JP2002290400A - Stream broadcast relay method and system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a stream broadcast relay method and system that can efficiently distribute stream broadcast data independently of the number of reception points of the stream broadcast data. SOLUTION: The stream broadcast relay method and system are characterized in that the method and system includes a stream separation repeater 6 that broadcasts a data packet in a stream packet configuring the stream broadcast data to a plurality of stream reconfiguration repeaters 7 through a single multicast transfer connection via a communication satellite 3 and transfers individually a control packet in the stream packet to the corresponding stream reconfiguration repeaters 7 through a plurality of distribution state management unicast connections via the Internet 5 and includes the stream reconfiguration repeaters 7 that reconfigure the data packet and the control packet transferred from the stream separation repeater 6 into a single stream packet for the unicast distribution connection and transmit the reconfigured packet to client terminals 2 according to a prescribed unicast protocol.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a stream broadcast relay method and system apparatus, and more particularly, to a method of transmitting stream broadcast data stored in a stream server in response to a viewing distribution request from a plurality of client terminals. The present invention relates to a stream broadcast relay method for relaying via a broadcast communication network capable of broadcast distribution, and a stream broadcast relay system apparatus directly used for implementing the method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a relay system of a stream broadcast using a broadcast communication network capable of broadcasting large amounts of data, a "unicast system" and a "multicast system" are generally known. . Hereinafter, the outline of the stream broadcasting in each of these systems will be described with reference to the drawings.

First, FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of a conventional unicast stream broadcast relay system device using a communication satellite network as a broadcast communication network.

[0004] As shown in the figure, a conventional unicast stream broadcast relay system α transmits predetermined stream broadcast data stored in a stream server 1 in response to a viewing and distribution request from a plurality of client terminals 2. Stream server 1 while passing through communication satellite 3
Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), which is a connection-type protocol, from the stream relay device 4 on the client side to the plurality of stream relay devices 4 on the client terminal 2 side.
) For unicast distribution connection (“U
C / TCP ". UC: Unicast), which is individually distributed to a plurality of receiving locations.

[0005] Here, the relay of the actual stream broadcast data is performed by stream packets constituting the stream broadcast data, and the communication satellite 3 transmits data packets (ie, moving image data and audio data) contained in the stream packets. For the transfer of a control packet (including its response packet) in the stream packet used only for the transfer of the data packet and the management of the distribution state of the data packet, the communication satellite 3
In order to avoid inadvertently lowering the throughput of data packet transfer via
This is performed by a unicast distribution connection by TCP via the Internet.

As the above-mentioned broadcast communication network, in addition to the above-mentioned communication satellite 3 (network), for example, an ultra-high-speed ATM (Asyn
It is possible to use an ATM multicast network or the like that implements IP multicast (IP: Internet Protocol) by chronous transfer mode (the same applies hereinafter).

On the other hand, FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of a conventional stream broadcasting relay system apparatus by a multicast method using a communication satellite network as a broadcast network (the same or the same as the components described in FIG. 3). Equivalent elements are given the same reference numerals.)

[0008] As shown in the figure, the conventional stream broadcast relay system apparatus β using the multicast method converts the stream broadcast data stored in the stream server 1 into
In response to a viewing distribution request from a plurality of client terminals 2,
Using the broadcast distribution function of the communication satellite 3, the stream relay device 4 on the stream server 1 side sends the client terminal 2
UDP (User Diagram Protocol) which is a connectionless type protocol to a plurality of stream relay devices 4 on the side
) Multicast connection (in the figure,
Described as “MC / UDP”. MC: Multicast)
It is distributed to a plurality of receiving sites simultaneously.

In the case of this multicast system, since the UDP used for the distribution connection is a connectionless protocol, the stream packet constituting the stream broadcast data is a data packet itself, and is originally a control packet. The Internet 5 is not used for the purpose of managing the distribution state of the data packet via the communication satellite 3 as in the case of the unicast system described above.

[0010]

By the way, each of the above-mentioned stream broadcasting relay systems has the following disadvantages.

That is, in the case of a stream broadcast using the unicast system by TCP, regardless of the distribution of the same stream broadcast data, each of a plurality of existing reception points (a plurality of stream relay devices 4 on the client terminal 2 side). Requires a separate distribution connection, the broadcast network (communication satellite 3
(Network)), there is a problem that efficient data distribution cannot be performed due to the limitation of the transmission capacity.

On the other hand, in the case of a stream broadcast using the UDP multicast method, the broadcast distribution function provided in the broadcast communication network (communication satellite 3 (network)) is used. It does not cause any serious problems,
In this multicast method, since the distribution state of data packets is not managed at all, it is possible to manage at which receiving point (the plurality of stream relay devices 4 on the client terminal 2 side) the stream broadcast data is being received. However, there is a problem that the reliability of data packet transmission is inherently low.

Further, in the multicast system, it is necessary to use a special “class D” address as an IP address indicating a destination of a data packet. Therefore, the client terminal 2 that cannot receive the class D IP address
Or, there is a problem that the client terminal 2 accommodated in the network that cannot transfer the class D IP address cannot receive the required stream broadcast data at all.

Here, the main objects to be solved by the present invention are as follows.

That is, a first object of the present invention is to provide a stream broadcast relay method and a system apparatus capable of performing efficient data distribution without depending on the number of reception points of stream broadcast data. Is what you do.

A second object of the present invention is to provide a stream broadcast relay method and a system apparatus capable of managing the distribution state of stream broadcast data individually for each of a plurality of receiving locations.

A third object of the present invention is to allow a client terminal that cannot receive a class D IP address or a client terminal accommodated in a network that cannot transfer a class D IP address to receive required stream broadcast data. It is intended to provide a stream broadcasting relay method and a system device which can perform the above.

Other objects of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the specification, the drawings, and particularly from the claims.

[0019]

According to the method of the present invention,
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, at the transmission base of stream broadcast data, the types of stream packets are individually analyzed, and these are divided into data packets and control packets. The multicast transfer connection broadcasts and transfers the stream broadcast data to a plurality of reception sites, while the control packet is transmitted by the plurality of distribution state management unicast connections via the Internet.
Each of the corresponding receiving points is individually transferred, and at each of the receiving points, the transferred data packet and control packet are reassembled into a single stream packet for a unicast distribution connection, and the packet is reassembled by the client. Send out to the terminal using a predetermined unicast protocol,
We adopt the characteristic construction method called.

On the other hand, in the apparatus of the present invention, in order to solve the problem, a data packet included in a stream packet constituting stream broadcast data is transmitted by a single multicast transfer connection via a communication satellite.
While broadcast transmission is performed to multiple receiving locations of stream broadcast data, control packets contained in the same stream packet are transmitted to multiple receiving locations corresponding to the same using multiple distribution status management unicast connections via the Internet. And a data packet and a control packet transferred from the stream separation relay device are individually reconfigured into a single stream packet for a unicast distribution connection, and the packet is transmitted to a client terminal. A characteristic configuration means is provided in which a plurality of stream reconfiguration relay devices that transmit data using a predetermined unicast protocol are provided.

More specifically, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention has been made to achieve the above object by adopting the following novel characteristic construction methods and means.

That is, a first feature of the method of the present invention is to relay stream broadcast data stored in a stream server via a broadcast network in response to a viewing distribution request from a plurality of client terminals. A stream broadcast relay method, wherein at a transmission point of the stream broadcast data, a type of a stream packet transmitted from the stream server by a unicast distribution connection is individually analyzed to convert the stream packet into a data packet and a control packet. Distribution, the distributed data packet is transmitted by a single connection for multicast transmission via the broadcast communication network to a plurality of reception points of the stream broadcast data, and the distributed data packet is distributed. Control packets via the Internet A plurality of distribution state management unicast connections are used to individually transfer the corresponding plurality of receiving points, and at each receiving point, the destination described in the transferred control packet is analyzed. Re-assembling the control packet and the transferred data packet into a single stream packet for the unicast distribution connection based on the destination of the configured control packet, and reconstructing the single stream. The present invention resides in adoption of a configuration of a stream broadcast relay method in which a packet is transmitted to the client terminal to which the corresponding destination is assigned, using a unicast protocol requested by the client terminal.

[0023] A second feature of the method of the present invention is that, in the first feature of the method of the present invention, when the stream packets are distributed at the transmission point, an order identifier according to the distribution order is assigned to the distributed data. In addition to the operation of sequentially adding the packet and the control packet, in reconstructing the single stream packet at each of the receiving sites, instead of performing the reconfiguration based on the analyzed destination of the control packet, the transmission Another aspect of the present invention is to adopt a configuration of a stream broadcast relay method that is performed based on the sequence identifier given to the data packet and the control packet transferred from the base.

A third feature of the method of the present invention resides in that the unicast distribution connection in the first or second feature of the above-described method of the present invention is implemented by using a connection-type protocol,
The present invention resides in adopting a configuration of a stream broadcasting relay method established by P.

A fourth feature of the method of the present invention is that the single multicast transfer connection in the first, second or third feature of the above method of the present invention is established by UDP which is a connectionless type protocol. That is, the configuration of the stream broadcasting relay method is adopted.

A fifth feature of the method of the present invention is that the plurality of distribution state management unicast connections in the third or fourth feature of the method of the present invention are replaced by the TCP adopted for the unicast distribution connection. The present invention resides in the adoption of an established stream broadcast relay method.

According to a sixth feature of the method of the present invention, the type analysis of the stream packet at the transmission point in the first, second, third, fourth or fifth feature of the method of the present invention is performed by using the stream packet In the stream broadcast relay method, which is performed by referring to at least one of the header and the payload type information included in the description.

According to a seventh feature of the method of the present invention, the destination analysis of the control packet at the receiving point in the first, second, third, fourth, fifth or sixth feature of the method of the present invention is described. The present invention is to adopt a configuration of a stream broadcast relay method performed by referring to at least one of a header and payload type information included in the description of the control packet.

An eighth feature of the method of the present invention is the transfer of the data packet and the control packet according to the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth or seventh feature of the method of the present invention. Is carried out by a communication satellite network constituting the broadcast communication network.

A ninth feature of the method of the present invention is that the transfer of the data packet and the control packet in the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth or seventh feature of the above-described method of the present invention. Is carried out by the ATM multicast network forming the broadcast network.

On the other hand, a first feature of the apparatus of the present invention is to relay stream broadcast data stored in a stream server via a broadcast network in response to a viewing and distribution request from a plurality of client terminals. A stream broadcast relay system device, which forms a transmission point of the stream broadcast data, and simply transmits a data packet included in a stream packet transmitted from the stream server by a unicast distribution connection via the broadcast network. A single multicast transfer connection broadcasts and transfers the stream broadcast data to a plurality of receiving points, and transmits a control packet included in the transmitted stream packet to a plurality of distribution state management units via the Internet. By the cast connection, the corresponding multiple A stream separating / relaying device that individually transfers data to a communication point; and forming a plurality of receiving points, analyzing a destination described in the control packet transferred from the stream separating / relaying device, and analyzing the control packet. And the transferred data packet,
A plurality of stream reconfiguration relay devices for reconfiguring into a single stream packet for the unicast distribution connection, and a plurality of stream reconfiguration relay devices provided in one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of stream reconfiguration relay devices; The single stream packet reconfigured in the device is sent to the client terminal to which the corresponding destination is assigned by using the unicast protocol requested by the client terminal, and the single stream packet is transmitted. A data server for transferring a response control packet correspondingly transmitted from the received client terminal to the stream separation and relay device by the corresponding stream reconfiguration relay device and the distribution state management unicast connection via the Internet. A story comprising In the configuration adopted a non-broadcast relay system unit.

A second feature of the present invention is that the data server according to the first feature of the present invention is characterized in that the data server is a part of the corresponding function of the stream reconfiguration relay device. , A stream broadcast relay system device is installed inside.

A third feature of the apparatus of the present invention resides in that the data server according to the first feature of the present invention is arranged such that the data server is independent of the corresponding stream reconfiguration relay apparatus and is external to the stream reconfiguration relay apparatus. , A stream broadcast relay system device.

A fourth feature of the apparatus of the present invention resides in that the stream separation / relay device according to the first, second or third feature of the present apparatus is transmitted from the stream server by the unicast distribution connection. A stream packet receiving unit for receiving the stream packet, a packet storage unit for temporarily storing the stream packet received through the stream packet receiving unit, and a type of the stream packet stored in the packet storage unit. A packet type analyzing unit that analyzes the stream packet based on a result of the type analysis of the stream packet by the packet type analyzing unit; and a packet sorting unit that sorts the stream packet into the data packet and the control packet. Sorter Data packet transmitting means for transmitting the data packet to the plurality of stream reconfiguration relay devices by the single multicast transfer connection via the broadcast network, and the packet distribution means. Control packet sending means for sending the obtained control packet to the plurality of stream reconfiguration relay devices by the plurality of distribution state management unicast connections via the Internet. In other words, the configuration of the relay system device is adopted.

A fifth feature of the device of the present invention is that the plurality of stream reconfiguration relay devices in the fourth feature of the present device are respectively transmitted from the data packet transmitting means of the stream separation and relay device. A data packet receiving means for receiving the data packet by the single multicast transfer connection; and a control packet transmitted from the control packet transmitting means of the stream separation / relay device, to the plurality of distribution state management units. Control packet receiving means for receiving by a cast connection; packet storing means for temporarily storing the data packet and the control packet respectively received through the data packet receiving means and the control packet receiving means; The stored control packet Packet destination analyzing means for analyzing the destination described in, based on the destination of the control packet analyzed by the packet destination analyzing means, based on the control packet and the data packet stored in the packet storage means, Packet reconfiguring means for reconfiguring the single stream packet for the unicast distribution connection, and stream packet transmitting means for transmitting the single stream packet reconfigured by the packet reconfiguring means to the data server And the configuration adoption of a stream broadcast relay system device.

A sixth feature of the apparatus of the present invention resides in that, in the fifth feature of the above-described apparatus of the present invention, the packet distribution means in the stream separation and relay apparatus distributes an order identifier according to the distribution order. The data packet and the control packet are provided with a function unit for sequentially assigning the data packet and the control packet, and the packet reconfiguration unit in the stream reconfiguration relay device is configured to analyze the reconfiguration of the single stream packet. In place of the function means for performing the reconfiguration based on the destination of the control packet, the function means for performing the reconfiguration based on the order identifier attached to the data packet and the control packet transferred from the stream separation relay device. The present invention is to adopt a configuration of a stream broadcast relay system device provided.

A seventh feature of the apparatus of the present invention resides in that, in the fifth or sixth feature of the above-described apparatus of the present invention, the stream packet receiving means in the stream separation and relay apparatus and the stream packet transmission in the stream reconfigurable relay apparatus Both means are in adopting a configuration of a stream broadcast relay system device, which is a unicast TCP connection terminating means for terminating the unicast distribution connection by TCP which is a connection type protocol.

An eighth feature of the apparatus of the present invention resides in that the data packet transmitting means in the stream separation repeater in the fifth, sixth, or seventh feature of the above-described apparatus of the present invention, and the data packet transmitting means in the stream reconfigurable repeater. The data packet receiving means is a multicast U for mutually terminating said single multicast transfer connection by UDP which is a connectionless protocol.
The present invention resides in the adoption of a configuration of a stream broadcast relay system device, which is a DP connection terminating means.

A ninth feature of the device of the present invention resides in that the control packet sending means in the stream separation relay device according to the seventh or eighth feature of the device of the present invention and the control packet reception in the stream reconfiguration relay device. A stream broadcast relay system device, wherein both means are unicast TCP connection terminating means for mutually terminating the plurality of distribution state management unicast connections by the TCP employed in the unicast distribution connection. In hiring.

A tenth feature of the apparatus of the present invention resides in that the packet type analysis means in the stream separation and relay apparatus according to the fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth or ninth feature of the above-described apparatus of the present invention. A stream broadcast relay system device comprising a function unit for analyzing the type of the stream packet by referring to at least one of a header and payload type information included in the description of the stream packet. .

An eleventh feature of the apparatus of the present invention resides in that the packet destination analyzing means in the stream reconfiguration relay apparatus according to the fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth or tenth feature of the above-described apparatus of the present invention. Has a function of analyzing the destination of the control packet by referring to at least one of the header and the payload type information included in the description of the control packet. is there.

[0042]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in order of a device example, a corresponding method example, and modifications thereof.

(Example of Apparatus) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a stream broadcast relay system apparatus according to an example of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a stream separation relay apparatus and a stream reconfiguration relay apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing each configuration of the apparatus (elements that are the same as or equivalent to those already described in FIGS. 3 and 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals).

In this example, the broadcast network is
The communication satellite 3 (network) is cited in the same manner as in the conventional example.
Of course, it is also possible to apply a TM multicast network. (An application example of the ATM multicast network is substantially equivalent to the principle of the present invention which will be apparent from the following description, and therefore, detailed description thereof is omitted. Shall be).

First, as shown in FIG. 1, the stream broadcast relay system device γ according to the present device example is the same as the stream separation relay device 6 forming the transmission base of the stream broadcast data, instead of the existing stream relay device 4. It has a plurality of stream reconfiguration relay devices 7 forming a receiving point of the stream broadcast data.

Among them, the stream separation relay device 6
A data packet included in a stream packet transmitted from the stream server 1 by a unicast distribution connection (UC / TCP) by TCP is transferred by a single multicast transmission by UDP via a communication satellite 3 (network) which is a broadcast communication network. A broadcast connection is transmitted to a plurality of stream reconfiguration relay devices 7 using a connection for communication (MC / UDP), while a control packet included in the transmitted stream packet is transmitted to the T
It has a function unit for individually transferring a plurality of corresponding stream reconfiguration relay devices 7 by a plurality of distribution state management unicast connections (UC / TCP) by the CP.

Further, a plurality of stream reconfiguration relay devices 7
Analyze the destination described in the control packet transferred from the stream separation relay device 6, and convert the control packet and the transferred data packet into a single stream packet for a unicast distribution connection. It has functional means for reconfiguration.

The details of the stream separation and relay device 6 and the stream reconfiguration relay device 7 will be described below.

That is, as shown in FIG. 2, first, the stream separation / relay device 6 includes a UC / TCP connection termination unit 61, a packet buffer unit 62, a packet type analysis unit 63, a packet distribution unit 64, An MC / UDP connection termination unit 65 and a UC / TCP connection termination unit 66 are provided.

The UC / TCP connection terminating unit 61 located at the first stage terminates a unicast distribution connection with the stream server 1 by TCP.
The packet buffer unit 62 constitutes a stream packet receiving means for receiving a stream packet transmitted from the stream server 11, and the packet buffer unit 62 constitutes a packet storage means for temporarily storing the received stream packet. is there.

The packet type analysis unit 63 constitutes a packet type analysis unit for individually analyzing the types of stream packets stored in the packet buffer unit 62. The packet distribution unit 64 includes a packet type analysis unit. It constitutes packet distribution means for distributing a stream packet into a data packet and a control packet based on the result of analyzing the type of the stream packet by the unit 63.

The packet type analysis unit 64 refers to at least one of the header and the payload type information included in the description of the stream packet,
It has a functional unit for analyzing the type of the stream packet.

The MC / UDP connection terminating unit 65 located at the last stage has passed through the communication satellite 3 with the MC / UDP connection terminating unit 71 located at the first stage of the stream reconfiguration repeater 7 described later. It terminates the connection for multicast transfer by UDP, and constitutes data packet transmitting means for transmitting the data packet distributed by the packet distribution unit 64 to the stream reconfiguration relay device 7. The UC / TCP connection termination unit 66 located at the stage
A unicast connection for distribution state management by TCP via the Internet 5 between the UC / TCP connection terminating unit 72 located at the first stage of the stream reconfigurable relay device 7 described later is terminated and distributed by the packet distribution unit 64. The control packet transmitting means transmits the control packet to the stream reconfigurable relay device 7 as a target.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, the stream reconfiguration relay device 7 includes an MC / UDP connection termination unit 71, a UC / TCP connection termination unit 72, a packet buffer unit 73, and a packet destination analysis unit 74. When,
It has a packet reconfiguration unit 75, a UC / TCP connection termination unit 76, and a data server unit 77.

The MC / UDP connection terminating unit 71 located at the first stage passes through the communication satellite 3 with the MC / UDP connection terminating unit 65 located at the last stage of the stream separation / relay device 6 described above. Terminate the multicast distribution connection by UDP, and
It constitutes a data packet receiving means for receiving the data packet sent from the DP connection terminating unit 65. Similarly, the UC / TCP connection terminating unit 72 located at the first stage is provided with
UC / TCP connection termination unit 66 located at the last stage of
And a control packet receiving means for terminating a unicast connection for distribution state management by TCP via the Internet 5 and receiving a control packet transmitted from the UC / TCP connection terminating unit 66. .

Further, the packet buffer unit 73 is provided with an MC /
The packet destination analyzing unit 7 constitutes a packet storage unit for temporarily storing data packets and control packets received through the UDP connection terminating unit 71 and the UC / TCP connection terminating unit 72, respectively.
Reference numeral 4 denotes a packet destination analyzing means for analyzing the destination described in the control packet stored in the packet buffer 73.

The packet destination analyzing section 74 has a function for analyzing the destination of the control packet by referring to at least one of the header and the payload type information included in the description of the control packet.

Then, based on the destination of the control packet analyzed by the packet destination analyzing unit 74, the packet reconstructing unit 75
3 constitutes a packet reconfiguring means for reconfiguring a data packet stored in the UC / TCP 3 into a single stream packet for a unicast distribution connection by TCP, and comprises a UC / TCP connection terminating unit 7 located at the last stage.
6 terminates a unicast distribution connection (UC / TCP) by TCP with a data server unit 77 accommodating a plurality of client terminals 2 shown in the figure, and a single stream reconfigured by a packet reconfiguration unit 75. It constitutes a stream packet transmitting means for transmitting a packet to the data server unit 77.

Further, the data server section 77 converts the single stream packet reconstructed by the packet reconstructing section 75 into the client terminal 2 to which the corresponding destination is assigned.
, The response control packet transmitted from the client terminal 2 having received the single stream packet and transmitted in response to the unicast protocol requested by the client terminal 2, UC / TCP connection terminator 7
2 and a function means ("data server" in the present invention) for transferring to the stream separation and relay device 6 by a unicast connection (UC / TCP) for distribution state management by TCP via the Internet 5.

When the data server unit 77 is applied, as shown in this example, the stream reconfiguration relay device 7
Besides installing it as part of its functional means,
For example, it can be installed outside the stream reconfiguration relay apparatus 7 independently of the stream reconfiguration relay apparatus 7 (when installed outside the stream reconfiguration relay apparatus 7, both the UC / T located at the first stage and the last stage).
The connection relationship with the CP connection terminating units 72 and 76 is maintained).

(Example of Method) Next, an example of a method applied to the stream broadcast relay system γ configured as described above will be described.

First, the stream separation / relay device 6 receives a stream packet transmitted by a unicast distribution connection by TCP from the stream server 1 through the UC / TCP connection termination unit 61 located at the first stage thereof, and The packet is sequentially written into the packet buffer unit 62 by a predetermined packet writing unit (not shown).

Next, the packet type analysis unit 63 refers to the type of the stream packet sequentially read from the packet packet buffer unit 62 by a predetermined packet reading means (not shown) and refers to at least one of its header and payload type information. Analyze by doing.

Next, the packet sorting unit 64 sorts the stream packet into a data packet and a control packet based on the result of the stream type analysis by the packet type analyzing unit 63, and transfers the data packet among the packets to the final stage. MC / UDP connection termination unit 6 located
5 and a control packet to a UC / TCP connection termination unit 66 also located at the last stage.

The MC / UDP connection terminating unit 65 located at the last stage transfers the data packet supplied from the packet sorting unit 64 by a single multicast transfer connection using UDP via the communication satellite 3.
It is transmitted (broadcasted) to a plurality of stream reconfiguration relay devices 7 and simultaneously, the UC / TCP located at the last stage
The connection terminating unit 66 sends out the control packet provided from the packet sorting unit 64 to a plurality of stream reconfiguration relay devices 7 through a plurality of delivery state management unicast connections by TCP via the Internet 5. (Transfer individually).

On the other hand, the stream reconfiguration relay device 7
Is transmitted from the MC / UDP connection terminating unit 65 located at the last stage of the stream separation / relay device 6 through the MC / UDP connection terminating unit 71 located at the first stage thereof for a single multicast transfer by UDP via the communication satellite 3. The data packet transmitted through the connection is received, and the data packet is sequentially written in the packet buffer unit 73 by a predetermined packet writing unit (not shown).

At the same time, the stream reconfiguration relay device 7 transmits the data from the UC / TCP connection termination portion 66 located at the last stage of the stream separation / relay device 6 to the Internet via the UC / TCP connection termination portion 72 located at the first stage. The control packet transmitted through a plurality of unicast connections for distribution state management by TCP via the control unit 5 is received, and the control packet is sequentially written in the packet buffer unit 73 by the above-described packet writing unit.

Next, the packet destination analyzing unit 74 converts the destination described in the control packet sequentially read from the packet buffer unit 73 by a predetermined packet reading unit (not shown) into at least the header and the payload type information. Analyze by referring to one.

Next, based on the destination of the control packet analyzed by the packet destination analyzing section 74, the packet reconstructing section 75 converts the control packet and the data packet sequentially read from the packet buffer section 73 by the above-described packet reading means. , A single stream packet for a unicast distribution connection by TCP, and reconstructs this into a UC / TCP connection termination unit 7 located at the last stage.
Give to 6.

Next, the UC / TCP connection terminating unit 76 located at the last stage sends a single stream packet supplied from the packet reconstructing unit 75 to the data server unit 77 by a unicast distribution connection by TCP. .

Then, the data server unit 77 directs the single stream packet received from the UC / TCP connection termination unit 76 located at the last stage to the client terminal 2 to which the corresponding destination is assigned, and And transmits a response control packet correspondingly transmitted from the client terminal 2 having received the single stream packet.
UC / TC of the first stage in the stream reconfiguration relay device 7
The data is transferred to the stream separation / relay device 6 by a P-connection termination unit 72 and a unicast connection for distribution state management by TCP via the Internet 5.

As a unicast protocol between the data server unit 77 and the client terminal 2, a unicast distribution connection (UC / UC
In addition to TCP, connectionless UDP may be applied. In this case, in the data server unit 77, a single UDP received from the UC / TCP connection termination unit 76 located at the last stage is used. The protocol of the stream packet is converted from TCP to UDP, and the obtained single stream packet for the unicast delivery connection by UDP is directed to the designated client terminal 2 and the unicast delivery connection (UC / UDP).

(Modification) Finally, a modification of the above-described apparatus example and a corresponding method example will be briefly described with reference to FIG.

In the above-described apparatus example and method example, the reconfiguration of a single stream packet performed in the stream reconfiguration relay apparatus 7 is performed in the “destination” described in the control packet transferred from the stream separation relay apparatus 6. In the present modification, the reconfiguration of the single stream packet is performed based on the “order identifier” indicating the distribution order of the data packet and the control packet transferred from the stream separation relay device 6. It provides means and methods for performing such operations.

That is, in order to reconstruct a single stream packet based on the above-mentioned sequence identifier, first, the packet distribution unit 64 in the stream separation / relay apparatus 6 assigns a sequence identifier according to the distribution sequence to the packet distribution unit 64. In addition to providing a function for sequentially assigning the sorted data packets and control packets, the packet reconfiguration unit 75 in the stream reconfiguration relay device 7 analyzes the reconfiguration of a single stream packet. In place of the function means for performing the reconfiguration based on the destination of the control packet, the apparatus is provided with a function means for performing the reconfiguration based on the order identifier attached to the data packet and the control packet transferred from the stream separation relay device 6, and These means are used to transmit stream broadcast data from the stream server 1 to a plurality of client terminals 2. In data distribution process, it is sufficient to respectively function in conjunction with other means in the stream separating relay device 6 and the stream reconstruction repeater 7 (functional component).

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the apparatus examples, the method examples, and the modified examples in this order, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the means and methods described above. Modifications can be made as appropriate within the scope of achieving the object of the invention and having the effects described below.

[0077]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, since a connection for multicast transfer via a communication satellite is applied, efficient data distribution independent of the number of reception points of stream broadcast data can be achieved. In addition to the application of the unicast connection for distribution status management via the Internet, the distribution status management of stream broadcast data can be performed for each of a plurality of receiving locations, and in addition, unicast distribution to client terminals Class D because connection was applied
It is possible for a client terminal that cannot receive an IP address of the above or a client terminal accommodated in a network that cannot transfer a class D IP address to receive required stream broadcast data.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a stream broadcast relay system device according to an example of the device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing each configuration of a stream separation relay device and a stream reconfiguration relay device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of a conventional unicast stream broadcast relay system device using a communication satellite network as a broadcast network.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of a conventional stream broadcast relay system device using a communication satellite network as a broadcast communication network by a multicast method.

[Explanation of symbols]

 .alpha., .beta., .gamma. stream broadcast relay system device 1 stream server 2 (plural) client terminals 3 communication satellites 4 (multiple) stream relay devices 5 internet 6 stream relay device 61 UC / TCP connection Terminating unit (first stage) 62 ... Packet buffer unit 63 ... Packet type analyzing unit 64 ... Packet sorting unit 65 ... MC / UDP connection terminating unit (final stage) 66 ... UC / TCP connection terminating unit (final stage) 7 ... Stream relay Device 71: MC / UDP connection termination unit (first stage) 72: UC / TCP connection termination unit (first stage) 73: Packet buffer unit 74: Packet destination analysis unit 75: Packet reconfiguration unit 76: UC / TCP connection termination unit (end) Stage) 77 ... Data server section

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Shinya Hanano 2-3-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Inside Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (72) Inventor Kiyoshi Yanagimoto 2-3-3, Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo No. 1 Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation F term (reference) 5C064 BA07 BB05 BC11 BC18 BC27 BD08 BD09 DA09 5K030 HA08 HB06 HB16 HB21 HC01 JA07 JA11 JL02 KA01 KA07 KX28 LB06 LD07

Claims (20)

[Claims] 1. A stream broadcast relay method for relaying stream broadcast data stored in a stream server via a broadcast communication network in response to a viewing distribution request from a plurality of client terminals, comprising: At the broadcast data transmission point, the types of the stream packets transmitted from the stream server by the unicast distribution connection are individually analyzed, and the stream packets are distributed to data packets and control packets. While a single multicast transfer connection via the broadcast network is used to broadcast and transfer the stream broadcast data to a plurality of reception sites, the distributed control packets are transmitted to a plurality of Unicast for distribution status management The connection is transferred individually to the corresponding plurality of receiving points, and at each of the receiving points, the destination described in the transferred control packet is analyzed, and the destination of the analyzed control packet is analyzed. Based on the destination,
The control packet and the transferred data packet are reconfigured into a single stream packet for the unicast distribution connection, and the reconfigured single stream packet is assigned the corresponding destination. A stream broadcast relay method, wherein the stream is transmitted to the client terminal according to a unicast protocol requested by the client terminal. 2. The distribution of the stream packets at the transmission site involves an operation of sequentially assigning an order identifier according to the distribution order to the distributed data packets and the control packets. The reconfiguration of the single stream packet at the base is performed based on the destination of the analyzed control packet, but the data packet and the control packet transferred from the transmission base are assigned to the data packet and the control packet. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method is performed based on an order identifier. 3. The stream broadcast relay method according to claim 1, wherein the unicast distribution connection is established by TCP which is a connection type protocol. 4. The stream broadcast relay method according to claim 1, wherein the single multicast transfer connection is established by UDP which is a connectionless protocol. 5. The unicast connection for managing a plurality of distribution states, wherein the T
The stream broadcast relay method according to claim 3, wherein the stream broadcast relay method is established by a CP. 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the type analysis of the stream packet at the transmission point is performed by referring to at least one of a header and payload type information included in the description of the stream packet. 6. The stream broadcast relay method according to 3, 4, or 5. 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the destination analysis of the control packet at the receiving point is performed by referring to at least one of a header and payload type information included in the description of the control packet. 7. The stream broadcast relay method according to 3, 4, 5, or 6. 8. The transmission of the data packet and the control packet is performed by a communication satellite network constituting the broadcast communication network.
Stream broadcasting relay method described in 1. 9. The transfer of the data packet and the control packet is performed by an ATM multicast network constituting the broadcast communication network.
Stream broadcasting relay method described in 1. 10. A stream broadcast relay system apparatus for relaying stream broadcast data stored in a stream server via a broadcast communication network in response to a viewing distribution request from a plurality of client terminals, The data packet included in the stream packet transmitted from the stream server by a unicast distribution connection, forming a transmission base of the stream broadcast data, is transmitted by the single multicast transfer connection via the broadcast network. The broadcast packet is transmitted to a plurality of receiving points of the broadcast data, and the control packet included in the transmitted stream packet is transmitted by the plurality of distribution state management unicast connections via the Internet. Individually transferred to bases Stream separating and relaying device, forming the plurality of receiving points, analyzing the destination described in the control packet transferred from the stream separating and repeating device, and analyzing the control packet and the transferred data packet. A plurality of stream reconfiguration relay devices for reconfiguring into a single stream packet for the unicast delivery connection, and the plurality of stream reconfiguration relay devices are provided in one-to-one correspondence with one stream reconfiguration. The single stream packet reconfigured in the relay device is transmitted to the client terminal to which the corresponding destination is assigned by using the unicast protocol requested by the client terminal, and the single stream packet is transmitted. Response sent from the client terminal receiving the And a data server for transferring the control packet to the stream separation / relay device by the relevant stream reconfigurable relay device and the distribution state management unicast connection via the Internet. Relay system device. 11. The stream reconfigurable relay device according to claim 10, wherein the data server is installed inside the stream reconfigurable relay device as a part of the function unit of the corresponding stream reconfigurable relay device. Stream broadcast relay system device. 12. The data server, independently of the corresponding stream reconfiguration relay device,
The stream broadcast relay system device according to claim 10, wherein the stream broadcast relay system device is installed outside the stream reconfiguration relay device. 13. The stream separation and relay device, comprising: a stream packet receiving means for receiving the stream packet transmitted from the stream server by the unicast distribution connection; and the stream packet received through the stream packet receiving means. Packet storage means for temporarily storing the stream packet, packet type analysis means for individually analyzing the type of the stream packet stored in the packet storage means, and a packet type analysis result of the stream packet by the packet type analysis means. Packet distributing means for distributing the stream packet into the data packet and the control packet; and distributing the data packet distributed by the packet distributing means to the single multicast packet via the broadcast network. A data packet transmitting means for transmitting to the plurality of stream reconfiguring relay devices by a stream transfer connection; and a plurality of distribution state management via the Internet for the control packets distributed by the packet distribution means. 13. The stream broadcast relay system device according to claim 10, further comprising: a control packet transmitting unit that transmits the plurality of stream reconfigurable relay devices as targets using a unicast connection for use. 14. The plurality of stream reconfiguration relay devices, each of which receives the data packet transmitted from the data packet transmission means of the stream separation relay device through the single multicast transfer connection. Receiving means, control packet receiving means for receiving the control packet transmitted from the control packet transmitting means of the stream separation and relay device by the plurality of distribution state management unicast connections, the data packet receiving means, and A packet storage unit for temporarily storing the data packet and the control packet respectively received through the control packet receiving unit; and a packet destination analysis unit for analyzing a destination described in the control packet stored in the packet storage unit. Means, Based on the destination of the control packet analyzed by the packet destination analysis unit, the control packet and the data packet stored in the packet storage unit,
Packet reconfiguring means for reconfiguring the single stream packet for the unicast distribution connection; stream packet transmitting means for transmitting the single stream packet reconfigured by the packet reconfiguring means to the data server 14. The stream broadcast relay system device according to claim 13, comprising: 15. The packet distribution means in the stream separation / relay apparatus further includes a function means for assigning an order identifier according to the distribution order to the distributed data packet and the control packet. The packet reconfiguration means in the stream reconfiguration relay device, the function of performing the reconfiguration of the single stream packet based on the destination of the analyzed control packet, the reconfiguration, 15. The stream broadcast relay system according to claim 14, further comprising: a function unit that performs the processing based on the sequence identifier attached to the data packet and the control packet transferred from the stream separation / relay device. apparatus. 16. The stream packet receiving means in the stream separation / relay device and the stream packet sending means in the stream reconfiguration / relay device both terminate the unicast distribution connection by TCP which is a connection type protocol. The stream broadcast relay system device according to claim 14 or 15, which is a unicast TCP connection terminating unit. 17. The single multicast transfer connection according to UDP, which is a connectionless protocol, wherein the data packet transmitting means in the stream separation relay device and the data packet receiving means in the stream reconfiguration relay device are both connected. The stream broadcast relay system device according to claim 14, 15 or 16, wherein the device is a multicast UDP connection terminating means for terminating each other. 18. The control packet transmitting means in the stream separation and relay apparatus and the control packet receiving means in the stream reconfiguration relay apparatus, both of which are used in the unicast distribution connection.
The stream broadcast relay system device according to claim 16, wherein the stream broadcast relay system device is a unicast TCP connection terminating unit for terminating the plurality of distribution state management unicast connections by a CP. 19. A function for analyzing the type of the stream packet by referring to at least one of a header and payload type information included in the description of the stream packet, wherein the packet type analysis means in the stream separation / relay device is provided. 18. The method according to claim 13, further comprising:
Or the stream broadcast relay system device according to 18. 20. The packet destination analyzing means in the stream reconfiguration relay device, by referring to at least one of a header and payload type information included in the description of the control packet,
19. The apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising a function unit for analyzing the destination of the control packet.
Or the stream broadcast relay system device according to 19.