CN1799255A

CN1799255A - A method of announcing sessions

Info

Publication number: CN1799255A
Application number: CNA200380108784XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: 尤哈－帕卡·洛马; 多米尼克·马勒; 托尼·佩拉
Original assignee: Nokia Oyj
Current assignee: Nokia Oyj
Priority date: 2002-12-18
Filing date: 2003-11-27
Publication date: 2006-07-05
Also published as: GB2396444A; GB0229477D0

Abstract

An electronic service guide (ESG) is provided by transmitting announcements describing multimedia sessions, such video streams. Sessions are organised into a session directory (28) which is split into two parts: a full session directory (291) and an updated session directory (292). A first kind of announcement describes all sessions in the full session directory. A second kind of announcement describes sessions in the updated session directory. Once a client has received a description of the full session directory, it need only listen to announcements of the second type so as to learn of any updates to sessions.

Description

The method of announcing sessions

Technical field

The present invention relates to the method for announcing sessions, specifically, relate to method by multicast network declaration multimedia service session.

Background technology

The data of audio frequency, video and other type can transmit by the diverse network according to many different agreements.For example, data can be by utilizing the agreement of Internet Protocol collection, and for example many networks (being commonly referred to the internet) of Internet protocol (IP) and User Datagram Protoco (UDP) (UDP) transmit.

Data are transmitted to the sole user by the internet usually.But data also can be sent to one group of user.This is called as " multicast ".

A kind of mode of multicast packet is to use IP data broadcast network.By so IP-based radio network, one or more service providers can supply with dissimilar IP services, are included in report from a liner paper, radio, the download of TV and melody, video, picture, recreation and software.These IP services are organized into session, and each session comprises one or more Media Streams of the data that are audio frequency, video and/or other type.

In order to determine when and where these sessions produce, and the user consults electronic service guidebooks (ESG).An example that uses among the DVD is electronic program guides (EPG).Electronic service guidebooks is divided into a plurality of parts usually and is transmitted to the user.

But this method has several defectives.On the one hand, if arbitrarily session is updated, before the user received the notice of session of renewal, the user had to wait for usually, till the service guide of having received redaction so.On the other hand, generally seldom there is session to be updated.So most data that the user receives are unnecessary.This had both wasted disposal ability, had wasted electric power again, and the two often causes battery powered portable terminal electric power undersupply.

The present invention attempts to provide improving one's methods of the session of a kind of declaration by the network transmission.

Summary of the invention

According to a first aspect of the invention, provide the method for a kind of declaration by the session of Network Transmission, described method comprises the first group of declaration that provides a description a plurality of sessions and provides a description at least one more second group of declaration of new session.

Its advantage is can select to provide second group of declaration that first group of declaration describing a plurality of sessions still provides a description any more new session.The session that this allows declaration more fast and effeciently to upgrade.

More new session can be the new session that adds in described a plurality of sessions, the session that content is increased, changes or deletes in described a plurality of sessions, perhaps a session of deleting from described a plurality of sessions.

First group of declaration is provided and provides second group of declaration to comprise by first channel first group of declaration is provided, and provide second group of declaration by different second channels.

First group of declaration is provided and provides second group of declaration to comprise respectively by first address, destination-address preferably, for example first multicast ip address provides first group of declaration, with by second different address, preferably destination-address provides second group of declaration such as second different multicast ip address.

First group of declaration is provided and provides second group of declaration to comprise respectively by first port numbers first group of declaration is provided, and provide second group of declaration by the second different port numbers.

First group of declaration is provided and provides second group of declaration to comprise respectively by first logic channel first group of declaration is provided, and provide second group of declaration by second different logic channel.

First group of declaration is provided and provides second group of declaration to be included in and comprise in each declaration in first group of declaration being used for this declaration is identified as and comprise in the data of the declaration of describing one of described a plurality of sessions and each declaration in second group of declaration being used for this declaration is identified as and describe at least one more data of the declaration of one of new session.

First group of declaration is provided and provides second group of declaration to be included in and comprise in the corresponding data that is used for the position of regulation respective session in first's session directory and each declaration in second group of declaration in each declaration in first group of declaration and comprise the corresponding data that is used for the position of regulation respective session in the second portion session directory.

First group of declaration is provided and provides second group of declaration to comprise respectively by first physical channel first group of declaration is provided, and provide second group of declaration by second different physical channel.

First group of declaration is provided and provides second group of declaration to comprise respectively by first network first group of declaration is provided, and provide second group of declaration by second different network.

This method also comprises providing a description and comprises at least one more the 3rd group of declaration of other a plurality of sessions of new session.

This method comprises by first channel provides first group of declaration, provide a description at least one more second group of new session declaration and provide a description by first channel and to comprise at least one more the 3rd group of declaration of other a plurality of sessions of new session by different second channels.

This method comprise with described second group the declaration provide be arranged in described first group the declaration providing after.

This method comprises providing of described first group of declaration and providing and being arranged in the overlapping or identical period of described the 3rd group of declaration.

First group of declaration is provided and provides second group of declaration to comprise, and transmit second group of declaration by different second channels by first group of declaration of first Channel Transmission.

This method comprises according to session declaration agreement (SAP), unidirectional hypertext transfer protocol (UHTTP), and asynchronous layered coding (ALC) agreement or based on the similar unidirectional protocol of User Datagram Protoco (UDP) (UDP) is transmitted first group of declaration.This method can be included in the description that for example comprises the respective session of arranging according to Session Description Protocol (SDP) in each declaration.

This method can comprise to be provided for example by providing first group to declare to determine the means whether all first group declaration has been provided as a series of link message.

This method can be included in provides first group of declaration in first group of time slot, second group of declaration is provided in second group of time slot, and each time slots in being different from second group of time slot provides each time slot of first group of time slot.This method comprises multiplexed first group and second group of declaration.

This method also comprises provides identification at least one more the 3rd group of declaration of new session.Provide a description at least one more second group of new session declaration comprise and provide identification at least one more one group of declaration of new session.Provide a description at least one more second group of new session declaration also comprise the description that comprises respective session.Provide a description at least one more second group of new session declaration comprise and provide at least one one group of notice of new session more.

According to a further aspect in the invention, provide the method for a kind of declaration by the session of network transmission, described method comprises the first group of declaration that provides a description a plurality of sessions and provides identification at least one more second group of declaration of new session.

This method also comprises and provides a description at least one more the 3rd group of declaration of new session.This method comprises according to asynchronous layered coding (ALC) protocol transmission organizes at least one in the declaration more.This method comprises according to the agreement based on asynchronous layered coding (ALC) agreement, at least one in the many group declarations of transmission.This method comprises definition asynchronous layered coding (ALC) agreement and at least one ALC channel of definition.This method comprises a group metadata that transmits a plurality of sessions of description by an ALC channel.This method comprises by second different ALC channel, transmits and describes at least one more group metadata of new session.This method comprises by the 3rd different ALC channel, transmits described at least one group metadata of new session more of identification.Comprise with the form of transmission object in this method and transmit a group metadata.This method also can comprise the corresponding transmission table that definition is relevant with transmission object, and transmits described transmission table.

According to a second aspect of the invention, provide a kind of computer program, when being carried out by data processing equipment, described computer program makes data processing equipment carry out the method for declaration by the session of Network Transmission.

According to a third aspect of the invention we, provide the method for a kind of access by the session of Network Transmission, described method includes and selectively receives first group of declaration describing a plurality of sessions; Receive selectively and describe at least one more second group of declaration of new session.

This method also comprises determines whether all described first group of declarations are received.This method comprises that also selection does not receive more described first group of declaration, the described second group of declaration of selective reception.This method comprises that also selection does not receive description and comprises described at least one more the 3rd group of declaration of other a plurality of sessions of new session.This method comprises that also selective reception describes the 4th group of declaration of at least one other more new session.

This method can comprise uses second group to declare to discern described at least one new session more.This method can comprise that selective reception comprises described at least one more another group declaration of the description of new session.This method can comprise described at least one the more description of new session of acquisition.

According to a further aspect in the invention, provide the method for a kind of access by the session of Network Transmission, described method includes and selectively receives first group of declaration describing a plurality of sessions and receive at least one more second group of declaration of new session of identification selectively.This method also includes selectively to receive describes described at least one more the 3rd group of declaration of new session.

According to a further aspect in the invention, provide the method for a kind of access by the session of Network Transmission, described method comprises monitors first group of declaration describing a plurality of sessions, determines whether to receive described first group of declaration; If received described first group of declaration, stop to monitor described first group of declaration so, and monitor and describe at least one more second group of declaration of new session.

This method comprises that also stopping to monitor description comprises described at least one more the 3rd group of declaration of other a plurality of sessions of new session.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, provide the equipment of a kind of declaration by the session of Network Transmission, described equipment comprises the device of the first group of declaration that provides a description a plurality of sessions and provides a description at least one more device of second group of declaration of new session.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, provide a kind of equipment of carrying out described method.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention, the equipment of a kind of declaration by the session of Network Transmission is provided, described equipment comprises first reflector of the first group of declaration that provides a description a plurality of sessions and provides a description at least one more second reflector of second group of declaration of new session.

This equipment comprises the device of the electronic service guidebooks of the session that management declaration will be by Network Transmission, management will be by Network Transmission the device of content of session, preserve the device of the electronic service guidebooks of the session that declaration will be by Network Transmission, preservation will be by Network Transmission the device of content of session, determine device to the change of electronic service guidebooks, described change is corresponding to will be by the more new session of Network Transmission, provide and server the relevant information of the change of electronic service guidebooks, described change is corresponding to providing the server and/or the apparatus for transmitting data of content by the more new session of Network Transmission.

According to an eighth aspect of the invention, the equipment of a kind of access by the session of Network Transmission is provided, described equipment includes the device that selectively receives first group of declaration describing a plurality of sessions and receives selectively describes at least one more device of second group of declaration of new session.

This equipment comprises the device that determines whether to receive described first group of declaration, and this equipment is disposed like this, determines to have received first group of declaration that the device that receives described second group of declaration so selectively is configured to receive second group of declaration if determine device.

This equipment includes selectively to receive to describe and comprises described at least one device of the 3rd group of declaration of other a plurality of sessions of new session more, this equipment is disposed like this, if described definite device determines to have received first group of declaration, receive the 3rd group of device of declaring so selectively and be configured to not receive or do not transmit the 3rd group of declaration.

This equipment comprises the device that receives data, filter the device of the electronic service guidebooks of the session that declaration will be by Network Transmission, preserve the device of the electronic service guidebooks of the session that declaration will be by Network Transmission, browse the device of the electronic service guidebooks of the session that declaration will be by Network Transmission, the device of filtering content is preserved the device of content and/or the device of browsing content.

This equipment can be portable equipment.

According to a ninth aspect of the invention, a kind of system that presents program schedule data on display is provided, described system comprises at least two declarations, first group of declaration of a plurality of sessions described to small part to the small part basis, with to small part according to describing at least one more second group of declaration of new session to small part, organize described timetable data.

According to the tenth aspect of the invention, a kind of system that presents program schedule data on display is provided, described system comprises at least two declarations, can repeat declaration according to first group that describes a plurality of sessions to small part, to small part according to describe to small part at least one more second group of new session can repeat declaration, with at least one conversation description at least that can repeat to declare whether definition first and second declarations have been received one of at least, organize described timetable data.

According to an eleventh aspect of the invention, a kind of system that program schedule data is sent to terminal use's terminal is provided, described system comprises two groups of declarations, every group of declaration comprises at least one declaration, first group of declaration of a plurality of sessions described to small part to the small part basis, with to small part according to describing at least one more second group of declaration of new session to small part, organize described timetable data.

According to a twelfth aspect of the invention, a kind of system that program schedule data is offered terminal use's terminal is provided, described system comprises the declaration of at least two groups, every group of declaration comprises at least one declaration, can repeat declaration according to first group that describes a plurality of sessions to small part, to small part according to describe to small part at least one more second group of new session can repeat declaration, with at least one conversation description at least that can repeat to declare whether definition first and second declarations have been received one of at least, organize described timetable data.

Second group of declaration can comprise each more version number of new session, whether missed renewal early so that allow client computer to detect them.If it has missed renewal early the client computer discovery, and does not receive first group of declaration at present, client computer begins to receive first group of declaration so, till it has received the program schedule data of complete latest edition.If it has received the program schedule data of complete latest edition the client computer discovery, it can stop to receive first group of declaration so, and continues to receive only second group of declaration.If it has missed renewal early the client computer discovery, it can fetch the program schedule data of complete latest edition by interactive network so.Before transmission, repeatably declare for every group to be divided into a plurality of fragments, can in the framing field of each respective segments, indicate the position of each fragment in the whole transmission; The position of indication makes client computer can determine whether they have received all fragments that constitute one group of declaration of appointment, and perhaps whether they need wait to receive more fragment.

Program schedule data can directly be checked by the end user, perhaps be used automatically by application software.When just in program receiving timetable data, program schedule data can offer the end user progressively, perhaps can use for automatic application software progressively.Program schedule data can be checked by graphic user interface by the end user.Program schedule data can be used by individual video recorder.

Description of drawings

Below with reference to accompanying drawing, illustrate embodiments of the invention, wherein:

Fig. 1 is the schematic diagram of multi-cast system 1;

Fig. 2 represents to be kept at the content in the content data base;

Fig. 3 represents session directory;

Fig. 4 represents to be kept at the electronic service guide (esg) data in the electronic service guide (esg) data storehouse;

Fig. 5 represents to be kept at the update content in the content data base;

Fig. 6 represents the session directory upgraded;

Fig. 7 represents to be kept at the electronic service guide (esg) data of the renewal in the electronic service guide (esg) data storehouse;

Fig. 8 represents first embodiment according to the session directory before upgrading of the present invention;

Fig. 9 represents according to the session directory shown in Fig. 8 after upgrading of the present invention;

Figure 10 is illustrated in according to the electronic service guide (esg) data before the renewal of the present invention;

Figure 11 is illustrated in according to the electronic service guide (esg) data after the renewal of the present invention;

Figure 12 represents the session announcement message according to SAP of utilization of the present invention and SDP agreement;

Figure 13 graphic extension is according to the transmission of the description of the session directory of utilizing the session announcement message shown in Figure 12 of the present invention;

Figure 14 is the handling process of the method for operations according to the instant invention data broadcast service system;

Figure 15 is the handling process of the method for operations according to the instant invention data broadcast client computer;

Figure 16 is illustrated in second embodiment according to the session directory after the renewal of the present invention;

Figure 17 represents according to the present invention electronic service guide (esg) data to be divided into data segment;

Figure 18 represents according to the present invention, utilizes another session announcement message of UDP and UHTTP agreement;

Figure 19 graphic extension is according to the transmission of the description of the session directory of utilizing the session announcement message shown in Figure 18 of the present invention;

Figure 20 represents the notice according to more new data of the present invention;

Figure 21 represents another session announcement message according to UDP of utilization of the present invention and ALC agreement;

Figure 22 graphic extension is according to the transmission that utilizes the electronic service guide (esg) data of ALC channel of the present invention;

Figure 23 represents according to of the present invention by utilizing time division multiplexing, utilizes the transmission of description of the session directory of session announcement message;

Figure 24 represents the schematic diagram that is used for the terminal of receiving multicast data according to of the present invention;

Figure 25 represents according to electronic service guidebooks browser of the present invention.

Embodiment

Multi-cast system 1

Referring to Fig. 1, represented multi-cast system 1. among the figure in this example, multi-cast system 1 is Internet protocol (IP) data broadcast system.Multi-cast system 1 can comprise data broadcast service system 2, data broadcast device 3, data broadcast network 4 and a plurality of client computer 5.For the sake of clarity, only represented a client computer 5.

Keeper 6 is provided for the program content to client computer 5 broadcasting, the data of audio frequency, video and/or other type for example, and provide a description the metadata of content.Metadata comprises the information relevant with the transmission of content.

Data broadcast service system 2 produces carries the IP stream that is used for closing to the content item posture in sleep of client computer 5 broadcasting metadata.Data broadcast device 3 receives IP stream from data broadcast service system 2, and layer 2 encapsulation and modulation are provided, and sends the IP data to client computer 5 by data broadcast network 4.Data broadcast network 4 is the point-to-point configurations that are used to transmit the IP data.In general, 4 supports of data broadcast network are to a plurality of while data broadcasts of client computer 5.In this example, data broadcast network 4 is not supported the return data path from client computer 5 to data broadcast device 3.Data broadcast network 5 ¹Can be digital video broadcasting (DVB) network for example, digital audio broadcasting (DAB) network, the advanced television standard committee (ATSC) network, Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting (ISDB) network or wireless lan (wlan).Client computer 5 comprises by data broadcast network 4 received contents and content description, and they is offered end user 7 terminal.Terminal can be a fixed terminal, such as desktop PC or TV set-top box, or portable terminal, such as the on knee or notebook-PC with the receiving system that receives broadcast transmission, personal digital assistant or mobile phone hand-held set.

Data broadcast service system 2 comprises electronic service guidebooks (ESG) administration module 8, preserve the ESG database 9 of the metadata of electronic service guidebooks, service discovery server 10, content managing module 11, preservation is used for the content data base 12 and the content server 13 of the content of data broadcast.

Electronic service guidebooks (ESG) is the indication of showing with the launch time of available content, describes available content, but such as a group metadata of filling formula medium and file in download.The all or part of metadata of single ESG is transmitted to subscribing client in the ESG session that can comprise one or more channels.

ESG administration module 8 allows the keeper to control the metadata of data of description broadcast contents.Content item can be divided into IP service and IP session.Content item can be assigned with the time slot that (or remove and distribute) is used to transmit.Thereby metadata is with the structure of the formal description content item of the hierarchy of IP service and IP session.Metadata can comprise with launch time of IP session table and IP session in the relevant information of single content item.

Content managing module 11 allows keeper's increase, replaces and deletes the content item in the content data base 12.

Service discovery server 10 produces the declaration of IP service and IP session according to the metadata that finds in ESG database 9.Declaration is sent to data broadcast device 3, so that by 4 transmission of data broadcast network.By repeating declaration circularly, perhaps, can transmit declaration repeatedly by repeatedly transmission declaration.

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¹

As will be described in more detail, produce two kinds of declarations.Complete IP service catalogue is described in first kind of declaration, second kind of renewal of declaring to describe to the IP service catalogue.

In one embodiment of the invention, second kind of declaration is used to transmit the session directory of renewal.

In another embodiment of the present invention, second kind of declaration comprises the sign of reformed those parts of service catalogue.Second kind of declaration can only comprise such sign.Second kind of notice that declaration can be counted as upgrading like this.The second kind of declaration that only comprises update notification can be sent more continually than the second kind of declaration that comprises renewal.Second kind of declaration can comprise one or more notices of renewal, and one or more renewals, thereby a group of the time can obtain from declaration is selected to upgrade upgrading.

Content server 13 is fetched schedule information from ESG database 9, according to schedule information, fetches content from content data base 12, and the content of fetching is sent to the data broadcast device, so that by 4 transmission of data broadcast network.

Client computer 5 comprises data broadcast receiver 14, and service discovery client computer 15 is preserved the ESG database 16 of the metadata of electronic service guidebooks, ESG browser 17, and information filtering uses 18, content data base 19 and elements browser 20.

Data broadcast receiver 14 receives data by data broadcast network 4, and with data demodulates and releasing encapsulation.In this case, data broadcast receiver 14 removes demodulation the data forwarding of encapsulation to IP stack (not shown).The data that demodulation is removed encapsulation comprise the metadata IP grouping of carrying content stream or describing content.The IP grouping uses 15,18 from the IP that the stack (not shown) is forwarded in client computer 5 operations.

Service discovery client computer 15 receives the IP grouping of carrying IP service declaration at one or more assigned address and one or more designated port.Following described in more detail, service discovery client computer 15 can receive first kind of declaration describing complete service catalogue, and on the other hand or in addition, receives second kind of declaration describing the renewal of service catalogue.The IP grouping is carried and can be stored in the ESG database 16, perhaps directly is transmitted to the metadata of ESG browser 17.

ESG database 16 has and the very similar message structure of server side ESG database 9.ESG database 16 initially is empty, and for example when opening client computer 5 at first, still when receiving IP session declaration from data broadcast service system 2, ESG database 16 is filled and upgrades.

ESG browser 17 allows end users 7 to check the timetable and the description of IP service, session and the content item that can obtain from data broadcast device service system 2.ESG browser 17 can be fetched metadata from ESG database 16, perhaps directly receives metadata from service discovery client computer 15.

Information filtering is used 18 and receive IP grouping at elements browser 20 or other one or more assigned address and one or more designated port of using configuration of moving on client computer.The IP grouping is carried and can be stored in the content data base 19, perhaps can directly be transmitted to the content of elements browser 20.

When end user 7 had selected to supply the particular data broadcast contents project of consumption, elements browser 20 was written into and is moved.Content item can be received in real time or be fetched from content data base 19.Elements browser 20 can be for example Web browser, MP3 player or stream-type video client computer.

Multi-cast system 1 can allow the automated content of exterior content supplier (not shown) to upload and the forwarding of internet content.Data broadcast device 3 also can send content to a plurality of data broadcast network (not shown), and each data broadcast network comprises one or more transponders.

In one embodiment of the invention, between data broadcast device 3 and client computer 4, one or more ESG can be set and act on behalf of (not shown).Each ESG agency can receive and launch a plurality of parts of ESG metadata or ESG metadata, the notice of upgrading and/or upgrading.Each ESG agency can filter a plurality of parts of ESG metadata or ESG metadata, comprise the notice from one or more ESG senders' renewal and renewal, and the ESG metadata after will filtering is exported to one or more ESG sessions.In logic, the ESG agency is installed between ESG sender and the receiver.Act on behalf of a plurality of parts of also cacheable ESG metadata or ESG metadata, comprise the notice of upgrading and upgrading, and its bandwidth control or congestion control scheme about output are provided.

Session

Referring to Fig. 2, represented among the figure to be kept in the content data base 12, and comprised the first, second, third and the

4th session

22 ₁, 22 ₂, 22 ₃, 23 ² ₄Content.First, second and the

3rd session

22 ₁, 22 ₂, 22 ₃Comprise the data relevant with football.For example, first session 22 ₁Can comprise text, second session 22 about match ₂Can comprise video flowing, the 3rd session 22 ₃Can comprise audio stream.

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²

The 4th session 22 ₄Comprise the data relevant with

hockey.Session

22 ₁, 22 ₂, 22 ₃, 23 ³ ₄Can comprise single IP stream or a plurality of IP stream.

Session directory

Referring to Fig. 3, represented among the figure to produce session 22 according to it ₁, 22 ₂, 22 ₃, 22 ₄Session directory 23.At ground floor, session directory 23 comprises classification, such as physical culture 24 ₁Other example of classification comprises art, commerce, computer, recreation, news, shopping and in other common classification of web portal website.At the second layer, each classification comprises subclass, such as football 25 ₁With hockey 25 ₂Each subclass can further be segmented.For example, football subcategory 25 ₁Can be divided into league football match, each league football match can be divided into league matches level group, and each league matches level group can be divided into the sportsman again.

Each classification, subclass or further subclass can comprise one or more sessions.For example, football subcategory 25 ₁Comprise first, second and the

3rd session

22 ₁, 22 ₂, 22 ₃, and hockey subclass 25 ₂Comprise the 4th session 22 ₄

Referring to Fig. 4, the ESG data 26 in the ESG database 9 have been represented to be kept among the figure.Electronic service guide (esg) data 26 comprises describes the first, second, third and the 4th session 22 respectively ₁, 22 ₂, 22 ₃, 22 ₄The first, second, third and the

4th group metadata

27 ₁, 27 ₂, 27 ₃, 27 ₄The structure of ESG data 26 reflection session directory 22.

ESG data 26 are transmitted to client computer 5, so that provide ESG to the user.But, as described below, if ESG data 26 need be updated, have problems so.

Referring to Fig. 1,2,3 and 4, at the beginning, ESG data 26 are transmitted to client computer 5 from data broadcast service system 2.Data broadcast service system 2 is with each

group metadata

27 ₁, 27 ₂, 27 ₃, 27 ₄Send to data broadcast device 3, so that be transmitted to client computer 5.Client computer 5 begins to receive each

group metadata

27 ₁, 27 ₂, 27 ₃, 27 ₄, and begin to fill the ESG database 16 of initial blank.At last, all each

group metadata

27 ₁, 27 ₂, 27 ₃, 27 ₄Be received and be stored in the ESG database 16.At this moment, the ESG data are complete.

Referring to Fig. 5, content data base 12 is updated, represented among the figure corresponding update content 21 '.Update content 21 ' the comprise session 22 of renewal ₁' and new session 22 ₅For example, by reporting with match

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³

The sub preview, renewable first session 22 ₁ New session 22 ₅It can be text with hockey tournament time list.

Referring to Fig. 6, represented among the figure session directory 23 upgraded ', the session directory 23 of renewal ' the comprise session 22 of renewal ₁' and new session 22 ₅

Referring to Fig. 7, represented among the figure ESG data 26 upgraded ', the ESG data 26 of renewal ' comprise first group metadata 27 of renewal ₁' and one group of new metadata 27 ₅

Referring to Fig. 1,4,6 and 7, the ESG data 26 of renewal ' be transmitted to client computer 5 from data broadcast service system 2.Data broadcast service system 2 is with the ESG data 26 upgraded ' send to data broadcast device 3 so that emission.Client computer 5 receives each group metadata 27 of upgrading subsequently ₁', 27 ₂, 27 ₃, 27 ₄, 27 ₅But client computer 5 is not known every group metadata 27 ₁', 27 ₂, 27 ₃, 27 ₄, 27 ₅Whether be associated with session existing or that upgrade.Thereby Shu Ru every group metadata 27 relatively ₁', 27 ₂, 27 ₃, 27 ₄, 27 ₅With each group metadata 27 of preserving ₁, 27 ₂, 27 ₃, 27 ₄, whether be associated with the data updated session so that check them.Process metadata is wasted in this manner.In addition, first session 22 that is being updated ₁And by revised between the electronic service guidebooks of client computer 5, have time delay.

So, improved session directory and improved ESG preferably are provided.

A solution of this problem is to cut apart session directory, and separates the transmission of ESG in view of the above.Declare that by sending two kinds of sessions transmit the description of session directory, complete session directory is described in one of described two kinds of sessions declaration, the session directory that another kind of description is upgraded is following described in more detail:

Cut apart session directory-first example

Referring to Fig. 8 and 9, Fig. 8 and 9 represented respectively before and after upgrading, according to

session directory

28,28 of the present invention ' first embodiment.

Session directory 28,28 ' be divided into two parts in higher level (in this example, on the classification layer), described two parts are called as complete session directory 29 respectively ₁More new session directory 29 ₂After a while, in second example, illustrate in the divided session directory of lower level.

Complete session directory 29 ₁Comprise aforementioned essentially identical classification, for example physical culture 24 ₁Each classification comprises subclass, and for example football 25 ₁With hockey 25 ₂Similarly, there is more further subclass.Each classification, subclass or more further arbitrarily subclass can comprise one or more sessions.In this case, football subcategory 25 ₁Comprise first, second and the

3rd session

22 ₁, 22 ₂, 22 ₃, hockey subclass 25 ₂Comprise the 4th session 22 ₄

More new session directory 29 ₂Also comprise with complete session directory in the classification corresponding class, such as physical culture 30 ₁Similarly, each corresponding class comprises corresponding subclass, such as football 31 ₁With hockey 31 ₂Similarly, can there be corresponding more further subclass.Each corresponding class, corresponding subclass or corresponding arbitrarily more further subclass can comprise one or more more new sessions (upgrading if exist).

Before upgrading, more new session directory 29 ₂Do not enumerate any session.

After upgrading, more new directory 29 ₂Enumerate the session after the renewal.In this case, football subcategory 31 ₁Comprise the session 22 of renewal ₁', hockey subclass 31 ₂Comprise the 5th session 22 ₅

This configuration is used to send two kinds of session declarations.A kind of declaration is used to describe all sessions.Another kind of declaration is used to describe the session of renewal.

Thereby client computer can be monitored first kind of declaration at first, so that receive the description of all sessions, promptly complete session directory.In case client computer has been received the description of all sessions, client computer just can only be monitored second kind of declaration, so that learn any renewal to session.

Use the session declaration of SAP and SDP

Referring to Figure 10 and 11, before and after having represented among Figure 10 and 11 to upgrade, according to

ESG data

32,32 of the present invention ' first example.

ESG data 32 comprise being respectively applied for describes the first, second, third and the

4th session

22 ₁, 22 ₂, 22 ₃, 22 ₄The first, second, third and the

4th group metadata

33 ₁, 33 ₂, 33 ₃, 33 ₄

The ESG 32 ' that upgrades comprises being respectively applied for and describes the first, second, third, fourth and the

5th session

22 ₁', 22 ₂, 22 ₃, 22 ₄, 22 ₅The first, second, third, fourth and the

5th group metadata

33 ₁', 33 ₂, 33 ₃, 33 ₄, 33 ₅

Session declaration agreement (SAP) is used to each

group metadata

33 ₁, 33 ₁', 33 ₂, 33 ₃, 33 ₄, 33 ₅Send client computer 5 to, Session Description Protocol (SDP) is used to

descriptive session

22 ₁, 22 ₁', 22 ₂, 22 ₃, 22 ₄, 22 ₅With reference to M.P.Maher, C.Perkins﹠amp; " the SessionAnnouncement Protocol " of E.Whelan, RFC 2974, IETF, in October, 2000, and M.Handley; " the Session Description Protocol " of V.Jacobson, RFC 2327, IETF, in April, 1998.

The use of session declaration agreement and Session Description Protocol advantageously allows the information of the structure of descriptive session catalogue to be transmitted to client computer 5.Referring to " the Describing sessiondirectories in SDP " of R.Finlayson, Internet Draft, IETF, January calendar year 2001, and A.Santos, J.Macedo; " the Towards multicast session directoryservicees " of V.Freitas.

Referring to Figure 12, represented a embodiment among the figure according to session declaration 34 of the present invention.The SDP that session declaration 34 comprises SAP head 35 and is session describes the pay(useful) load of 36 form.SDP describes 36 and comprises a group metadata 33 that is used for descriptive session.

Referring to Figure 13, in one embodiment of the invention, by sending two kinds of

session declarations

37 ₁, 37 ₂, the description that transmits session directory 28, every kind of session declaration descriptive session catalogue, in this case, complete session directory 29 is described in two kinds of session declarations respectively ₁More new session directory 29 ₂

First kind of session declaration 37 ₁Be used to describe all sessions, promptly complete session directory 29 ₁In last circulation 38 ₁In,

declaration

34 ₁, 34 ₂, 34 ₃, 34 ₄All sessions 22 before upgrading are described ₁, 22 ₂, 22 ₃, 22 ₄, one circulation 38 in the back ₂In,

declaration

34 ₁', 34 ₂, 34 ₃, 34 ₄, 34 ₅All sessions 22 after upgrading are described ₁', 22 ₂, 22 ₃, 22 ₄, 22 ₅

Second kind of session declaration 37 ₂Only be used to send since in last circulation 38 ₁The interior transmission declares 34 ₁, 34 ₂, 34 ₃, 34 ₄Since, the description of the session that increases, removes or change.In this example, in last circulation 38 ₁Before, without any circulation.Thereby, in last circulation 38 ₁In, there be not second kind of declaration 37 ₂One circulation 38 in the back ₂In, declaration 34 ₁', 34 ₅The session of upgrading 22 is described ₁', 22 ₅(Fig. 9).

Usually, will be more than two

declaration circulations

38 ₁, 38 ₂In addition, more session can be updated.Thereby each follow-up circulation (not shown) may comprise also may not comprise second kind of declaration 37 ₂Optionally, in a circulation, can send second kind of declaration 37 repeatedly ₂, to prevent expendable error of transmission.

Can be by utilizing SDP and SAP, the hierarchical structure of use multicast ip address is come the structure (Fig. 9) of descriptive session catalogue 28.

The process of the structure of descriptive session catalogue 28 embodiment is included on the multicast address of appointment and transmits first session declaration according to the present invention.First session declaration comprises second multicast address and other details that differs with session directory.Described process is included in and transmits second session declaration on second multicast address.Second session declaration comprises the 3rd multicast address and about other details of session subdirectory.Because subdirectory can be used to declare down the session directory of one deck again, so the session directory hierarchical structure can be organized into the tree structure of any degree of depth.In this example, transmit root or acquiescence session declaration (not shown) in known address, described or acquiescence session declaration regulation are respectively applied for and receive first kind of declaration 37 ₁With second kind of declaration 37 ₂A pair of address.

One or more " classification " field can be included in the session declaration, so that allow client computer 5 to filter and organize the session declaration.

As previously mentioned, first kind of declaration 37 ₁Can be transmitted such as 224.2.17.0 in an IP address.

Referring to Figure 13, first session declaration 34 ₁Can comprise first session 22 ₁SDP describe 36, for example comprise:

v＝0

o＝jsmith?2890842807?2890844525?IN?IP4?10.47.16.5

c＝IN?IP4?224.2.17.12/127

t＝2892054126?2892399688

m＝data?9875?UHTTP?UDP

a＝cat:Full.Sports.Soccer

If first session declaration 34 ₁Be updated first session declaration of upgrading so 34 ₁' can comprise first session 22 of renewal ₁' SDP describe 36, for example comprise:

v＝0

o＝jsmith?2890842807?2890844526?IN?IP410.47.16.5

c＝IN?IP4?224.2.17.12/127

t＝2892054126?2892399726

m＝data?9875?UHTTP?UDP

a＝cat:Full.Sports.Soccer

Similarly, second session declaration 34 ₂Can comprise second session 22 ₂SDP describe 36, for example comprise:

v＝0

o＝jsmith?2890842807?2890844526?IN?IP4?10.47.16.5

c＝IN?IP4?224.2.17.13/127

t＝2892054126?2892399726

m＝video?9875RTP/AVP?31

a＝cat:Full.Sports.Soccer

Second kind of declaration 37 ₂Be transmitted to the 2nd IP address, for example 224.2.17.1.

Still referring to Figure 13, first session of renewal declares 34 ₁' can comprise first session 22 of renewal ₁' (Fig. 9) SDP describes 36, for example comprises:

v＝0

o＝jsmith?2890842807?2890844526?IN?IP410.47.16.5

c＝IN?IP4?224.2.17.12/127

t＝2892054126?2892399726

m＝data?9875?UHTTP?UDP

a＝cat:Update.Sports.Soccer

More new session 22 ₁' (Fig. 9) can be identified as the session of renewal according to multiple mode:

At first, first session declaration 34 ₁With first session declaration of upgrading 34 ₁' different the version number of regulation in " o=" field promptly, can comprise comparison first session declaration 34 ₁With first session declaration of upgrading 34 ₁' version number, and write down different version numbers.

Secondly, by be that the different channels (different IP address in this case) of the declaration reservation relevant with the session of upgrading provides first session of renewal to declare 34 ₁'.Thereby the session that identification is upgraded can be included in and receive declaration on the different channels.

The 3rd, first session declaration 34 of renewal ₁' comprising classification field, its identification session is declared and is upgraded the relevant fact.Thereby the session that identification is upgraded can comprise determining whether declaration is associated self being identified as with renewal, and/or determines the position in session directory.

Operating data is broadcast the method for service system 2

Referring to Fig. 1 and 14, represented the embodiment of the method for operations according to the instant invention data broadcast service system 2 among the figure.

ESG administration module 8 is identified in the content data base 12, and whether session is updated (step S1).If it identifies the session of any renewal, it upgrades each group metadata of correspondence (step S2) in the ESG database so.Renewal can comprise to be increased or the deletion metadata.Metadata is transmitted to service discovery server 10, and service discovery server 10 produces the more new session declaration (step S3) of each group metadata of upgrading.Service discovery server 10 is by different channels, for example different IP addresses, to first group of declaration of a plurality of sessions be described, in other words complete session declaration, with at least one more second group of declaration of new session of description, in other words more the new session declaration is transmitted to data broadcast device 3 (step S4; S5).Data broadcast device 3 receives declaration, gives each client computer 5 by data broadcast network 4 with announce transmission subsequently.

The method of operation client computer 5

Referring to Fig. 1 and 15, represented the embodiment of the method for operations according to the instant invention client computer 5 among the figure.

Client computer 5 checks whether it has received all first kind of session declarations 37 ₁(step T1).If not, client computer 5 is monitored two kinds of declarations 37 so ₁, 37 ₂(step T1 ﹠amp; T2).But, if client computer 5 has been received all first kind of session declarations 37 ₁, it can stop to monitor first kind of session declaration 37 so ₁, continue only to monitor second kind of session declaration 37 ₂Its advantage is that it has saved disposal ability and electric power, because the session declaration that receives and/or handle is less.

First and second kinds of

declarations

37 ₁, 37 ₂The multicast address that can comprise the declaration relevant with other session directory, it comprises the multicast address of the declaration relevant with more session directory again.

First kind of declaration 37 ₁Can be counted as relevant with the session directory of the subdirectory of the directory hierarchy that comprises designated depth.Similarly, second kind of declaration 37 ₂Can be counted as relevant with the session directory of the subdirectory of the directory hierarchy that comprises designated depth.If any one

declaration

37 ₁, 37 ₂Relevant with more than one session directory, they can be used to announce the details of the different subtrees of IP session layer aggregated(particle) structure so.Thereby, if utilize first kind of declaration 37 ₁Transmit the description of a plurality of subdirectories, in case client computer 5 has received that all different sessions of specific subdirectory describe so, it just can stop to receive the declaration relevant with this catalogue so.

Cut apart session directory-second example

Referring to Figure 16, represented among the figure according to session directory 28 of the present invention " second embodiment." be divided into two parts at lower level (in this example, on session layer), these two parts are called as complete session directory 29 respectively to

session directory

28 _1a, 29 _1bMore

new session directory

29 _2a, 29 _2b

ESG data 32 and the ESG data 32 upgraded ' be modified, so that reflection is according to session directory 28 of the present invention " the structure of second embodiment.

Utilize the session declaration of UHTTP

Use to adopt a defective of the session declaration of SAP and SDP to be that client computer 5 is difficult to determine when it has received is enough to describe complete session directory 29 ₁Enough first kind the declaration 37 ₁

Declaration

34 ₁', 34 ₂, 34 ₃, 34 ₄, 34 ₅May be lost or destroy, these agreements do not allow to detect such incident.

In an alternative, by describing complete session directory 29 ₁Session declaration link together, solved this problem.

Unidirectional hypertext transfer protocol (UHTTP) is used to realize the cascade transmission of a plurality of conversation descriptions, referring to Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers standardSMPTE 364M-2001 " Declarative Data Essence-UnidirectionalHypertext Transport Protocol ", and " Appendix C:The UnidirectionalHypertext Transfer Protocol (UHTTP) " in Enhanced ContentSpecification, Advanced Television Enhancement Forum.

UHTTP supports MIME many parts/content association type agreement, thereby allow single UHTTP transmission to comprise a plurality of independently mime objects, referring to E.Levinson " The MIMEMultipart/related Content-type ", RFC 2387, IETF (1998).

Referring to Figure 17, ESG data 32 are counted as single resource 39, and described single resource 39 can be divided into a plurality of data segments 40 ₁, 40 ₂, 40 ₃In this example, there is the data segment that is less than the set of metadata number.But the number of data segment can be equal to or greater than the group number of metadata.Redundant correcting section (not shown) can be calculated and with data segment 40 ₁, 40 ₂, 40 ₃Staggered.According to identical mode handle the electronic service guide (esg) data 32 of renewal '.

Referring to Figure 18, represented User Datagram Protoco (UDP) (UDP) grouping 41 among the figure, it comprises UDP head 42 and UDP pay(useful) load 43.UDP pay(useful) load 43 comprises UHTTP grouping 44, and UHTTP grouping 44 comprises UHTTP head 45 and data segment 40 ₁, 40 ₂, 40 ₃As pay(useful) load.UHTTP allows each data segment 40 ₁, 40 ₂, 40 ₃Numbered.

Referring to Figure 19, transmit ESG data 32 to connect the form of transmitting, the same ESG data of upgrading with the form transmission that connects transmission 32 '.For ESG data 32, transmit first, second and the

3rd UDP grouping

41 ₁, 41 ₂, 41 ₃Similarly, for the ESG data of upgrading 32 ', transmit the 4th, the 5th and the

6th UDP grouping

41 ₄, 41 ₅, 41 ₆In each case, if one or

more UDP grouping

41 ₁, 41 ₂, 41 ₃, 41 ₄, 41 ₅, 41 ₆Successfully do not transmitted, the data segment that perhaps is included in is not wherein successfully fetched, so

corresponding UDP grouping

41 ₁, 41 ₂, 41 ₃, 41 ₄, 41 ₅, 41 ₆Again transmitted.

The 7th UDP grouping 41 ₇In transmit the more description of new session.

As previously mentioned, the session of acquiescence declaration can be used to provide complete and the session directory of upgrading 29 ₁, 29 ₂Details.An example of acquiescence session declaration can comprise: v=0

o＝dcaster?4289098098?4289099125?IN?IP4?130.230.3.2

s＝Experimental?session?directory?service

i＝Full?and?update?session?directories?delivered?via?UHTTP

u＝http://www.datacaster.com

e＝dcaster@datacaster.com

c＝IN?IP4?224.2.17.12/127

t＝2873397496?2873404696

m＝data?42451?udp?uhttp

a＝X-session-directory-full

m＝data?42452?udp?uhttp

a＝X-session-directory-updates

In this example, provide complete session declaration and more new session declaration in different port numbers.In addition in this example, UHTTP is used to complete session declaration and more new session declaration.But UHTTP can be used to complete session declaration, and SAP and SDP still are used to more new session declaration.

Data segment 40 ₁, 40 ₂, 40 ₃Numbering allow client computer 5 to detect them when to have received ESG data 32.In case they have received ESG data 32, client computer 5 is monitored and is upgraded.

The use of UHTTP has another advantage.It supports forward error correction (FEC), and forward error correction can be used to improve the successfully probability of transmission, even bit error and unexpected error take place in transmission.But, if FEC fails to recover any mistake in client, the UHTTP of client computer 5 latent periods transmission so.On the other hand, if return path is provided, can use automatic repeat request (ARQ) so.

Can use other agreement of the reliable transmission that content is provided.

Asynchronous layer coding (ALC) or provide the reliable transmission of content based on the agreement of ALC can be used to transmit ESG metadata complete or part, the notice of upgrading and upgrading.

Asynchronous layer coding (ALC) is a kind of scalable reliable content transportation protocol of the IP of being used for multicast, with reference to M.Luby, J.Gemmell, L.Vicisano, " the Asynchronous Layer Coding protocol instantiation " of L.Rizzo and J.Crowcroft, RFC 3450, IETF, in April, 2002 and in December, 2002.

In addition with reference to B.Whetten, L.Vicisano, R.Kermode, M.Handley, " the Reliable Multicast Transport Building Blocks forOne-to-Many Bulk Data Transfer " of S.Floyd and M.Luby, RFC 3048, IETF, January calendar year 2001.

In addition with reference to B.Whetten, L.Vicisano, L.Rizzo, M.Handley, " the Layered Coding Transport building block " of S.Floyd and M.Luby, Internet Draft, IETF, in February, 2002.

Use is based on the session declaration of the agreement of ALC, the notice of upgrading and upgrading

ALC is a binary object, and for example file provides unidirectional transport service.ALC transmits (LCT) reliable multicast agreement building block based on hierarchical coding, thereby has inherited the LCT notion of the session that comprises one or more layering channels.

The ALC/LCT session is made up of one group of logical division channel relevant with the single sender of the grouping of carrying the ALC/LCT head with one or more objects.For complete or part ESG, the transmission of the notice of upgrading and upgrading can be used the agreement based on the ALC agreement.Thereby definable comprises the ESG session of one or more ESG channels.Each ESG channel is corresponding to an ALC session.

As previously mentioned, the ALC session comprises one or more ALC channels.Whenever go up " bit pipe " that the ALC channel can be counted as transmitting according to the ALC agreement grouping.In order to prepare the ALC session, the sender selects many ALC channels, and selects each the corresponding bit rate in them.Each recipient of ALC session can be to receive all ALC channels or receive only in them some by selecting, and control receives bit rate.

The ALC channel can be by a pair of variable (S, G) unique definition and identification.S is sender's IP unicast address, and G is the multicast ip address of multicast reception group.G also can be a unicast ip address, but RFC 3450 does not define the use of clean culture.

The ALC session can be by a pair of variable (S, TSI) unique definition and identification.S is sender's IP unicast address, and TSI is the value of the transmission Session ID field in the head of each ALC grouping 47 (Figure 21).

Utilize ALC or based on the agreement of ALC, definable comprises the ESG session of at least one ESG channel.Best, the ESG session comprises three ESG channels: be used to transmit the channel of complete or part ESG, a channel that is used to transmit a channel of renewal and is used for update notifications.

Each ESG channel transports the packet that has identical value in transmitting Session ID (TSI) field.Packet in the same channel is sent from identical source port and IP address, and can be sent to different destination ports and/or IP address.

The ESG session can comprise complete ESG channel, and ESG upgrades channel and ESG notification channel.

Complete ESG channel transmits the ESG metadata set of representing the complete of sender or part ESG metadata set repeatedly.When translator unit ESG, can provide by different agreements to client computer, insert complete ESG such as point-to-point ESG host-host protocol.

Upgrade the ESG channel and transmit the ESG metadata set repeatedly, its has been represented since the complete ESG of assembling current version, the sender's who has changed ESG.

Notice ESG channel has transmitted repeatedly by since the complete ESG that constitutes latest edition the metadata set that the pointer of the various piece of the sender's who has changed ESG is formed.These pointers are the data fields in the metadata set, the part that their identification has changed.

Each ESG channel comprises one or more ALC channels again.All ALC channels that constitute the ESG channel send in continuous IP address.The basic I P address that only is useful on each ESG channel need be signaled receiver.This makes receiver can find to be used to the follow-up IP address of current ESG channel because of " Next mark " in the congested control indication field.

ESG receiver with interactive network connection can add and leave transfer channel, depends on the type of the ESG metadata that they need receive, and also depends on the congestion state of zone network.The ESG receiver that only has the unilateral network connectedness is more restricted, but still has the right to choose of the unnecessary transfer channel of filtering.In addition, for example when detecting when supplying with one way link when congested, the network components such as ESG acts on behalf of (not shown) can reduce the number of the transfer channel that is transmitted to one way link.

Referring to Figure 20, when being ready for each group metadata 33 of upgrading ESG32 ' ₁', 33 ₂, 33 ₃, 33 ₄, 33 ₅In the time of (Figure 11), also prepared to be used for a group metadata 45 of update notification.Metadata set 45 comprises any more new session 22 ₁', 22 ₅Pointer (Fig. 9).Optionally, metadata set 45 can be divided into a plurality of

data segments

46 ₁, 46 ₂

Referring to Figure 21, represented to be used to transmit the grouping 47 of metadata set or data segment.Best, grouping 47 is substantially similar to UDP or ALC grouping, can comprise one or more heads, one or more effective load data fields and other data field.Can use the standard header format, for example the UDP head.

In this example, described and comprised the UDP head, LCT head 49, the ALC grouping 47 of FEC pay(useful) load id field 50 and pay(useful) load 51, pay(useful) load 51 comprises metadata set 33,45 or data segment 46 at least ₁, 46 ₂

Among them, head, preferably LCT head 49 can comprise many field (not shown), comprises version number field, with many mark (not shown), comprise congested control mark, transmit the Session ID mark, the transport object identifier mark, the half-word mark, there is mark now in the sender, and there is mark in the expection residual time, closes session tokens and closes object tag.Can comprise and specialize in following other data field that uses.

Transmit the field format that the identification of Session ID mark is used to transmit Session ID.The indication of transport object identifier mark is used for the field format of transport object identifier.The existence that there is the current field of mark indication sender now in the sender whether.The existence that there is mark indication expection residual time field in predetermined residual time whether.Close the end of session tokens indication session, close the end of the transmission of object tag denoted object.

Among them, head, preferably LCT head 49 comprises many field (not shown) of the length of the length of indicating one or more heads and/or grouping, have many field (not shown) of the information relevant and comprise that identification transmits one or more field (not shown) of one or more identifiers of session and transmission object with congested control.

More data field (not shown) portability information, for example relevant information and the information relevant with possible header extension with the ALC coded identification.More data field (not shown) can comprise the information about forward error correction (FEC) scheme of using.The FEC data are to produce from effective load data, and with the staggered redundant information of effective load data.The effective load data section that the use of FEC allows receiver reconstruct to lose owing to error of transmission or damage.

Among them, head, preferably FEC pay(useful) load id field 50 comprises source piece (not shown) and coded identification I (not shown).

Coded identification in number indication pay(useful) load 51 of source piece produces which the source piece from object.Which specific coding symbol that coded identification ID identification produces from this source piece is carried in the pay(useful) load 51.

When the agreement used based on ALC, in the transmission of each transmission object, comprise the special-purpose header extension (not shown) of ALC agreement illustration at least one time.FEC object transmission information in the header extension makes receiver can be used to transmit the FEC parameter of relevant transmission object with interior discovery.

The header extension (not shown) comprises one or more fields, the type of header extension for example, the length of header extension, the sign of the FEC encoder that uses, the transmission length of object, the source block length of each source piece of the current transmission object that carries in the grouping pay(useful) load, the length of each coded identification of the current transmission object that carries in the grouping pay(useful) load.In addition, header extension can comprise one or more fields of specializing in following use.

Information in the congested control field can comprise cue mark, and for each grouping that sends, its value is added 1 sequence number and specializes in the following part of using, and wherein said sequence number can be received device and be used to detect packet loss.

When cue mark was set to " 1 ", it represented that current ALC session is made up of two or more ALC channels that comprise current IP address and next contiguous ip address.Be higher ip address in the current ALC session for the value representation current IP address of " 0 " in this field.Receiver can monitor this field, thus the dynamic increase or the deletion of the ALC channel that detection ESG sender carries out.

The more details of relevant ALC packet format can find among the RFC 3450 at " Asynchronous LayerCoding protocol instantiation " as above.

In one embodiment of the invention, declaration can be counted as binary object, thereby is called as transmission object.Each transmission object is by the value identification of transport object identifier field (not shown), and in the scope that transmits session, the value of described transport object identifier field is unique.Each ESG metadata set preferably is sent as independently transmission object.

For each transmission object, can transmit the extra information of formal definition of showing (not shown) by ESG.Sender one side, ESG transmission table can be inserted into each and transmit in the session.Receiver one side, can provide ESG transmission table information analysis.

Every kind of transfer channel for transmitting in the session can transmit different transmission tables.

ESG transmission table (not shown) can be defined as one group of mapping, and each mapping comprises the character of transmission object border knowledge symbol value and transmission object.ESG transmission table can comprise two parts: ESG head and ESG pay(useful) load.

ESG transmits the heading mark and comprises the header extension type field, the header extension length field, and ESG transmits the table version field and ESG transmits table field expiry.

The ESG header extension is the special-purpose header extension of elongated agreement illustration, and it is included in all groupings of carrying ESG transmission table, and for all groupings of the ESG transmission table that carries identical version, it is identical.ESG transmission table version is the version number of the ESG transmission table of current transmission.The ESG that transmits session for new ALC transmits table, and the value of this field be " 0 ", and whenever be that identical ALC transmits ESG transmission that session constitutes a renewal when showing, the value of this field is added 1.After reaching its predetermined maximum, " 0 " is got back to by version number.It is time value that ESG transmission table expires, and indicates the invalid time of the table of ESG transmission thereafter.Before the time endowment of current version, preferably send the ESG transmission table of redaction.But if receiver is not received the version of renewal, even so after the ESG of current version transmits the time endowment of table, receiver also should continue to use the ESG transmission table of current version.

The ESG pay(useful) load comprises the actual mapping between transport object identifier and the attribute relevant with the transmission object of each transport object identifier identification.ESG pay(useful) load form can be the XML structure that is expressed as the ASCII text, comprise one or more fields, for example current ALC transmits the unique identifier of the transmission object in the session, the URL of the current transmission object of unique identification, the length of transmission object (byte), the mime type of transmission object is used for the identifier of the coding of transmission object, for example the MD5 of ZLIB compression and transmission object check with.ESG pay(useful) load field can be used the syntax and semantics of the corresponding field that defines in HTTP 1.1 standards.

Referring to Figure 23, represented among the figure as first group of declaration 37 ₁The transmission of complete ESG, as second group of declaration 37 ₂Renewal ESG transmission and as the 3rd group the declaration 37 ₃The transmission of update notification.

As previously mentioned, the comparable declaration that comprises renewal of declaration that comprises update notification is sent out more continually.

Data broadcast client computer 5 can select to have precedence over the declaration that comprises renewal, monitors the declaration that comprises update notification.If they receive the notice to the renewal of user's interest session, data broadcast client computer 5 can be monitored the declaration that comprises renewal and/or according to another way, for example obtain the description of session by clean culture so.

Time division multiplexing

In front among Shuo Ming the embodiment, but become the time spent when transmission time slot, data broadcast device 3 can with comprise ESG data 32,32 ' the IP grouping of various piece send client computer 5 to.But, receive the IP grouping in order to ensure client computer 5, client computer 5 preferably is configured to receive at any time data.Its defective is unnecessarily to have used disposal ability and electric power.

A solution of this problem is to adopt time division multiplexing (TDM).

Referring to Figure 23, represented a kind of alternate ways of the description of transmission session catalogue 28 among the figure according to the present invention.In this example, two kinds of session declarations 37 have only been represented to comprise ₁, 37 ₂Back one the circulation 38 ₂'.

First kind of declaration 37 of ESG data described ₁With second kind of declaration 37 describing the renewal of ESG data ₂At different time slot 52 ₁, 52 ₂In be transmitted.For example, first kind and second kind of

declaration

37 ₁, 37 ₂In the time slot that replaces, be transmitted.But, time slot 52 ₁, 52 ₂Needn't be adjacent.Time slot can be variable-length or regular length.

Thereby if client computer wishes to monitor the renewal to the ESG data, they needn't be monitored and transmit first kind of declaration 37 therebetween so ₁Time slot 52 ₁, only send second kind of declaration 37 therebetween but monitor ₂Time slot 52 ₂This allows client computer 5 at time slot 52 ₁In close its receiver 14 (Fig. 1).When the receiver that the ESG data comprise client computer needs to be opened or closed, and/or content is when by the aerial information in the service range of data broadcast operator definition.

Data broadcast client computer 5

Referring to Figure 24, comprise processor 53, input/output interface 54, memory 55, receiver 56 and the transceiver 57 that connects by bus 58 according to the embodiment of data broadcast client computer 5 of the present invention.Input/output interface 54 and user interface 59, display 60, memory 61 is connected with loud speaker 62.

Data broadcast client computer 5 can be the portable mobile communication apparatus that uses for first and second cordless communication networks according to the present invention.For example first cordless communication network can be DVB-T or DAB network, perhaps any modification of these or similar network, receiver 56 can be configured to receive and demodulation from the signal of this network.Second cordless communication network can be UMTS network or other 3G, 2.5G or 2G communication network, and transceiver 57 can be configured to by UMTS or similar network reception/emission and demodulation/modulation signal.

Data broadcast client computer 5 can be and the set-top box that is connected for first and second television sets wired and/or that cordless communication network uses.For example, first communication network can be the DVB-T network, and receiver 56 can be configured to receive also demodulation from the signal of DVT-T network.The second communication network can be the internet, and transceiver 57 can comprise the modulator-demodulator (not shown) that is connected with the ISP by public switch telephone network.

By using two networks, can be in different transmission over networks sessions and session declaration.On the other hand, can be in first kind of session declaration of different transmission over networks and second kind of session declaration.

When having two kinds of networks, the user of client devices is by using request-response model, the transmission of the complete or part ESG metadata of may command, the renewal of ESG metadata and update notification, in request-response model, request is transferred to the data broadcast service system by the second communication network.In the communication between client computer and data broadcast service system, if desired, can use affirmation so.Client computer can utilize the second communication network to send request to notice, and wherein when producing the notice of selection, such notice is transmitted to client computer.

In being loaded into memory 55, and during by processor 53 operation, the computer program (not shown) makes other parts of processor 53 and equipment that service discovery client computer 15 is provided together, ESG browser 17, and information filtering uses 18 and elements browser 20.Memory 61 is used to preserve ESG database 16 and content data base 19.User interface 59 allows the user to provide instruction to ESG browser 17 and elements browser 20, for example selects the instruction of session.Display 60 allows the user to check conversation description and session content.Loud speaker 62 allows the user to listen to session content.

The ESG browser

Referring to Figure 25, represented an example of ESG browser window 63 among the figure.Window 63 comprises that reception is for example according to transmission date, current a certain session or the search terms whether transmitted, the first 64 of the instruction of filtering conversation.Window 63 comprises the tabulation that shows the session after filtering, and receives the second portion 65 of the instruction of selecting session.Window 63 comprises the description that shows selected session, and receives the third part 66 of the instruction that inserts this session.

Recognize and to make many modifications to the embodiment that describes hereinbefore.

Session declaration can clean culture rather than multicast give client computer.

Session can be by different Network Transmission with the session declaration.For example, session can be passed through the DVB Network Transmission, and the session declaration can send by the DAB network.

First kind can be by different Network Transmission with second kind of session declaration.For example, first kind of declaration can be passed through the DVB-T Network Transmission, and second kind of declaration can send by 3G network.First kind can be passed through identical network with second kind of session declaration, but is at one or more different physical channels, transmits on for example different carrier frequency.First kind can be passed through identical network with second kind of session declaration, and at identical physical channel, but on one or more different logic channels, transmit.

By reading present disclosure, other variation and modification are tangible to one skilled in the art.Such variation and modification relate to the system at announcing sessions, and the design of part, manufacturing and use aspect make, and other equivalent feature that can replace or use except the feature that has illustrated here.

Though proposed claim among the application to the particular combinations of feature; but should understand that open scope of the present invention also comprises here implicitly or any other combination of disclosed clearly many features or feature; no matter whether it relates to claimed identical invention at present any claim; no matter perhaps whether it is as the present invention, alleviate arbitrarily or all problem in science.Therefore the applicant notices during the carrying out of the application or any other application of obtaining from it, can propose new claim to such feature and/or combination of features.

Claims

1, a kind of declaration is by the method for the session of Network Transmission, and described method comprises:

Provide a description first group of declaration of a plurality of sessions; With

Provide a description at least one more second group of declaration of new session.

2, in accordance with the method for claim 1, comprise by first channel described first group of declaration is provided, and provide described second group of declaration by different second channels.

3, according to claim 1 or 2 described methods, described first group of declaration wherein is provided and provides described second group of declaration to comprise respectively by first address described first group of declaration is provided, and provide described second group of declaration by second different address.

4, according to the described method of aforementioned any claim, described first group of declaration wherein is provided and provides described second group of declaration to comprise respectively by first destination-address described first group of declaration is provided, and provide described second group of declaration by second different destination-address.

5, according to the described method of aforementioned any claim, described first group of declaration wherein is provided and provides described second group of declaration to comprise respectively by an IP address described first group of declaration is provided, and provide described second group of declaration by the 2nd different IP addresses.

6, according to the described method of aforementioned any claim, described first group of declaration wherein is provided and provides described second group of declaration to comprise respectively by first IP multicast address described first group of declaration is provided, and provide described second group of declaration by second different IP multicast address.

7, according to the described method of aforementioned any claim, described first group of declaration wherein is provided and provides described second group of declaration to comprise respectively by first port numbers described first group of declaration is provided, and provide described second group of declaration by the second different port numbers.

8, according to the described method of aforementioned any claim, described first group of declaration wherein is provided and provides described second group of declaration to comprise respectively by first logic channel described first group of declaration is provided, and provide described second group of declaration by second different logic channel.

9, according to the described method of aforementioned any claim, comprise in each declaration that described first group of declaration wherein is provided and provides described second group of declaration to be included in described first group of declaration and be used for that described declaration is identified as the data of the declaration of describing one of described a plurality of sessions and in each declaration of described second group of declaration, comprise being used for described declaration is identified as and describe described at least one data of the declaration of one of new session more.

10, according to the described method of aforementioned any claim, the corresponding data that is used for the position of regulation respective session in first's session directory is provided in each declaration that described first group of declaration wherein is provided and provides described second group of declaration to be included in described first group of declaration and in each declaration of described second group of declaration, comprises the corresponding data that is used for the position of regulation respective session in the second portion session directory.

11, according to the described method of aforementioned any claim, described first group of declaration wherein is provided and provides described second group of declaration to comprise respectively by first physical channel described first group of declaration is provided, and provide described second group of declaration by second different physical channel.

12, according to the described method of aforementioned any claim, described first group of declaration wherein is provided and provides described second group of declaration to comprise respectively by first network described first group of declaration is provided, and provide described second group of declaration by second different network.

13,, also comprise providing a description comprising described at least one more the 3rd group of declaration of other a plurality of sessions of new session according to the described method of aforementioned any claim.

14, according to the described method of aforementioned any claim, comprising:

Provide described first group of declaration by first channel;

Provide a description at least one more described second group of declaration of new session by different second channels; With

Provide a description by described first channel and to comprise described at least one more the 3rd group of declaration of other a plurality of sessions of new session.

15, according to the described method of aforementioned any claim, comprise with described second group the declaration provide be arranged in described first group the declaration providing after.

16, according to the described method of aforementioned any claim, described first group of declaration wherein is provided and provides described second group of declaration to comprise by the described first group of declaration of first Channel Transmission, and transmit described second group of declaration by different second channels.

17, according to the described method of aforementioned any claim, comprise according to session declaration agreement (SAP), transmit described first group of declaration.

18, according to the described method of aforementioned any claim, comprise, transmit described first group of declaration according to the one-way transmission agreement.

19, according to the described method of aforementioned any claim, comprise, transmit described first group of declaration according to unidirectional hypertext transfer protocol (UHTTP).

20, according to the described method of aforementioned any claim, comprise according to asynchronous layered coding (ALC) agreement, transmit described first group of declaration.

21, according to the described method of aforementioned any claim, comprise, transmit described first group of declaration according to User Datagram Protoco (UDP) (UDP).

22,, be included in the description that comprises respective session in each declaration according to the described method of aforementioned any claim.

23,, be included in the description that comprises the respective session of arranging in each declaration according to Session Description Protocol (SDP) according to the described method of aforementioned any claim.

24,, comprise providing and determine all described first group of means whether declaration has been provided according to the described method of aforementioned any claim.

25,, comprise that the form with a series of link message provides described first group of declaration according to the described method of aforementioned any claim.

26, according to the described method of aforementioned any claim, be included in described first group of declaration is provided in first group of time slot, described second group of declaration is provided in second group of time slot, and each time slots in being different from described second group of time slot provides each time slot of described first group of time slot.

27,, comprise multiplexed described first group and second group of declaration according to the described method of aforementioned any claim.

28,, also comprise providing identification described at least one more the 3rd group of declaration of new session according to the described method of aforementioned any claim.

29, according to the described method of aforementioned any claim, wherein provide a description at least one more second group of new session declaration comprise and provide identification at least one more one group of declaration of new session.

30, according to the described method of aforementioned any claim, wherein provide a description at least one more second group of new session declaration also comprise the description that comprises respective session.

31, according to the described method of aforementioned any claim, wherein provide a description at least one more second group of new session declaration comprise and provide at least one one group of notice of new session more.

32, a kind of declaration is by the method for the session of network transmission, and described method comprises:

Provide identification at least one more second group of declaration of new session.

33,, also comprise providing a description described at least one more the 3rd group of declaration of new session according to the described method of claim 32.

34,, comprise according to described at least one that organize in the declaration of asynchronous layered coding (ALC) protocol transmission according to the described method of aforementioned any claim more.

35, according to the described method of aforementioned any claim, comprise according to agreement based on asynchronous layered coding (ALC) agreement, transmit at least one in described many group declarations.

36,, comprise definition asynchronous layered coding (ALC) agreement and at least one ALC channel of definition according to the described method of aforementioned any claim.

37,, comprise by an ALC channel and transmit a group metadata of describing a plurality of sessions according to the described method of claim 36.

38, according to claim 36 or 37 described methods, comprise by second different ALC channel, transmit and describe at least one more group metadata of new session.

39, according to claim 36,37 or 38 described methods, comprise by the 3rd different ALC channel, transmit described at least one group metadata of new session more of identification.

40, according to one of any described method of claim 33-39, comprise with the form of transmission object and transmit a group metadata.

41,, also comprise the corresponding transmission table that definition is relevant with transmission object, and transmit described transmission table according to the described method of claim 40.

42, a kind of computer program, when being carried out by data processing equipment, described computer program is carried out according to the method for the described declaration of aforementioned any claim by the session of Network Transmission data processing equipment.

43, a kind of access is by the method for the session of Network Transmission, and described method comprises:

Receive first group of declaration describing a plurality of sessions selectively; With

Receive selectively and describe at least one more second group of declaration of new session.

44,, also comprise and determine whether all described first group of declarations are received according to the described method of claim 43.

45, according to the described method of claim 44, comprise that also selection does not receive more described first group of declaration, and the described second group of declaration of selective reception.

46,, comprise that also selection does not receive description and comprises described at least one more the 3rd group of declaration of other a plurality of sessions of new session according to claim 43 or 44 described methods.

47,, comprise that also selective reception describes the 4th group of declaration of at least one other more new session according to one of any described method of claim 43-46.

48,, comprise and use described second group to declare to discern described at least one new session more according to one of any described method of claim 43-47.

49,, comprise that selective reception comprises described at least one more another group declaration of the description of new session according to the described method of claim 48.

50,, comprise obtaining described at least one more description of new session according to the described method of claim 49.

51, a kind of access is by the method for the session of Network Transmission, and described method comprises:

Receive at least one more second group of declaration of new session of identification selectively.

52, according to the described method of claim 51, also comprise

Receive selectively and describe described at least one more the 3rd group of declaration of new session.

53, a kind of access is by the method for the session of Network Transmission, and described method comprises:

Monitor first group of declaration describing a plurality of sessions;

Determine whether to receive described first group of declaration;

If received described first group of declaration, so

Stop to monitor described first group of declaration, and

Monitor and describe at least one more second group of declaration of new session.

54, according to the described method of claim 53, also comprise:

Stop to monitor describing and comprise described at least one more the 3rd group of declaration of other a plurality of sessions of new session.

55, a kind of declaration is by the equipment of the session of Network Transmission, and described equipment comprises:

Provide a description the device of first group of declaration of a plurality of sessions; With

Provide a description at least one more device of second group of declaration of new session.

56, a kind of equipment of carrying out according to one of any described method of claim 1-41.

57, a kind of declaration is by the equipment of the session of Network Transmission, and described equipment comprises:

Provide a description first reflector of first group of declaration of a plurality of sessions; With

Provide a description at least one more second reflector of second group of declaration of new session.

58, a kind of access is by the equipment of the session of Network Transmission, and described equipment comprises:

Receive the device of first group of declaration describing a plurality of sessions selectively; With

Receive selectively and describe at least one more device of second group of declaration of new session.

59, according to the described equipment of claim 58, comprising:

Determine whether to receive the device of described first group of declaration;

Described equipment is disposed like this, if described definite device determines to have received described first group of declaration that the device that receives described second group of declaration so selectively is configured to receive described second group of declaration.

60, according to the described equipment of claim 59, comprising:

Receive to describe selectively and comprise described at least one device of the 3rd group of declaration of other a plurality of sessions of new session more;

Described equipment is disposed like this, if described definite device determine to have received described first group of declaration, receive described the 3rd group of device of declaring so selectively and be configured to not receive or do not transmit described the 3rd group of declaration.

61, be mobile communication equipment according to one of any described equipment of claim 58-60.

62, a kind of system that on display, presents program schedule data, described system comprises at least two declarations, first group of declaration of a plurality of sessions described to small part to the small part basis, with to small part according to describing at least one more second group of declaration of new session to small part, organize described timetable data.

63, a kind of system that on display, presents program schedule data, described system comprises at least two declarations, can repeat declaration according to first group that describes a plurality of sessions to small part, to small part according to describe to small part at least one more second group of new session can repeat declaration, with at least one conversation description at least that can repeat to declare whether definition first and second declarations have been received one of at least, organize described timetable data.

64, a kind of system that program schedule data is sent to terminal use's terminal, described system comprises two groups of declarations, every group of declaration comprises at least one declaration, first group of declaration of a plurality of sessions described to small part to the small part basis, with to small part according to describing at least one more second group of declaration of new session to small part, organize described timetable data.

65, a kind of system that program schedule data is offered terminal use's terminal, described system comprises the declaration of at least two groups, every group of declaration comprises at least one declaration, can repeat declaration according to first group that describes a plurality of sessions to small part, to small part according to describe to small part at least one more second group of new session can repeat declaration, with at least one conversation description at least that can repeat to declare whether definition first and second declarations have been received one of at least, organize described timetable data.

66, according to one of any described system of claim 63-65, wherein second group of declaration comprises each more version number of new session, whether missed renewal early so that allow client computer to detect them.

67, according to the described system of claim 66, if wherein client computer finds that it has missed renewal early, and do not receive first group of declaration at present, client computer begins to receive first group of declaration so, till it has received the program schedule data of complete latest edition.

68, according to the described system of claim 67, if wherein client computer finds that it has received the program schedule data of complete latest edition, it stops to receive first group of declaration so, and continues to receive only second group of declaration.

69, according to one of any described system of claim 66-68, if wherein client computer finds that it has missed renewal early, it fetches the program schedule data of complete latest edition by interactive network so.

70, according to one of any described system of claim 66-69, wherein before transmission, repeatably declare to be divided into a plurality of fragments the position of each fragment in the whole transmission of indication in the framing field of each respective segments for every group; The position of indication makes client computer can determine whether they have received all fragments that constitute one group of declaration of appointment, and perhaps whether they need wait to receive more fragment.

71, according to one of any described system of claim 66-70, wherein program schedule data is directly checked by the end user, is perhaps used automatically by application software.

72, according to one of any described system of claim 66-71, wherein when receiving described program schedule data, program schedule data is offered the end user progressively, perhaps uses for automatic application software progressively.

73, according to claim 71 or 72 described systems, wherein program schedule data is checked by graphic user interface by the end user.

74, according to claim 71 or 72 described systems, wherein program schedule data is used by individual video recorder.