JP2006174414A - Interactive multimedia content distribution system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a multimedia content distribution system enabling selection of a plurality of multimedia contents by the same channel and enabling a user to perform interaction. <P>SOLUTION: The system is configured so as to include the plurality of multimedia contents; interactive guide for selecting the contents; file sharing module for allowing to share files between users; application program sharing module for allowing to share an application between the users; synchronization browser module for allowing a user to synchronously browsing on the network; polling module for allowing users to poll; shared white board module on which each user performs painting, text input, and picture pasting; chat room where each user performs communication; meeting module for allowing users to have a meeting; recording module for recording the details of the meeting; multiple page tab interface for switching the page tab of the meeting; and commercial module for displaying advertisement of commercial products. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a multimedia content distribution system, and more particularly, to an interactive multimedia content distribution system that provides a method in which multimedia content is distributed to users via a channel, and between users or between users and providers.

  Conventional television broadcasting includes, in addition to terrestrial broadcasting and satellite broadcasting, cable broadcasting that transmits a television signal to a television of a terminal using a cable. However, in any broadcasting system, the program has a predetermined broadcast time, and most of the content is recorded in advance.

However, it can be said that the fixed program broadcasting time and the broadcasting system found in conventional television broadcasting are suitable for a specific type of content, but lack flexibility. In other words, in the conventional fixed system that only provides content to viewers based on the program guide created by the TV station, even if the broadcasting technology advances to digital broadcasting, the viewer's response is lower than expected. .

  TV nets are spreading as a new technology of TV broadcasting. However, even in this case, if the content to be broadcast is a movie and the viewer wants to watch the movie, the channel must be selected according to the broadcast time. Such a fixed method of simply providing content to viewers is inconvenient for viewers and causes TV networks to not be sufficiently spread. Naturally, if the audience rating decreases, the advertising revenue of the TV station also decreases, and the profit of the TV station decreases.

  In order to solve the problem of the fixed program system and the broadcast time described above, some viewers record a television program and reproduce it at an appropriate time. However, recording a TV program only means that the viewer selects a desired program from programs with different broadcast times or selects from programs provided by different broadcast stations. Subject to restrictions.

  In addition, operations such as recording time setting are complicated for general viewers, and recording may fail due to mistakes in the operation of the recorder. In such a case, it can even be questioned about the recording of the television program itself.

  Regardless of whether it is a television network or a video recorder, since both have the disadvantages as described above, the penetration rate is far from the ideal value.

  In addition, the conventional television broadcast is merely passive, that is, the viewer only appreciates the broadcast content. That is, it lacks interactive communication. The lack of interactive communication also reduces viewer satisfaction.

  Accordingly, multimedia contents are provided to a plurality of viewers so that each viewer can select contents at the same time, and the broadcast contents can be viewed via a broadcast station and viewers or a broadcast station. It is desired to enable interactive communication between persons.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a multimedia content distribution system that provides a user with a plurality of multimedia contents on the same channel.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a multimedia content distribution system that provides a multimedia content through a channel and provides a method in which users can interact with each other or between a user and a provider.

Accordingly, as a result of intensive research in view of the drawbacks found in the prior art, the present inventor has obtained a plurality of multimedia contents and an interactive guide for convenience when a plurality of users select the multimedia contents. A file sharing module that provides file and data sharing between these users, an application program sharing module that provides application program sharing between these users, and for these users to synchronize and browse on the network A sync browser module, a voting module for these users to vote, a shared whiteboard module where they can paint pictures, enter text, and paste pictures; And chat rooms to communicate with,
Providing users with a conference module in which these users participate and a group conference, a record module in which these users record the content of the conference, a multi-page tab interface in which these users switch the page tabs of the conference, and promotional products The present invention has been completed on the basis of the knowledge that the problem can be solved by an interactive multimedia content distribution system including a commercial module.

The present invention will be specifically described below.
The interactive multimedia content delivery method according to claim 1 includes a plurality of multimedia contents,
An interactive guide for convenience when multiple users select the multimedia content;
A file sharing module that provides file and data sharing between these users;
An application program sharing module that provides sharing of application programs between these users;
A sync browser module for these users to sync and browse on the network,
A voting module for these users to vote,
A shared whiteboard module where these users can paint pictures, enter text, and paste pictures,
Chat rooms where these users communicate with other users,
A conference module in which these users can participate in group meetings,
A record module where these users record the content of the meeting,
A multi-page tab interface for these users to switch page tabs of the conference;
And a commercial module that provides promotional products to users.

In an interactive multimedia content distribution system according to a second aspect, the multimedia content according to the second aspect includes a movie, an image, sound, music, a game, an effect, or a combination thereof.

The interactive multimedia content distribution system according to claim 3 is a data stream in which the multimedia content in claim 1 is real time or near real time.

In an interactive multimedia content distribution system according to a fourth aspect, data streams of a plurality of multimedia contents according to the first aspect are streamed through the same channel.

In the interactive multimedia content delivery system according to claim 5, a plurality of users according to claim 1 can receive or reject transmission of the shared file or data.

The interactive multimedia content distribution system according to claim 6 automatically statistics the results of voting in claim 1 and selectively shares the results of the voting by the plurality of users.

In the interactive multimedia content distribution system according to the seventh aspect, a plurality of users in the chat room according to the first aspect communicate via text messages.

The interactive multimedia content distribution system according to claim 8 is a right for an individual user of claim 1 to selectively give or reject using the whiteboard, chat room, or vote. Have

An interactive multimedia content distribution system according to claim 9, comprising an application program sharing module for providing application program sharing among a plurality of users,
A synchronization module for these multiple users to synchronize and browse on the network,
A file dispatch module in which these users transmit or exchange objects, multimedia content, data or files to other users;
A voting module for these users to vote,
A shared whiteboard module that allows these users to paint pictures, enter text, and paste pictures,
A chat module where these users communicate with other users,
A message module where these users personally communicate with other users,
A record module where these users record the content of the meeting,
A channel guide module that displays interactive guides for these users to select multimedia content,
And an interface module for displaying interactive tools provided by these modules.

The interactive multimedia content distribution system according to claim 10 is the interactive multimedia content distribution system according to claim 10.
A commercial module that displays commercials,
A timetable module for users to arrange time,
A digital light management module to protect multimedia content;
A purchasing module for users to purchase multimedia content or goods;
A multimedia module for controlling the multimedia content;
A posting module that displays notifications sent from the host end to the user;
And a controller module for controlling each of the modules described above.

  Since the multimedia content distribution system of the present invention provides a plurality of contents through a channel, the user can select a wide range of contents, and provides the user with an interactive method, thereby providing the user with respect to the multimedia contents to be distributed. Can discuss and upload opinions. Therefore, the broadcast form of the conventional program can be widely changed and applied to various types of contents, and there is an advantage that the satisfaction of the viewer user is increased.

  The present invention provides a multimedia content distribution system, in which a plurality of contents are provided through a channel and an interactive method is provided to a user, so that users can discuss multimedia contents to be distributed. Or uploading opinions. A multimedia content delivery method including displaying a flexible and adjustable interface screen on a user terminal. The interface can be flexibly adjusted according to the type of content, and can be adjusted to the Internet, satellite broadcasting, cable TV, a television with a setup box, a telegraph network, a wireless network, a mobile phone, a local area network, or Other multimedia contents are provided to a plurality of users who use different tables such as other types of networks linked from electronic equipment, and interactive communication can be performed.

The present invention can provide a user with multiple multimedia content data streams over a single channel. For example, 8 video signals and 8 audio signals are transmitted on the same channel. Accordingly, it is possible to display the multimedia content in a single display device or window and to obtain an interactive function. In the present invention, the multimedia content data stream is transmitted in real time or in a format close to real time.
A specific example of the multimedia content distribution method will be described below with reference to the drawings, in order to explain the features in detail.

  FIG. 1 discloses the basic structure of an interactive multimedia broadcasting system according to the present invention. Referring to the drawing, the multimedia broadcasting system 110 includes one core server 120 or a plurality of core servers, a plurality of streaming servers 141, 142, 143, and 144, at least one encoder 151, The multimedia content is distributed to the user 161 via the streaming server 241 by the encoder 151.

  The core server 120 includes an authentication server 121, a master server 122, a web server 123, and a database 124. The authentication server 121 is used to check the authenticity of the user ID. Thus, the user can link to the streaming server for the first time after passing the check.

The master server 122 is used to guide the user to a specific streaming server. That is, based on the policy set in the master server 122, it is determined to which streaming server the user is guided. Factors considered in the policy include IP ranges, user data, user accounts, company names, channels, and the like. For example, when a policy is set to support the user's location based on the user's IP, an appropriate streaming server near the user is selected.

  The web server 123 provides program information, for example, like television program information. Therefore, the user can select a channel or a television program. The program information includes program theme, provider, brief introduction, time, date, trend information about the program, or other information.

  The database 124 is used to store user data including accounts and the like, policies, website information, or other data.

  The core server 120 includes a single server or a plurality of servers such as an authentication server 121, a master server 122, and a web server 123, and a database 124, which are integrated into a single independent server, Alternatively, the single server or a combination of the plurality of servers may be used.

  In the present invention, a firewall 130 is provided and partitioned between the core server 120 and the streaming servers 141, 142, 143, and 144. Therefore, the core server 2120 can be reliably protected, and the safety when attacked by a hacker can be improved.

  The streaming server is composed of a plurality of streaming servers such as streaming servers 141, 142, 143, and 144, for example, and transmits multimedia streams to and from users such as users 161, 162, 163, and 164, for example. The system of the present invention can be expanded to meet the demands of users by increasing the number of streaming servers. Therefore, the network burden can be distributed and balanced by these servers on average, and the use efficiency of the servers can be increased by having a large number of streaming servers.

  In order to determine which streaming server is available or linked among the streaming servers 141, 142, 143, 144, etc., the main server 122 sends the heartbeat signal to the streaming servers 141, 142, 143, 144, etc. are transmitted periodically. The heartbeat signal is a TCP packet. As a result, the main server 122 can maintain a menu of valid servers. Therefore, when the streaming server fails or when the link is canceled and maintenance is performed, the master server 122 guides the user to other available streaming servers based on the set policy.

  In order to save bandwidth, a data stream is transmitted to a plurality of users using a multicast protocol in one or a plurality of channels.

  The encoder is one encoder or a plurality of encoders such as encoders 151 and 152, for encoding multimedia content, streaming servers 141, 142, 143, 144 and the like streaming in real time, and various In order to achieve a high bit transmission rate and resolution, the encoded multimedia content is provided to the streaming servers 141, 142, 143, 144 and the like.

  Depending on the network capacity or environment, the channel capacity may be dialed at a relatively low 56 Kbps or may be a broadband speed, for example 1.5 Mbps or higher. Similarly, the resolution can be selected from 160 × 120, 176 × 144, 320 × 240, 352 × 288, 640 × 480, or higher resolution. The frame rate is adjusted based on the frequency band to be used. As the frame rate increases, a wider frequency band is required. For example, the minimum value of the frame rate may be adjusted to 1 screen per second or may be further increased to 30 screens per second.

  Encoders 151 and 152 are the most preferred compression encoding / decoders, generating multimedia streams in real time or near real time, eliminating the need for buffering. For this reason, the user or the television station can generate interactive functions on multimedia content in real time or near real time.

  The TCP is for linking the core server 120 and the streaming servers 141, 142, 143, 144, and is for guaranteeing data transmission and ensuring that packets are transmitted and received in the same order. is there.

  The system of the present invention uses UDP (User Datagram Protocol). UDP provides a method for directly transmitting and receiving data packets in an IP network between encoders 151 and 152, streaming servers 141, 142, 143, and 144 and users.

  Also, the present invention transmits contents to a selected group or a plurality of users using multicasting. For example, an ISP (Internet Service Provider) 3 (see FIG. 1) having streaming servers 143 and 144 may link the streaming servers 143 and 144 to transmit multimedia content to the users 163 and 164 by multicasting. it can.

  The smart type interactive multimedia broadcasting system according to the present invention will be described in detail below with application examples.

  A multimedia producer prepares multimedia content. This multimedia content is pre-recorded or real-time live broadcast. Build or combine system structures that multimedia providers need to deliver multimedia content. Multimedia producers and providers may be the same entity or different entities. Multimedia providers also prepare program information about multimedia content and help users create programs or channels.

  Once the system is built, users can register or sign up to receive services, and user and account data is stored in a database. When the user links to the multimedia provider and enters the authentication data, the authenticity of the ID is authenticated. The user can then obtain program information or a program guide for selecting a channel. When the user selects the desired channel, the appropriate streaming server is selected and the multimedia content is streamed to the user.

  Multimedia content is transmitted in a streaming manner in real-time or near real-time, allowing the user to interact with the multimedia content and allowing the user to interact in multiple ways. For example, when a user links via the Internet, a simple text is entered into the chat screen of the computer interface. Based on various channels, providers, policies, or producer data, multiple screens appear directly or selectively appear depending on the text entered by the user. This allows the user to view the sender's opinion. With this method, all users on the channel can communicate with each other in real time or with the producer.

  In addition, the content creator can correct the program to be created based on user feedback or discussion. For example, if the multimedia content is a movie, the user can express his / her opinion while playing the movie. Or you can discuss some contents of the movie. Also. If the content is an educational program and, for example, a class of a specific subject, the user can become a student and participate in the class by asking questions or answering questions.

  The system according to the present invention can transmit video and audio using a microphone or a network camera in addition to text. By using such a method, the user can become a partial producer of content. For example, in the educational program described above, the video of the instructor appears in a part of the screen, and the video of the individual student is displayed in the other part. When displayed in multiple stages, it can include videos of multiple students and instructors. In this way, the voice of different users is added to the voice of the instructor so that it can be heard at the same time. In other words, a virtual environment is constructed on the channel, and realism as if it is in the field is achieved.

  Users can obtain similar results with a television provided with a setup box. The user can also generate a dialog with a mobile phone, such as a 3G handset. The action of the dialogue is determined by the function of the facility that the user has. Dialogue actions include short message service (SMS), multimedia message service (MMS), still photo, video, audio and the like. The user can listen to the audio portion of the multimedia content and generate an interactive action through a conventional telephone.

  The smart interactive multimedia broadcast of the present invention supports various video and audio signal streams and transmits them simultaneously on a single channel. In addition, real-time or near real-time data streams are generated over the network by a more powerful compression technology, and content and interactive methods are provided from the provider to the user.

  2A and 2B disclose block diagrams of various interactive modules of the interactive multimedia structure of the present invention. According to the drawings, the interactive interactive multimedia of the present invention is used for various dialogs such as messages, application program sharing, Internet synchronous browsing, file sending and sharing, election and voting, meeting minutes, shared message board and chat room. Includes multiple modules.

  The present invention provides an application program sharing module 220 to share all window programs between the host end and the user. For example, when the host end executes and uses a program, other users can obtain the operation, speed, and result. The host end gives lectures and trainings to multiple users in briefing sessions or training courses. This is quite efficient and does not require a specific venue.

  In addition, the host end may grant other users the right to control the application program. Therefore, it has the ability of seamless communication and achieves real-time data effect. For example, when a technology with a host end is described, the host end grants a control right to a user, a student, or a trained person, and emphasizes the action and result. There is no need to install an application program on the user's device or computer, and allowing the user to use the application program is quite effective for potential buyers.

  The multimedia system according to the present invention provides a synchronization module 225 for performing synchronization control of a network or a browser. The host end outputs a link command, and all users on the channel or users who participate in the conference browse through the home page or the website in synchronization.

  For example, when a sales agent introduces various products directly to a future customer on the company's home page, the agent and the user synchronize so that items can be viewed at the same time. Also, since the user can interact, the question can be answered by solving text, voice, etc., and the agent can answer via text, voice, etc.

  In addition, it is possible to allow the user to control the synchronization and allow all users to view the selected home page. In this case, it is possible to play a translation of the browsing guide in the synchronous browser. That is, other users are guided so that the users can interact with each other.

The file transmission module 230 can provide a file sending function. For this reason, the host end and the user are on the same channel, or an Internet conference participant exchanges transmissions, objects, multimedia data, other data and files. Each user has the right to receive transmissions, exchanges or refuse to receive. This system simulates a peer-to-peer network and allows a user to provide files or data. Users can also communicate and interact with other users to introduce or discuss files or data. For example, by using this file transmission module, the presenter can easily transmit surplus present data or content to all participants.

The present invention also provides an election or voting module 235. Therefore, an election is performed by the host end or the user, and the participants vote for this. Such voting is performed by manually or automatically displaying the filed questionnaire. When voting begins, the system provides the results of the voting only to the host end or displays it to each participant. The election results may be updated as needed and displayed in real time during the election period, or may be displayed after the election is over.

The voting module 235 may be a kind of question and answer system. That is, in the education channel, the host end or the instructor raises a problem, and the student or the general user answers this. Answers will be made by alternatives, criticism, or filling in. In addition, it is possible to select to display the total number of returned answers to the question that has been raised, or the correct answer rate of the total number before answering or after answering. If necessary, you can choose to publish the correct participant's username.

Also, voting or answer history can be held by individual participants. For example, when the instructor submits a series of examination questions and conducts the test, the participant who responds can hold the examination result by himself / herself. Similarly, when voting is performed, the history or action can be recorded and used as a basis for future operation or consideration.

The present invention provides a shared whiteboard module 240. The shared whiteboard 240 is for the user and the host end to paint, input text, and paste a picture, and a plurality of users can interact simultaneously on the shared whiteboard. The host end also has the right to accept or reject the user's use of the shared whiteboard.

Also, by using the shared whiteboard, users can quickly interact and exchange opinions or consider in groups. For example, it looks at a concept of many employees in the company, and each employee makes corrections and rewrites so that all participants can see it in real time.

The chat room module 245 is provided for the user to communicate with other users who are online using the chat room. The chat room area is displayed on a separate tabbed page or on the same homepage, and is used as another interactive tool. Divide the chat room area into different areas on the channel, or arrange them into a single area. For example, on the engineer's education channel, the chat room area is all about engineering, or the department is divided into a plurality of chat areas such as machines, electronics, and civil engineering.

In addition, as with other interactive tools, the right to use the chat area is selectively given to or rejected from individual users or groups of users. For example, when a specific user performs an act of ruining a chat room, the right to use the chat area is canceled for a while, is suspended for an indefinite period of time, or is permanently canceled.

The message module 250 is used for a user to directly communicate with other users. However, another user is prevented from knowing the contents of the communication. For example, when the user A and the user B send a text message to each other, a right is given to prevent another user from noticing the interaction between the user A and the user B. If necessary, the host end may have message monitoring capabilities. It should be noted that the chat room module 245 and the message module 250 may be the same module or separate modules.

The present invention also provides a record module 255 that allows the user to record the progress of the channel or conference when the host end grants the user privileges. In addition to recording video, you can also record data exchanged in the chat area, information, voting, synchronized browser, or whiteboard content. The host end has the ability to record all the actions of the dialogue, or select and partially record from the content of the meeting. After recording, the user or host end will have the ability to replay all interactive actions at a later date. This is especially useful for dialogue activities such as conferences, debates, classes and training.

Providing the commercial module 260 for a business commercial content producer or provider will cause the business commercial content producer or provider to broadcast commercials, announcements, etc. periodically or in the long term. The advertising revenue obtained in this way can be offset by expenses related to the operation of the multimedia content distribution system.

Further, the voting module 235 and the commercial module 260 may be combined into one area, and the user may vote for the commercial product, or the commercial may be selected based on the voting result. For example, a questionnaire survey is conducted to investigate user preferences and hobbies. If the user answers sports, a commercial related to sports is broadcast.

The present invention also provides a timetable module 265. The timetable is for not forgetting the number of times the user has recorded the content distributed on the spot, the time, or the distribution time of the content scheduled to be recorded. In addition, a timetable for inputting data such as network conferences and events that the user will participate in the future can be constructed in the scheduler. For example, if a concert is decided to be broadcast live on time and date, when the user inputs data related to the concert into the timetable, the concert is recorded even if the user is not at that time. .

The timetable can be used as a timer or an alarm. In other words, the scheduler notifies the user when it is time to start the network conference. For example, when a network conference is held on a certain fixed date, the scheduler periodically notifies the user. Therefore, the user is convenient when preparing for a network conference. The scheduler history is recorded and collected and analyzed.

The digital rights management module 270 is for protecting multimedia content, and when the content producer requests to protect the content from being copied or recorded, the digital light management module 270 The content is edited with a password or protected. Thus, the user can view the video in a single time or in real time, but does not record a stream of multimedia data. Digital copyrights also prevent unauthorized users from viewing content. The user also pays a fee to acquire the right to view and save the content.

Further, by providing the shopping module 275, the user can easily purchase multimedia contents and other products existing on the channel. For example, when a user views a content of a movie or a music meeting, or after watching the content, the user can purchase a video of the content. Similarly, users can easily purchase by displaying, introducing, and advertising products on the channel. If necessary, it is possible to obtain a purchase history or an action when the user is an individual or a group. The user has the feature or has lost it. Such a function is advantageous in that the user can receive recommendations from like-minded users. The recommendation is made based on the purchase history of the user or the purchase style. For example, when user A purchases a CD of entertainer B's jazz, recommending entertainer C similar to entertainer B to user A using the purchase history of the user who purchased entertainer B's CD .

The present invention provides an interface module 210 that displays a selection of interactive tools such as function lists, other interface screens such as conferences, channels, or function select lists. The interface can be displayed on a single page or it can display a page tab interface for multiple pages. The screen on the interface can be easily switched to a desired tab page, and a new page screen such as an unused whiteboard can be created. The page tab interface can be displayed or closed at the same time for the convenience of the user to view the same page screen, and the setting or display of the page screen can be done by the host end controlling other users, Or it is controlled by individual users themselves.

The version of the interface screen can be created by the content provider or producer, or by the user himself. The content creators are typical, have unique features, and create useful plates. A plate design with implicit value is considered a standard interface screen.

  The controller module 295 is used to control tools, application programs, transactions, module coordination, data management, and the like. The controller module 295 interface module 210 may be the same module or a separate module.

The multimedia module 285 controls multimedia contents such as movies, images, effects, and music. If the multimedia module 285 is a separate module, the professional nature of the module is to increase the ability and effect of drawing or using multimedia. Alternatively, the multimedia module 285 may be combined with the controller module 295 and / or the interface module 210 to form a single module.

The channel guide module 280 displays a program or a channel guide to facilitate the user's channel selection, channel information acquisition, and timetable creation. The channel guide module 280 may operate in synchronization with the timetable module 265. As a result, the user can easily organize records, notify scheduled events, and the like. The channel guide uses a multimedia format to display content, area, location, hobby, fashion, date and time on the channel in groups. Therefore, the user can easily search for an area of interest and a scheduled event.

The present invention also provides a bulletin board module 290 to notify the user about content distribution from the host end. Such notification is performed by a text message or the like, and distribution, update, notification or the like is transmitted from the host end to all users or selected users by horizontal scrolling, vertical scrolling, fixed scrolling, or other methods. For example, in the sports channel, the score display of the game is continuously updated.

The embodiments of the present invention are merely examples of the application of the present invention. In the present invention, for example, the contents of text, the order of arrangement, and the like can be modified by various methods.

  Producer A, the creator of multimedia content, prepares a great image of sports. This image may be encoded and stored on a server or streaming server, and the encoded data stream may be streamed on the fly.

Provider B, a multimedia content provider, builds a system that includes a core server, a streaming server, a web server, and an encoder.

  User C, who is a user, signs to be able to receive the service. If user C wants to view multimedia content, user C logs into the system. Next, when the user data is input, the authentication server checks the data input by the user C. Once authenticated, user C can connect to the web page server and view program information stored in the database. The organization sequence used here is edited and formed according to the main server, usable server, policy IP, or other standards.

When user C is interested in a sports program, examines the content provided by producer A and selects the channel and image, the streaming server streams the image to user C.

Further, the producer A may invite a sports coach to hold a sports debate. When users C, D, E, F, etc., who are a plurality of users, wish to participate in the sport debate, these users connect a network camera and a microphone to the computer.

When the debate begins, each user's audio and image signals are encoded and transmitted between the other user and the sports coach.

Further, when an image is streamed to each user, an image signal is displayed on the screen. In this case, it is displayed in a single display, in a plurality of parts, or on a single screen. The screen layout may be selected by the content producer or customized by the user.

The sports coach controls the audio signals of individual users so that they can be heard selectively. For example, if user C wants to ask a question, a movie critic can listen to user C's voice.

When images are being streamed, each user can communicate with a sports coach and other users using text messages. For example, during the broadcast of an image, the user can comment on a special play or give an opinion or discuss the content of the image.

During the entire discussion time described above, the main server sends a heartbeat packet to the streaming server and continuously maintains a menu of available servers. According to such a scheme, even if any streaming server has a problem and the number of available streaming servers decreases, the user's link is automatically switched to another streaming server.

For example, if the user C in the United States selects and the streaming server in use goes down, the main server automatically guides the user C to another available streaming server based on the user C, policy, or IP address. To do. For example, in this application, the main server selects a valid streaming server that exists at the location of user A.

As is apparent from the above, in the present invention, the content, the number of users, the provider, the location for storing the content, etc. can be appropriately modified according to actual needs, requests, etc.

  The above are preferred embodiments of the present invention, and do not limit the scope of the present invention. Therefore, any modifications or changes that can be made by those skilled in the art, which are made within the spirit of the present invention and have an equivalent effect on the present invention, shall belong to the scope of the claims of the present invention. To do.

It is explanatory drawing which showed the basic structure of the multimedia content delivery system by this invention. It is the block diagram which showed the basic structure of the multimedia content delivery system in the Example of this invention. It is the block diagram which showed the other structure of the multimedia content delivery system in the Example of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

110 Multimedia Broadcasting System 120 Core Server 121 Authentication Server
122 master server 123 web server 124 database 130 firewall 141 streaming server 142 streaming server 143 streaming server 144 streaming server 151 encoder 152 encoder 161 user 162 user 163 user 164 user 210 interface module 220 application program sharing module 225 multimedia system synchronization module 230 File transmission module 235 Voting module 240 Shared whiteboard module 245 Chat room module 250 Message module 255 Record module 260 Commercial module 265 Timetable module 270 Digital light management module Le 275 shopping module 280 channel guide module 285 multimedia module 290 bulletin board module 295 controller module

Claims (10)

Multiple multimedia content,
An interactive guide for convenience when multiple users select the multimedia content;
A file sharing module that provides file and data sharing between these users;
An application program sharing module that provides sharing of application programs between these users;
A sync browser module for these users to sync and browse on the network,
A voting module for these users to vote,
A shared whiteboard module that allows these users to paint pictures, enter text, and paste pictures,
Chat rooms where these users communicate with other users,
A conference module in which these users can participate in group meetings,
A record module where these users record the content of the meeting,
A multi-page tab interface for these users to switch page tabs of the conference;
An interactive multimedia content distribution system comprising a commercial module for providing a promotional product to a user.   The interactive multimedia content distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the multimedia content includes a movie, an image, sound, music, a game, a production, or a combination thereof.   The interactive multimedia content distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the multimedia content is a data stream in real time or near real time.   The interactive multimedia content distribution system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of multimedia content data streams are streamed via the same channel.   2. The interactive multimedia content distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of users can receive or reject the transmission of the shared file or data.   The interactive multimedia content delivery system of claim 1, wherein the voting results are automatically statistics and the voting results are selectively shared by the plurality of users.   The interactive multimedia content distribution system according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of users in the chat room communicate via text messages.   2. Interactive multimedia content according to claim 1, characterized in that among the users, individual users have the right to selectively give or reject using the whiteboard, chat room, voting. Distribution system. An application program sharing module that provides application program sharing among multiple users;
A synchronization module for these multiple users to synchronize and browse on the network,
A file dispatch module in which these users transmit or exchange objects, multimedia content, data or files to other users;
A voting module for these users to vote,
A shared whiteboard module that allows these users to paint pictures, enter text, and paste pictures,
A chat module where these users communicate with other users,
A message module where these users personally communicate with other users,
A record module where these users record the content of the meeting,
A channel guide module that displays interactive guides for these users to select multimedia content,
And an interactive module for displaying interactive tools provided by these modules. The interactive multimedia content distribution system comprises:
A commercial module that displays commercials,
A timetable module for users to arrange time,
A digital light management module to protect multimedia content;
A purchasing module for users to purchase multimedia content or goods;
A multimedia module for controlling the multimedia content;
A posting module that displays notifications sent from the host end to the user;
The interactive multimedia content distribution method according to claim 9, further comprising a controller module for controlling each of the modules described above.