual use.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a case where a plurality of information server nodes are controlled by one service provider;

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an information user node illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an intermediary node illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a case where a plurality of intermediary nodes operate in cooperation with each other;

FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining an implementation configuration of a node (application node) shown in FIG. 1 and a communication configuration between two nodes.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an implementation configuration of a node in a case where one of the nodes shown in FIG. 12 is an information user node and the other is an information server node.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a more detailed configuration of the computer illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 15 shows two information user nodes (FIG. 1, FIG.
FIG. 9) is a diagram exemplifying a data flow between an intermediary node, a service provider node, and an information server node.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a large-scale multimedia network system in which a plurality of multimedia network systems each having a plurality of nodes and different types of communication lines are connected via a gateway processor or the like; is there.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a case where a plurality of multimedia network systems are interconnected;

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an information service providing system that is an application of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining a module that configures each node illustrated in FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining a module configuring each node illustrated in FIG. 18;

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a method for realizing the service execution module shown in FIG. 18 in a multimedia network system.

[Description of Signs] 1,1a-1e ... Multimedia Network System
2, 2a-2e: communication line, 3: data processing device,
30: service provider node, 32: information server node
C, 38 local server, 12 broker node, 14
… Information provider node, 16… network provider node
Mode, 20 ... information user node, 4a₁~ 4a _Five, 4b
₁~ 4b_Two, 4c₁~ 4c_Three, 4d₁, 4d_Two, 4e₁
~ 4e_Three... nodes, 5a-5d ... gateway processors
Sa

Continuation of the front page (56) References JP 9-204442 (JP, A) Kazumi Kubota, Attempt to link database and Internet application, IPSJ Research Report, Japan, Information Processing Society of Japan, 1995 July 20, Vol. 95, No. 65, p. 265-272 (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G06F 12/00 G06F 13/00 G06F 17/30

Claims (21)

(57) [Claims] 1. A multimedia network system in which a plurality of data processing means transmits a plurality of types of data via a communication line, wherein said plurality of data processing means guides the contents of data to be provided. Data providing means for providing one type of guidance information and data corresponding to request information from the communication line to another data processing means via the communication line; and data provided from the data providing means. Service providing the first type of guidance information for guiding the contents of the service to be provided and a service corresponding to the request information from the communication line to the other data processing means via the communication line. Means for receiving, via the communication line, first type of guidance information provided by the data providing means and the service providing means, and receiving the first type of guidance information Mediating means for mediating information and a second type of guidance information including information indicating the locations of the data providing means and the service providing means to the other data processing means via the communication line; and Means, the first type of guidance information and the second type of guidance information voluntarily provided by the service providing means and the intermediary means, or the data providing means, the service providing means and the intermediary means are other types of information. The first type of guidance information and the second type of guidance information provided in response to a request from the data processing means are received via the communication line, and the requested data and / or service information indicating any of these is provided. The data is transmitted to the other data processing means via a communication line, and the other data processing means is transmitted via the communication line in accordance with the transmitted request information. And a data utilization means utilizing data or services provided by the multimedia network system. 2. The multimedia network system according to claim 1, wherein said mediation means further mediates said request information received from said data utilization means via said communication line to said data provision means. 3. The multimedia network system according to claim 1, wherein the two or more data providing means constitute an information providing unit for providing data in cooperation. Wherein said mediating means is internal of the information providing unit, and multimedia network system according to claim 3, further mediates the data transmitted between the information providing unit. 5. The multimedia network system according to claim 1, wherein the two or more service providing means constitute a service providing unit that provides a service in cooperation. 6. The multimedia network system according to claim 5, wherein the mediation unit further mediates data transmitted inside the service providing unit and between the service providing units. 7. The two or more intermediary means are jointly operated by a second
A mediation unit that mediates the type of guidance information, wherein the mediation units that configure the mediation unit are:
The multimedia network system according to claim 1, wherein the first type of guidance information and the second type of guidance information are transmitted. 8. The multimedia network system according to claim 1, wherein the two or more data utilization units constitute a data utilization unit that utilizes data in cooperation. 9. The data processing means is connected to the data providing means via the communication line, and generates information provided by the data providing means via the communication line or directly. Claim 1 including provision means
A multimedia network system according to claim 1. 10. A multimedia communication method for transmitting a plurality of types of data between a plurality of nodes via a communication line, wherein at least one of the plurality of nodes guides contents of data to be provided. One type of guidance information and data corresponding to request information from the communication line are provided to another node via the communication line, and one or more of the plurality of nodes transmits the provided data to the other node. Providing a first type of guidance information for guiding the contents of the service to be used and a service according to request information from the communication line to the other nodes via the communication line; Receiving the first type of guidance information provided via the communication line, and receiving the first guidance information and information indicating the location of a node that provides the data and service. Including Mediation information of the type described above to other nodes via the communication line, wherein one or more of the plurality of nodes are provided voluntarily by the other node, or are provided in response to a request from the other node. The first type of guidance information and the second type of guidance information to be provided are received via the communication line , and the requested data and / or the request information indicating any of them are transmitted to the other via the communication line. A multimedia communication method that transmits data to a node and uses data or a service provided from another node via the communication line in accordance with the transmitted request information. 11. The multimedia according to claim 10, wherein the mediating node further mediates the request information received from the node using the data via the communication line to a node providing the data. Communication method. 12. The information providing unit, wherein two or more nodes cooperate to provide data.
A multimedia communication method according to claim 1. 13. The node performing the mediation, the information Hisage
Internal test units, and multimedia communication method according to claim 12, further mediates the data transmitted between the information providing unit. 14. The multimedia communication method according to claim 10, wherein the two or more nodes that provide the service constitute a service providing unit that provides the service in cooperation. 15. The node performing the mediation, the interior of the service providing unit, and, according to claim 1 which further mediates the data transmitted between the service providing uni <br/> Tsu DOO
5. The multimedia communication method according to 4. 16. The two or more nodes that mediate are as follows:
Jointly configuring an intermediate unit that mediates a second type of guidance information, wherein the nodes configuring the intermediate unit mutually exchange the first type of guidance information and the second type of guidance information The multimedia communication method according to claim 10, wherein the transmission is performed. 17. The multimedia communication method according to claim 10, wherein the two or more nodes using the data cooperate to constitute a data using unit that uses the data. 18. The data processing node is connected to the data providing node via the communication line, and is provided by the data providing node via the communication line or directly. The multimedia communication method according to claim 10, further comprising an information content providing node for generating data. 19. A multimedia network system in which a plurality of data processing means transmits a plurality of types of data via a communication line, wherein said plurality of data processing means guides the contents of data to be provided. Data providing means for providing one type of guidance information and data corresponding to request information from the communication line to another data processing means via the communication line; and data provided from the data providing means. A first type of guidance information for providing the program module for realizing the service to be provided to the other data processing means via the communication line and guiding the contents of the service to be provided, and the communication line Service providing means for providing a service according to request information from the other to the other data processing means via the communication line; Receiving the first type of guidance information provided by the tier and the service providing means via the communication line, and indicating the received first type of guidance information and the locations of the data providing means and the service providing means; Mediating means for mediating the second type of guidance information including information to the other data processing means via the communication line; and a data providing means, a service providing means, and a mediating means which the mediating means voluntarily provides. One type of guidance information and a second type of guidance information, or a first type of guidance information provided by the data providing unit, the service providing unit, and the intermediary unit in response to a request from another data processing unit And the second type of guidance information via the communication line.
And sends request information indicating the requested data and service or any of them to the other data processing means via the communication line, and transmits the request information via the communication line according to the transmitted request information. And a data utilization means for utilizing data or services provided by the other data processing means. 20. A multimedia network system in which a plurality of planes transmit a plurality of types of data via a communication line, wherein each of the plurality of planes transmits a plurality of types of data via a communication line. A plurality of data processing units, wherein the plurality of data processing units include, through the communication line, guidance information for guiding the content of the data to be provided, and data according to request information from the communication line. Data providing means for providing to the other data processing means, connected to the data providing means via the communication line,
An information content providing means for generating data provided by the data providing means via the communication line or directly; and a guide for using the data provided from the data providing means to guide a content of a service to be provided. Service providing means for providing information and a service according to request information from the communication line to the other data processing means via the communication line; and guidance information provided by the data providing means and the service providing means. Received via the communication line and sends request information indicating the requested data and / or service to the other data processing means via the communication line, and in accordance with the sent request information, A data use unit that uses data or a service provided from another data processing unit via a communication line, Multimedia network system having a node having said data utilization means of said plane, and said information content providing means of the other of said planes. 21. A multimedia network system in which a plurality of data processing units transmit a plurality of types of data via a communication line, wherein the plurality of data processing units include a data providing unit, a service providing unit, and an intermediary. Means and data utilization means, wherein the data providing means transmits, via the communication line, first type guidance information for guiding the content of the data to be provided, and data corresponding to request information from the communication line. The data providing means, the service providing means uses data provided from the data providing means, and provides a first type of guidance information for guiding the contents of the service to be provided and the communication line. And a service corresponding to the request information of the data providing means to the other data processing means via the communication line. The first type of guidance information provided by the service providing means is received via the communication line, and the received first type of guidance information and information indicating the locations of the data providing means and the service providing means are received. The second type of guidance information including the second type of guidance information is transmitted to the other data processing unit via the communication line, and the secondary guidance information generated by processing the guidance information received from the data providing unit is transmitted to the communication unit. The data providing means is provided to the data using means via a line, and the service providing means is provided on behalf of the service providing means as necessary. The first type of guidance information and the second type of guidance information to be provided, or the data providing means, the service providing means, and the mediation means are provided by other data processing means. A first type of guide information and a second type of guide information provided in response to a request are received via the communication line, and request information indicating requested data and / or service is received via the communication line. A multimedia network system that transmits data to other data processing means and uses data or services provided from the other data processing means via the communication line in accordance with the transmitted request information.