Service provision server and service provision system

Abstract

[Problem] To equalize delay times when providing a common service to a plurality of terminal devices. [Solution] This service provision server comprises: an all-optical network communication interface for connecting to an all-optical network; an optical path management unit for requesting a network management server to generate and connect respective optical paths to the plurality of terminal devices connectable to the all-optical network; an optical path determination unit for determining to use the respective optical paths, of which the delay time difference that is a difference in delay time of the respective optical paths generated by the network management server is lower than or equal to a target value; and a service provision unit for providing, via the respective optical paths which are connected by the network management server and the delay time difference of which is lower than or equal to the target value, the plurality of terminal devices with a common service that the users of the plurality of terminal devices experience together.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a service providing server, a service providing method, and a service providing system that provide a common service for users to experience jointly on a plurality of terminal devices.

Background Art

[0002] FPS (First-person shooter), which is a type of shooting game, is known as a game in which the world and space during the game can be arbitrarily moved from the perspective of the character being operated (First-person), and the player fights using weapons or bare hands. In the current Internet line, there is a possibility that the delay time difference between participants may increase, and as a result, it may not be possible for participants to play fairly under the same conditions. For example, in a first-person shooting game such as FPS, it is disadvantageous for one participant, such as moving slower than the opponent.

[0003] However, since the current Internet communication method is a best-effort method, it is impossible to guarantee line quality such as communication bandwidth and delay. In addition, since participants cannot obtain information on the configuration of network devices, it is impossible to simply estimate the delay time based on distance. On the other hand, network operators can obtain information on the network configuration to a certain extent, but since the delay time fluctuates fluidly depending on traffic, it does not become a fixed time.

[0004] Therefore, measures such as increasing the frame rate of the display or using a faster Internet line are taken to reduce and speed up the delay time difference.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0006] It is difficult to ensure that the latency is the same for multiple participants when using existing internet connections. Therefore, esports tournaments currently involve multiple participants gathering at the same site and connecting via an Ethernet hub. Conversely, this means that we have not yet achieved remote esports tournaments that eliminate the impact of internet connections and provide equal latency from a remote location.

[0007] Patent Document 1 adjusts the latency difference between each location and the game server by placing a virtual machine on a physical game server located midway between locations. However, especially when transmitting large amounts of AV data, this consumes CPU processing and memory resources for buffering, resulting in wasted resources in an attempt to save power and potentially placing a load on the terminal devices of the client participants.

[0008] In light of the circumstances described above, the purpose of this disclosure is to make the latency equivalent when providing a common service to multiple terminal devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A service provision server relating to one form of this disclosure is: A full optical network communication interface for connecting to a full optical network, An optical path management unit requests the network management server to generate and connect optical paths to multiple terminal devices that can connect to the aforementioned optical network, An optical path determination unit that determines which optical path to use is the one whose delay time difference, which is the difference in delay times of each optical path generated by the network management server, is less than or equal to a target value, A service provision unit provides a common service that users of the multiple terminal devices jointly experience to the multiple terminal devices via each optical path connected by the network management server, where the delay time difference is less than or equal to the target value. It is equipped with.

[0010] This makes it possible to reduce the delay time difference between terminal devices to below the target value, i.e., to make the delay times equivalent.

[0011] If the optical path determination unit determines that the delay time difference between the respective optical paths is greater than the target value, the optical path management unit may request the network management server to regenerate one of the optical paths so that the delay time difference is less than or equal to the target value.

[0012] Even if the delay time difference is greater than the target value, the delay time difference of the terminal device can be reduced to or less than the target value, i.e., the delay time can be made equivalent, by regenerating the optical path.

[0013] The optical path management unit may request the network management server to regenerate optical paths other than the optical path with the maximum delay time, such that the delay time difference with respect to the maximum delay time is less than or equal to the target value.

[0014] By regenerating the optical path to the terminal device to make it redundant, so that the delay time to the terminal device that does not have the maximum delay time matches the delay time to the terminal device that has the maximum delay time, the delay time difference between the terminal devices can be made below the target value, i.e., the delay times can be made equivalent.

[0015] The aforementioned optical path management unit, The network management server is requested to generate multiple optical paths to one of the terminal devices. If the optical path determination unit determines that the delay time difference between each of the multiple optical paths to one terminal device and the optical path to the other terminal device is greater than the target value, it may request the network management server to regenerate the optical paths other than the optical path with the maximum delay time so that the delay time difference with respect to the maximum delay time is less than or equal to the target value.

[0016] By generating a plurality of optical paths, it is possible to more reliably make the delay time difference of the terminal device equal to or less than the target value, that is, to make the delay times equal.

[0017] The service providing server After regenerating each optical path, if the optical path determination unit determines that the delay time difference of each optical path is greater than the target value, the service providing unit or at least the terminal device connected by an optical path other than the optical path with the maximum delay time so that the delay time difference becomes equal to or less than the target value A delay management unit that delays the transmission and / or execution of commands may further include.

[0018] Even when the delay time difference is greater than the target value, by delaying the transmission and / or execution of commands, the delay time difference of the terminal device can be made equal to or less than the target value, that is, the delay times can be made equal.

[0019] The optical path management unit to the plurality of terminal devices, the delay time of each optical path, and / or that the delay time difference becomes equal to or less than the target value

[0020] Thereby, the user of the terminal device can know that they are competing under fair conditions.

[0021] The optical path determination unit may determine to use an optical path with low power consumption.

[0022] When the optical path determination unit determines that there are a plurality of sets of optical paths for which the delay time difference is equal to or less than the target value, the optical path determination unit may determine to use a set of optical paths with low total power consumption.

[0023] The power consumption of the optical path may be calculated based on the power consumption of each of the plurality of ports included in the optical path.

[0024] By moving the instance of the service provider server, an optical path may be generated in which the delay time difference is less than or equal to the target value.

[0025] This allows the delay time of the optical path to the terminal device to be set to a more accurate value, thereby reducing the delay time difference.

[0026] The delay time of the optical path may be calculated based on the communication time, which depends on the distance of the optical path, and the latency of each of the multiple ports included in the optical path.

[0027] Therefore, in this embodiment, we focus on the characteristic of the all-optical network that "the delay time related to communication between locations is a fixed value," and make it possible to set the delay time difference between the delay time from the service provider server to the terminal device and the delay time from the service provider server to the terminal device to less than or equal to the target value, that is, to make the delay times equivalent.

[0028] The service provision method relating to one form of this disclosure is: The network management server is requested to generate and connect optical paths to multiple terminal devices that can connect to the entire optical network. The network management server determines which optical path to use if the delay time difference, which is the difference in delay times between each optical path generated by the aforementioned network management server, is less than or equal to the target value. The network management server provides the multiple terminal devices with a common service that users of the multiple terminal devices can jointly experience, via each optical path connected to the multiple terminal devices, where the delay time difference is less than or equal to the target value.

[0029] A service provision system relating to one form of this disclosure is: A full optical network communication interface for connecting to a full optical network, An optical path management unit requests the network management server to generate and connect optical paths to multiple terminal devices that can connect to the aforementioned optical network, An optical path determination unit that determines which optical path to use is the one whose delay time difference, which is the difference in delay times of each optical path generated by the network management server, is less than or equal to a target value, A service provision unit provides a common service that users of the multiple terminal devices jointly experience to the multiple terminal devices via each optical path connected by the network management server, where the delay time difference is less than or equal to the target value. A service provider server having, The network management server generates and connects the respective optical paths from the service provision server to the multiple terminal devices, It is equipped with. The service delivery system is The terminal device equipped with an all-optical network communication interface for connecting to the all-optical network It may also be provided with the following features. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0030] [Figure 1] The configuration of the service provision system according to the first embodiment of this disclosure is shown. [Figure 2] This outlines the concept of the service delivery system. [Figure 3] This section presents an alternative method for achieving the concept of a service delivery system. [Figure 4] This shows the functional configuration of the service delivery system. [Figure 5] This shows the resource management database. [Figure 6] This shows the operation sequence of the service delivery system. [Figure 7] This shows the operational flow of the service provider server. [Figure 8] This shows the operation flow of the optical path determination unit. [Figure 9] This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the delay management unit. [Figure 10] The operation sequence of the service provision system according to the second embodiment is shown. [Figure 11]This shows the operational flow of the service provider server. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0031] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0032] I. First Embodiment

[0033] 1. Overview of the Service Delivery System

[0034] Figure 1 shows the configuration of a service provision system according to the first embodiment of this disclosure.

[0035] The service provision system 1 includes a service provision server 10 and a network management server 20. The service provision server 10 is connected to the Internet N1 and the optical network N2. The network management server 20 is connected to at least the Internet N1. The service provision server 10 and the network management server 20 typically communicate via the Internet N1, but may also communicate via the optical network N2. The Internet N1 and the optical network N2 each include multiple nodes (not shown). In this embodiment, the all-optical network N2 includes cases where communication is entirely optical up to the endpoint router, and then photoelectric conversion is performed before connecting to the terminal device 30. In other words, the all-optical network N2 includes both cases where photoelectric conversion is performed within the terminal device 30 and cases where it is performed outside the terminal device 30. The delay difference between the case where photoelectric conversion is performed within the terminal device 30 and the case where it is performed outside the terminal device 30 is an extremely small value, not on the order of milliseconds, and is therefore practically negligible, and does not affect the realization of this embodiment.

[0036] The service provision system 1 may further include one or more terminal devices 30. Multiple terminal devices 30 are connected to the Internet N1 and the all-optical network N2. Terminal devices 30 are typically personal computers used by end users. Multiple terminal devices 30 are typically installed at remote sites rather than at the same site. Hereinafter, multiple terminal devices 30 may be referred to as terminal devices 30A, 30B, etc.

[0037] The service provider server 10 establishes connections between multiple terminal devices 30 installed at remote sites via the internet N1. Subsequently, the service provider server 10 provides a common service that users share and experience to the multiple terminal devices 30 via the optical path of the all-optical network N2, which is generated and connected by the network management server 20. The "common service that users share and experience" is typically a competitive computer game such as an FPS (i.e., e-sports) or a computer game in which three or more participants play simultaneously. In these cases, the service provider server 10 is a so-called game server. However, it is not limited to this, and the "common service that users share and experience" may also include online meetings or services that include elements of simultaneous viewing of common AV content. If the service is an FPS, the service provider server 10 provides the service to two terminal devices 30, but there may be three or more terminal devices 30.

[0038] The network management server 20 manages the optical paths of the entire optical network N2. Specifically, upon receiving a request from the service provision server 10, the network management server 20 generates and connects the optical path from the service provision server 10 to terminal device 30A via the entire optical network N2, and the optical path from the service provision server 10 to terminal device 30B via the entire optical network N2.

[0039] The all-optical network N2 transmits all data using optical signals without any photoelectric conversion in the transmission path (optical path) that includes multiple nodes from the service provider server 10 to the terminal device 30. Generally, an all-optical network is a technology that processes all network forwarding functions, including multiplexing, switching, and routing functions, in the optical domain and performs data communication without electrical domain control. Because an all-optical network does not perform photoelectric conversion, it does not rely on routers to check electrical signals for routing, as is the case with the internet. In an all-optical network, the transmission path (optical path) between locations is predetermined, and communication between those locations is guaranteed without relying on information contained in electrical signals by occupying a single transmission path. Therefore, due to the characteristic of occupying a transmission path, all-optical network communication is not affected by the traffic of other communications. For this reason, unlike the internet, where the delay time fluctuates dynamically due to the influence of traffic between other locations, the delay time for communication between locations in an all-optical network is a fixed value.

[0040] Figure 2 illustrates the concept of the service delivery system.

[0041] Therefore, in this embodiment, we focus on the characteristic of the all-optical network that "the delay time related to communication between locations is a fixed value," and aim to make the delay time difference between the delay time from the service provision server 10 to terminal device 30A and the delay time from the service provision server 10 to terminal device 30B less than or equal to a target value, that is, to make the delay times equivalent.

[0042] For example, the shortest delay time from the service provider server 10 to terminal device 30A is the sum of the communication time, which depends on the distance d of the shortest optical path, and the sum of the latencies of each of the multiple ports included in the optical path. On the other hand, the shortest delay time from the service provider server 10 to terminal device 30B is the sum of the communication time, which depends on the distance e of the shortest optical path, and the sum of the latencies of each of the multiple ports included in the optical path. Here, the shortest delay time to terminal device 30B > the shortest delay time to terminal device 30A, and the delay time difference is greater than the target value.

[0043] At this time, the optical path to terminal device 30A is regenerated to be redundant so that the delay time to terminal device 30A, which does not have the maximum delay time (short delay time), matches the delay time to terminal device 30B, which has the maximum delay time (long delay time). For example, the optical path a+b+c from the service provision server 10 to terminal device 30A is regenerated. This makes it possible to make the delay time difference between terminal devices 30A and 30B less than or equal to the target value, that is, to make the delay times equivalent.

[0044] This will allow users of multiple terminal devices 30A and 30B to remotely and fairly experience common services together (for example, playing competitive games under fair conditions).

[0045] Figure 3 shows another approach to achieving the concept of the service delivery system.

[0046] By moving the instance of the service provider server 10, an optical path may be generated in which the delay time difference is less than or equal to the target value.

[0047] For example, the delay time from the service provider server 10 to terminal device 30A is the sum of the communication time, which depends on the optical path distance d1, and the sum of the latency of each of the multiple ports included in the optical path. On the other hand, the delay time from the service provider server 10 to terminal device 30B is the sum of the communication time, which depends on the optical path distance d2, and the sum of the latency of each of the multiple ports included in the optical path. Here, we assume that the delay time to terminal device 30B > the delay time to terminal device 30A, and that the delay time difference is greater than the target value.

[0048] At this time, the instance of the service provision server 10 is moved to the service provision server 10M so that it is closer to terminal device 30B, which has the maximum delay time, and the optical paths to terminal devices 30A and 30B are regenerated so that the delay times to terminal devices 30A and 30B are equal. This makes it possible to make the delay time difference between terminal devices 30A and 30B less than or equal to the target value, that is, to make the delay times the same.

[0049] 2. Functional configuration of the service delivery system

[0050] Figure 4 shows the functional configuration of the service delivery system.

[0051] The service provision server 10 includes a control circuit 100, a large-capacity non-volatile storage device 111 such as an HDD or SSD, an internet communication interface 112, and an all-optical network communication interface 113. The all-optical network communication interface 113 is connected to multiple terminal devices 30 via the all-optical network N2. In the control circuit 100 of the service provision server 10, the CPU operates as a login unit 101, an optical path management unit 102, a match management unit 103, an optical path determination unit 104, a service provision unit 105, and a delay management unit 106 by loading an information processing program stored in ROM into RAM and executing it. The storage device 111 stores the service policy 120.

[0052] The service policy 120 is a comprehensive optical network connection policy when the service provider server 10 provides services. The service policy 120 may be set for each service (e.g., each game title) or for each service provision (e.g., each play, each esports tournament). The service policy 120 includes at least a target value for the latency difference. The service policy 120 may further include adjustment methods (optical path adjustment and buffer adjustment) used to achieve the target value for the latency difference, and a target value for power consumption.

[0053] The "delay time difference" is the difference in delay time between each optical path from the service provider server 10 to the multiple terminal devices 30. Specifically, if there are two terminal devices 30, the "delay time difference" is the difference between the delay time of the optical path from the service provider server 10 to terminal device 30A and the delay time of the optical path from the service provider server 10 to terminal device 30B. If there are two terminal devices 30, the "delay time difference" is the maximum value of the difference in delay time between each optical path from the service provider server 10 to the multiple terminal devices 30.

[0054] For example, if the target delay difference is 1 frame, then at a frame rate of 60fps (frames per second), the target delay difference is 16.7 msec (= 1 sec / 60 frames).

[0055] The terminal device 30 includes a control circuit 300, a large-capacity non-volatile storage device such as an HDD or SSD (not shown), an internet communication interface 312, and an all-optical network communication interface 313. The terminal device 30 is typically a personal computer and further includes physical user interfaces such as output devices like a display and speakers, and input devices like a keyboard, mouse, and microphone (not shown).

[0056] The network management server 20 includes a control circuit 200, a large-capacity non-volatile storage device 211 such as an HDD or SSD, and an internet communication interface 212. The network management server 20 may also have an all-optical network communication interface. In the control circuit 200 of the network management server 20, the CPU operates as an optical path generation unit 201 and an optical path connection unit 202 by loading an information processing program stored in ROM into RAM and executing it. The storage device 211 stores a resource management database 220.

[0057] Figure 5 shows the resource management database.

[0058] The resource management database 220 stores information about multiple nodes included in the all-optical network N2 managed by the network management server 20. Specifically, for each node, the resource management database 220 stores a node identifier 221, a location 222, and resource information 223, associating them with each other.

[0059] The node identifier 221 uniquely identifies each node. Location 222 is the GPS location information for each node, expressed by longitude and latitude. Resource information 223 includes distance 224, latency per port 225, and power consumption per port 226.

[0060] Distance 224 is the distance (km) from the node identified by node identifier 221 to each directly connected (i.e., adjacent) node. If the node is a lowest-level node (multi-granularity aggregation node or sub-wavelength aggregation node), distance 224 may include the distance from the node to the terminal device 30. Latency per port 225 is the latency (msec) of each optical switch port included in the node identified by node identifier 221. Power consumption per port 226 is the power consumption (W) of each port included in the node identified by node identifier 221.

[0061] 3. Operation of the service delivery system

[0062] Figure 6 shows the operation sequence of the service delivery system. Figure 7 shows the operation flow of the service delivery server.

[0063] In the following description, the service server 10 is a game server that provides a one-on-one competitive computer game. Terminal devices 30A and 30B are used by the two players competing in this computer game, respectively.

[0064] The login unit 101 of the service provision server 10 receives login requests from terminal devices 30A and 30B via the internet N1, including account information (ID, password) of users using terminal devices 30A and 30B. If the login unit 101 successfully authenticates the received account information (ID, password), it accepts the user's login and establishes a connection between the service provision server 10 and terminal devices 30A and 30B. The login unit 101 sends a login success notification to terminal devices 30A and 30B via the internet N1 (step S101).

[0065] Upon receiving a login success notification, terminal devices 30A and 30B send an optical path connection request to the service provider server 10 via the internet N1. The optical path connection request includes a schedule (immediately in this example), connection point (terminal device 30A or 30B, service provider server 10), bandwidth used (e.g., 100 Gbps), QoS (in this example, yes), and target delay time (0 msec, meaning shortest time i.e., shortest distance).

[0066] The optical path management unit 102 of the service provision server 10 receives optical path connection requests from terminal devices 30A and 30B via the internet N1. The optical path management unit 102 then sends an optical path generation and connection request to the network management server 20, requesting that the optical paths from the service provision server 10 to terminal devices 30A and 30B be generated and connected according to the optical path connection requests (step S102). The optical path generation and connection request includes a schedule (immediately in this example), connection points (terminal device 30A or 30B, service provision server 10), bandwidth usage (e.g., 100 Gbps), and QoS (in this example, yes).

[0067] The optical path generation unit 201 of the network management server 20 receives optical path generation and connection requests from the service provision server 10. The optical path generation unit 201 refers to the resource management database 220 and generates optical paths from the service provision server 10 to terminal device 30A and from the service provision server 10 to terminal device 30B. For example, the service provision server 10 refers to the distance 224 in the resource management database 220 and generates the shortest distance optical paths from the service provision server 10 to terminal devices 30A and 30B, respectively.

[0068] The optical path connection unit 202 of the network management server 20 establishes the shortest optical path connection from the service provision server 10 to the terminal devices 30A and 30B, which is generated by the optical path generation unit 201. The optical path generation unit 201 transmits information to the service provision server 10 for communication on each optical path from the service provision server 10 to the terminal devices 30A and 30B.

[0069] The optical path management unit 102 of the service provision server 10 receives information from the network management server 20 for communication on the respective optical paths from the service provision server 10 to terminal devices 30A and 30B. The optical path management unit 102 transmits the information for communication on the respective optical paths from the service provision server 10 to terminal devices 30A and 30B to terminal devices 30A and 30B via the internet N1 to terminal devices 30A and 30B. As a result, optical paths are connected between the service provision server 10 and terminal devices 30A and 30B, and communication via the entire optical network N2 becomes possible (step S103).

[0070] The match management unit 103 of the service provision server 10 receives a match request from terminal device 30A via the internet N1 or the all-optical network N2, designating a specific user (in this example, the user of terminal device 30B) as the opponent. The match management unit 103 sends an inquiry via the internet N1 or the all-optical network N2 to terminal device 30B, where the user specified in the match request is logged in, to confirm their willingness to play. The match management unit 103 receives a response from terminal device 30B via the internet N1 or the all-optical network N2 confirming their willingness to play. The match management unit 103 notifies terminal device 30A via the internet N1 or the all-optical network N2 that a match between terminal devices 30A and 30B has been established (step S104).

[0071] The optical path determination unit 104 of the service provision server 10 determines the respective optical paths from the service provision server 10 to terminal devices 30A and 30B (step S105). The operation of the optical path determination unit 104 will be described below. The operation of the optical path determination unit 104 corresponds to the part enclosed in the frame in the sequence diagram of Figure 6. In the drawings below, terminal devices 30A and 30B may be abbreviated as "A" and "B".

[0072] Figure 8 shows the operation flow of the optical path determination unit.

[0073] The optical path determination unit 104 of the service provision server 10 refers to the service policy 120 and reads out the target value of the delay time difference, the adjustment method (optical path adjustment and buffer adjustment) used to achieve this target value of the delay time difference, and the target value of power consumption, etc. (step S201). In this example, the target value of the delay time difference is set to 16.7 msec (equivalent to one frame in the case of 60 fps).

[0074] The optical path determination unit 104 of the service provision server 10 inquires with the network management server 20 about the delay time of the respective optical paths to terminal devices 30A and 30B, to which the network management server 20 is already connected (step S103) (step S202).

[0075] The optical path generation unit 201 of the network management server 20 receives an inquiry from the service provision server 10. The optical path generation unit 201 then refers to the resource management database 220 and calculates the delay time for each optical path from the service provision server 10 to terminal devices 30A and 30B. Specifically, the optical path generation unit 201 calculates the delay time for the optical path based on the communication time, which depends on the distance of the optical path (total distance 224), and the latency of each of the multiple ports included in the optical path (total latency 225) (by adding up the communication time and the total latency). The optical path generation unit 201 then sends the delay time for each optical path from the service provision server 10 to terminal devices 30A and 30B to the service provision server 10.

[0076] The optical path determination unit 104 of the service provision server 10 receives the delay times of the optical paths to terminal devices 30A and 30B from the network management server 20. In this example, the delay time of the optical path from the service provision server 10 to terminal device 30A is set to 55 msec, and the delay time of the optical path from the service provision server 10 to terminal device 30B is set to 20 msec.

[0077] The optical path determination unit 104 determines whether the delay time difference, which is the difference between the delay time of the optical path from the service provision server 10 to the terminal device 30A (55 msec) and the delay time of the optical path from the service provision server 10 to the terminal device 30B (20 msec), is less than or equal to the target value of the delay time difference (16.7 msec) in the service policy 120 (step S201) (step S203).

[0078] For example, the optical path determination unit 104 determines that the delay time difference is less than or equal to the target value (16.7 msec) and that the target value is achieved (step S203, YES). In this case, the service provision unit 105 uses the connected optical path (step S103) whose delay time difference is less than or equal to the target value to communicate with terminal devices 30A and 30B via the full optical network N2 and starts providing the service (game) (step S106).

[0079] On the other hand, in this example, the optical path determination unit 104 determines that the delay time difference (55-20=35 msec, equivalent to approximately 2 frames) is greater than the target value (16.7 msec, equivalent to 1 frame), and that the target value will not be achieved (step S203, NO).

[0080] The optical path determination unit 104 compares the delay time of the optical path to terminal device 30A (55 msec) with the delay time of the optical path to terminal device 30B (20 msec) and determines which optical path has the maximum delay time and which optical paths have the other delay times. In this example, the optical path determination unit 104 determines that the optical path to terminal device 30A has the maximum delay time (55 msec), and the optical path to terminal device 30B does not have the maximum delay time (20 msec).

[0081] The optical path management unit 102 of the service provision server 10 sends an optical path regeneration request to the network management server 20 to request the regeneration of an optical path that does not have the maximum delay time, i.e., the optical path to terminal device 30B. The optical path regeneration request includes a schedule (immediately in this example), connection points (terminal device 30B, service provision server 10), bandwidth used (e.g., 100 Gbps), QoS (in this example, yes), and a target delay time (55 msec). The "target delay time" is the maximum delay time, i.e., the delay time of the optical path to terminal device 30A (55 msec). In other words, the optical path management unit 102 requests the network management server 20 to regenerate an optical path to terminal device 30B, which is an optical path other than the optical path to terminal device 30A that has the maximum delay time (55 msec), so that the delay time difference with respect to the maximum delay time (55 msec) is less than or equal to the target value (16.7 msec) (step S204).

[0082] The optical path generation unit 201 of the network management server 20 receives an optical path regeneration request from the service provision server 10. The optical path generation unit 201 refers to the resource management database 220 and regenerates the optical path from the service provision server 10 to the terminal device 30B. For example, the optical path generation unit 201 refers to the distance 224 and latency 225 of the resource management database 220 and regenerates the optical path (so to speak, a bypass optical path) with a delay time from the service provision server 10 to the terminal device 30B that is closest to 55 msec as the Optimized_Path. The optical path generation unit 201 sends to the service provision server 10 the information for communication using the regenerated optical path to the terminal device 30B (Optimized_Path) and the delay time of this optical path.

[0083] The optical path management unit 102 of the service provision server 10 receives from the network management server 20 information for communicating via the regenerated optical path (Optimized_Path) to the terminal device 30B, and the delay time of this optical path (step S205). In this example, the delay time of the regenerated optical path (Optimized_Path) is set to 53 msec.

[0084] The optical path determination unit 104 of the service provision server 10 determines whether the delay time difference, which is the difference between the delay time of the optical path to terminal device 30A (55 msec) and the delay time of the regenerated optical path to terminal device 30B (Optimized_Path) (53 msec), is less than or equal to the target value of the delay time difference in the service policy 120 (step S201) (step S206). In this example, the optical path determination unit 104 determines that the delay time difference (55-53=2 msec) is less than or equal to the target value (16.7 msec), and that the target value has been achieved (step S206, YES). Therefore, the optical path determination unit 104 determines that it will use the respective optical paths (delay times 55 msec and 53 msec) where the delay time difference (2 msec) is less than or equal to the target value (16.7 msec).

[0085] The optical path management unit 102 of the service provision server 10 transmits to the terminal device 30B via the internet N1 or the all-optical network N2 information for communicating via the regenerated optical path (Optimized_Path) to the terminal device 30B, along with the delay time (53 msec) of this optical path. This enables communication between the service provision server 10 and the terminal device 30B via the optical path (Optimized_Path) of the all-optical network N2 to begin (step S207).

[0086] The optical path management unit 102 of the service provision server 10 sends an optical path connection establishment request to the network management server 20 to establish the optical path (Optimized_Path) from the service provision server 10 to the terminal device 30B, which has been regenerated by the network management server 20. The optical path connection establishment request includes a schedule (immediately in this example), connection points (terminal device 30B, service provision server 10), bandwidth used (e.g., 100Gbps), QoS (in this example, yes), and Optimized_Path (i.e., parameters that identify the optical path) (step S208).

[0087] The optical path connection unit 202 of the network management server 20 receives an optical path connection establishment request from the service provision server 10. The optical path connection unit 202 establishes an optical path (Optimized_Path) connection to the terminal device 30B identified by the optical path connection establishment request. The optical path connection unit 202 sends a notification to the service provision server 10 indicating that an optical path (Optimized_Path) connection to the terminal device 30B has been established.

[0088] When the optical path management unit 102 of the service provision server 10 receives a notification from the network management server 20, it notifies terminal devices 30A and 30B of their respective delay times (55 msec and 53 msec) via the Internet N1 or the entire optical network N2. And / or, the optical path management unit 102 may also notify terminal devices 30A and 30B that communication is possible using an optical path in which the delay time difference (2 msec) is less than or equal to the target value (16.7 msec) (step S209). This allows the players to know that they will be competing under fair conditions.

[0089] The service provision unit 105 of the service provision server 10 communicates with terminal devices 30A and 30B via the full optical network N2 using an optical path where the delay time difference is less than or equal to the target value, and begins providing the service (game) (step S106). As a result, terminal device 30B is connected in 53 msec, resulting in a delay difference of 2 msec with terminal device 30A. The original difference of 35 msec (equivalent to 2 frames in the case of 60 fps) is eliminated, and the delay time difference is reduced to less than or equal to the target value, i.e., the delay times are made equivalent. This makes it possible for participants using terminal devices 30A and 30B to compete fairly against each other.

[0090] On the other hand, even when using the regenerated optical path (Optimized_Path), the delay time difference may be greater than the target value for the delay time difference in Service Policy 120, and the target value may not be achieved (Step S206, NO).

[0091] In this case, the optical path management unit 102 of the service provision server 10 notifies terminal devices 30A and 30B via the internet N1 or the all-optical network N2 that the delay time difference will not fall below the target value even when using the regenerated optical path (Optimized_Path) (step S210).

[0092] If the delay time difference does not fall below the target value even when using the regenerated optical path (Optimized_Path), and if the service policy 120 describes buffer adjustment as an adjustment method used to achieve the target value of the delay time difference, the delay management unit 106 of the service provision server 10 performs processing to execute buffer adjustment (step S211). Specifically, the delay management unit 106 delays the transmission or execution of commands to the service provision unit 105 or terminal device 30 so that the delay time difference falls below the target value. When controlling terminal device 30, the delay management unit 106 delays the transmission and / or execution of commands to at least terminal device 30B (terminal device connected by an optical path other than the optical path with the maximum delay time).

[0093] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the delay management unit.

[0094] As an example, let's assume that the delay time of the optical path from the service provider server 10 to terminal device 30A is 50 msec, and the delay time of the optical path from the service provider server 10 to terminal device 30B is 30 msec.

[0095] As an example, the target is to match the delay time from the service provider server 10 to terminal devices 30A and 30B to 100 msec. The delay management unit 106 always delays the transmission and execution of commands to terminal device 30A by +50 msec (=100-50). The delay management unit 106 always delays the transmission and execution of commands to terminal device 30B by +70 msec (=100-30). As a result, the sum of the delay time related to communication for terminal device 30A (50 msec) and the intentionally redundant delay time (50 msec) (100 msec) becomes equal to the sum of the delay time related to communication for terminal device 30B (30 msec) and the intentionally redundant delay time (70 msec) (100 msec).

[0096] As a variation, the target is to match the delay time from the service provider server 10 to terminal devices 30A and 30B to 50 msec. The delay management unit 106 always delays the transmission and execution of commands to terminal device 30B by +20 msec (= 50 - 30). As a result, the delay time related to communication on terminal device 30A (50 msec) and the sum of the delay time related to communication on terminal device 30B (30 msec) and the intentionally redundant delay time (20 msec) (50 msec) become equal.

[0097] As a variation, the target is to match the delay time from the service provision server 10 to terminal devices 30A and 30B to 50 msec. The delay management unit 106 instructs the service provision unit 105 to always delay the transmission of commands to terminal device 30B by +20 msec (= 50 - 30). As a result, the delay time related to communication of terminal device 30A (50 msec) and the sum of the delay time related to communication of terminal device 30B (30 msec) and the intentionally redundant delay time (20 msec) (50 msec) become equal.

[0098] Thus, the delay management unit 106 of the service provision server 10 may have the terminal device 30 perform the buffer adjustment process locally, or it may have the service provision unit 105 of the service provision server 10 perform it.

[0099] II. Second Embodiment

[0100] In the following description, configurations and operations similar to those of the embodiments already described will be denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions will be omitted, with the differences being the main focus of the explanation.

[0101] In the first embodiment, the optical path determination unit 104 of the service provision server 10 inquires with the network management server 20 of the delay times of the optical paths to the connected terminal devices 30A and 30B (step S202). In contrast, in the second embodiment, the optical path determination unit 104 further instructs the network management server 20 to generate another optical path to at least one of the terminal devices 30 and inquires of the delay time of this optical path.

[0102] The operation flow of the optical path determination unit 104 in the second embodiment may be executed instead of the operation flow of the optical path determination unit 104 in the first embodiment (Figure 8). Alternatively, the operation flow of the optical path determination unit 104 in the second embodiment may be executed first, and only if the target value of the delay time difference is not achieved (step S206, NO).

[0103] Figure 10 shows the operation sequence of the service provision system according to the second embodiment. Figure 11 shows the operation flow of the service provision server.

[0104] The optical path determination unit 104 of the service provision server 10 refers to the service policy 120 and reads out the target value of the delay time difference (16.7 msec in this example), the adjustment method used to achieve the target value of the delay time difference (optical path adjustment and buffer adjustment), the target value of power consumption, etc. (step S301).

[0105] The optical path determination unit 104 of the service provision server 10 inquires with the network management server 20 about the delay times of the optical paths to terminal devices 30A and 30B to which the network management server 20 is already connected (step S103). Furthermore, it instructs the server 20 to regenerate optical paths for each optical path to one of the terminal devices 30 and inquires about the delay time of this optical path (step S302). For example, the optical path determination unit 104 instructs the server 20 to regenerate optical paths for each optical path to terminal device 30B, which of the connected terminal devices 30A and 30B has a shorter delay time, and inquires about the delay time of this optical path.

[0106] The optical path generation unit 201 of the network management server 20 receives an inquiry from the service provision server 10. The optical path generation unit 201 then refers to the resource management database 220 and calculates the delay time for each optical path from the service provision server 10 to terminal devices 30A and 30B. The optical path generation unit 201 regenerates the optical path from the service provision server 10 to one of the terminal devices 30B and calculates the delay time for the regenerated optical path. The optical path generation unit 201 then sends the delay times for each optical path from the service provision server 10 to terminal devices 30A and 30B to the service provision server 10.

[0107] The optical path determination unit 104 of the service provision server 10 receives the delay times of the optical paths to terminal devices 30A and 30B from the network management server 20. In this example, the delay time of the optical path from the service provision server 10 to terminal device 30A is set to 55 msec, and the delay times of the optical paths from the service provision server 10 to terminal device 30B are set to 20 msec and 75 msec, respectively.

[0108] The optical path determination unit 104 determines whether the delay time difference, which is the difference between the delay time of the optical path from the service provision server 10 to the terminal device 30A (55 msec) and the delay time of the optical path from the service provision server 10 to the terminal device 30B (20 msec, 75 msec), is less than or equal to the target value of the delay time difference (16.7 msec) in the service policy 120 (step S301) (step S303).

[0109] In this example, the optical path determination unit 104 determines that the delay time difference (55-20=35 msec, 75-55=20 msec) is greater than the target value (16.7 msec), and therefore the target value cannot be achieved (step S303, NO).

[0110] The optical path determination unit 104 compares the delay time of the optical path to terminal device 30A (55 msec) with the delay time of the optical path to terminal device 30B (20 msec, 75 msec) and determines which optical path has the maximum delay time and which of the other optical paths. In this example, the optical path determination unit 104 determines that the optical path to terminal device 30B has the maximum delay time (75 msec), and the optical path to terminal device 30A does not have the maximum delay time (55 msec).

[0111] The optical path management unit 102 of the service provision server 10 sends an optical path regeneration request to the network management server 20 to request the regeneration of an optical path that does not have the maximum delay time, i.e., the optical path to terminal device 30A. The optical path regeneration request includes a schedule (immediately in this example), connection points (terminal device 30A, service provision server 10), bandwidth used (e.g., 100 Gbps), QoS (in this example, yes), and a target delay time (75 msec). The "target delay time" is the maximum delay time, i.e., the delay time of the optical path to terminal device 30B (75 msec). In other words, the optical path management unit 102 requests the network management server 20 to regenerate an optical path to terminal device 30A, which is an optical path other than the optical path to terminal device 30B that has the maximum delay time (75 msec), such that the delay time difference with respect to the maximum delay time (75 msec) is less than or equal to the target value (16.7 msec) (step S304).

[0112] The optical path generation unit 201 of the network management server 20 receives an optical path regeneration request from the service provision server 10. The optical path generation unit 201 refers to the resource management database 220 and regenerates the optical path from the service provision server 10 to the terminal device 30A. For example, the optical path generation unit 201 refers to the distance 224 and latency 225 of the resource management database 220 and regenerates the optical path (so to speak, a bypass optical path) with a delay time from the service provision server 10 to the terminal device 30A that is closest to 75 msec as Optimized_Path. The optical path generation unit 201 sends to the service provision server 10 information for communication using the regenerated optical path to the terminal device 30A (Optimized_Path) and the delay time of this optical path.

[0113] The optical path management unit 102 of the service provision server 10 receives from the network management server 20 information for communicating via the regenerated optical path (Optimized_Path) to the terminal device 30A, and the delay time of this optical path (step S305). In this example, the delay time of the regenerated optical path (Optimized_Path) is set to 70 msec.

[0114] The optical path determination unit 104 of the service provision server 10 determines whether the delay time difference, which is the difference between the delay time of the optical path to terminal device 30B (75 msec) and the delay time of the regenerated optical path to terminal device 30A (Optimized_Path) (70 msec), is less than or equal to the target value of the delay time difference in the service policy 120 (step S301) (step S306). In this example, the optical path determination unit 104 determines that the delay time difference (75-70=5 msec) is less than or equal to the target value (16.7 msec), and that the target value has been achieved (step S306, YES). Therefore, the optical path determination unit 104 determines that it will use the respective optical paths (delay time 75 msec, 70 msec) where the delay time difference (2 msec) is less than or equal to the target value (16.7 msec).

[0115] The optical path management unit 102 of the service provision server 10 transmits to the terminal device 30B via the internet N1 or the all-optical network N2 the information for communication over the optical path from the service provision server 10 to the terminal device 30B, which has been regenerated (step S302), and the delay time (75 msec) of this optical path. This enables communication between the service provision server 10 and the terminal device 30B over the optical path (delay time 75 msec) of the all-optical network N2 (step S312).

[0116] The optical path management unit 102 of the service provision server 10 sends an optical path connection establishment request to the network management server 20, which was generated by the network management server 20 (step S302), to establish an optical path to the terminal device 30B. The optical path connection establishment request includes the schedule (immediately in this example), connection point (terminal device 30A, service provision server 10), bandwidth used (e.g., 100 Gbps), QoS (in this example, yes), and delay time (75 msec) (step S313).

[0117] Furthermore, the optical path management unit 102 of the service provision server 10 transmits to the terminal device 30A via the internet N1 or the all-optical network N2 information for communication via the regenerated (step S304) optical path (Optimized_Path) to the terminal device 30A, along with the delay time (70 msec) of this optical path. This enables communication between the service provision server 10 and the terminal device 30A via the optical path (delay time 70 msec) of the all-optical network N2 (step S307).

[0118] The optical path management unit 102 of the service provision server 10 sends an optical path connection establishment request to the network management server 20 to establish the optical path (Optimized_Path) to the terminal device 30A, which has been regenerated by the network management server 20. The optical path connection establishment request includes the schedule (immediately in this example), connection point (terminal device 30A, service provision server 10), bandwidth used (e.g., 100 Gbps), QoS (in this example, yes), and delay time (70 msec) (step S308).

[0119] The optical path connection unit 202 of the network management server 20 receives an optical path connection establishment request from the service provision server 10. The optical path connection unit 202 establishes optical path connections to the terminal devices 30A and 30B identified by the optical path connection establishment request. The optical path connection unit 202 sends a notification to the service provision server 10 indicating that it has established optical path connections to the terminal devices 30A and 30B.

[0120] When the optical path management unit 102 of the service provision server 10 receives a notification from the network management server 20, it notifies the terminal devices 30A and 30B via the Internet N1 or the entire optical network N2 that communication is possible using an optical path in which the delay time difference (5 msec) is less than or equal to the target value (16.7 msec) (step S309).

[0121] The service provision unit 105 of the service provision server 10 communicates with terminal devices 30A and 30B via the full optical network N2 using an optical path where the delay time difference is less than or equal to the target value, and begins providing the service (game) (step S106). As a result, terminal devices 30A and 30B are connected at 70 msec and 75 msec, resulting in a delay difference of 5 msec, eliminating the original 20 msec difference and bringing the delay time difference below the target value, i.e., making the delay times equal. This makes it possible for participants using terminal devices 30A and 30B to compete fairly against each other.

[0122] The operation when the target value of the delay time difference is not achieved (step S306, NO) is the same as in steps S210 and S211 of the first embodiment (steps S310 and S311).

[0123] III. Variations

[0124] The optical path determination unit 104 of the service provision server 10 may determine to use an optical path with low power consumption. For example, if the service policy 120 includes a target value for power consumption, the optical path generation and connection request that the optical path management unit 102 of the service provision server 10 sends to the network management server 20 (step S102) may also include the target value for power consumption. This allows the optical path determination unit 104 to determine to use an optical path with low power consumption. The power consumption of the optical path is calculated based on the power consumption 226 of each of the multiple ports included in the optical path, which are stored in the resource management database 220.

[0125] The optical path determination unit 104 may decide to use the optical path set with the lowest total power consumption if it determines that there are multiple sets of optical paths where the delay time difference is less than or equal to the target value. For example, if multiple optical paths to terminal device 30A and multiple optical paths to terminal device 30B are acquired (step S304), and there are multiple sets of optical paths where the delay time difference is less than or equal to the target value (step S306, YES), the optical path determination unit 104 may decide to use the optical path set to terminal device 30A and 30B with the lowest total power consumption, which is the sum of the power consumption of the optical path to terminal device 30A and the power consumption of the optical path to terminal device 30B. Alternatively, the optical path determination unit 104 may decide to use the optical path set with the shortest delay time (shortest path) without relying on total power consumption.

[0126] As shown in Figure 3, by moving the instance of the service provision server 10, an optical path may be generated in which the delay time difference is less than or equal to the target value. For example, the optical path generation and connection request that the optical path management unit 102 of the service provision server 10 sends to the network management server 20 (step S102) may include a parameter that permits moving the instance of the service provision server 10. This makes it possible to make the delay time of the optical path to terminal devices 30A and 30B closer to the target value, thereby making it possible to further reduce the delay time difference.

[0127] IV. Conclusion

[0128] It is difficult to ensure that the latency is the same for multiple participants when using existing internet connections. Therefore, esports tournaments currently involve multiple participants gathering at the same site and connecting via an Ethernet hub. Conversely, this means that we have not yet achieved remote esports tournaments that eliminate the impact of internet connections and provide equal latency from a remote location.

[0129] In contrast, this embodiment utilizes an all-optical network, which has the characteristic that communication between locations is guaranteed without relying on information contained in electrical signals, by pre-determining the transmission path (optical path) between locations and ensuring that communication between those locations occupies a single transmission path. This embodiment focuses on the characteristic of the all-optical network that "the delay time related to communication between locations is a fixed value," and makes it possible to set the delay time difference between the delay time from the service provision server 10 to terminal device 30A and the delay time from the service provision server 10 to terminal device 30B to less than or equal to a target value, i.e., to make the delay times equivalent. As a result, users of multiple terminal devices 30A and 30B can jointly experience a common service remotely and fairly (for example, playing competitive games under fair conditions). Therefore, it becomes possible to realize remote e-sports tournaments with equal delays from remote locations.

[0130] This disclosure may have any of the following configurations.

[0131] (1) A full optical network communication interface for connecting to a full optical network, An optical path management unit requests the network management server to generate and connect optical paths to multiple terminal devices that can connect to the aforementioned optical network, An optical path determination unit that determines which optical path to use is the one whose delay time difference, which is the difference in delay times of each optical path generated by the network management server, is less than or equal to a target value, A service provision unit provides a common service that users of the multiple terminal devices jointly experience to the multiple terminal devices via each optical path connected by the network management server, where the delay time difference is less than or equal to the target value. A service provider server equipped with the following features. (2) The service provider server described in (1) above, If the optical path determination unit determines that the delay time difference between the respective optical paths is greater than the target value, the optical path management unit requests the network management server to regenerate one of the optical paths so that the delay time difference is less than or equal to the target value. Service provider server. (3) The service provider server described in (2) above, The optical path management unit requests the network management server to regenerate optical paths other than the optical path with the maximum delay time, such that the delay time difference with respect to the maximum delay time is less than or equal to the target value. Service provider server. (4) A service provider server as described in any one of the above items (1) to (3), The aforementioned optical path management unit, The network management server is requested to generate multiple optical paths to one of the terminal devices. If the optical path determination unit determines that the delay time difference between each of the multiple optical paths to one terminal device and the optical path to the other terminal device is greater than the target value, it requests the network management server to regenerate the optical paths other than the optical path with the maximum delay time so that the delay time difference with respect to the maximum delay time is less than or equal to the target value. Service provider server. (5) The service provider server described in (2) or (3) above, After each optical path is regenerated, if the optical path determination unit determines that the delay time difference between each optical path is greater than the target value, the delay management unit delays the transmission and / or execution of commands to the service provision unit or terminal devices connected by optical paths other than the optical path with the maximum delay time, so that the delay time difference is less than or equal to the target value. A service-providing server further equipped with the following features. (6) A service provider server as described in any one of the above items (1) through (5), The optical path management unit provides the following to the plurality of terminal devices: The delay time of each of the aforementioned optical paths, and / or The delay time difference becomes less than or equal to the target value. Notify Service provider server. (7) A service provider server as described in any one of the above items (1) through (6), The optical path determination unit determines that an optical path with low power consumption should be used. Service provider server. (8) The service provider server described in (4) above, If the optical path determination unit determines that there are multiple sets of optical paths where the delay time difference is less than or equal to the target value, it decides to use the set of optical paths with the lowest total power consumption. Service provider server. (9) A service provider server as described in (7) or (8) above, The power consumption of the optical path is calculated based on the power consumption of each of the multiple ports included in the optical path. Service provider server. (10) A service provider server as described in any one of the above items (1) through (9), By moving the instance of the service provider server, an optical path is generated in which the delay time difference is less than or equal to the target value. Service provider server. (11) A service provider server as described in any one of the above items (1) through (10), The optical path delay time is calculated based on the communication time, which depends on the distance of the optical path, and the latency of each of the multiple ports included in the optical path. Service provider server. (12) The network management server is requested to generate and connect optical paths to multiple terminal devices that can connect to the entire optical network. The network management server determines which optical path to use if the delay time difference, which is the difference in delay times between each optical path generated by the aforementioned network management server, is less than or equal to the target value. The network management server provides the multiple terminal devices with a common service that users of the multiple terminal devices can jointly experience, via each optical path connected to the multiple terminal devices, where the delay time difference is less than or equal to the target value. Method of providing services. (13) A full optical network communication interface for connecting to a full optical network, An optical path management unit requests the network management server to generate and connect optical paths to multiple terminal devices that can connect to the aforementioned optical network, An optical path determination unit that determines which optical path to use is the one whose delay time difference, which is the difference in delay times of each optical path generated by the network management server, is less than or equal to a target value, A service provision unit provides a common service that users of the multiple terminal devices jointly experience to the multiple terminal devices via each optical path connected by the network management server, where the delay time difference is less than or equal to the target value. A service provider server having, The network management server generates and connects the respective optical paths from the service provision server to the multiple terminal devices, A service delivery system equipped with the following features. (14) The service provision system described in (13) above, The terminal device equipped with an all-optical network communication interface for connecting to the all-optical network A service delivery system further equipped with these features. (15) The control circuit of a service provider server having an all-optical network communication interface for connecting to an all-optical network, An optical path management unit requests the network management server to generate and connect optical paths to multiple terminal devices that can connect to the aforementioned optical network, An optical path determination unit that determines which optical path to use is the one whose delay time difference, which is the difference in delay times of each optical path generated by the network management server, is less than or equal to a target value, A service provision unit provides a common service that users of the multiple terminal devices jointly experience to the multiple terminal devices via each optical path connected by the network management server, where the delay time difference is less than or equal to the target value. An information processing program that operates as such. (16) The control circuit of a service provider server having an all-optical network communication interface for connecting to an all-optical network, An optical path management unit requests the network management server to generate and connect optical paths to multiple terminal devices that can connect to the aforementioned optical network, An optical path determination unit that determines which optical path to use is the one whose delay time difference, which is the difference in delay times of each optical path generated by the network management server, is less than or equal to a target value, A service provision unit provides a common service that users of the multiple terminal devices jointly experience to the multiple terminal devices via each optical path connected by the network management server, where the delay time difference is less than or equal to the target value. Information processing program to operate as A non-transient, computer-readable recording medium that records [data].

[0132] Although various embodiments and modifications of this technology have been described above, this technology is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of this technology. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0133] 1. Service Delivery System 10 Service Provider Servers 100 control circuits 101 Login Section 102 Optical Path Management Department 103 Match Management Department 104 Optical path determination unit 105 Service Provision Department 106 Delay Management Department 111 Storage device 112 Internet communication interface 113 Optical Network Communication Interface 120 Service Policy 20 Network Management Server 200 Control circuits 201 Light path generation unit 202 Optical path connection section 211 Storage device 212 Internet communication interface 220 Resource Management Database 30 Terminal devices 300 control circuits 30A Terminal device 30B Terminal device 312 Internet communication interface 313 Optical Network Communication Interface N1 Internet N2 Optical Network

Claims

1. A full optical network communication interface for connecting to a full optical network, An optical path management unit requests the network management server to generate and connect optical paths to multiple terminal devices that can connect to the aforementioned optical network, An optical path determination unit that determines which optical path to use is the one whose delay time difference, which is the difference in delay times of each optical path generated by the network management server, is less than or equal to a target value, A service provision unit provides a common service that users of the multiple terminal devices jointly experience to the multiple terminal devices via each optical path connected by the network management server, where the delay time difference is less than or equal to the target value. A service provider server equipped with the following features.

2. A service provider server according to claim 1, If the optical path determination unit determines that the delay time difference between the respective optical paths is greater than the target value, the optical path management unit requests the network management server to regenerate one of the optical paths so that the delay time difference is less than or equal to the target value. Service provider server.

3. A service provider server according to claim 2, The optical path management unit requests the network management server to regenerate optical paths other than the optical path with the maximum delay time, such that the delay time difference with respect to the maximum delay time is less than or equal to the target value. Service provider server.

4. A service provider server according to claim 1, The aforementioned optical path management unit, The network management server is requested to generate multiple optical paths to one of the terminal devices. If the optical path determination unit determines that the delay time difference between each of the multiple optical paths to one terminal device and the optical path to the other terminal device is greater than the target value, it requests the network management server to regenerate the optical paths other than the optical path with the maximum delay time so that the delay time difference with respect to the maximum delay time is less than or equal to the target value. Service provider server.

5. A service provider server according to claim 2, After each optical path is regenerated, if the optical path determination unit determines that the delay time difference between each optical path is greater than the target value, the delay management unit delays the transmission and / or execution of commands to the service provision unit or terminal devices connected by optical paths other than the optical path with the maximum delay time, so that the delay time difference is less than or equal to the target value. A service-providing server further equipped with the following features.

6. A service provider server according to claim 1, The optical path management unit provides the following to the plurality of terminal devices: The delay time of each of the aforementioned optical paths, and / or The delay time difference becomes less than or equal to the target value. Notify Service provider server.

7. A service provider server according to claim 1, The optical path determination unit determines that an optical path with low power consumption should be used. Service provider server.

8. A service provider server according to claim 4, If the optical path determination unit determines that there are multiple sets of optical paths where the delay time difference is less than or equal to the target value, it decides to use the set of optical paths with the lowest total power consumption. Service provider server.

9. A service provider server according to claim 7, The power consumption of the optical path is calculated based on the power consumption of each of the multiple ports included in the optical path. Service provider server.

10. A service provider server according to claim 1, By moving the instance of the service provider server, an optical path is generated in which the delay time difference is less than or equal to the target value. Service provider server.

11. A service provider server according to claim 1, The optical path delay time is calculated based on the communication time, which depends on the distance of the optical path, and the latency of each of the multiple ports included in the optical path. Service provider server.

12. A full optical network communication interface for connecting to a full optical network, An optical path management unit requests the network management server to generate and connect optical paths to multiple terminal devices that can connect to the aforementioned optical network, An optical path determination unit that determines which optical path to use is the one whose delay time difference, which is the difference in delay times of each optical path generated by the network management server, is less than or equal to a target value, A service provision unit provides a common service that users of the multiple terminal devices jointly experience to the multiple terminal devices via each optical path connected by the network management server, where the delay time difference is less than or equal to the target value. A service provider server having, The network management server generates and connects the respective optical paths from the service provision server to the multiple terminal devices, A service delivery system equipped with the following features.

13. A service provision system according to claim 12, The terminal device equipped with an all-optical network communication interface for connecting to the all-optical network A service delivery system further equipped with these features.

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