JP2013074630A - Multimedia broadcast access device and method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a multimedia broadcast access device and a method therefor.SOLUTION: The device includes: a WLAN communication module accessible from one or a plurality of radio Internet devices; application management means for generating an event message by receiving application meta-data related to a multimedia broadcast program from each radio Internet device; event management means for registering a suitable event and a trigger condition; mobile multimedia broadcast demodulation means for demodulating, in response of a satisfied trigger condition, audio/video signals related to the event; and streaming media server means for receiving the demodulated audio/video signals and distributing them to the radio Internet device through the WLAN communication module. The device not only can route multimedia broadcast to a suitable radio Internet device but also can support an interactive service between devices.

Description

  The present application relates to information technology, and in particular, to an access device and method for multimedia broadcasting.

  With the development of Internet technology and communication technology, mobile Internet and multimedia broadcasting have already been widely applied in various aspects of daily life. The mobile multimedia broadcast network is a standardized wireless system such as CMMB (China Mobile Multimedia Broadcast) or ISTB-Tmm (Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting-Terrestrial mobile multimedia). People receive multimedia broadcasts such as television programs and radio programs via a dedicated CMMB receiving terminal or a mobile phone equipped with a CMMB module.

  For example, in order to support mobile multimedia broadcasting, conventionally, a wireless Internet device (WiD: Wireless Internet Device) incorporates a receiving module or an external device such as a TV stick, and playback software on the WiD. The purpose of viewing a mobile multimedia broadcast program on its own device is realized by a method such as installing the system. However, these methods require the addition of WiD device hardware and software, so that the implementation cost is high and the interactive service capability between the devices is not provided.

  In view of one or more problems in the prior art, the present application provides a multimedia broadcast access device and method.

  A multimedia broadcast access device according to one embodiment receives a wireless local area network communication module accessible from one or more wireless Internet devices, and application metadata regarding the multimedia broadcast program from the wireless Internet device, Responsive to application management means for generating an event message based on the application metadata; event management means for registering a corresponding event and trigger condition based on the event message; and satisfying the trigger condition. Mobile multimedia broadcast demodulating means for demodulating the audio / video signal of the multimedia broadcast program related to the event, and demodulated multimedia from the mobile multimedia broadcast demodulating means. Streaming media server means for receiving an audio / video signal of a broadcast broadcast program and distributing the demodulated multimedia broadcast program audio / video signal to the wireless Internet device via a wireless local area network communication module And including.

  According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of routing multimedia broadcasts by receiving application metadata related to multimedia broadcast programs from a wireless Internet device via a wireless local area network and based on the application metadata. And corresponding events and trigger conditions are registered based on the event message, and in response to the trigger conditions being satisfied, the audio / video signal of the multimedia broadcast program related to the event is demodulated. And delivering the demodulated audio / video signal of the multimedia broadcast program to the wireless Internet device via a wireless local area network.

  According to the devices and methods of the above-described embodiments, multimedia broadcasts can be routed to corresponding wireless Internet devices, and interactive services between devices can be supported.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary block diagram of a multimedia broadcast access node according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an exemplary block diagram of an application management means in an access node for multimedia broadcasting according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a processing process of an access node for multimedia broadcasting according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is an exemplary block diagram of an access node for multimedia broadcasting according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an operation state transition process of an access node for multimedia broadcasting according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, the best embodiment disclosed in the present application will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numeral indicates the same or similar component even if it is shown in different drawings. For clarity and clarity, detailed descriptions of known functions and configurations contained herein are omitted so as not to obscure the subject matter of each embodiment of the present application.

  FIG. 1 shows an exemplary block diagram of a multimedia broadcast access node according to one embodiment of the present invention. According to one or more embodiments of the present application, the mobile Internet and multimedia broadcast access node (MiMBAN) 120 can be used to access multiple types of networks, thereby enabling the mobile network and multimedia broadcast access node (MiMBAN) 120 to access a plurality of types of networks. The multimedia broadcast content is transmitted to one or more Internet browsers of the WiDs 111 and 11n, and the interaction between the application on the WiDs 111 and 11n and the content on the Internet is realized.

  The MiMBAN device 120 according to one embodiment may include a wireless wide area network (WWAN) communication module 124, a wireless local area network (WLAN) communication module 121, a mobile multimedia broadcast (MMB) demodulation means 127, and the like.

  As described above, Mobile Internet and Multimedia Broadcasting Access Node (MiMBAN) 120 is an MMB (Mobile Multimedia Broadcasting Network), WWAN (Wireless Wide Area Network), and WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network). It is a device having an access capability to an area network. The wireless wide area network communication module 124 includes, for example, WCDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), WiMAX, LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-A (Improved Long Term Evolution), etc. It may be based on any standardized cellular network system. The mobile multimedia broadcast demodulating means 127 is, for example, a standardized network such as CMMB (China Mobile Multimedia Broadcast) or ISTB-Tmm (Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting-Terrestrial mobile multimedia).

  The wireless local area network communication module 121 may be a WiFi access point based on IEEE 802.11. According to other embodiments, the WLAN communication module 121 may be based on other communication protocols such as Bluetooth, for example.

  According to one or more embodiments, the wireless internet device (WiD) 111 is a plurality of different internet applications having wireless local area network interfaces, such as smartphones, tablet computers, laptop computers, etc. May be a terminal device that supports. Typical Internet applications include applications such as accessing network services via a browser or client.

  The wireless wide area network communication module 124 communicates with entities on the Internet and voluntarily obtains content related to multimedia broadcasting from an application server (not shown in FIG. 1) on the Internet. The wireless local area network communication module 121 communicates Internet content, multimedia broadcast content, application-related data, and the like with the plurality of WiDs 111 and 11n. The mobile multimedia broadcast demodulator 127 receives program content and program information content broadcast from the mobile multimedia broadcast base station. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the mobile multimedia broadcast demodulating means can receive contents of a mobile multimedia broadcast program broadcast from a satellite.

  According to one embodiment of the present application, the mobile Internet and multimedia broadcast access node 120 may include streaming media server means 125, streaming media buffer means 122, application management means 123, event management means 126, and the like.

  The application management unit 123 interacts with an application on the WiD 111 or an application on the Internet, for example, receives application metadata about a multimedia broadcast program from the wireless Internet device 111, and receives an event message based on the application metadata. Is generated. According to one embodiment, the format of the data part in these application metadata is based on XML or Java.

  The event management unit 126 processes the event information of mobile multimedia broadcasting, and registers corresponding events and trigger conditions based on the event message generated by the application management unit 123, for example. Next, the mobile multimedia broadcast demodulator 127 demodulates the audio / video signal of the multimedia broadcast program related to the event in response to the trigger condition being satisfied. The streaming media server means 125 transmits the content of the multimedia broadcast to the WiD in real time. For example, the streaming media server means 125 receives the demodulated multimedia broadcast program audio / video signal from the mobile multimedia broadcast demodulation means 127, and performs WLAN communication. The audio / video signal of the multimedia broadcast program is distributed to the WiD 111 via the module 121.

  According to one embodiment of the present invention, the streaming media buffer means 122 transmits the multimedia broadcast video file to the WiD 111 in response to the event registered by the event management means 126 being triggered.

  According to another embodiment of the present invention, the application management means 123 responds to a request from the wireless Internet device (WiD) 111 to the wireless Internet device 111 via the wireless local area network communication module 121. Provides application metadata about multimedia broadcast programs from application servers on the Internet. In this way, a WiD, such as a mobile phone, can request metadata information about a broadcast program from the mobile Internet and multimedia broadcast access node 120.

  According to another embodiment of the present invention, the streaming media buffer means 122 is selectable. When it is necessary to support an application such as multimedia broadcast program storage, the streaming media buffer means 122 is added and the audio / video signal of the multimedia broadcast program received and demodulated by the mobile multimedia broadcast demodulation means 127 is added. May be buffered in a file so that the WiD 111, 11n can download the file via the WLAN communication module 121.

  According to another embodiment of the present invention, the streaming media server means 125 may convert the audio / video signal received from the mobile multimedia broadcast demodulation means 127 into a required format of WiD according to the WiD request. it can. For example, such a format conversion request may be included in application metadata such as a resolution supported by a WiD display and an audio / video format supported by a browser.

  According to another embodiment of the present invention, the mobile Internet and multimedia broadcast access node 120 also includes a wired interface (not shown in FIG. 1) and connects to the Internet in a wired connection manner.

  According to another embodiment of the present invention, the application management means 123 in the mobile Internet and multimedia broadcast access node 120 receives social media content related to the multimedia broadcast program being distributed from the wireless Internet device 111. , To the social media server on the Internet via the wireless wide area network communication module 124. At the same time, the application management means 123 receives social media content related to a multimedia broadcast program being distributed from a social media server on the Internet, and transmits it to the wireless Internet devices 111 and 11n via the WLAN communication module 121. To do. In this way, WiD users can view mobile multimedia broadcasts on their mobile phones and also interact with social media on the Internet via the mobile Internet and multimedia broadcast access node 120. .

  Although the above describes the configuration of the multimedia broadcast access node in the form of independent means, those skilled in the art should be aware that the above means can be integrated and realized together. It is. For example, the application management means and the event management means may be realized together in the form of software, or the streaming media buffer means 122 and the streaming media server means 125 may be integrated and realized together.

  FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a multimedia broadcast access node 120 according to another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, according to this embodiment, the application management unit 123 includes an application interpreter 1231 and an event generator 1232.

  The application interpreter 1231 analyzes application metadata from the WiD 111, 11n application or the network application on the Internet. The event generator 1232 generates a specific event message of mobile multimedia broadcast based on the analysis result.

  For example, the user operates one application program on the browser screen of the WiD 111 and subscribes to a time reminder of a certain TV program. For example, an evening news program on the CCTV news channel is scheduled at 22: 00 to 22:30. View. Application metadata included in the time reminder is, for example, {application name: time reminder of TV program, start date: 2011-08-30, reminder time: Beijing time 21:58, reminder method: status column, channel: CCTV News channel, start time: Beijing time 22:00, duration: 0.5 hour, program name: evening news program, keyword: news system}.

  While executing the application in a browser, the application metadata is acquired by the application management means 123 in the MiMBAN access node 120 via a WLAN connection, and the acquisition address is http://192.168.1.1: 8080 / AppManager.

  After acquiring the application metadata, the application management unit 123 analyzes the application metadata by the application interpreter 1231, and information on the operation of the multimedia broadcast demodulation unit (for example, {start date: 2011-08-30, Channel: CCTV news channel, start time: Beijing time 22:00, duration: 0.5 hours, program name: evening news program}), and compiled by the event generator 1232 and an event message (for example, { Event identifier: d0k893j, event version: 001, event type: CCTV news channel streaming media playback, event status: start standby, event start time: 2011-08-30-220 Event Duration: generating a 0.5 hour}). The application management unit 123 transmits the event message to the event management unit 126, and the event management unit 126 registers the event and a corresponding trigger condition, and sets a timer, for example, and waits for the start of the event.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a processing process of an access node for multimedia broadcasting according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, for example, at 311, application metadata is received from the browser URL or application program interface (API) of the WiD 111 and the URL of the network application server address on the Internet. In 312, the application interpreter 1231 analyzes the XML format data or the Java format data of the data part in the received application metadata, extracts the content related to the multimedia broadcast from the data, and transmits the content to the event generator 1232. At 313, the event generator 1232 compiles based on the definition of the multimedia broadcast event and generates an event message.

  At 314, the event generator 1232 determines whether event feedback is required, and if no feedback is required, returns to a state waiting for application metadata reception, and registers event feedback if feedback is required. . At 315, a state for waiting for event feedback is entered. At 316, an event feedback message is received from the event management means 126. At 317, the application interpreter 1231 compiles the event feedback message to generate application metadata. At 318, the application metadata is sent to the URL or application program interface (API) of the WiD browser and the network application server address on the Internet.

  FIG. 4 shows an exemplary block diagram of a multimedia broadcast access node 120 according to another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the event management means 126 transmits and receives event messages from the application management means 123, receives program information from the mobile multimedia broadcast demodulation means 127, manages events, and streaming media server means. The trigger information is transmitted to 125 and the streaming media buffer means 122.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the event management means 126 defines the event as follows. That is, the event identifier is an identifier of an event that is unique in the MiMBAN device 120, the event type is distinguished by different operations on the streaming media server means 125 and the streaming media buffer means 122, and the event state is It is information such as whether the event is activated, whether it is registered and waiting for event feedback, the execution state of the event, etc., and the event start time is the execution start time of the task described in the event, and the event The duration is a duration from the start of execution of an event to the completion of execution.

  According to the embodiment of the present invention, the mobile multimedia broadcast demodulator 127 includes an ESG (electronic service guide) decoder 1271, and can decode the mobile multimedia broadcast to obtain an ESG. In this way, the event management unit 126 can acquire updated ESG information from the ESG decoder 1271, generate event information, and transmit the event information to the application management unit 123. The application management unit 123 generates application metadata and transmits it to the WiD 111 or an application server on the Internet.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an operation state transition process of an access node for multimedia broadcasting according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 5, at 502, starting from the default state of the event, the event is activated or is waiting to register for event feedback. At the timer timing, when the event start time is reached, the event start state is entered from the default state of the event. At 503, corresponding operations of the streaming media server means 125 or the streaming media buffer means 122 are triggered based on the event type. At 505, in the event persistence, the event is triggered by user interaction or application to enter the event's reconciliation state, and based on the reconciled event type, the streaming media server means 125 or the streaming media buffer means 122 Trigger the appropriate adjustment action.

  In 501, in the event persistence process, the event is triggered by user interaction or application to receive an event update state, new program information is received from the mobile multimedia broadcast demodulation means 127, or the event content itself Updates to are exchanged by user interaction or application.

  At 504, when the event duration ends at the timing, the event enters the event completion state from the event adjustment state, closes the event, cancels waiting for the registered feedback event, and clears the event identifier and the like.

  Hereinafter, an access node for mobile multimedia broadcasting according to an embodiment of the present application will be described with reference to one example.

  The user of the WiD 111 turns on the WLAN function (for example, the WiFi function), connects to the WLAN communication module 121 of the MiMBAN device, starts surfing the network, starts a network application program that performs a timed reminder of the TV program, Connect to the Internet to access the service.

  The network application program is installed in the local browser of the WiD device 111 by the user in a browser plug-in method, communicates with the user via the browser screen, and manages the application of the MiMBAN device 120 via the application metadata. Interact with means 123. The internal network address of the WLAN communication module 121 of the MiMBAN device 120 is fixed (for example, 192.168.1.1). The application management unit 123 uses a fixed port (for example, 8080 port). The local browser accesses the application management unit 123 of the MiMBAN device 120 via a URL address (for example, http://192.168.1.1:8080/AppManager).

  The user operates the application program on the browser screen, subscribes to a time reminder of a certain TV program, and watches an evening news program on the CCTV news channel at a fixed time, for example, at 22:00:00 to 22:30. Application metadata included therein includes, for example, {application name: TV program time reminder, start date: 2011-08-30, reminder time: Beijing time 21:58, reminder method: status column, channel: CCTV news channel, Start time: Beijing time 22:00, duration: 0.5 hour, program name: evening news program, keyword: news system}.

  While the browser executes the application, the application metadata is acquired by the application management unit 123 in the MiMBAN device 120 via the WLAN connection, and the acquisition address is http://192.168.1.1:8080 / AppManager.

  After acquiring the application metadata, the application management unit 123 analyzes the application metadata by the application interpreter 1231, and information on the operation of the multimedia broadcast demodulation unit 127 (for example, {start date: 2011-08-30). , Channel: CCTV news channel, start time: Beijing time 22:00, duration: 0.5 hours, program name: evening news program}), and compiled by the event generator 1232 and an event message (for example, {Event identifier: d0k893j, event version: 001, event type: CCTV news channel streaming media playback, event state: waiting for start, event start time: 2011-08-30 2200, Event Duration: generating a 0.5 hour}). The application management unit 123 transmits the event message to the event management unit 126, and the event management unit 126 registers the event and a corresponding trigger condition, sets a timer, for example, and waits for the start of the event.

  When the time is 21:58, a program reminder appears in the status field of the user's WiD device 111, and the user opens the reminder in the status field and clicks to enter an application that performs a timed reminder of the TV program. And triggers the browser to open a video playback window (eg, http://192.168.1.1:8080/MMB) and waits for the start of the program.

  When the time reaches 22:00, the event management means 126 in the MiMBAN device 120 starts processing an event having an event identifier of d0k893j, and the following is performed, that is, the mobile multimedia broadcast demodulation means 127 is activated and the CCTV news It switches to the specified frequency point of the channel and starts demodulating the video signal of the program to trigger transmission to the streaming media server means 125. After receiving the signal, the streaming media server means 125 starts a streaming media broadcast based on HTTP at a fixed URL address (for example, http://192.168.1.1:8080/MMB).

  The event management means 126 in the MiMBAN device 120 updates the information of the event whose event identifier is d0k893j and sets the event state to a normal start state (for example, {event identifier: d0k893j, event version: 001, event type: CCTV news channel Streaming media playback, event state: normal start, event start time: 2011-08-30-2200, event duration: 0.5 hours}.

  When the time reaches 22:30, the event management means 126 in the MiMBAN device 120 starts processing an event whose event identifier is d0k893j, and triggers the mobile multimedia broadcast demodulation means 127 to release the software and hardware resources. Then, the event is completed, the event is closed, and the event identifier is cleared. The user's WiD device closes the video playback window in the browser.

  According to the invention of the embodiment of the present invention, the access node of the mobile Internet has an increased ability to access the multimedia broadcasting network and an interactive service with the user's Internet terminal and Internet application. The application value of the mobile Internet access node is expanded, and the interactive form of the mobile Internet and mobile multimedia broadcasting is embodied.

  The above description is merely for realizing the embodiments of the present invention, and those skilled in the art will recognize that all modifications or partial replacements without departing from the present invention are limited by the scope of the claims of the present invention. It should be understood that it should belong to a certain range. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention should be based on the protection scope of the claims.

111,11n WiD
120 MiMBAN
121 WLAN communication module 122 Streaming media buffer means 123 Application management means 124 WWAN communication module 125 Streaming media server means 126 Event management means 127 MMB demodulation means 130 Internet 1231 Application interpreter 1232 Event generator 1271 ESG decoder

Claims (19)

An access device for multimedia broadcasting,
A wireless local area network communication module accessible from one or more wireless internet devices;
Application management means for receiving application metadata relating to a multimedia broadcast program from the wireless Internet device and generating an event message based on the application metadata;
Event management means for registering corresponding events and trigger conditions based on the event message;
Mobile multimedia broadcast demodulation means for demodulating an audio / video signal of a multimedia broadcast program associated with the event in response to the trigger condition being satisfied;
The demodulated multimedia broadcast program audio / video signal is received from the mobile multimedia broadcast demodulation means, and the demodulated multimedia broadcast program audio / video signal is received via the wireless local area network communication module. Streaming media server means for delivering to the wireless internet device;
Including access equipment. A wireless wide area network communication module;
The application management means communicates with an application server on the Internet via the wireless wide area network communication module.
The access device according to claim 1. In response to a request from a wireless Internet device, the application management means provides application metadata relating to a multimedia broadcast program from an application server to the wireless Internet device via a wireless local area network.
The access device according to claim 2. The mobile multimedia broadcast demodulation means includes an electronic service guide decoder,
The event management means transmits the electronic service guide from the electronic service guide decoder to the application management means;
The application management means compiles the electronic service guide to generate application metadata;
The access device according to claim 1. The application management means transmits the generated application metadata to an application server on the Internet for storage.
The access device according to claim 4. Further including a wired interface;
Connect to the Internet with a wired system,
The access device according to claim 1. The wireless local area network communication module is specifically a WiFi access point based on IEEE 802.11.
The access device according to claim 1. The application management means receives social media content related to a multimedia broadcast program being distributed from a wireless Internet device, and transmits it to a social media server on the Internet via the wireless wide area network communication module.
The access device according to claim 2. The application management means receives social media content related to a multimedia broadcast program being distributed from a social media server on the Internet, and transmits it to the wireless Internet device via the wireless local area network communication module.
The access device according to claim 2. The format of the data part in the application metadata is based on XML or Java (registered trademark).
The access device according to claim 1. The streaming media server means converts an audio / video signal of the demodulated multimedia broadcast program into a format specified by the event message, and then distributes it to the wireless Internet device;
The access device according to claim 1. A method for routing multimedia broadcasts,
Receiving application metadata regarding a multimedia broadcast program from a wireless Internet device via a wireless local area network, and generating an event message based on the application metadata;
Based on the event message, register the appropriate event and trigger condition,
In response to the trigger condition being satisfied, the audio / video signal of the multimedia broadcast program associated with the event is demodulated and the demodulated audio of the multimedia broadcast program is transmitted via a wireless local area network. / Distribute video signal to the wireless internet device,
A method involving that. Interact with application servers on the Internet via a wireless wide area network,
The method of claim 12 further comprising: In response to a request from a wireless Internet device, providing application metadata regarding a multimedia broadcast program from an application server to the wireless Internet device via a wireless local area network.
14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: Send received application metadata to an application server on the Internet for storage.
The method of claim 12 further comprising: The wireless internet device accesses via a WiFi access point based on IEEE 802.11;
The method of claim 12. Receives social media content related to a multimedia broadcast program being distributed from a wireless Internet device, and transmits it to a social media server on the Internet via a wireless wide area network.
The method of claim 12 further comprising: Receiving social media content about a multimedia broadcast program being distributed from a social media server on the Internet, and transmitting the content to the wireless Internet device via a wireless local area network;
The method of claim 12 further comprising: The format of the data part in the application metadata is based on XML or Java.
The method of claim 12.

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