JP2005311431A - Contents reception control method and apparatus therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a contents transmission control method and an apparatus therefor for ensuring high reliability of switching control of distribution paths and warranting contents outputted on the occurrence of momentary interruption in response to path characteristics or in a distribution path switching state even in the case of one-time-only contents distribution. <P>SOLUTION: A reception station 30 includes: a path determination section 302 for determining disabled contents reception within a prescribed time or over on the basis of a reception state signal from an own station reception state signal reception section 301; and a contents reception section 303 that selects the same reception path and awaits the reception until the path is recovered when a result of the determination indicates disabled reception within the prescribed time, generates a dummy signal for ensuring synchronization required for reception processing in a waiting state, or switches the present path into a receptible path type or a received path when the result of the determination indicates disabled reception for the prescribed time or over, or transmits a state report signal denoting disabled reception when the result of the determination indicates disabled reception for the prescribed time or over and no receptible path type or a reception path exists, and awaits the reception until a receptible path is available. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a highly reliable content transmission / reception control method and apparatus for content distribution via a plurality of types of communication platforms.

  FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a content transmission / reception system in the prior art (for example, the redundant configuration network management system disclosed in Patent Document 1). The originating station 12 that transmits the content 120 includes a local station reception state signal reception unit 121, a local station line determination unit 122, a distribution status signal reception unit 123, a line switching determination unit 124, and a content reception / transmission unit 125. . The relay stations 13a and 13b include content reception / transmission units 130a and 130b. The receiving station 14 includes a distribution status signal transmission unit 141, a content reception determination unit 142, and a content reception / transmission unit 143, and transmits the received content 140.

Conventionally, in order to realize highly reliable content distribution in content distribution via a plurality of types of communication platforms, as shown in the content transmitting / receiving system shown in FIG. ) And end-to-end delivery confirmation (retransmission control by TCP / IP, etc.), the high reliability of content distribution has been ensured. That is, it is one-dimensional switching control like the control line matrix shown in FIG.
JP 2003-099338 A

  However, depending on the line type, there is a situation where communication is completely impossible depending on the conditions (such as during a typhoon in satellite communication), and it is impossible to ensure reliability in that case.

  Furthermore, in the one-time content distribution represented by the broadcast streaming distribution of the video content as in the content reception system shown in FIG. 14, the distribution route is switched when some trouble occurs on the network. Even so, the information distributed during the switching is lost, and high reliability has not been ensured in terms of ensuring the integrity of the distributed content.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and its purpose is to ensure high reliability by switching control of distribution routes including the line type, and even in the case of content distribution only once, the instantaneous response according to the line characteristics. An object of the present invention is to provide a highly reliable content reception control method and apparatus for assuring delivery of content output in a disconnected state or in a delivery route switching state.

  The present invention includes a local station line determination unit, a local station state signal transmission unit, and a content reception / transmission unit in content distribution via a plurality of types of communication platforms, and the line is determined by the line determination unit of the local station from a predetermined time. If the content cannot be delivered for a short time, a dummy packet is generated and the data is interpolated after the reception is completed. In addition, when distribution cannot be performed for a longer period of time, switching to a network capable of distribution is performed, a dummy packet is generated during the process, and data is interpolated after reception is completed.

As a content reception control method of the present invention, in a content distribution system via a plurality of types of communication platforms, the local station reception state signal receiving unit and whether to distribute content based on a signal from the receiving unit A line determination unit that performs content reception, and a content reception unit that receives content based on the determination result,
The local station reception status signal reception unit monitors the reception status signal of the local station, and the line determination unit determines whether it is possible to receive content within a certain time or more than a certain time based on the reception status signal. If the determination result is not received within a certain time, the content receiving unit waits for reception for the period until the line is restored with the same reception line, and is necessary for reception processing in the standby state. A dummy signal is generated to ensure secure synchronization,
If the determination result is not receivable for a certain time or longer, switch to a receivable line type or reception line,
If the judgment result is not receivable for a certain period of time and there is no line type or receiving line that can be received, a status notification signal indicating that reception is not possible is sent to the transmitting station, and a receivable line is generated. And waiting for reception until

As a content reception control device of the present invention, in a content distribution system via a plurality of types of communication platforms,
A local station reception state signal receiver for monitoring the reception state signal of the local station;
After receiving the reception status signal, a line determination unit that determines whether it is possible to receive content within a certain time or more than a certain time based on this signal;
If the result of the determination is that reception within a certain time is not possible, the reception line is the same and the reception is waited for a period until the line recovers, and in the standby state, a dummy is used to ensure synchronization necessary for reception processing. Generate a signal,
If the determination result is not able to be received for a certain time or longer, switch to a receivable line type or reception line,
If the judgment result is not receivable for a certain period of time and there is no line type or receiving line that can be received, a status notification signal indicating that reception is not possible is sent to the transmitting station, and a receivable line is generated. And a content receiving unit that waits for reception until it is done.

  In the content reception control method and apparatus thereof, in content distribution via a plurality of types of communication platforms, the content receiver can receive content on a plurality of receivable lines, and after the content distribution is completed, When there is content that could not be received due to a disconnection or redundancy switching processing state, there is one that interpolates the received content on the line that could be received in that state.

In the status monitoring of multiple types of communication platforms,
The line determination unit has previously registered line information based on network line characteristics or priority, and the content reception unit monitors the reception status of content,
The line determination unit collates the received reception status signal with the pre-registered line information and determines whether or not reception is possible based on the collation result. Some determine whether the unreceivable event is a temporary interruption or a continuous disconnection.

  Further, in content distribution, the content receiving unit reads information indicating a packet number in a header portion of a packet frame for distributing content, and then reads information indicating a packet type in the header portion. .

  In the distribution of video content, the content receiving unit is information indicating a packet number with respect to an area indicating PID information from 12 bits to 25 bits from the head of a DVB frame specified as a video content distribution frame. The packet number area difference is set as the PID area, and information indicating the packet type is recorded and read in the 11-bit area from the top of the header part.

  According to the present invention, in content distribution via a plurality of types of communication platforms, a redundant function capable of dynamically controlling a plurality of line types and line routes is realized, and in one-time content distribution such as streaming distribution However, the integrity of the distributed content is increased.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  The content reception control method of the present invention can confirm delivery of distribution content in units of base stations by monitoring the distribution status of a plurality of line types in units of base stations. That is, two-dimensional switching control is possible as in the control line matrix shown in FIG.

  In addition, as in the streaming content distribution method shown in FIG. 3, when a state where temporary distribution cannot be performed due to instantaneous line disconnection or distribution path switching processing occurs, distribution cannot be performed after line recovery or switching By performing delivery control (time-shift delivery) from the point of occurrence, the receiving station can receive data of all contents in near real time even if transmission loss occurs by receiving data with existing technology, Realize near real-time distribution with an emphasis on content integrity.

  In particular, in the packet frame of the present invention, as in the packet frame shown in FIG. 4, information indicating the packet number and the packet type is described in the header portion of the distribution packet, so that real-time viewing can be realized in real time. Synchronization and connection maintenance for transmission / reception facilities and networks for realizing distribution are ensured, and content construction that does not cause discard and inconsistency of packets generated in a state where distribution cannot be performed is realized.

  Also, when a line disconnection occurs, the line characteristics and priority allocation information, etc. can be used to determine whether the cause is a temporary momentary disconnection according to the line characteristics, or a line or path switching because recovery cannot be expected. By registering and inquiring on the listed information, automatic and high-speed line control is possible without the end user being conscious.

  Embodiment 1 This embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 5 to 10.

  Here, in the one-time content distribution represented by broadcast streaming distribution of video content, high-reliability reception control is realized in near real time, and after the distribution is completed, the same content construction as the transmission content is guaranteed at the receiving station. An embodiment of the present invention is shown. In particular, the present embodiment assumes application to a system configuration in which it is difficult or impossible to always secure an uplink line for transmitting a reception status signal to a distribution source.

  The content reception control system according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of line type reception units (real-time viewing and storage processing) and reception state determination units in a content reception system via a plurality of types of communication platforms. In addition to relay station selection, redundancy switching including line type, and completeness for distribution contents by interpolating after completion of reception for content distributed at the time of momentary interruption according to line characteristics or during line switching Guarantees can be made.

  Further, with respect to control for redundancy switching and determination of reception processing, control information is read from the header portion of the transmission packet, thereby realizing packet management that ensures consistency.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a system configuration in the present embodiment.

  The receiving station 30 in this embodiment includes a local station reception state signal transmission unit 301, a local station line determination unit 302, and a content reception / transmission unit 303. Functional units different from the conventional system are a local station line determination unit 302 and a content reception / transmission unit 303.

  The local station line determination unit 302 receives the content reception state via the content reception / transmission unit 303, and determines whether the content can be received (reception OK) or not (reception NG) based on this signal. Do.

  The content reception / transmission unit 303 receives content and controls simultaneous reception processing on a plurality of receivable lines. After reception is completed, deletion and duplication / missing of dummy packets caused by line disconnection or redundancy switching are performed. Consistency management to eliminate packets.

  In particular, the determination of reception OK / NG in the local station line determination unit 302 is based on collation with respect to line information such as the line list shown in FIG. Is determined to be a temporary interruption or a continuous disconnection.

  Further, the originating station 10 in the present embodiment includes a local station reception state signal receiving unit 101, a local station line determination unit 102, a local station reception state signal reception unit 103, a local station line determination unit 104, a content reception / A sending unit 105, a content buffering processing unit 106, and a distribution NW switching unit 107 are provided. Functional units different from the conventional system are a local station line determination unit 102, an other station line determination unit 104, and a content reception / transmission unit 105.

  The local station line determination unit 102 receives a reception status signal indicating the distribution status from the local station to the network from the local station reception status signal reception unit 101 (for example, receives electric field strength in a wireless communication system). Based on this, it is determined whether the content can be distributed (distribution OK) or cannot be distributed (distribution NG).

  The other station line determination unit 104 receives the reception state signal in the other station (here, for example, the relay station 20) from the other station reception state signal reception unit 103, and determines whether delivery is OK or NG.

  The content reception / transmission unit 105 receives the determination results of the local station line determination unit 102 and the other station line determination unit 104, and controls the content buffering unit 106 and the distribution NW switching unit 107 based on the determination results.

  Further, in the determination of distribution OK / NG in the local station line determination unit 102 and the other station line determination unit 104, it is based on collation with respect to line information reflecting line characteristics, priority allocation, etc. as in the line list shown in FIG. Thus, it is determined whether the event of undeliverable (distribution NG) is a temporary instantaneous interruption or a continuous line interruption.

  Further, in this embodiment, the relay station 20 includes the same components as the originating station 10. That is, the relay stations 20a and 20b have their own station reception state signal reception units 201a and 201b, their own station line determination units 202a and b, other station reception state signal reception units 203a and b, and other station line determination units 204a, b, content reception / transmission units 205a and 205b, content buffering processing units 206a and 206b, and distribution NW switching units 207a and b, which can perform the same processing as that of the station 10 described later. The relay stations 20a and 20b are provided with their own station reception status signal sending sections 208a and 208b as means for sending their own station reception status signals to other stations. In the content transmission system of this embodiment, two relay stations 20 are interposed. However, the content transmission system of the present invention is not limited to the number of relay stations.

  An operation example of the content reception control system of this embodiment will be described. 1) The processing sequence is shown in FIGS. 5 to 8 when the receiving state of the currently communicating line is poor and there are one or more receivable lines. In the receiving station 30, the content reception / transmission unit 303 monitors the reception status from other stations and supplies (inputs) the status signal to the local station line determination unit 302. The own-station line determination unit 302 performs determination based on the input status signal based on matching with the line list shown in FIG. 6 and outputs the determination result to the content reception / transmission unit 303. The content reception / transmission unit 303 performs the following processing (1) or (2) according to the input determination result.

  (1) When the determination result is NG within a predetermined time (that is, in the case of temporary interruption), reception standby is performed. For the content distributed during standby, interpolation is executed from the received data of other lines that can be received after the reception is completed (FIG. 5).

  A detailed sequence of this processing is shown in FIG. That is, when the local station reception state is OK, the content reception / transmission unit 303 outputs data from another receivable line based on the line list. If reception within a certain period of time is an NG determination result, a dummy packet is generated until reception recovery with the reception line kept the same. Thereafter, when the local station reception state becomes OK, data is output from another receivable line based on the line list.

  (2) When reception with a determination result equal to or longer than a certain time is NG (that is, in a state where rapid line recovery cannot be expected), switching to NW that is reception OK and the relay station 20 is performed. For the content distributed during the switching process, after completion of reception, interpolation is performed from the received data of the line that can be received at the switching destination (FIG. 5).

  A detailed sequence of this processing is shown in FIG. That is, when the local station reception state is OK, the content reception / transmission unit 303 outputs data from another receivable line based on the line list. If reception for a certain time or more is an NG determination result, switch to another line that can be received. At this time, a viewing packet and a dummy packet being switched are generated (synchronization ensured). Thereafter, when the local station reception state becomes OK, data is output from another receivable line based on the line list.

  In particular, in the packet frame to be transmitted, the present embodiment is intended for broadcast streaming distribution of video content. Further, in the DVB frame (MPEG2-TS) defined as the video content distribution frame, the packet type is obtained by reading the information indicating the packet number and the packet type in the header portion as in the packet frame shown in FIG. It is possible to determine continuity, and after receiving is completed while ensuring synchronization with the receiving equipment in the receiving state, content is edited by deleting unnecessary packets and combining packets in numerical order to guarantee the integrity of the content. As a form of reading the information indicating the packet number and the packet type in the header part, for example, for the area indicating the PID information from 12 bits to 25 bits from the head of the header part of the DVB frame defined as the video content distribution frame In some cases, the information indicating the packet number is read, the difference between the packet number areas is set as the PID area, and the information indicating the packet type is recorded and read in the 11-bit area from the header part (FIG. 10).

  In the present embodiment example, consideration is given to the case where it is difficult or impossible to ensure the uplink line at all times, and in order to enable redundant switching by the receiving station alone, the NW and relay station 20 that are not distribution NGs. If there are a plurality of URLs, a system in which contents are distributed over a plurality of lines is targeted.

  2) FIG. 5 and FIG. 9 show the processing sequence when the reception state of the currently communicating line is bad and there is no receivable line (when an uplink line can be secured in the system configuration).

  The receiving station 30 monitors the reception state in the content reception / transmission unit 303 and supplies (inputs) the state signal to the local station line determination unit 302. The own-station line determination unit 302 performs determination based on collation with the line list as shown in FIG. 6 for the input status signal, and outputs the determination result to the content reception / transmission unit 303. The content reception / transmission unit 303 executes the next process (3) according to the input determination result.

  (3) The reception NG state is notified and reception standby is performed. During standby, a packet representing a dummy is generated in the packet frame configuration shown in FIG. 10 to ensure synchronization with other reception processing equipment (FIG. 5).

  A detailed sequence of this processing is shown in FIG. That is, when the local station reception state is OK, the content reception / transmission unit 303 outputs data from another receivable line based on the line list. When reception of all lines is NG, the reception NG state is notified to the transmitting station, and dummy packets are generated until reception is recovered. Thereafter, when the local station reception state becomes OK, data is output from another receivable line based on the line list.

  Conventionally, one-dimensional control has been performed with respect to the redundant function of the network. However, according to the present embodiment, two-dimensional control can be performed by the functions 1) and 2) described above, and it is reliable in content distribution. Improves. In particular, broadcast of video content by automatic determination of content reception status, reception control for the content reception / transmission unit 303 based on the determination result, and reading of control information inheriting compatibility with packet frames defined as video content distribution frames In one-time content distribution represented by type streaming distribution, highly reliable distribution control is realized in near real time, and after the distribution is completed, it is possible to construct the same content as the transmitted content.

Embodiment 2
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a processing sequence in the present embodiment.

  Here, in one-time content distribution represented by broadcast streaming distribution of video content, high-reliability distribution control is realized in near real time, and after the distribution ends, the same content as the transmission content is constructed at the receiving station. . In particular, the present embodiment assumes application to a system configuration in which an uplink line for transmitting a reception status signal to a distribution source can be always secured.

  The processing sequence operation when the reception state of the line currently being communicated is bad is that the processing sequence according to the first embodiment is performed except that the number of reception lines is one in consideration of efficient use of line resources. It is the same as that. That is, when it is determined that the received NG, the reception NG state is notified, and reception standby is performed. During standby, a dummy packet is generated and synchronization of reception processing is ensured (FIG. 11).

  As described above, also in the content reception control system of the present embodiment, compatibility with the automatic determination of the content reception status, the reception control for the content reception / transmission unit 303 based on the determination result, and the packet frame defined as the video content distribution frame is achieved. By reading the inherited control information, high-reliability distribution control is realized in real time in the one-time content distribution represented by broadcast streaming distribution of video content, and after the distribution ends, it is the same as the transmission content Content construction is possible.

1 is a schematic diagram showing a system configuration of Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a control line matrix in the present invention. Explanatory drawing of the streaming content delivery system in this invention. The packet frame in this invention. 6 is a processing sequence according to the first embodiment. 5 is a line list in the first embodiment. The detailed sequence of the process (1) in Example 1 of Embodiment. The detailed sequence of the process (2) in Embodiment 1 is shown. The detailed sequence of the process (3) in Example 1 of Embodiment. The packet frame in Example 1 of an embodiment. 10 is a processing sequence according to the second embodiment. Schematic of the content reception system in a prior art. Control line matrix in the prior art. Explanatory drawing of the streaming content delivery system in a prior art.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Originating station, 101 ... Own station (originating station) reception state signal receiving unit, 102 ... Own station (originating station) line determination station, 103 ... Other station (relay station) receiving state signal receiving unit, 104 ... Other station ( Relay station) line determination unit, 105 ... content reception / transmission unit, 106 ... content buffering unit, 107 ... distribution NW (network) switching unit 20a, b ... relay station, 201a, b ... own station (originating station) reception state Signal receiving unit, 202a, b ... own station (originating station) line determination station, 203a, b ... other station (relay station) reception status signal receiving unit, 204a, b ... other station (relay station) line determination unit, 205a, b ... content reception / transmission unit, 206a, b ... content buffering unit, 207a, b ... delivery NW (network) switching unit 30 ... receiving station, 301 ... own station (receiving station) line determination unit, 302 ... own station ( Receiving station) reception status signal sending part, 03 ... content reception and transmission unit

Claims (10)

In a content distribution system via multiple types of communication platforms,
A local station reception state signal receiving unit; a line determination unit that determines whether or not to distribute content based on a signal from the reception unit; and a content reception unit that receives content based on the determination result. And
Whether the local station reception status signal receiving unit monitors the reception status signal of the local station, and whether the line determination unit is capable of receiving content within a predetermined time or more than a predetermined time based on the reception status signal. The process of judging,
The content receiver is
If the result of the determination is that reception within a certain time is not possible, the reception line is the same and the reception is waited for a period until the line recovers, and in the standby state, a dummy is used to ensure synchronization necessary for reception processing. Generate a signal,
If the determination result is not receivable for a certain time or longer, switch to a receivable line type or reception line,
If the judgment result is not receivable for a certain period of time and there is no line type or receiving line that can be received, a status notification signal indicating that reception is not possible is sent to the transmitting station, and a receivable line is generated. And a process of waiting for reception until the content is received. In content distribution via multiple types of communication platforms,
The content receiving unit is capable of receiving content on a plurality of receivable lines, and after completion of content distribution, if there is content that could not be received due to line disconnection or redundancy switching processing state, 2. The content reception control method according to claim 1, wherein the received content on the line that can be received is interpolated. In monitoring the status of multiple types of communication platforms,
The line determination unit has previously registered line information based on network line characteristics and priority allocation,
A process in which the content receiver monitors the reception status of the content;
The line determination unit compares the received reception status signal with the pre-registered line information, determines whether or not reception is possible based on the comparison result, and the determination result And a step of determining whether the unreceivable event is a temporary momentary interruption or a continuous line interruption according to Content reception control method. In content distribution, the content receiving unit executes a process of reading information indicating a packet number in a header part of a packet frame for distributing content, and a process of reading information indicating a packet type in the header part The content reception control method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the process is executed. In the distribution of video content, the content receiving unit
A process of reading information indicating a packet number with respect to an area indicating 12-bit to 25-bit PID information from the head of a DVB frame specified as a video content distribution frame, and setting a difference between the packet number areas as a PID area 5. The content reception control method according to claim 4, further comprising: a step of recording and reading information indicating a packet type in an area of 11 bits from the header part head. In a content distribution system via multiple types of communication platforms,
A local station reception status signal receiving unit that monitors the reception status signal of the local station, and a line that determines whether it is possible to receive content within a predetermined time or more than a predetermined time based on this signal after receiving the reception status signal A determination unit;
If the result of the determination is that reception within a certain time is not possible, the reception line is the same and the reception is waited for a period until the line recovers, and in the standby state, a dummy is used to ensure synchronization necessary for reception processing. Generate a signal,
If the determination result is not able to be received for a certain time or longer, switch to a receivable line type or reception line,
If the judgment result is not receivable for a certain period of time and there is no line type or receiving line that can be received, a status notification signal indicating that reception is not possible is sent to the transmitting station, and a receivable line is generated. A content reception control apparatus comprising: a content reception unit that waits until reception. In content distribution via multiple types of communication platforms,
The content receiving unit is capable of receiving content on a plurality of receivable lines, and after completion of content distribution, if there is content that could not be received due to line disconnection or redundancy switching processing state, 7. The content reception control apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the received content on the line that can be received is interpolated. In monitoring the status of multiple types of communication platforms,
The line determination unit has previously registered line information based on network line characteristics or priority allocation,
The content receiving unit monitors the reception status of content,
The line determination unit collates the received reception status signal with the pre-registered line information and determines whether or not reception is possible based on the collation result. 8. The content reception control apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, wherein an event that cannot be received is a temporary instantaneous interruption or a continuous line interruption. In content distribution, the content receiving unit reads information indicating a packet number in a header portion in a packet frame for distributing content, and then reads information indicating a packet type in the header portion. The content reception control apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 8. In the distribution of video content, the content receiving unit reads information indicating a packet number in an area indicating PID information from 12 bits to 25 bits from the head of the header part of a DVB frame defined as a video content distribution frame. 10. The content reception control apparatus according to claim 9, wherein a difference between packet number areas is set as a PID area, and information indicating a packet type is recorded and read in an area of 11 bits from the header part head.

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