Picture distribution method and device comprising copying of picture information from a first file to plural second files

摘要

In a picture distribution method and device, a picture supply device is connected to a network and serves to supply prescribed picture sources to plural subscriber terminals through the network. The picture sources can be supplied to any subscriber terminal just when a supply demand for a picture source is made from the subscriber terminal, and a single picture source can be supplied to a large number of subscribers with a simple control operation. The picture supply device includes a first file for storing the picture sources, plural second files for temporarily storing the picture sources, a copying unit for copying any picture source in the first file into the second files, and a read-out unit provided for each second file for reading out the picture source stored in the second file. A transmitting unit is provided for transmitting the output line of the read-out unit to the subscriber circuit connected to the subscriber terminal to transmit the picture source to the subscriber terminal. An analyzer analyzes the picture- source supply demand from the subscriber terminal to perform identification of an address in the first file for the picture source, identification of an empty second file and identification of the subscriber circuit connected to the subscriber terminal.