Management device, management method, and program

Abstract

To flexibly manage a moving image file to be distributed in consideration of a storage cost.SOLUTION: When a request from a user is not accepted within a predetermined period after a moving image file is stored in a first storage, a management device that manages the moving image file in which a live-distributed moving image is recorded moves the moving image file to a second storage different from the first storage. After being moved to the second storage, a transition of a future request from the user in the moving image file is estimated. Then, it is determined whether or not the moving image file should be stored in the first storage based on a management cost of each of the first storage and the second storage specified from the transition of the request in the future, and the moving image file is stored in the first storage again based on a determination result. Although a storage cost in the moving image file of the first storage is higher than that of the second storage, the first storage is superior in communication cost.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a management device, a management method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Various video distribution services are available for live streaming of video and audio. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a video distribution system that enables live streaming of video and audio from a streaming server via remote control, and then immediately afterward, a recording of the video and audio can be distributed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-274531 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the above system is still insufficient in terms of flexibly managing video files to be distributed while taking storage costs into consideration.

[0005] The present invention is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a management device, a content providing method, and a program that can flexibly manage video files to be distributed while taking storage costs into consideration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A management device according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises: A management device for managing video files that are recorded live-streamed videos, a moving unit that moves the video file to a second storage different from the first storage when a request from a user is not accepted within a predetermined period after the video file is stored in the first storage; a request estimation unit that estimates a future transition of requests from the user for the video file after the video file has been moved to the second storage by the moving unit; a determination unit that determines whether the video file should be stored in the first storage based on the management costs of the first storage and the second storage, which are identified from the transition of future requests from the user for the video file estimated by the request estimation unit; and a management unit that stores the video file again in the first storage based on the determination result by the determination unit, The first storage has a higher storage cost for the video file than the second storage, but is superior in terms of communication cost. It is characterized by:

[0007] In addition, in the management device according to the above aspect, an instruction unit that instructs a streaming server which of the first storage and the second storage the video file stored in should be distributed; the instruction unit instructs the streaming server to make the video file stored in the second storage a distribution target when the moving unit has moved the video file to the second storage, and instructs the streaming server to make the video file stored in the first storage a distribution target when the management unit has re-stored the video file in the first storage. It is characterized by:

[0008] In addition, in the management device according to the above aspect, further comprising an acquisition unit for acquiring a request status from the user; the request estimation unit estimates a transition of requests from the user for the video file based on a past request status of the video file that is similar to a current request status of the video file, among the request statuses from the user acquired by the acquisition unit; It is characterized by:

[0009] In addition, in the management device according to the above aspect, the request estimation unit estimates a transition of requests from the user for the video file when a request status within a predetermined period for the video file, among the request statuses from the user acquired by the acquisition unit, is equal to or greater than a specified value; It is characterized by:

[0010] In addition, in the management device according to the above aspect, the request estimation unit estimates a transition of requests from the user for the video file based on past request states for the video file that are similar to the current request state for the video file among the request states from the user acquired by the acquisition unit, and that belong to the same category as the category to which the video file belongs; It is characterized by:

[0011] In addition, in the management device according to the above aspect, further comprising an acquisition unit for acquiring a request status from the user; the request estimation unit estimates a transition of requests from the user for the video file using a learning model that has been machine-learned for each category to which the video file belongs, based on the request status from the user acquired by the acquisition unit; It is characterized by:

[0012] In addition, in the management device according to the above aspect, The determination unit determines whether the video file should be stored in the first storage by using a learning model that has been trained using as training data the transition of the video file to be stored in the first storage among the transition of requests from the user indicated by the request status from the user acquired by the acquisition unit. It is characterized by:

[0013] A management method according to a second aspect of the present invention comprises: A management method for managing video files recorded from live-streamed videos by a management device, comprising: a moving step of moving the video file to a second storage different from the first storage when a request from a user is not accepted within a predetermined period after the video file is stored in the first storage; a request estimation step of estimating future transition of requests from the user for the video file after the video file has been moved to the second storage by the moving step; a determination step of determining whether or not the video file should be stored in the first storage based on the management costs of the first storage and the second storage identified from the future transition of requests from the user for the video file estimated in the request estimation step; a management step of storing the video file again in the first storage based on the determination result of the determination step, The first storage has a higher storage cost for the video file than the second storage, but is superior in terms of communication cost. It is characterized by:

[0014] A program according to a third aspect of the present invention comprises: A management device that manages video files recorded from live streaming videos. a moving unit that moves the video file to a second storage different from the first storage when a request from a user is not accepted within a predetermined period after the video file is stored in the first storage; a request estimation unit that estimates a future transition of requests from the user for the video file after the video file has been moved to the second storage by the moving unit; a determination unit that determines whether or not the video file should be stored in the first storage based on management costs of the first storage and the second storage, which are identified from a future transition of requests from the user for the video file estimated by the request estimation unit; a management unit that stores the video file again in the first storage based on the determination result by the determination unit; The first storage has a higher storage cost for the video file than the second storage, but is superior in terms of communication cost. It is characterized by:

[0015] The program may be recorded on a non-transitory recording medium. The non-transitory recording medium can be distributed or sold independently of the computer. Here, a non-transitory recording medium refers to a tangible recording medium. Examples of non-transitory recording media include compact discs, flexible disks, hard disks, magneto-optical disks, digital video disks, magnetic tapes, and semiconductor memories. A transitory recording medium refers to the transmission medium (propagation signal) itself. Examples of transitory recording media include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. A temporary storage area is an area for temporarily storing data and programs, such as volatile memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory). [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a management device, a management method, and a program that are capable of flexibly managing video files to be distributed while taking storage costs into consideration. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the relationship between a management device, an information terminal, a streaming server, a first storage server, and a second storage server. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a management device. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a streaming server. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the transition of the number of requests for content A. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a content management process. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a storage switching process. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the transition of the number of requests for content B. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] (Overall composition) A management device, a management method, and a program according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The same or corresponding parts in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals. As shown in FIG. 1, a management device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is communicatively connected to an information terminal 200, a streaming server 300, a first storage server 500, and a second storage server 600 via a computer communication network 400 such as the Internet.

[0019] The management device 100 is a computer such as a server, and has a function of switching the server that stores the video file to be distributed. Specifically, the management device 100 is a server that has a function of copying video files stored in the first storage server 500 to the second storage server 600, deleting the video files from the first storage server 500, and copying video files copied to the second storage server 600 back to the first storage server 500. The video files to be distributed are, for example, video files of sports or music. The videos are live-streamed in real time from the streaming server 300 and stored in the first storage server 500, and in this embodiment, the stored videos are referred to as video files to be distributed.

[0020] The information terminal 200 is an information terminal (so-called computer) such as a smartphone, tablet, or PC (Personal Computer) owned by a user who wants to view a video. In response to an operation by a user who wants to receive video distribution, the information terminal 200 transmits a request for the desired video to the streaming server 300 via the computer communication network 400, whereby the desired video is distributed.

[0021] The streaming server 300 is a server that performs streaming distribution of moving images in response to requests from users. Here, a user request refers to a request transmitted from the information terminal 200 in response to a user operation. The streaming server 300 has a function of distributing moving images to the information terminal 200 via a computer communication network 400. The streaming server 300 can be accessed by tens to thousands of viewers simultaneously. Although not shown in the figure, in order to reduce the load on the streaming server 300, multiple streaming servers 300 may be provided so that viewers (users) can access the streaming server 300 closest to them. As described above, the streaming server 300 also has a function of distributing live video. Since storing all live video in the streaming server 300 would be inappropriate due to the enormous amount of data, the live video is stored in the first storage server 500 as a moving image file to be distributed, as described above. That is, the streaming server 300 has the function of distributing live video, as well as the function of distributing video files to be distributed that are stored in the first storage server 500 and the second storage server 600 to the information terminal 200 via the computer communication network 400.

[0022] The first storage server 500 is a server that stores live video being distributed by the streaming server 300 as video files to be distributed. Compared to the second storage server 600 (described later), the first storage server 500 charges a higher fee for storing video files to be distributed, but it can withstand large amounts of communication and has a fast communication speed. The first storage server 500 corresponds to the hot storage described above, for example, at the following URL (https: / / azure.microsoft.com / ja-jp / pricing / details / storage / blobs / #pricing). Therefore, the first storage server 500 is suitable for storing video files that are frequently requested by users. While the illustrated example shows a single first storage server 500, multiple first storage servers 500 may be present. Furthermore, the first storage server 500 does not incur a special charge when access is concentrated, whereas the second storage server 600 does incur a special charge when access is concentrated. Management costs may include at least storage costs and communication (transfer) costs. The storage cost can include a fee according to the amount of video files to be distributed, and the communication cost can include "(the inverse of) the communication speed" and "fees for the amount of communication (reading and writing)." The first storage server 500 is a storage server with higher storage costs but lower communication costs than the second storage server 600 described below, and as a result, it is a storage server with lower management costs when storing video files that are frequently requested by users.

[0023] The second storage server 600, like the first storage server 500, is a server that stores video files to be distributed. Compared to the first storage server 500, the second storage server 600 has lower storage fees for video files to be distributed, but is unable to withstand heavy traffic and has a slow communication speed. Therefore, if the second storage server 600 were to be made able to withstand heavy traffic or have a faster communication speed, it would cost more than the first storage server 500. Furthermore, the transfer (data playback) cost of the second storage server 600 is set higher than that of the first storage server 500. Therefore, the second storage server 600 is suitable for storing video files that are rarely requested by users. The second storage server 600 corresponds to, for example, the cold storage described in the URL above. In this embodiment, if 30 days have passed since the last user request, the management device 100 moves the video files to be distributed stored in the first storage server 500 to the second storage server 600. Although the illustrated example shows an example in which there is a single second storage server 600, there may be multiple second storage servers 600. The second storage server 600 is a storage server that has lower storage costs but higher communication costs compared to the first storage server 500, and as a result, it is a storage server with low management costs when storing video files that are rarely requested by users.

[0024] Basically, it is less costly to store content that is not frequently played back in the second storage server 600, but if the monthly data playback time exceeds a predetermined threshold, it becomes more costly to store it in the second storage server 600.

[0025] (Functional configuration of management device) Next, the configuration of the management device 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, the management device 100 includes a storage unit 110, a control unit 120, an input / output unit 130, a communication unit 140, and a system bus (not shown) that interconnects these units.

[0027] The storage unit 110 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The ROM stores a program 111 to be executed by the control unit 120, various data (not shown) required in advance for executing the program 111, and past data 112.

[0028] The program 111 is a program for executing a content management process, which will be described later, and is stored in the storage unit 110 in advance.

[0029] The past data 112 is data showing the transition of the number of requests from users for each video file to be distributed (i.e., for each content). FIG. 4 is an example of a graph based on the past data 112, showing an example of the transition of the number of requests for content A. The past data 112 is stored in the storage unit 110 by acquiring information on user requests to the streaming server 300 (viewing information 313) from the streaming server 300 using the function of the information acquisition unit 121, which will be described later. The management device 100 in this embodiment, as will be described in detail later, has a function of estimating the number of future requests from users based on the past data 112, determining whether the first storage server 500 or the second storage server 600 is more appropriate as a storage destination for video files to be distributed, and instructing the streaming server 300 which storage server to use. The example shown in FIG. 4 illustrates a case where the number of requests for content A gradually decreases from the day of distribution of live video, reaches "0," and then suddenly increases.

[0030] The control unit 120 is configured from a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), etc. The control unit 120 operates in accordance with a program 111 stored in the storage unit 110, and executes processing in accordance with the program 111. The control unit 120 includes an information acquisition unit 121, a content movement / copy unit 122, a request number estimation unit 123, a content copy determination unit 124, and a storage usage instruction unit 125 as main functional units provided by the program 111 stored in the storage unit 110.

[0031] The information acquisition unit 121 is a functional unit that acquires the status of requests for video distribution from users from the streaming server 300. Specifically, the information acquisition unit 121 is a functional unit that acquires viewing information 313 (see FIG. 3) that indicates the request status for each video file to be distributed, i.e., for each piece of content, from the streaming server 300, and stores the information in the storage unit 110 as past data 112. The information acquisition unit 121 counts the number of requests for each piece of content based on the acquired viewing information 313, and stores transition data on the number of requests for each piece of content, which is the basis of the graph shown in FIG. 4, in the storage unit 110 as past data 112.

[0032] The content moving / copying unit 122 is a functional unit having a function to move video files to be distributed from the first storage server 500 to the second storage server 600, and a function to copy video files to be distributed that have been moved to the second storage server 600 back to the first storage server 500. Specifically, the content moving / copying unit 122 has a function to move content (video files to be distributed) that has not been requested by any user even after 30 days have passed since the last request to the second storage server 600. Furthermore, when the function of the content copy determination unit 124 (described later) determines that the content should be copied from the second storage server 600 to the first storage server 500, that is, when it determines that managing the content in the first storage server 500 would result in lower management costs, the content moving / copying unit 122 has a function to copy the content (video files to be distributed) from the second storage server 600 to the first storage server 500. In addition, the content moving / copying unit 122 also has a function to delete a video file to be distributed that is stored for backup purposes among the video files to be distributed that are stored in the first storage server 500, for example, when 30 days have passed since the distribution date of the live video. That is, the content moving / copying unit 122 has a function to delete one of the two video files to be distributed that are stored. The video file to be distributed for backup purposes may be stored in any one of the multiple first storage servers 500. The video file may be associated with a keyword related to the content of the action.

[0033] The request number estimation unit 123 is a functional unit that estimates the number of future requests based on the request status for each content acquired by the information acquisition unit 121. Specifically, when a request condition, such as a sudden increase in the number of requests, is met, the request number estimation unit 123 identifies data from the past data 112 that shows a similar trend to the request status of the target content among the request statuses for each content acquired by the information acquisition unit 121, and estimates the number of future requests. The request number estimation unit 123 estimates the number of future requests based on the past data 112 corresponding to content of the same genre as the video file to be distributed. If the request status for each content acquired by the function of the information acquisition unit 121 indicates a sudden increase in the number of requests for content B at timing TA, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, the request number estimation unit 123 determines that the request condition has been met. Then, the request number estimation unit 123 determines that the trend of content B is similar to the trend of content A shown in FIG. 4, and estimates that the number of requests for content B will trend as shown in FIG. 7 after timing TA. It is assumed that content A and content B are both video files about soccer matches and belong to a common genre. The request number estimation unit 123 may select past data 112 with similar trends using not only a competitive genre such as soccer but also the broader concept of sports as a common genre. The request condition is, for example, a condition based on the number of requests per predetermined time period. The request condition can be set arbitrarily, for example, to 5 or more or 10 or more requests within one hour.

[0034] The content copy determination unit 124 is a functional unit that determines whether or not content should be copied from the second storage server 600 to the first storage server 500. Specifically, the content copy determination unit 124 determines whether or not a future trend in the number of requests in the request number estimation unit 123 satisfies a copy condition for copying content from the second storage server 600 to the first storage server 500, and if it is determined that the condition is satisfied, determines that content should be copied from the second storage server 600 to the first storage server 500. The determination of whether or not the copy condition is satisfied is a condition that is met when management by the first storage server 500 has lower management costs than management by the second storage server 600, and may be made based on a future trend in the number of requests in the request number estimation unit 123. The future trend in the number of requests in the request number estimation unit 123 is estimated from past data 112 of similar trends. Therefore, according to the transition of the past data 112, there are cases where the management cost is lower if the content remains on the second storage server 600, and cases where the management cost is lower if the content is managed by the first storage server 500, similarly for the transition of the number of future requests for the video file to be distributed. Therefore, the content copy determination unit 124 determines that the copy condition is met in light of the state of the past data 112, when management by the first storage server 500 results in lower management costs. Note that the graph of the past data 112 of content A shown in FIG. 4 shows an example in which management by the first storage server 500 results in lower management costs for a predetermined period after timing TQ.

[0035] The storage usage instruction unit 125 is a functional unit that instructs the streaming server 300 on the storage server to be used for video distribution. Specifically, the storage usage instruction unit 125 is a functional unit that instructs the streaming server 300 on the storage server to be used, whether the video file to be distributed is stored in the first storage server 500 or the video file to be distributed is stored in the second storage server 600. The streaming server 300 distributes the video file from the storage server based on the instruction from the storage usage instruction unit 125.

[0036] The input / output unit 130 is a device that is configured with a keyboard, a mouse, a camera, a microphone, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, and the like, and is used to input and output various types of data.

[0037] The communication unit 140 is a device that enables the management device 100 to communicate with other information terminals, such as the information terminal 200, the streaming server 300, the first storage server 500, and the second storage server 600, via the computer communication network 400. The above is the configuration of the management device 100.

[0038] (Streaming server functional configuration) Next, the configuration of the streaming server 300 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 3, the streaming server 300 includes a storage unit 310, a control unit 320, an input / output unit 330, a communication unit 340, and a system bus (not shown) that interconnects these units.

[0040] The storage unit 310 includes a ROM, a RAM, etc. The ROM stores a program 311 to be executed by the control unit 320, various data (not shown) required in advance for executing the program 311, a video file 312 to be distributed, and viewing information 313.

[0041] The program 311 is a program for executing a storage switching process, which will be described later, and is stored in the storage unit 310 in advance.

[0042] The video file 312 to be distributed is, for example, data obtained by encoding video sent from a video camera at a game venue or live concert venue into streaming format.

[0043] The viewing information 313 is information indicating the user's viewing history of the video file 312 to be distributed, and includes, for example, the user name, user ID, target video file ID, and request date.

[0044] The control unit 320 is configured with a CPU, an ASIC, etc. The control unit 320 operates in accordance with a program 311 stored in the storage unit 310, and executes processing in accordance with the program 311. The control unit 320 includes a request receiving unit 321, a storage usage setting unit 322, and a content distribution unit 323 as main functional units provided by the program 311 stored in the storage unit 310.

[0045] The request receiving unit 321 is a functional unit that receives requests for video distribution from users via the information terminal 200. The request includes, for example, a user name, a user ID, a target video file ID, and a request date, and the request receiving unit 321 has a function of storing the received request information as viewing information 313.

[0046] The storage usage setting unit 322 is a functional unit that sets the storage server to be used based on an instruction from the management device 100. Specifically, when the storage usage setting unit 322 receives an instruction from the management device 100 to use the second storage server 600, it sets the second storage server 600 as the storage server to be used, and when the storage usage setting unit 322 receives an instruction from the management device 100 to use the first storage server 500, it sets the first storage server 500 as the storage server to be used. Note that it is sufficient that the first storage server 500 is set as the initial setting.

[0047] The content distribution unit 323 is a functional unit that provides video content corresponding to a user's request transmitted from the information terminal 200 to the user by providing the video file for distribution stored in the storage usage setting unit 322.

[0048] The input / output unit 330 is a device that includes a keyboard, a mouse, a camera, a microphone, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, and the like, and is used to input and output various types of data.

[0049] The communication unit 340 is a device that enables the streaming server 300 to communicate with other information terminals, such as the management device 100, the information terminal 200, the first storage server 500, and the second storage server 600, via the computer communication network 400. The above is the configuration of the streaming server 300.

[0050] (operation) Next, the operation of the management device 100 will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of content management processing in the management device 100. The content management processing may be performed for multiple pieces of content, or may be performed for each piece of content. In this embodiment, the content management processing is performed for each piece of content, and an example will be described in which the video file to be distributed, i.e., the video file to be managed, is content B. The content management processing is started upon receiving a notification from the streaming server 300 when live distribution of content B is performed. As described above, the video to be distributed to users through live distribution of content B is live-streamed from the streaming server 300 in real time and stored in the first storage server 500. The content management processing may be performed periodically at a predetermined time, such as at midnight every day. When the content management processing is performed periodically, steps S11 to S15 may be skipped.

[0051] When the content management process starts, the control unit 120 uses the function of the content moving and copying unit 122 to determine whether 30 days have passed since the live distribution of content B (step S11). Specifically, in the process of step S11, the content moving and copying unit 122 uses an internal timer to determine whether 30 days have passed since receiving a notification from the streaming server 300 that the live distribution of content B has started. Note that the number of days that have passed can be changed arbitrarily. If it is determined in the process of step S11 that 30 days have not passed (step S11; No), the control unit 120 waits until 30 days have passed.

[0052] On the other hand, if it is determined in the processing of step S11 that 30 days have passed (step S11; Yes), the control unit 120 deletes one of the two video files corresponding to content B stored in the first storage server 500 using the function of the content moving and copying unit 122 (step S12). Specifically, in the processing of step S12, the content moving and copying unit 122 deletes the video file to be distributed that corresponds to content B and that is stored for backup purposes, from the video files to be distributed that are stored in the first storage server 500.

[0053] After executing the process of step S12, the control unit 120 determines whether 30 days have passed since the last request for content B from the user (step S13). Specifically, in the process of step S13, the control unit 120 acquires the status of requests for video distribution from users from the streaming server 300 using the function of the information acquisition unit 121. Then, the control unit 120 determines, using the function of the content moving / copying unit 122, that 30 days have passed since the last request for content B if no request has been made by any user even though 30 days have passed since the last request from the user for content B. If it is determined in the process of step S13 that 30 days have not passed since the last request (step S13; No), the control unit 120 waits until 30 days have passed. Note that the number of days that have passed can be changed arbitrarily.

[0054] If it is determined in the process of step S13 that 30 days have passed since the last request (step S13; Yes), the control unit 120 moves the video file to be distributed corresponding to content B from the first storage server 500 to the second storage server 600 using the function of the content moving / copying unit 122 (step S14). Specifically, in the process of step S14, the content moving / copying unit 122 copies the video file to be distributed corresponding to content B stored in the first storage server 500 and that was not deleted in the process of step S12 to the second storage server 600, and deletes the video file from the first storage server 500. As described above, the first storage server 500 has a higher storage fee for video files to be distributed than the second storage server 600, but is a server that can withstand a large amount of communication and has a fast communication speed, and is therefore suitable for storing video files that are frequently requested by users. Furthermore, the second storage server 600 has lower storage fees for video files to be distributed than the first storage server 500, but is unable to handle large amounts of communication traffic and has a slow communication speed. Therefore, the second storage server 600 is suitable for storing video files that are not frequently requested by users. Therefore, by performing the process of step S14, it is possible to reduce the storage fees for video files to be distributed of content B, which is requested by a small number of users, and to perform management that takes management costs into consideration.

[0055] After executing the process of step S14, the control unit 120 instructs the streaming server 300 to use the second storage server 600 by using the function of the storage usage instruction unit 125 (step S15). Specifically, in the process of step S15, the storage usage instruction unit 125 instructs the streaming server 300 to use the second storage server 600 by sending instruction information to the streaming server 300 to indicate that the video files stored in the second storage server 600 are to be distributed.

[0056] After executing the process of step S15, the control unit 120 determines whether or not the request condition has been met (step S16). Specifically, in the process of step S16, the control unit 120 uses the function of the information acquisition unit 121 to acquire the request status for video distribution from users from the streaming server 300. Then, based on the acquired request status for each content, the control unit 120 uses the function of the request number estimation unit 123 to determine whether or not the request condition, such as the number of requests corresponding to content B within the last hour being 10 or more, has been met. If it is determined in the process of step S16 that the request condition has not been met (step S16; No), the control unit 120 waits until the request condition is met.

[0057] On the other hand, if it is determined in the process of step S16 that the request condition has been met (step S16; Yes), the control unit 120 estimates the future number of requests for content B using the function of the request number estimation unit 123 (step S17). Specifically, in the process of step S17, the request number estimation unit 123 identifies data (data of similar transitions) showing a similar transition to the request status of content B from the past data 112 among the request statuses for each content acquired by the information acquisition unit 121, and estimates the future number of requests for content B. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, if a sudden increase in the number of requests for content B at timing TA is indicated, it is determined in the process of step S16 that the request condition has been met. Then, in the process of step S17, the request number estimation unit 123 determines that the transition of content B is similar to the transition of content A shown in FIG. 4, and estimates that the number of requests for content B will transition as shown in FIG. 7 after timing TA. As described above, in this example, the number of future requests is estimated based on past data 112 corresponding to content of the same genre as the video file to be distributed, such as content B being in the soccer athletic genre and content A being in the soccer athletic genre. Alternatively, past data of a different genre may be used. Regarding whether the trends are similar, the trends may be determined to be similar if, for example, the trends are within a predetermined error range. Alternatively, for example, the degree of agreement or similarity with the request trends for content B up to the present may be calculated, and a similarity or agreement equal to or greater than a predetermined value may be determined to be a similar transition.

[0058] 5, the control unit 120 determines, using the function of the content copy determination unit 124, whether a copy condition is met when management by the first storage server 500 has lower management costs than management by the second storage server 600 (step S18). Specifically, in the process of step S18, the content copy determination unit 124 determines, based on the trend in the future number of requests for content B estimated by the function of the request number estimation unit 123, whether management by the first storage server 500 will have lower management costs, or whether remaining with the second storage server 600 will have lower management costs. In this example, the trend in the future number of requests for content B is estimated based on past data 112 with a similar trend, i.e., the data for content A. As described above, the past data 112 for content A indicates an example in which management by the first storage server 500 has lower management costs, and therefore determines in step S18 that the copy condition is met. That is, in step S18, the content copy determination unit 124 assumes that the future transition of content B will be the same as that of content A, which has a similar transition to content B, and calculates the management costs of the first storage server 500 and the second storage server 600. The content copy determination unit 124 determines that the management cost of the first storage server 500 is lower. On the other hand, if the future number of requests is estimated based on the past data 112 of content that would have a lower management cost if the second storage server 600 were used, the copy condition is determined not to be met in the processing of step S18. The copy condition may additionally include the number of requests within one hour, the frequency of requests, and the like. The management cost of the first storage server 500 may be calculated based on the cost of storing the content in the first storage server 500, the cost of transferring the content to the first storage server 500, and the cost of transmitting the content from the second storage server 600 to the first storage server 500.The management cost by the second storage server 600 may be calculated based on the cost of storing the content in the second storage server 600 and the cost of transferring the content by the second storage server 600.

[0059] If it is determined in the process of step S18 that the copy condition is not met (step S18; No), the control unit 120 ends the content management process. On the other hand, if it is determined in the process of step S18 that the copy condition is met (step S18; Yes), the control unit 120 uses the function of the content moving / copying unit 122 to copy the video file to be distributed that corresponds to content B moved in the process of step S14 from the second storage server 600 to the first storage server 500 (step S19). Specifically, in the process of step S19, the content moving / copying unit 122 copies the video file to be distributed that corresponds to content B stored in the second storage server 600 and that was moved in the process of step S14 to the first storage server 500. As described above, the first storage server 500 has a higher storage fee for video files to be distributed than the second storage server 600, but it can withstand a large amount of communication and has a fast communication speed, making it suitable for storing video files that are frequently requested by users. Furthermore, the second storage server 600 has lower storage fees for video files to be distributed than the first storage server 500, but is unable to withstand heavy traffic and has a slow communication speed. Therefore, if the second storage server 600 were to be made able to withstand heavy traffic or have a faster communication speed, it would be more expensive than the first storage server 500. Therefore, the second storage server 600 is suitable for storing video files that are less frequently requested by users. Therefore, by performing the process of step S19, video files to be distributed for content B, for which the number of user requests has increased, can be distributed to users at a suitable communication speed and with a high level of communication speed, thereby enabling management that takes management costs into consideration. Note that in the process of step S19, the content moving / copying unit 122 may not only copy the video files to be distributed corresponding to content B moved in the process of step S14 from the second storage server 600 to the first storage server 500, but may also move them. That is, the video files may be deleted after being copied.

[0060] After executing the process of step S19, the control unit 120 instructs the streaming server 300 to use the first storage server 500 by the function of the storage usage instruction unit 125 (step S20), and ends the content management process. Specifically, in the process of step S20, the storage usage instruction unit 125 instructs the streaming server 300 to use the first storage server 500 by sending to the streaming server 300 instruction information to the effect that the video file of content B copied in the process of step S19 and stored in the first storage server 500 is to be distributed.

[0061] After executing the process of step S20, the process may return to the process of step S13, determine whether 30 days have passed since the last request for content B copied in the process of step S19, and repeat the process from step S14 onwards. This makes it possible to reduce the storage fee for video files when requests for content that has suddenly increased in number decrease again, and to perform management that takes management costs into consideration.

[0062] Next, the operation of the streaming server 300 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of storage switching processing in the streaming server 300. The storage switching processing starts when instruction information is received from the management device 100. The storage switching processing may be started by a user's input operation, or may continue once it has been executed. In this case, after execution of the processing of step S35 described below or if the determination is No in the processing of step S33, the processing may return to the processing of step S31. In the initial setting, the first storage server 500 is set as the storage server to be used.

[0063] 6 starts, the control unit 320 determines whether or not a second storage server use instruction to use the second storage server 600 has been received from the management device 100 (step S31). Specifically, in the processing of step S31, the control unit 320 determines whether or not instruction information to the effect that the video files stored in the second storage server 600 are to be distributed has been received. More specifically, the control unit 320 determines whether or not instruction information to the effect that the video files stored in the second storage server 600 are to be distributed has been received from the management device 100 in the processing of step S15 of FIG.

[0064] 6, when it is determined that an instruction to use the second storage server has been received (step S31; Yes), the control unit 320 switches the storage server to be used to the second storage server 600 by the function of the storage server to be used setting unit 322 (step S32). Specifically, in the process of step S32, the storage server to be used setting unit 322 switches the setting of the storage server to be used from the first storage server 500 to the second storage server 600 so that the video file stored in the second storage server 600 is to be distributed. That is, in the process of step S32, the storage server to be used setting unit 322 switches the setting of the storage server to be used from the first storage server 500 to the second storage server 600 so that the video file of content B moved to the second storage server 600 in the process of step S14 of FIG. 5 is to be distributed. As a result, when the request receiving unit 321 receives a request for video distribution of content B from a user, the content distribution unit 323 responds to the request by distributing the video of content B stored in the second storage server 600.

[0065] After executing the process of step S32 shown in FIG. 6, or if it is determined in the process of step S31 that an instruction to use the second storage server has not been received (step S31; No), the control unit 320 determines whether or not an instruction to use the first storage server to use the first storage server 500 has been received from the management device 100 (step S33). Specifically, in the process of step S33, the control unit 320 determines whether or not instruction information to the effect that the video files stored in the first storage server 500 are to be distributed has been received. More specifically, the control unit 320 determines whether or not instruction information to the effect that the video files stored in the first storage server 500 are to be distributed, which was transmitted from the management device 100 in the process of step S20 of FIG. 5, has been received. If it is determined in the process of step S33 shown in FIG. 6 that an instruction to use the first storage server has not been received (step S33; No), the control unit 320 ends the storage switching process.

[0066] On the other hand, if it is determined in the processing of step S33 that the instruction to use the first storage server has been received (step S33; Yes), the control unit 320 determines whether or not there is a user currently viewing the video distribution of content B stored in the second storage server 600 (step S34). Specifically, in the processing of step S34, the control unit 320 determines whether or not there is a user currently viewing the video distribution of content B stored in the second storage server 600, depending on whether or not the video file corresponding to content B stored in the second storage server 600 is being distributed, using the function of the content distribution unit 323. If it is determined in the processing of step S34 that there is a user currently viewing the video distribution of content B stored in the second storage server 600 (step S34; Yes), that is, if the video file corresponding to content B stored in the second storage server 600 is being distributed, the control unit 320 waits until there is no longer a user currently viewing the video distribution of content B stored in the second storage server 600. Specifically, the presence of a user currently viewing the content can be confirmed when the distribution of the video file corresponding to the content B stored in the second storage server 600 by the function of the content distribution unit 323 is completed.

[0067] On the other hand, if it is determined in the process of step S34 that there is no user currently viewing the video distribution of content B stored in the second storage server 600 (step S34; No), the control unit 320 switches the storage server to be used to the first storage server 500 using the function of the storage setting unit 322 (step S35), and ends the storage switching process. Specifically, in the process of step S34, the storage setting unit 322 switches the setting of the storage server to be used from the second storage server 600 to the first storage server 500 so that the video files stored in the first storage server 500 will be the target of distribution. That is, in the process of step S34, the storage setting unit 322 switches the setting of the storage server to be used from the second storage server 600 to the first storage server 500 so that the video files of content B copied to the first storage server 500 in the process of step S19 of FIG. 5 will be the target of distribution. As a result, when the request receiving unit 321 receives a request for video distribution of content B from a user, the content distribution unit 323 responds to the request by distributing the video of content B stored in the first storage server 500.

[0068] In this way, by performing the content management process in the management device 100 and the storage switching process in the streaming server 300, video files to be distributed that are not frequently requested by users are managed by the second storage server 600, which is a server suitable for storing video files that are not frequently requested by users. Also, if the number of video distribution requests from users suddenly increases, the number of future requests is estimated based on past data, and a decision is made as to whether management by the first storage server 500 or the second storage server 600 would reduce management costs. If management by the first storage server 500 results in lower management costs, the video files to be distributed are copied to the first storage server 500 and managed by the first storage server 500, which is a server suitable for storing video files that are frequently requested by users.

[0069] 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the transition in the number of requests for content B. As shown in the figure, the number of requests gradually decreases from time T1 when content B is live-streamed, and the final request is made at time T2. Then, 30 days after the final request, the processes of steps S14 and S15 in FIG. 5 and step S32 in FIG. 6 are executed, and at time T3 shown in FIG. 7, the storage used is switched from the first storage server 500 to the second storage server 600.

[0070] Then, when the process of step S16 in Fig. 5 is executed at timing TA shown in Fig. 7, it is determined that the request condition has been met. Subsequently, in the process of step S17, it is estimated that the future transition in the number of requests for content B will be similar to that of content A shown in Fig. 4. Then, the transition in the number of requests for content A shown in Fig. 4 shows an example in which management by the first storage server 500 has lower management costs after timing TQ. Therefore, in the process of step S18 in Fig. 5, it is determined that the copy condition has been met, and the video file of content B is copied to the first storage server 500 in the process of step S19. Therefore, the process of step S20 shown in Fig. 5 and the process of step S35 in Fig. 6 are executed, and at timing T4 shown in Fig. 7, the storage used is switched from the second storage server 600 to the first storage server 500.

[0071] Then, 30 days have passed since the last request was made at timing T5 shown in Fig. 7, and at timing T6, the processes of steps S14 and S15 in Fig. 5 and step S32 in Fig. 6 are executed again, and at timing T3 shown in Fig. 7, the storage in use is switched from the first storage server 500 to the second storage server 600. Note that, after timing T5 has passed and before timing T6, the processes of steps S14 and S15 in Fig. 5 and step S32 in Fig. 6 may be executed.

[0072] The above is the operation of the management device 100 and the streaming server 300. As described above, according to the management device 100 of this embodiment, by executing the process of step S14 in FIG. 5, video files to be distributed are moved from the first storage server 500 to the second storage server 600. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the storage fee for video files to be distributed that have a small number of requests from users, and management can be performed with consideration for management costs. Furthermore, by executing the process of step S19, video files to be distributed are moved from the second storage server 600 to the first storage server 500. Therefore, for video files to be distributed that have an increasing number of requests from users, video distribution to users can be performed at a suitable communication speed that can withstand a large amount of communication traffic, and management can be performed with consideration for management costs.

[0073] Furthermore, according to the management device 100 of this embodiment, by executing the processes of step S15 and step S20 in Fig. 5, a usage instruction that takes management costs into consideration is given to the streaming server 300. Therefore, it is possible to flexibly give an instruction on a storage server to be used, taking into consideration the management costs of storage.

[0074] Furthermore, according to the management device 100 of this embodiment, in the process of step S17 of FIG. 5, among the request statuses for each content acquired by the information acquisition unit 121, data showing a similar transition to the request status of content B (data showing a similar transition) is identified from the past data 112, and the number of future requests for content B is estimated. Therefore, the number of future requests for the video file to be managed can be estimated based on past data, and management based on past data can be performed taking into account management costs. Furthermore, according to the management device 100 of this embodiment, if it is determined in the process of step S16 of FIG. 5 that the request condition has been met, the number of requests is estimated in the process of step S17. Therefore, there is no need to constantly estimate the number of requests, and the processing load can be reduced.

[0075] Furthermore, according to management device 100 of this embodiment, in the process of step S17 in Fig. 5, the number of future requests is estimated based on past data 112 corresponding to content of the same genre as the video file to be distributed. Therefore, the number of future requests for the video file to be managed can be estimated based on past data of the same genre, and management can be performed taking into account management costs based on past data of the same genre.

[0076] (Variation) The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible. For example, the management device 100 and the streaming server 300 according to the above-described embodiment do not need to have all of the technical features described above, but may have some of the configurations described in the above-described embodiment so as to solve at least one problem in the prior art. Furthermore, at least a portion of each of the following modifications may be combined.

[0077] In the above embodiment, FIG. 7 shows an example in which content B transitions in a similar manner to content A shown in FIG. 4, but this is merely an example. For example, if the actual number of requests for content B transitions at a number of requests lower than the future transition of the number of requests for content B estimated in the process of step S17 of FIG. 5 by a predetermined value or more, the process of step S18 of FIG. 5 may be restricted so as not to determine that the copy condition is met. For example, if the number of requests one hour after the future number of requests for content B is estimated in the process of step S17 of FIG. 5, and the number of requests is lower than the future transition of the number of requests for content B estimated in the process of step S17 by a predetermined value or more, the process of S18 may be determined to not achieve the copy condition. This allows the storage server to be changed based on the transition of the actual number of requests, thereby achieving more flexible management.

[0078] In addition, the copy condition may be different for each video file to be distributed, i.e., for each genre of content. For example, if the video file to be distributed is in the soccer athletic genre, the copy condition may be determined to be met if management by the first storage server 500 has lower management costs in the future number of requests for content B estimated by the function of the request number estimation unit 123. On the other hand, if the video file to be distributed is in the baseball athletic genre, in addition to the copy condition for the soccer athletic genre, the copy condition may be determined not to be met if the number of requests one hour after the estimation of the future number of requests in step S17 of FIG. 5 is lower than the future number of requests estimated in step S17 by a predetermined value or more. This allows for flexible management of video files to be distributed by sport genre.

[0079] In the above embodiment, in the processing of steps S17 and S18 of FIG. 5 , data showing a similar trend to the request status of the target content is identified from the past data 112, the number of future requests is estimated, and whether management by the first storage server 500 results in lower management costs is determined. However, this is merely an example. Alternatively, for example, the content of the past data 112 may be machine-learned as a machine learning model using AI (Artificial Intelligence), and the number of future requests for the target content may be estimated using the machine learning model. Note that machine learning may be performed separately for each sport genre, such as soccer or baseball. The number of future requests may then be estimated using a machine learning model trained for each genre. Whether management by the first storage server 500 results in lower management costs may also be determined using a machine learning model using AI that has learned, as training data, the trend in the number of requests indicated by the past data 112 that results in lower management costs when the content is managed by the first storage server 500. This allows for more flexible management of video files to be distributed. When estimating the number of future requests using AI in this way, the determination of whether the request condition has been met in step S16 of Fig. 5 can be skipped, and the change in the number of future requests can be periodically estimated using AI in the processing of step S17. This makes it possible to estimate the change in the number of future requests using a machine learning model, thereby improving the estimation accuracy. Furthermore, by using a machine learning model to determine management costs, such as whether or not the first storage server 500 should manage the requests, the accuracy of the determination can be improved.

[0080] In the above embodiment, in the process of step S16 in FIG. 5, it is determined that the request condition is met if the number of requests within the last hour is 10 or more. However, this is just one example. The request condition may be different for each video file to be distributed, i.e., for each genre of content. Furthermore, even for content of the same genre, the request condition may be different depending on the date and time of live distribution. Furthermore, even for the same sports genre, the request condition may be different depending on the sport genre, such as soccer or baseball. Furthermore, if the video file to be distributed is music or theater, the request condition may be different depending on the artist appearing in the video file. This allows for more flexible management of video files to be distributed.

[0081] Furthermore, the management device 100 may use past word-of-mouth information or news information when estimating the request frequency. For example, if a keyword corresponding to the stored content is temporarily used in word-of-mouth information or news information due to seasonal factors or the like, it may be possible to lower the cost by returning the content to the second storage server 600 again, so the frequency may be set lower. Furthermore, if a keyword corresponding to the stored content is gradually being used in word-of-mouth information or news information, the frequency may be set higher.

[0082] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case where a backup moving image file is stored has been described, but the backup moving image file does not have to be stored from the time of distribution.

[0083] The management device 100 and streaming server 300 according to the above-described embodiment can be realized using a normal computer, rather than using a dedicated device. For example, the management device 100 that executes the above-described processes may be configured by installing a program for executing any of the above processes on a computer from a recording medium that stores the program on the computer. Also, one management device 100 and streaming server 300 may be configured by multiple computers operating in cooperation with each other.

[0084] Furthermore, when the above-mentioned functions are realized by sharing the functions between an OS (Operating System) and an application, or by cooperation between the OS and the application, only the parts other than the OS may be stored on the medium.

[0085] It is also possible to superimpose the program on a carrier wave and distribute it via a communication network. For example, the program may be posted on a bulletin board system (BBS) on the communication network and distributed via the network. These programs may then be started and run under the control of an operating system in the same way as other application programs, thereby enabling the above-mentioned processing to be performed.

[0086] Various aspects of the present disclosure are summarized below as appendices.

[0087] (Appendix 1) A management device for managing video files that are recorded live-streamed videos, a moving unit that moves the video file to a second storage different from the first storage when a request from a user is not accepted within a predetermined period after the video file is stored in the first storage; a request estimation unit that estimates a future transition of requests from the user for the video file after the video file has been moved to the second storage by the moving unit; a determination unit that determines whether the video file should be stored in the first storage based on the management costs of the first storage and the second storage, which are identified from the transition of future requests from the user for the video file estimated by the request estimation unit; and a management unit that stores the video file again in the first storage based on the determination result by the determination unit, The first storage has a higher storage fee for the video files than the second storage, but is superior in communication speed. A management device characterized by:

[0088] (Appendix 2) an instruction unit that instructs a streaming server which of the first storage and the second storage the video file stored in should be distributed; the instruction unit instructs the streaming server to make the video file stored in the second storage a distribution target when the moving unit has moved the video file to the second storage, and instructs the streaming server to make the video file stored in the first storage a distribution target when the management unit has re-stored the video file in the first storage. 2. The management device according to claim 1,

[0089] (Appendix 3) further comprising an acquisition unit for acquiring a request status from the user; the request estimation unit estimates a transition of requests from the user for the video file based on a past request status of the video file that is similar to a current request status of the video file, among the request statuses from the user acquired by the acquisition unit; 3. The management device according to claim 1 or 2.

[0090] (Appendix 4) the request estimation unit estimates a transition of requests from the user for the video file when a request status within a predetermined period for the video file, among the request statuses from the user acquired by the acquisition unit, is equal to or greater than a specified value; 4. The management device according to claim 3.

[0091] (Appendix 5) the request estimation unit estimates a transition of requests from the user for the video file based on past request states for the video file that are similar to the current request state for the video file among the request states from the user acquired by the acquisition unit, and that belong to the same category as the category to which the video file belongs; 5. The management device according to claim 3 or 4.

[0092] (Appendix 6) further comprising an acquisition unit for acquiring a request status from the user; the request estimation unit estimates a transition of requests from the user for the video file using a learning model that has been machine-learned for each category to which the video file belongs, based on the request status from the user acquired by the acquisition unit; 3. The management device according to claim 1 or 2.

[0093] (Appendix 7) The determination unit determines whether the video file should be stored in the first storage by using a learning model that has been trained using as training data the transition of the video file to be stored in the first storage among the transition of requests from the user indicated by the request status from the user acquired by the acquisition unit. 7. The management device according to claim 6,

[0094] (Appendix 8) A management method for managing video files recorded from live-streamed videos by a management device, comprising: a moving step of moving the video file to a second storage different from the first storage when a request from a user is not accepted within a predetermined period after the video file is stored in the first storage; a request estimation step of estimating future changes in requests from the user for the video file after the video file has been moved to the second storage by the moving step; a determination step of determining whether or not the video file should be stored in the first storage based on the management costs of the first storage and the second storage identified from the transition of future requests from the user for the video file estimated in the request estimation step; a management step of storing the video file again in the first storage based on the determination result of the determination step, The first storage has a higher storage fee for the video files than the second storage, but is superior in communication speed. A management method characterized by:

[0095] (Appendix 9) A management device that manages video files recorded from live streaming videos. a moving unit that moves the video file to a second storage different from the first storage when a request from a user is not accepted within a predetermined period after the video file is stored in the first storage; a request estimation unit that estimates a future transition of requests from the user for the video file after the video file has been moved to the second storage by the moving unit; a determination unit that determines whether the video file should be stored in the first storage based on the management costs of the first storage and the second storage, which are identified from the transition of future requests from the user for the video file estimated by the request estimation unit; a management unit that stores the video file again in the first storage based on the determination result by the determination unit; The first storage has a higher storage fee for the video files than the second storage, but is superior in communication speed. A program characterized by:

[0096] The present disclosure allows various embodiments and modifications without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the present disclosure and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. That is, the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, not the embodiments. Various modifications made within the scope of the claims and the meaning of equivalent disclosures are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure. [Industrial Applicability]

[0097] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a management device, a management method, and a program that are capable of flexibly managing video files to be distributed while taking storage costs into consideration. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 100 Management device 110, 310 Storage section 111, 311 Program 112 Historical Data 120, 320 control section 121 Information Acquisition Department 122 Content Move Copy Unit 123 Request Number Estimation Unit 124 Content copy determination unit 125 Storage usage indicator 130, 330 input / output section 140, 340 Communications Department 200 Information terminal 300 Streaming Server 312 Video files to be distributed 313 Viewing Information 321 Request Reception Department 322 Storage Usage Settings 323 Content Distribution Department 400 Computer Network 500 First storage server 600 Second storage server

Claims

1. A management device for managing video files that are recorded live-streamed videos, a moving unit that moves the video file to a second storage different from the first storage when a request from a user is not accepted within a predetermined period after the video file is stored in the first storage; a request estimation unit that estimates a future transition of requests from the user for the video file after the video file has been moved to the second storage by the moving unit; a determination unit that determines whether the video file should be stored in the first storage based on management costs of the first storage and the second storage, which are identified from the transition of future requests from the user for the video file estimated by the request estimation unit; and a management unit that stores the video file again in the first storage based on the determination result by the determination unit; an acquisition unit that acquires a request status from the user, The first storage has a higher storage cost for the video file than the second storage, but is superior in terms of communication cost; the request estimation unit estimates a transition of requests from the user for the video file based on past request states for the video file that are similar to the current request state for the video file among the request states from the user acquired by the acquisition unit, and that belong to the same category as the category to which the video file belongs; the determination unit determines, for each category to which the video file belongs estimated by the request estimation unit, whether a first condition, which is a first-stage condition for storing the video file in the first storage, is satisfied based on at least one of the type of sport specified by the category, the performers specified by the category, and the distribution date and time of the video file; and, when it is determined that the first condition is satisfied, determines to store the video file again in the first storage when a second condition, which is a second-stage condition for storing the video file in the first storage and which differs depending on the category, is satisfied. A management device characterized by:

2. an instruction unit that instructs a streaming server which of the first storage and the second storage the video file stored in should be distributed; the instruction unit instructs the streaming server to make the video file stored in the second storage a distribution target when the moving unit has moved the video file to the second storage, and instructs the streaming server to make the video file stored in the first storage a distribution target when the management unit has re-stored the video file in the first storage. The management device according to claim 1 .

3. the request estimation unit estimates a transition of requests from the user for the video file when a request status within a predetermined period for the video file, among the request statuses from the user acquired by the acquisition unit, is equal to or greater than a specified value; 3. The management device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the request estimation unit estimates a transition of requests from the user for the video file using a learning model that has been machine-learned for each category to which the video file belongs, based on the request status from the user acquired by the acquisition unit; 3. The management device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. the determination unit determines whether the video file should be stored in the first storage by using a learning model that has been trained using, as training data, the transition of the video file to be stored in the first storage, among the transition of requests from the user indicated by the request status from the user acquired by the acquisition unit; 5. The management device according to claim 4.

6. A management method for managing video files recorded from live-streamed videos by a management device, comprising: a moving step of moving the video file to a second storage different from the first storage when a request from a user is not accepted within a predetermined period after the video file is stored in the first storage; a request estimation step of estimating future transitions of requests from the user for the video file after the video file has been moved to the second storage by the moving step; a determination step of determining whether or not the video file should be stored in the first storage based on management costs of the first storage and the second storage, which are identified from the transition of future requests from the user for the video file estimated in the request estimation step; a management step of storing the video file again in the first storage based on the determination result of the determination step; an acquisition step of acquiring a request status from the user, The first storage has a higher storage cost for the video file than the second storage, but is superior in terms of communication cost; In the request estimation step, a transition of requests from the user for the video file is estimated based on past request states for the video file that are similar to the current request state for the video file among the request states from the user acquired in the acquisition step, and that belong to the same category as the category to which the video file belongs; In the determination step, for each category to which the video file belongs estimated in the request estimation step, it is determined whether a first condition, which is a first-stage condition for storing the video file in the first storage, is met based on at least one of the type of sport specified by the category, the performers specified by the category, and the distribution date and time of the video file; and if it is determined that the first condition is met, when a second condition, which is a second-stage condition for storing the video file in the first storage and which differs depending on the category, is met, it is determined that the video file will be stored in the first storage again. A management method characterized by:

7. A management device that manages video files recorded from live streaming videos. a moving unit that moves the video file to a second storage different from the first storage when a request from a user is not accepted within a predetermined period after the video file is stored in the first storage; a request estimation unit that estimates a future transition of requests from the user for the video file after the video file has been moved to the second storage by the moving unit; a determination unit that determines whether or not the video file should be stored in the first storage based on the management costs of the first storage and the second storage, which are identified from the transition of future requests from the user for the video file estimated by the request estimation unit; a management unit that stores the video file again in the first storage based on the determination result by the determination unit; an acquisition unit that acquires a request status from the user; The first storage has a higher storage cost for the video file than the second storage, but is superior in terms of communication cost; the request estimation unit estimates a transition of requests from the user for the video file based on past request states for the video file that are similar to the current request state for the video file among the request states from the user acquired by the acquisition unit, and that belong to the same category as the category to which the video file belongs; the determination unit determines, for each category to which the video file belongs estimated by the request estimation unit, whether a first condition, which is a first-stage condition for storing the video file in the first storage, is satisfied based on at least one of the type of sport specified by the category, the performers specified by the category, and the distribution date and time of the video file; and, when it is determined that the first condition is satisfied, determines to store the video file again in the first storage when a second condition, which is a second-stage condition for storing the video file in the first storage and which differs depending on the category, is satisfied. A program characterized by:

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