JP2018078588A - TV receiver, display device, and apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce a cost of individual implementation and maintenance for each service.SOLUTION: Functions of an IPTV service client provided from a plurality of different service providers are separated into navigation (a function of selecting content), reproduction control (a function which sends commands of trick play such as normal reproduction, stopping, rewind reproduction, fast forward reproduction, and pause), and streaming (a function which transfers and reproduces an AV stream). The former two are realized as a browser application, and the latter one is implemented as a player which is transparent to IPTV service protocol.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The technology disclosed in this specification includes a content transfer apparatus and content transfer method for transferring a content stream sent from a streaming server, a content reproduction apparatus and content reproduction method for selecting content and reproducing content, and a content distribution system. In addition, for example, a content transfer apparatus and method for transferring a content stream distributed by an IPTV broadcast service to an IPTV service client, a content transfer device as a client in the IPTV service, and content playback The present invention relates to a content reproduction apparatus and content reproduction method, a content distribution system, and a computer program.

  Commercialization of IPTV services and VOD (Video On Demand) services for transmitting video content broadcast using terrestrial and satellite waves via an IP (Internet Protocol) broadband network is in progress.

  A conventional IPTV distribution system uses an HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) protocol for acquisition and control of an AV stream. That is, in an Internet TV distribution system via a network whose quality is not guaranteed, generally, a method for transferring a content acquisition control message and a content AV stream using the same HTTP and TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) protocol is adopted. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

  On the other hand, in a network with guaranteed QoS (Quality of Service) such as NGN (Next Generation Network), which has been introduced by carriers in each country, SIP (Session Initiation Protocol), RTSP (Real Time Streaming Protocol), etc. A streaming session is established using the above protocol and an AV stream is transferred using a protocol such as RTP (Real time Transport Protocol) (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

  In general, IPTV protocol clients based on SIP / RTSP and RTP have different mounting profiles (sets of protocol parameters) for each carrier. For this reason, a device vendor that develops and manufactures a device such as an STB (Set Top Box) that receives IPTV must implement an IPTV client (an IPTV client application for each carrier) unique to each carrier.

  FIG. 10 schematically shows a video distribution system that establishes a streaming session using the SIP / RTSP protocol and transfers an AV stream using the RTP protocol. In the example shown in the figure, original services of IPTV service A and IPTV service B are provided from two carriers, respectively, and a server for each service is installed. Here, a unique IPTV client application for service A is required to receive the distribution service from the IPTV service A server, and a unique IPTV client application for service B is required to receive the distribution service from the IPTV service B server. It is. Specifically, the client application for each service is embedded software in the STB distributed from each carrier. In such a case, the carrier needs to replace the device (ie, STB) when changing service. Further, the client application vendor needs to develop and maintain the client application according to a unique protocol for each carrier (that is, for each service). In addition, after the end user subscribes to the IPTV service of a certain carrier and wants to use the IPTV service of another carrier, it is necessary to purchase more STBs.

  There is a desire for a device vendor to use an IPTV client implementation developed for an IPTV service of a certain carrier for an IPTV service of a plurality of other carriers. For this purpose, a plurality of unique IPTV service protocols different for each carrier must be mounted on one IPTV client, or a plurality of unique IPTV clients themselves different for each carrier must be mounted. For device vendors, implementing the protocol is expensive. In addition, there is a problem that device vendors are expensive to perform maintenance related to adding functions in response to requests from service providers.

  Service providers must also provide end users with a uniform service that is independent of implementation differences between each client, regardless of the implementation of clients from different client vendors. I must. As a result, service providers spend time and money on service development and maintenance, such as testing and service quality management.

JP 2007-272868 A WO2008 / 091009

  An object of the technology disclosed in the present specification is to provide an excellent content transfer apparatus, content transfer method, and computer program capable of suitably transferring a content stream distributed by an IPTV broadcast service to an IPTV service client. There is to do.

  In addition, an object of the technology disclosed in the present specification is to provide an excellent content reproduction apparatus, content reproduction method, and computer program capable of suitably performing content or channel selection and content reproduction as a client in an IPTV service. There is to do.

  In addition, an object of the technology disclosed in the present specification is to provide an excellent content distribution system capable of reducing the implementation and maintenance costs of the IPTV client and uniforming the quality of service for each client.

The present application has been made in consideration of the above problems, and the technology according to claim 1
A channel establishment unit for establishing a channel on a network with a content reproduction apparatus that reproduces a stream of content;
A playback control command receiving unit for receiving a playback control command for controlling playback of a stream of content from the content playback device via the network;
In accordance with the received playback control command, a streaming unit that sends a content stream to the content playback device using the channel;
Is a content transfer apparatus.

  According to the technology of claim 2 of the present application, the channel establishment unit of the content transfer device according to claim 1 is configured to respond to a request from a player that plays a content stream on the content playback device. Is configured to establish.

  According to the technology described in claim 3 of the present application, the channel establishment unit of the content transfer device according to claim 1 can always transmit an HTTP request and return an HTTP response with the content reproduction device. A channel composed of a bandwidth-guaranteed path is configured to be established on the network.

  According to the technology described in claim 4 of the present application, the playback control command receiving unit of the content transfer device according to claim 1 is configured so that a browser application operating in a browser execution environment of the content playback device is instructed by a user. The reproduction control command issued in response is received as an HTTP request.

  According to the technology described in claim 5 of the present application, the streaming unit of the content transfer device according to claim 1 sends a content stream to a service protocol transparent player operating on the content reproduction device. Is configured to do.

  According to the technology described in claim 6 of the present application, the streaming unit of the content transfer device according to claim 1 is configured such that the browser application operating in the browser execution environment of the content reproduction device is HTTP according to a user's selection. A stream of content requested by a request is acquired from a streaming server and sent to the content reproduction apparatus.

  According to the technology described in claim 7 of the present application, the streaming unit of the content transfer device according to claim 1 converts a stream format transmitted from a streaming server in response to a request from the content reproduction device, The content playback apparatus converts the format into a format that can be processed by a player that performs streaming playback, and sends it to the content playback apparatus.

  According to the technique described in claim 8 of the present application, the reproduction control command receiving unit of the content transfer apparatus according to claim 1 sends the received reproduction control command to the streaming request from the content reproduction apparatus. The content is converted into a playback control protocol that can be interpreted by the streaming server that sends the content, and is exchanged with the streaming server.

  According to the technology described in claim 9 of the present application, the playback control command receiving unit of the content transfer apparatus according to claim 8 sends a playback control command related to variable-speed playback of a stream to a streaming server capable of interpreting RTSP. Is converted into an RTSP shift transfer instruction and exchanged.

  According to the technique described in claim 10 of the present application, the playback control command receiving unit of the content transfer apparatus according to claim 8 performs playback related to the playback speed of the stream to an HTTP pseudo-streaming server that can interpret only HTTP. A control command is converted into a content request in HTTP streaming, and an HTTP request is issued to the HTTP pseudo-streaming server at a speed according to the speed indicated by the playback control command.

  According to the technology described in claim 11 of the present application, the content transfer device described in claim 1 further includes a storage for storing a stream of content received from the streaming server. When the playback control command receiving unit receives a playback control command related to the variable speed playback of the stream, the streaming unit allows the player operating on the content playback device to perform variable speed playback by the same process as the normal playback. The stream is processed before being sent out.

  According to the technology of claim 12 of the present application, the channel establishment unit, the playback control command receiving unit, and the streaming unit of the content transfer device according to claim 1 are downloaded from a predetermined portal server. Realized as a function of the translation server to be started.

  According to the technology described in claim 13 of the present application, the content transfer device described in claim 1 operates as an edge server interposed between a streaming server for transmitting a content stream and a content reproduction device.

Further, the technique described in claim 14 of the present application is:
A channel establishment step for establishing a channel on a network with a content playback device that requests a stream of content;
A playback control command receiving step for receiving, via the network, a playback control command for controlling playback of a stream of content from the content playback device;
A streaming step of sending a stream of content to the content playback device using the channel in accordance with the received playback control command;
Is a content transfer method.

In addition, the technique described in claim 15 of the present application is:
A navigation unit for requesting streaming of content selected according to a user instruction by an HTTP request;
A playback control unit that performs playback control of streaming of content by an HTTP request in accordance with a user instruction;
A player playing a stream of content received over a channel established with a given server,
Is a content playback apparatus.

Further, the technique described in claim 16 of the present application is:
A navigation step of requesting streaming of selected content in response to a user instruction via an HTTP request;
A reproduction control step of performing reproduction control of streaming of content by an HTTP request according to a user instruction;
A playback step of playing a stream of content received over a channel established with a given server;
Is a content reproduction method.

Further, the technology described in claim 17 of the present application is:
A content playback apparatus that performs content selection and content playback control instructions with an HTTP request, and performs content stream playback with a service / protocol transparent player,
A streaming server for sending a stream of content selected by the content playback device;
A playback control command issued by the content playback device is converted into a protocol that can be interpreted by the streaming server and exchanged with the streaming server, and a stream of content sent from the streaming server is processed into a format that can be processed by the player. An edge server that converts and transfers a stream of content using a channel established with the content playback device;
Is a content distribution system.

  However, “system” here refers to a logical collection of a plurality of devices (or functional modules that realize specific functions), and each device or functional module is in a single housing. It does not matter whether or not.

  According to the technique described in claim 18 of the present application, the content distribution system according to claim 17 further includes a resource management server that secures distribution resources for the channel.

Moreover, the technology described in claim 19 of the present application is:
A channel establishment unit that establishes a channel on a network with a content reproduction device that reproduces a stream of content;
A playback control command receiving unit for receiving a playback control command for controlling playback of a stream of content from the content playback device via the network;
In accordance with the received playback control command, a streaming unit that sends a content stream to the content playback device using the channel;
As a computer program written in a computer readable format to allow the computer to function.

In addition, the technique described in claim 20 of the present application is:
A navigation unit for requesting streaming of content selected according to a user's instruction by an HTTP request;
A reproduction control unit for performing reproduction control of streaming of content by an HTTP request according to a user instruction;
A player that plays a stream of content received over a channel established with a given server,
As a computer program written in a computer readable format to allow the computer to function.

  Each computer program according to claims 19 and 20 of the present application defines a computer program written in a computer-readable format so as to realize predetermined processing on a computer. In other words, by installing the computer program according to claims 19 and 20 of the present application on a computer, a cooperative action is exhibited on the computer, and the content device according to claim 1 of the present application and claim 15 of the present application. The same operational effects as those of the content reproduction apparatus can be obtained.

  According to the technology disclosed in the present specification, an excellent content transfer apparatus, content transfer method, and computer program capable of suitably transferring a content stream distributed by an IPTV broadcast service to an IPTV service client are provided. can do.

  In addition, according to the technology disclosed in this specification, an excellent content reproduction apparatus and content reproduction method, and a computer program capable of suitably selecting content or a channel or reproducing content as a client in an IPTV service are provided. can do.

  Further, according to the technology disclosed in this specification, it is possible to provide an excellent content distribution system that can reduce the cost of implementation and maintenance of the IPTV client and can uniform the service quality for each client.

  In the IPTV distribution system to which the technology disclosed in this specification is applied, the functions of the IPTV service client provided from different service providers are navigation (function for selecting content) and playback control (normal playback (play). ), Stop (stop), rewind playback (rewind), fast-forward playback (forward), function to send trick play and other commands such as pause) and streaming (AV stream transfer / playback function), the former 2 One is implemented as a browser application, and the latter is implemented as a player that is transparent to the IPTV service protocol (a common player that does not depend on differences in the IPTV service protocol). Therefore, the device vendor only needs to develop a browser application for each service, and can reduce the cost of individually installing and maintaining clients for a plurality of different services. For service providers, the content selected by the end user via the browser is streamed using the RTP protocol over the guaranteed quality network in accordance with the playback control command specified on the browser. Can be achieved. Moreover, despite the use of the HTTP streaming client, the performance at the time of channel change in IP broadcast distribution can be improved in each stage.

  Other objects, features, and advantages of the technology disclosed in the present specification will become apparent from a more detailed description based on the embodiments to be described later and the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of an IPTV distribution system realized by applying the technology disclosed in this specification. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a specific configuration example in which a content distribution service is performed using a permanent streaming session in the IPTV distribution system 100. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a sequence example in which a content stream distribution service is performed using a permanent streaming session in the IPTV distribution system 100. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing in more detail an example sequence for streaming reproduction and reproduction control of content on the client device 231 in the IPTV distribution system 100. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a mechanism for realizing a high-speed channel change in the IPTV distribution system 100. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a sequence example in which a channel stream distribution service is performed using a permanent streaming session in the IPTV distribution system 100. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence for performing a channel stream distribution service using a permanent streaming session in the IPTV distribution system 100 (when corresponding to channel stream variable speed reproduction). FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing a functional configuration of the IPTV service translation server. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing entities on the client device 231 side in the IPTV service. FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing a video distribution system (conventional example) that establishes a streaming session using the SIP / RTSP protocol and transfers an AV stream using the RTP protocol.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the technology disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 schematically shows the configuration of an IPTV distribution system 100 realized by applying the technology disclosed in this specification. In the example shown in the figure, original services of IPTV service A and IPTV service B are provided from two carriers, respectively, and a server for each service is installed.

  In the technique disclosed in this specification, the functions of an IPTV service client provided from different service providers are navigation (a function for selecting content) and playback control (normal playback (play), stop (stop)). , Rewind playback (rewind), fast forward playback (forward), command functions such as trick play such as pause) and streaming (AV stream transfer / playback function), and the former two as browser applications The latter is implemented as a player that is transparent to the IPTV service protocol (a common player that does not depend on differences in the IPTV service protocol). A browser application having navigation and playback control functions is provided as a portal application from the portal site of the carrier.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the service A server 110 provides a service A-specific navigation and playback control protocol as a browser application 131 for the service A. On the end user side, the browser application 131 for the service A is downloaded from the service A server 110 to the client device 130 such as a TV receiver, and this application is started in the browser execution environment 133, so that the navigation, that is, the service A Can select content to be distributed by the user and control playback of the content on the browser.

  Similarly, the service B server 120 provides a service B-specific navigation and playback control protocol as a browser application 132 for the service B. On the end user side, the browser application 132 for the service B is downloaded from the service B server to the client device 130, and this application is started in the browser execution environment 133, whereby navigation and content playback control are performed on the browser. Can be done.

  Then, the content streamed from the service A server 110 is received on the client device 130 via the edge server 140 and reproduced using the player 134 operating on the client device.

  The edge server 140 downloads the service A original streaming protocol translation server application from the service A server 110 and starts the server. As will be described later, a streaming session to the client device 110 via the service A's own IPTV service translation server operating on the edge server 140 is permanently established.

  Here, a provider-specific streaming session such as SIP, RTSP, and RP / RTCP is established between the service A streaming server and the edge server 140 (described later). The edge server 140 as the IPTV service translation server unique to service A converts the unique stream format sent from the streaming server into a stream format that can be processed by the player 134 on the client device 231 side. And send it out. Therefore, on the client device 130, provided by the service A using a player that is transparent to the IPTV service protocol, such as a Windows (registered trademark) media player (a common player that does not depend on the difference in the IPTV service protocol). Content can be played. Further, the edge server 140 as the service A original streaming protocol translation server converts the reproduction control command from the client device 120 into an original IPTV service reproduction control protocol that can be interpreted by the streaming server, and exchanges them. .

  While playing the content streamed on the player 134, the end user performs playback control via the browser. The edge server 140 controls the streaming operation to the player 134 in accordance with the playback control command transmitted as an HTTP request from the browser.

  Similarly, the end user receives the content streamed from the service B server 120 via the edge server 150 and plays it using the player 134 operating on the client device 130.

  The edge server 150 starts an IPTV service translation server application unique to service B downloaded from the service B server 120. As will be described later, a streaming session to the client device 110 via the service B's own IPTV service translation server operating on the edge server 150 is permanently established.

  Here, the edge server 150 as an IPTV service translation server unique to the service B can process a unique stream format transmitted from the streaming server of the service B by the player 134 on the client device 231 side. Convert to stream format and send. Therefore, the content provided from the service B can be reproduced on the client device 130 using the IPTV service protocol and the transparent player 134. Further, the edge server 150 as the IPTV service translation server unique to the service B exchanges the reproduction control command from the client device 120 into a unique IPTV service reproduction control protocol that can be interpreted by the streaming server. .

  While playing the content streamed on the player 134, the end user performs playback control via the browser. The edge server 150 controls the streaming operation to the player according to the playback control command transmitted as an HTTP request from the browser.

  In the IPTV distribution system 100 shown in FIG. 1, a service operator who provides service A, service B, etc. simply develops and maintains a browser application for each service to be downloaded as a portal application to the client device 130. The end user can be provided with a uniform service regardless of the implementation differences between the clients, and the time and cost burden is considerably reduced.

  In addition, the device vendor only needs to develop and maintain only a standard browser execution environment that runs on the client device 130, and can create multiple unique IPTV service protocols for each carrier or different for each carrier. Compared to the case where a plurality of unique IPTV clients are mounted, the cost burden is considerably reduced.

  FIG. 2 shows a specific configuration example in which a content distribution service is provided using a permanent streaming session in the IPTV distribution system 100. In the figure, for simplification of explanation, the IPTV distribution system 100 is drawn focusing on one video distribution service.

  The core network 201 and the access network 202 are networks owned by carriers (service providers) that provide IPTV distribution services. The core network 201 corresponds to a so-called backbone network, and the access network 202 is a high-speed network composed of an optical fiber network or the like. In the illustrated example, the carrier is on the core network 201, the service discovery server 211, the portal server 212, the streaming server 213, the provider's own streaming server 213 such as SIP, RTSP, RTP / RTCP, resources A server-side entity in the IPTV service such as the management server 215 is installed. In addition, an edge server 216 that connects the core network 201 and the access network 202 is installed for each region in the provider network. The edge server 216 relays streaming from the streaming server 213 to the client device 231.

  The service discovery server 211 is a server for accessing the IPTV client manager 233 of the client device 231 to discover an IPTV service that can be accessed by the client. The service discovery server 211 manages attributes of IPTV services that can provide services. The IPTV service provider registers information necessary for the service access in the service discovery server 211. Information elements provided to the client side by the service discovery server 211 can include the name of the IPTV service, the outline of the IPTV service, and the URL of the IPTV service portal (portal server).

  The portal server 212 performs IPTV portal pages (VoD content and IP broadcast channel shops) for portal applications (applications responsible for content navigation and playback control) executed on the browser 234 of the client device 231. This is a server that provides a playback control screen for each content and channel introduced from the front (site where purchase content is selected and purchased) and the portal page.

  The edge server 216 is a server installed in the vicinity of an access network concentrator (station building) or the like for each region (any location other than the home network 203 may be used as long as it is accessible from the client side, in particular, the location Does not matter).

  In the present embodiment, the edge server 216 executes a predetermined server application downloaded from the portal server 212, for example, and functions as an IPTV service translation server. FIG. 8 schematically shows a functional configuration of the IPTV service translation server. The IPTV service translation server (streaming unit 803) receives a content or channel streaming request from a client in charge of the edge server 213, and transmits the stream. In addition, the IPTV service translation server (dedicated channel establishment unit 801), with the player 235 on the client device 231, as a dedicated channel, one HTTP pseudo-streaming channel (session) with a guaranteed bandwidth. Establish. A streaming session unique to the provider such as SIP, RTSP, RTP / RTCP, etc. is established between the streaming server 213 and the translation server. The streaming unit 803 always transfers all streaming on the channel to the player 235 side. If necessary, the security of the HTTP pseudo-streaming session is protected by SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) or the like. The IPTV service translation server on the edge server 216 is always accessed from the player 235 on the client device 231 with one URL. Further, when the IPTV service translation server (playback control command receiving unit 802) receives a playback control command related to stream playback from a portal application operating on the client device 231, it is the same as normal playback on the player. The stream is processed so that processing can be completed.

  The resource management server 215 communicates with the streaming server 213 and the player on the client device 231 in accordance with a request from the IPTV service translation server (dedicated channel establishment unit 801) on the edge server 216. To secure distribution resources. For securing the distribution resources, IMS / SIP protocol used in a dedicated carrier network such as NGN, OpenFlow-API that will be standardized in the future, or a protocol unique to a carrier network device, etc. are used (described later).

  In response to the content streaming request or the channel streaming request from the IPTV service translation server, the streaming server 213 transmits the corresponding content stream.

  On the other hand, a home network 203 is attached to the end user's home. Home network 203 interconnects with a carrier network such as access network 202 via a modem or router 232. The home network 203 conforms to technical specifications such as DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance), but is not directly related to the gist of the technology disclosed in this specification, and thus detailed description of this type of technical specification is omitted.

  A client device 231 is connected to the home network 203. On the client device 231, entities such as an IPTV client manager 233, a browser 234, and a player 235 operate. Then, navigation (function to select content), playback control (normal playback (play), stop (rewind), rewind playback (rewind), fast forward playback (forward), tricks such as forward, pause) by portal application executed by browser 235 A function for sending commands such as play) is realized, and a streaming (function for transferring / reproducing AV stream) function by the player 235 is realized.

  Each of the IPTV client manager 233, the browser 234, and the player 235 is an entity on the client device 231 side in the IPTV service (see FIG. 9).

  The IPTV client manager 233 obtains IPTV service discovery information from the service discovery server 211 when activated, and activates the browser 234 based on the portal URL provided there.

  The browser 234 corresponds to an HTML (Hyper Tex Markup Language) browser 234, and includes an execution environment for a JavaScript (registered trademark) application. The browser 234 is a module for executing a portal browser page (portal application) downloaded from a portal URL (portal server 212). The browser 234 performs content presentation, dialog management, and the like with an end user through a GUI (Graphical User Interface) processing system. In the portal application, the browser 234 processes a playback control screen of the selected content channel in addition to the selection of the content and the channel.

  The player 235 is a module for playing back and presenting a stream. In addition to being mounted outside the browser, the player 235 may be incorporated into the browser 234. In this embodiment, the player 235 establishes one HTTP pseudo-streaming channel (session) with a guaranteed bandwidth as a dedicated channel with the IPTV service translation server on the edge server 216, Always receive all streaming on this. If necessary, the security of the HTTP pseudo-streaming session is protected by SSL or the like.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of a sequence for providing a content stream distribution service using a permanent streaming session in the IPTV distribution system 100 (until a dedicated channel is established). In the illustrated sequence, streaming is performed in response to a content streaming request from the client side. Hereinafter, the mechanism of the IPTV distribution system 100 shown in FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The IPTV client manager 233 on the client device 231 acquires from the service discovery server 211 a list for searching for a service provider that provides an IPTV service, that is, service discovery information (SEQ301). In the service discovery information, the name of the service and the portal URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the IPTV service are described as attributes of the IPTV service. The IPTV client manager 233 activates the browser 234 based on the portal URL (SEQ302).

  Based on the portal URL, the browser 234 downloads (DL) the portal page from the IPTV portal server 212 and presents it to the end user (SEQ303). Here, since the IPTV service provider develops the portal page itself, the client vendor only needs to implement the browser execution environment, and a unique IPTV client for each provider as in the conventional system shown in FIG. There is no need to implement it. Furthermore, all content navigation sequences related to the content selection process can be designed by the service provider, and can be easily changed. Accordingly, the service provider can achieve uniform service quality provided to the end user and reduce maintenance costs.

  Here, the portal page includes a portal application described in, for example, JavaScript (registered trademark). In response to the end user selecting a desired IPTV content or broadcast channel via the portal page displayed on the browser 234, the portal application is executed (SEQ304). Alternatively, the portal application is executed when the portal page is opened.

  Portal applications such as the browser application for service A and the browser application for service B send the IPTV to the edge server 216 installed in the local area in the provider network as a translation server activation request. A request is made to download (DL) and start the service translation server application (SEQ305). Alternatively, a plurality of IPTV service translation server applications that may be used in advance may be downloaded from the portal server 212 to the edge server 216 in advance. However, if the overhead to be executed after downloading is sufficiently small, it is preferable to sequentially download this type of application for the convenience of maintenance and version management. When starting the IPTV service translation server downloaded from the portal server 212 (SEQ 306), the edge server 216 returns a response to the translation server start request to the requesting portal application.

  In addition, the portal application performs an IPTV service translation server that operates on the edge server 216 with respect to a player (implementation that processes the AV streaming protocol and plays a stream) 235 on the client device 231. During this period, a request is made to establish a dedicated IPTV channel (SEQ307). Then, the player 235 issues an IPTV dedicated channel establishment request to the edge server 216 (SEQ308). This IPTV dedicated channel is a dedicated HTTP streaming session that is individually assigned to each client (meaning a session with a longer duration rather than a TCP session completed with individual HTTP request / acquisition transactions).

  In response to the IPTV dedicated channel establishment request from the player 235, the IPTV service translation server on the edge server 216 sends an IPTV between the translation server and the player 235 to the resource management server 215. A request is made to secure distribution resources such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a storage area, and a network interface necessary for streaming through the dedicated channel (SEQ309). In response to this request, the resource management server 215 always reserves the above communication resources until the streaming session is established and then released (SEQ 310).

  For securing the distribution resources, it is possible to use IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) / SIP protocol used in a carrier dedicated network such as NGN, OpenFlow-API, or a protocol unique to the carrier network. Here, IMS is a communication system for the next generation public communication network that integrates public communication services with different circuit switches and packet switches such as fixed telephone networks and mobile communication networks using SIP to realize multimedia services. It is. OpenFlow is a network control technology advocated by the OpenFlow Switching Consortium, and defines a series of communications determined by a combination of MAC (Media Access Control) address, IP address, port number, etc. as a “flow”. This is a communication system that performs route control in units of flows to ensure quality and improve the utilization rate of the network. In the present embodiment, a distribution resource necessary to provide a distribution resource / quality level defined in an SLA (Service Level Agreement) contracted by the end user is secured. SLA is a system in which a communication service provider guarantees service quality to users. Service quality compensation items such as the minimum communication speed of the line, the average delay time in the network, and the upper limit of unavailable time, It means to include in the service contract the provisions regarding the reduction of the usage fee in case that they cannot be realized.

  When distribution resources are secured, QoS in the IPTV dedicated channel IPTV distribution service is guaranteed. Therefore, between the IPTV service translation server on the edge server 216 and the player 235, one HTTP pseudo-streaming channel (session) with a guaranteed bandwidth is established as a dedicated IPTV channel for which distribution resources are secured. (SEQ311, 312). The IPTV dedicated channel is a permanent band and is a bandwidth guaranteed path that can always send an HTTP request from the player 235 and return an HTTP response from the translation server on the edge server 216. The IPTV service translation server on the edge server 216 always forwards all streaming on this channel to the player 235 side. If necessary, the security of the HTTP pseudo-streaming session is protected by SSL) or the like.

  Thereafter, the end user selects content using the content navigation function of the portal application executed by the browser 234. In the course of content navigation, the portal application on the browser interacts with the portal server, and the end user selects the desired content while querying the attribute information (title, summary, price, etc.) of the content. Can do.

  The portal application issues a streaming request together with the URL of the content selected by the end user to the IPTV service translation server on the edge server 216 to instruct the content stream transmission. On the other hand, the IPTV service translation server transmits a stream of content specified by the URL using a permanent streaming session. Then, on the client device 231, the player performs streaming playback of the content.

  FIG. 4 shows in more detail a sequence example (processing after establishing a dedicated channel) for controlling reproduction of a content stream using a permanent streaming session on the client device 231 as described above in the IPTV distribution system 100. It shows.

  When a dedicated channel is established between the translation server on the edge server 216 and the player 235, the end user selects content by the content navigation function of the portal application executed by the browser 234 (SEQ401). . In the course of content navigation, the portal application on the browser 234 interacts with the portal server, and the end user selects desired content while querying the attribute information (title, summary, price, etc.) of the content. be able to.

  The end user uses the play control function of the portal application executed by the browser 234 to perform trick play such as normal play (play), stop (stop), rewind play (rewind), fast forward play (forward), and pause. Playback control can be performed.

  First, a case where a content stream is played back at a normal speed will be described.

  After selecting the content to be streamed as described above, the end user instructs the normal playback of the content being streamed on the browser screen that executes the portal application (SEQ402).

  Then, the portal application on the browser 234 issues a playback control command for instructing normal playback to the translation server on the edge server 216 together with the URL of the content selected by the end user. The transmission of the stream is instructed (SEQ403).

  All interaction of the playback instruction from the end user is detected by the portal application and notified to the translation server on the edge server 216 as a playback control command.

  Here, the portal application issues a reproduction instruction with an HTTP request such as AJAX (Asynchronous JavaScript (registered trademark) + XML). The translation server on the edge server 216 converts a playback control command from a browser script executed as a portal application on the client device 231 into a unique IPTV service playback control protocol that can be interpreted by the streaming server 213. And communicate. That is, the translation server issues a playback instruction to the streaming server 213 (SEQ404).

  For example, if the streaming server 213 can interpret RTSP, the translation server converts a playback control command from the portal application into an RTSP transfer instruction and transfers it. Alternatively, when the streaming server 213 is an HTTP pseudo-streaming server that can only interpret HTTP, the translation server converts a playback control command from the portal application into a content request in HTTP pseudo-streaming and transfers it. .

  In response to this, the streaming server 213 sends the stream of the selected content at the normal speed designated by the playback control command (SEQ405). The streaming server 213 performs streaming using RTP or the like, or returns an HTTP pseudo streaming response.

  The translation server on the edge server 216 sends the provider's own stream format (transport protocol (RTSP / RTP / RTCP, etc.) / Codec / container) sent from the streaming server 213 to the client device 231. It is converted into a format that can be processed by the player operating above (HTTP streaming / codec / container that can be processed by the client player) and transmitted (HTTP pseudo streaming) (SEQ406). Then, on the client device 231, the stream received by the player is reproduced (SEQ407).

  Next, the case where the end user performs variable speed reproduction of a content stream will be described.

  For example, during stream playback at normal speed, the end user instructs variable-speed playback of the content being streamed on the browser 234 screen that executes the portal application (SEQ411).

  Then, the portal application issues a reproduction control command for instructing variable speed reproduction to the translation server on the edge server 216, and instructs transmission of the content stream (SEQ412). All interaction of trick play instructions from the end user is detected by the portal application and notified to the translation server on the edge server 216 as a playback control command.

  The portal application issues a playback instruction using an HTTP request such as AJAX. Therefore, when the translation server on the edge server 216 receives a playback control command for instructing variable speed playback from a browser script executed as a portal application on the client device 231, the streaming server 213 can interpret it. Conversion to the original IPTV service playback control protocol is performed to give a playback instruction (SEQ413). In response to this, the streaming server 213 shifts and transfers the selected content stream at a speed designated by the playback control command (SEQ414). The streaming server 213 performs streaming using RTP or the like, or returns an HTTP pseudo streaming response.

  For example, if the streaming server 213 can interpret RTSP, the translation server converts the playback control command from the portal application into an RTSP variable transfer instruction and transfers it. If the variable speed playback instruction is double speed, the streaming server 213 sends a content stream at double speed. Or, if the streaming server 213 is an HTTP pseudo-streaming server that can only interpret HTTP, the translation server will issue an HTTP request twice as fast as normal and double the streaming server 216. Get a stream of content at speed.

  When the translation server on the edge server 216 receives the shifted content by any one of the above methods, the translation server processes the stream so that the player 235 on the client device 231 side can perform the same processing as the normal playback. (SEQ415). At this time, the translation server operates the provider's own stream format (transport protocol (RTSP / RTP / RTSP etc.) / Codec / container) sent from the streaming server 213 on the client device 231. It is converted into a format that can be processed by the player (HTTP streaming / codec / container that can be processed by the client player 235) and transmitted (HTTP pseudo streaming) (SEQ415). Then, on the client device 231, the stream received by the player 235 is reproduced (SEQ416).

  By adopting the configuration of the IPTV distribution system 100 in which the translation server is interposed as described above, it is not necessary for the client vendor to implement a unique service protocol for each service as a client application. The development cost of the client corresponding to the service of the provider of (network service, Internet service) can be greatly reduced.

  Next, a mechanism for realizing high-speed channel change in the IPTV distribution system 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the core network 201, the streaming server 213 to the edge server 216 are provided by an IPTV service corresponding to the IPTV service translation server on the edge server 216. It is assumed that all IP broadcast channels (including live relay streams) are transmitted. That is, the IPTV service translation server is downloaded to the edge server 216 and activated, and at the same time, a stream is sent to all IP broadcasts that can be accessed (provided by the IPTV service translation server). A request is made.

  Specifically, when multicast is used for the transport protocol of the IP broadcast channel in the core network 201, immediately after the translation server is downloaded to the edge server 216 and started, the core network A participation (acquisition) request is made to all the multicast channels that can be provided by the streaming server 213 via the multicast router in 201. RTP / multicast is used for transmission of the channel stream from the streaming server 213 to the translation server. In addition, IGMP (Internet Group Management Protocol) and MLD (Multicast Listener Discovery) are used for participation in the multicast channel.

  When a channel is selected in the portal application that runs on the browser of the client device 231, the portal application selects the channel for the IPTV service translation server on the edge server 216 as an AJAX / HTTP request. / Request to switch. The translation server then immediately switches the channel to the desired channel stream. When the end user selects a certain channel, since the multicast is already transmitted from the streaming server 213, the IPTV service translation server on the edge server 216 immediately sends the corresponding multicast streaming to the client. Can be sent to a player on device 231 (ie HTTP streaming).

  When the end user selects a different channel by channel zapping or the like, since the stream of the newly selected channel is already multicast from the streaming server 213, it is possible to instantaneously switch the channel to the desired channel. . Therefore, the performance of channel zapping is greatly improved. Note that the client consistently receives HTTP streaming from the same URL (pointing to the translation server) even before and after channel switching.

  However, if the resource restriction of the core network 201 prevents the corresponding IPTV service translation server from participating in (registering) all the multicast channel streaming accessible, the network resource load reduction measure It is also possible to take For example, when an end user selects a channel, the channel before and after that channel (sometimes before or after the channel list, or only frequently accessed channels taking into account the end user's preferences) The number of multicasts to be joined is limited by, for example, selectively participating in the multicast of channels on the arranged channel list.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of a sequence for performing a channel stream distribution service using a permanent streaming session in the IPTV distribution system 100. In the illustrated sequence, streaming is performed in response to a content channel request from the client side. Hereinafter, the mechanism of the IPTV distribution system 100 shown in FIG. 5 will be described with reference to FIG.

  Immediately after the IPTV service translation server is downloaded and activated on the edge server 216, the translation server is responsible for the CPU, storage area, network network required for the IPTV dedicated channel for channel streaming to the player. The resource management server 215 is requested to secure a distribution resource such as an interface (SEQ601).

  In response to this request, the resource management server 215 always reserves the above communication resources until the streaming session is established and then released (SEQ602). For securing the distribution resource, IMS / SIP protocol used in a carrier dedicated network such as NGN, OpenFlow-API, or a protocol unique to the carrier network can be used (same as above).

  Then, between the IPTV service translation server on the edge server 216 and the player 235, one HTTP pseudo-streaming channel (session) with a guaranteed bandwidth is established as a dedicated IPTV channel for which distribution resources are secured. (SEQ603, 604). This IPTV-dedicated channel is a permanent channel and is a bandwidth-guaranteed path that can always send an HTTP request from the player and return an HTTP response from the translation server on the edge server 216. The IPTV service translation server on the edge server 216 always forwards all streaming on this channel to the player side. If necessary, the security of the HTTP pseudo-streaming session is protected by SSL or the like.

  The IPTV service translation server on edge server 216 then makes a join (acquisition) request to streaming server 213 for all possible multicast channels (SEQ605). . On the other hand, the streaming server 213 performs streaming at a normal speed transfer to the translation server on the edge server 216 for all the requested channels using RTP or the like (SEQ606).

  The end user selects a channel by using the channel navigation function of the portal application executed by the browser 234 (SEQ607). In the course of channel navigation, the portal application on the browser 234 interacts with the portal server 212, and the end user queries the attribute information (title, summary, price, etc.) about the selected channel, and A channel can be selected.

  Then, the end user instructs the portal application on the browser 234 to play the selected channel (SEQ608).

  Then, the portal application on the browser 234 issues a reproduction instruction for the selected channel to the translation server on the edge server 216 using an HTTP request such as AJAX (SEQ609). Participation in the target multicast stream by IGMP Join or the like is performed in advance. Therefore, at this timing, the IPTV service translation server on the edge server 216 can immediately start the selected channel streaming by simply switching the multicast stream input port. Then, the IPTV service translation server on the edge server 216 sends the content stream of the channel selected by HTTP pseudo streaming (SEQ610). Then, on the client device 231, the content stream received by the player is reproduced (SEQ611).

  Next, the end user selects a channel using the channel navigation function of the portal application on the browser (SEQ612). In the course of channel navigation, the portal application on the browser 234 communicates with the portal server 212, and the end user selects a desired channel while querying attribute information regarding the channel to be selected (same as above).

  Then, the end user instructs the portal application on the browser 234 to play a channel different from the above (SEQ 613). The portal application on the browser instructs the translation server on the edge server 216 to reproduce the selected channel by using an HTTP request such as AJAX (SEQ614). Since participation in the target multicast stream by IGMP Join or the like is performed in advance, at this timing, the selected channel stream is immediately started by simply switching the multicast stream input port. Then, the IPTV service translation server on the edge server 216 sends the content stream of the channel selected by the HTTP pseudo streaming (SEQ615). On the client device 231, the content stream received by the player 235 is reproduced (SEQ616).

  In the sequence example shown in FIG. 6, the IPTV service translation server on the edge server 216 uses the channel stream corresponding to the multicast transmission from the streaming server 213 as the player on the client device 231. HTTP pseudo-streaming to H.235. On the other hand, when there is a sufficient storage area (storage) such as a memory or a hard disk on the edge server 231, the channel stream sent from the streaming server 213 is stored in this storage area. As a result, it is possible to improve the performance of trick play mode (mainly rewind playback) during multicast channel playback.

  At the same time that the IP service translation server is downloaded to the edge server 216 and started, the translation server makes a send request to all IP broadcast channels that can be accessed (provided by the service). Specifically, when multicast is used for the transport protocol of the IP broadcast channel in the core network 201, the core is immediately after the IPTV service translation server is downloaded to the edge server 216 and activated. A participation (acquisition) request is made to all multicast channels that can be provided by the streaming server 213 via a multicast router (not shown) in the network 201. Here, all multicast streams transmitted to the edge server 216 are received by the edge server 216 and stored in the storage area at the same time. Thereafter, when the end user selects a particular channel, the IPTV service translation server switches to the desired channel. When the end user instructs rewind playback, playback is performed from the stream already stored in the storage area of the edge server 216, so that the performance of rewind playback of the IP broadcast channel can be improved. It is possible to improve it.

  However, all multicast channel streaming that can be accessed by the corresponding IPTV service translation server is already distributed due to the resource limitation of the core network 201 or the limitation of the storage area of the edge server 216. If it is not possible to accumulate the amount, it is possible to take measures to reduce the load on network resources and storage resources. For example, when an end user selects a channel, the channel before and after that channel (sometimes before or after the channel list, or only frequently accessed channels taking into account the end user's preferences) (For example, before and after the channel list on the side-by-side channel list). For example, by selectively participating in multicast, such multicast streams are accumulated in the edge server 216 so that network resources and storage resources can be stored. Reduce the load.

  FIG. 7 shows a sequence example for providing a channel stream distribution service using a permanent streaming session in the IPTV distribution system 100. In the illustrated sequence, the edge server 216 includes a storage for storing a stream, and can cope with variable speed reproduction of a channel stream.

  Immediately after the IPTV service translation server is downloaded and activated on the edge server 216, the translation server is responsible for the CPU, storage area, network network required for the IPTV dedicated channel for channel streaming to the player. The resource management server 215 is requested to secure a distribution resource such as an interface (SEQ 701).

  In response to this request, the resource management server 215 always secures the above communication resources until the streaming session is established and then released (SEQ 702). For securing the distribution resource, IMS / SIP protocol used in a carrier dedicated network such as NGN, OpenFlow-API, or a protocol unique to the carrier network can be used (same as above).

  Then, between the IPTV service translation server on the edge server 216 and the player 235, one HTTP pseudo-streaming channel (session) with a guaranteed bandwidth is established as a dedicated IPTV channel for which distribution resources are secured. (SEQ703, 704). This IPTV-dedicated channel is a permanent channel and is a bandwidth-guaranteed path that can always send an HTTP request from the player 235 and return an HTTP response from the translation server on the edge server 216. The IPTV service translation server on the edge server 216 always forwards all streaming on this channel to the player 235 side. If necessary, the security of the HTTP pseudo-streaming session is protected by SSL or the like.

  The IPTV service translation server on edge server 216 then makes a join (acquisition) request to streaming server 213 for all possible multicast channels (SEQ705). . On the other hand, the streaming server 213 performs streaming at a normal speed transfer to the translation server on the edge server 216 for all the requested channels using RTP or the like (SEQ 706).

  The end user selects a channel by using the channel navigation function of the portal application executed by the browser 234 (SEQ707). In the course of channel navigation, the portal application on the browser 234 interacts with the portal server 212, and the end user queries the attribute information (title, summary, price, etc.) about the selected channel, and A channel can be selected.

  Then, the end user instructs the portal application on the browser 234 to play the selected channel (SEQ 708).

  Then, the portal application on the browser issues a reproduction instruction for the selected channel to the translation server on the edge server 216 using an HTTP request such as AJAX (SEQ 709). Participation in the target multicast stream by IGMP Join or the like is performed in advance. Therefore, at this timing, the IPTV service translation server on the edge server 216 can immediately start the selected channel streaming by simply switching the multicast stream input port. Then, the IPTV service translation server on the edge server 216 accumulates the content stream of the selected channel in the storage in the edge server 216 (SEQ 710) and sends it by HTTP pseudo streaming (SEQ 711). . Then, the content stream received by the player 235 is played on the client device 231 (SEQ712).

  Next, the end user gives an instruction to perform variable speed playback of the content stream being played back, using the channel navigation function of the portal application on the browser (SEQ713). Then, the portal application on the browser 234 issues a content variable speed playback instruction to the translation server on the edge server 216 by an HTTP request such as AJAX (SEQ714).

  When the translation server on the edge server 216 receives a playback control command for instructing variable speed playback from a browser script executed as a portal application on the client device 231, the past broadcast portion of the target channel has already been received. It is confirmed whether or not it has been stored in its own storage (SEQ 715).

  At this time, if the past broadcast of the target channel has already been stored in its own storage, it is determined that the variable speed reproduction is possible. When the translation server extracts the corresponding channel stream from those stored in its own storage (SEQ 716), the player on the client device 231 can perform the same processing as normal playback (variable playback is possible). The stream is processed (SEQ717).

  Then, the translation server sends the processed channel stream by HTTP pseudo streaming (SEQ 718). On the client device 231, by performing normal playback of the content stream received by the player, the end user can be presented with the variable speed playback stream (SEQ 719).

  As described above, in the IPTV distribution system 100 according to the present embodiment, the functions of the IPTV service client provided from a plurality of different service providers are navigation (function for selecting content or channel) and playback control. (Normal playback (play), stop (stop), rewind playback (rewind), fast-forward playback (forward), commands to send trick play and other commands), and pause) and streaming (AV stream transfer and playback function) The former two are implemented as browser applications, and the latter is implemented as a player that is transparent to the IPTV service protocol (a common player that does not depend on differences in the IPTV service protocol).

  Therefore, the device vendor only needs to develop a browser application for each service, and can reduce the cost of individually installing and maintaining clients for a plurality of different services. For service providers, the content selected by the end user via the browser is streamed using the RTP protocol over the guaranteed quality network in accordance with the playback control command specified on the browser. Can be achieved. Moreover, despite the use of the HTTP streaming client, the performance at the time of channel change in IP broadcast distribution can be improved in each stage.

Note that the technology disclosed in the present specification can also be configured as follows.
(1) A channel establishment unit that establishes a channel with a content reproduction device that reproduces a content stream on a network, and a reproduction control command that controls reproduction of the content stream from the content reproduction device via the network. A content transfer device comprising: a playback control command receiving unit that performs a streaming control unit that transmits a content stream to the content playback device using the channel according to the received playback control command.
(2) The content transfer device according to (1), wherein the channel establishment unit establishes the channel in response to a request from a player that reproduces a content stream on the content reproduction device.
(3) The channel establishing unit establishes on the network a channel composed of a bandwidth guarantee type path capable of always transmitting an HTTP request and returning an HTTP response with the content reproduction device. ) Content transfer device.
(4) The playback control command receiving unit receives, as an HTTP request, a playback control command issued in response to a user instruction by a browser application operating in the browser execution environment of the content playback device. The content transfer device described.
(5) The content transfer device according to (1), wherein the streaming unit transmits a content stream to a player that is transparent to a service protocol and operates on the content reproduction device.
(6) The streaming unit acquires, from the streaming server, a stream of content requested by a browser application operating in a browser execution environment of the content playback device by an HTTP request according to a user's selection, and the content playback device The content transfer device according to (1), which is transmitted to
(7) The streaming unit converts a stream format sent from a streaming server in response to a request from the content playback device into a format that can be processed by a player that performs streaming playback on the content playback device side, The content transfer device according to (1), which is transmitted to the content reproduction device.
(8) The playback control command receiving unit converts the received playback control command into a playback control protocol that can be interpreted by a streaming server that sends content in response to a streaming request from the content playback device, and performs the streaming The content transfer device according to (1), which communicates with a server.
(9) The playback control command receiving unit according to (8), wherein the playback control command receiving unit converts a playback control command related to variable speed playback of a stream into a RTSP variable transfer instruction to a streaming server capable of interpreting RTSP. Content transfer device.
(10) The playback control command receiving unit converts a playback control command relating to the playback speed of the stream to a content request in HTTP streaming to an HTTP pseudo streaming server that can interpret only HTTP, and the playback control command instructs The content transfer device according to (8), wherein an HTTP request to the HTTP pseudo streaming server is issued at a speed corresponding to a speed.
(11) The storage device further includes a storage for storing a stream of content received from a streaming server, and the streaming unit receives the playback control command related to variable speed playback of the stream at the playback control command receiving unit. The content transfer apparatus according to (1) above, wherein the player operating above processes the stream so that the player can perform variable speed reproduction by the same process as normal reproduction, and then sends the stream.
(12) The channel establishing unit, the playback control command receiving unit, and the streaming unit are implemented as a translation server function that is downloaded from a predetermined portal server and activated, and is described in (1) above Content transfer device.
(13) The content transfer device according to (1), wherein the content transfer device operates as an edge server interposed between a streaming server that transmits a content stream and the content reproduction device.
(14) A channel establishment step for establishing a channel on a network with a content reproduction device that requests a content stream, and a reproduction control command for controlling reproduction of the content stream from the content reproduction device via the network. A content transfer method comprising: a playback control command receiving step for performing, and a streaming step of transmitting a content stream to the content playback device using the channel according to the received playback control command.
(15) A navigation unit that requests streaming of content selected according to a user instruction by an HTTP request, a playback control unit that performs playback control of content streaming according to a user instruction, and a predetermined server; And a player for playing back a stream of content received via a channel established between the two.
(16) In the above (15), a browser execution environment is provided, the navigation unit and the playback control unit are realized as a browser application executed in the browser execution environment, and the player is transparent to a service protocol. The content reproduction device described.
(17) The content reproduction device according to (15), wherein the player requests the server to establish the channel in response to a request from the browser application.
(18) The content reproduction according to (15), wherein the channel includes a bandwidth-guaranteed path capable of always transmitting an HTTP request and returning an HTTP response with an edge server that transfers a content stream. apparatus.
(19) A navigation step for requesting streaming of a content selected according to a user instruction by an HTTP request, a playback control step for performing playback control of content streaming according to an user request, and a predetermined server And a playback step of playing back a stream of content received via a channel established with the content playback method.
(20) A content reproduction apparatus that performs content selection and content reproduction control instructions with an HTTP request, and that reproduces the content stream with a player that is transparent to the service protocol, and that transmits the content stream selected by the content reproduction apparatus. A streaming server that converts the playback control command issued by the content playback device into a protocol that can be interpreted by the streaming server and exchanges the stream with the streaming server, and a stream of content sent from the streaming server An edge server that converts the format into a format that can be processed by a player and transfers a stream of content using a channel established with the content playback device. Content delivery system.
(21) The content distribution system according to (20), further including a resource management server that secures distribution resources for the channel.
(22) A channel establishing unit that establishes a channel with a content reproduction device that reproduces a content stream on a network, and a reproduction control command that controls reproduction of the content stream from the content reproduction device via the network. A computer program written in a computer-readable format so as to cause a computer to function as a playback control command receiving unit and a streaming unit that sends a content stream to the content playback device using the channel according to the received playback control command.
(23) Between a navigation unit that requests streaming of content selected according to a user's instruction by an HTTP request, a playback control unit that performs playback control of content streaming according to a user's instruction, and a predetermined server A computer program written in a computer-readable format to cause a computer to function as a player that plays a stream of content received over a channel established with.

  As described above, the technology disclosed in this specification has been described in detail with reference to specific embodiments. However, it is obvious that those skilled in the art can make modifications and substitutions of the embodiments without departing from the scope of the technology disclosed in this specification.

  Although this specification has described embodiments applied to an IPTV delivery service, the techniques disclosed herein can be similarly applied to various other types of content stream delivery systems.

  Also, in this specification, IMS / SIP protocol or OpenFlow-API is used to secure a distribution resource for a dedicated channel for transferring a stream from the translation server on the edge server to the client device. As mentioned above, the gist of the technology disclosed in the present specification is not limited to a specific method for securing distribution resources.

  In short, the technology disclosed in the present specification has been described in the form of exemplification, and the description content of the present specification should not be interpreted in a limited manner. In order to determine the gist of the technology disclosed in this specification, the claims should be taken into consideration.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... IPTV delivery system 110 ... Service A server 130 ... Client device 131 ... Browser application for service A 132 ... Browser application for service B 133 ... Browser execution environment 134 ... Player 140 ... Edge server 150 ... Edge server 201 ... Core network 202 ... Access network 203 ... Home network 211 ... Service discovery server 212 ... Portal server 213 ... Streaming server 215 ... Resource management server 216 ... Edge server 231 ... Client device 232 ... Modem / Router 233 ... IPTV Client Manager 234 ... Browser 235 ... Play Over 801 ... dedicated channel establishment unit 802 ... playback control command receiving unit 803 ... streaming unit

Claims (28)

Browser,
A receiving unit for receiving a playback control command transmission request issued by an application executed on the browser;
(I) Perform protocol conversion on the received playback control command so that the content streaming server can interpret the playback control command, and (ii) supply the converted playback control command to the content streaming server. , (Iii) receiving a selected content stream having a first protocol format from the content streaming server in response to receiving the converted playback control command at the content streaming server; (Iv) a control unit that converts the received content stream from the first format protocol to the second format protocol to obtain the converted video stream;
Comprising
The second format protocol is a streaming protocol,
The first format protocol is different from the second format protocol,
The control unit (i) converts the protocol of the received playback control command into the first format protocol so that the converted playback control command has the first format protocol, and (ii) the selected Configured to convert a protocol of the content stream from a first format protocol to a second format protocol to obtain a converted video stream;
TV receiver. The request is a Hyper Text Transfer Protocol (HTTP) request.
The TV receiver according to claim 1. The second format protocol is the Hyper Text Transfer Protocol (HTTP) streaming protocol.
The TV receiver according to claim 1. The protocol of the received playback control command converted by the control unit is a Hyper Text Transfer Protocol (HTTP) streaming protocol.
The TV receiver according to claim 1. Browser,
Multiple browser applications that can be run from a browser for different IPTV services;
A player configured to play content streaming from at least one IPTV service received via at least one edge server;
A playback controller configured to control the content streamed by the player via a browser;
A TV receiver comprising: The playback controller controls the streaming operation to the player according to the playback control command transmitted as an HTTP request from the browser.
The TV receiver according to claim 5. The browser application can be downloaded from at least one server of the IPTV service.
The TV receiver according to claim 5. The player is configured to process a streaming format provided by one of the provider's services that provide a separate streaming session between the streaming server and the edge server.
The TV receiver according to claim 5. The streaming session is configured by at least one of SIP (Session Initiation Protocol), RTSP (Real Time Streaming Protocol), and RTP (Real Time Transport Protocol).
The TV receiver according to claim 8. A player provides a second service provided by a second service having a second edge server that launches a separate streaming protocol translation server application for the second service downloaded from the second service. Configured to handle multiple streaming formats,
The TV receiver according to claim 8. The player is configured to play content from a second service, wherein the second edge server is a separate IPTV service translation server for the second service, Convert individual streaming formats sent by the service to streaming formats configured to be processed by the player, and send the converted streaming formats to the player;
The TV receiver according to claim 10. The browser has a portal application for channel selection where the portal application requests a channel selection or change for the IPTV service translation server of at least one service.
The TV receiver according to claim 5. The browser contains a portal application for channel selection,
The portal application requests a channel selection or change for the IPTV service translation server of at least one service;
When the user selects a specific channel that is already multicast from the streaming server, the translation server of the IPTV service immediately sends an HTTP streaming corresponding to the multicast streaming to the player.
The TV receiver according to claim 5. The browser includes a portal application that executes playback instructions for the selected channel using an HTTP request, and the player receives streaming of the selected channel immediately by simply changing the input port of the multicast stream To
The TV receiver according to claim 5. The player performs playback of the received content stream of the selected channel on the IPTV service translation server, which the IPTV service translation server sends using HTTP streaming.
The TV receiver according to claim 14. Browser,
Multiple browser applications that can be run from a browser for different IPTV services,
A player configured to play content streaming from at least one IPTV service received via at least one edge server;
And a TV receiver configured to connect to a home network. Configured to connect to a home network in accordance with the Digital Living Network Alliance,
The TV receiver according to claim 16. The browser is configured to execute a portal application and a player that transfers and plays an AV stream in response to the function of the portal application.
The TV receiver according to claim 16. The browser is an HTML browser.
The TV receiver according to claim 16. The browser has an execution environment for the JavaScript application.
The TV receiver according to claim 19. As a portal application, navigation and playback control from the carrier portal site,
A player configured to play content streaming from at least one IPTV service received via at least one edge server;
A playback control unit configured to control content streamed by the player via navigation and playback control;
A display device comprising: The playback control unit controls the streaming operation to the player according to a playback control command transmitted as an HTTP request from the navigation and playback control.
The display device according to claim 21. The application can be downloaded from at least one server of the IPTV service.
The display device according to claim 21. The player is configured to handle the streaming format provided by one service of the provider that provides a separate streaming session between the streaming server and the edge server.
The display device according to claim 21. The streaming session is configured by at least one of SIP (Session Initiation Protocol), RTSP (Real Time Streaming Protocol), and RTP (Real Time Transport Protocol).
The display device according to claim 24. A player provides a second service provided by a second service having a second edge server that launches a separate streaming protocol translation server application for the second service downloaded from the second service. Configured to handle multiple streaming formats,
The display device according to claim 24. The player is configured to play content from a second service, wherein the second edge server is a separate IPTV service translation server for the second service, Convert individual streaming formats sent by the service to streaming formats configured to be processed by the player, and send the converted streaming formats to the player;
The display device according to claim 26. A browser that executes a playback control command as a Hyper Text Transfer Protocol (HTTP) request for a video stream, sends the playback control command to a receiving unit that detects and interacts with the client device, and the browser playback control command is: When executed over the network and the selected content stream is sent with a change in the transfer rate of the content according to the playback control command, the selected content stream is sent when it is sent from the server. Converted if the selected content stream is converted from the first format protocol to the second format protocol, causing transmission of the converted video stream. To control the transmission over the network of the video stream to the control unit, and browser,
Performed by the player to play the converted video stream obtained by the controller converting the format protocol of the content transferred at the same rate as the selected content stream sent from the server Playing a converted video stream having a second format protocol by performing the same playback process as
Comprising
The first format protocol is different from the second format protocol, and the first format protocol is different from the Hyper Text Transfer.
The reproduction control command transmitted from the Hyper Text Transfer Protocol to the control unit converts the protocol of the reproduction control command from the Hyper Text Transfer Protocol to the first format protocol, and sends the reproduction control command having the first format to the server. Configured to forward,
A device comprising: