KR100802088B1 - Method and device for providing real-time VOD service - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for providing a real-time VOD service. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method of providing a video on demand (VOD) service by a service providing server coupled with a communication network, the method comprising: receiving a service request for any VOD content from a terminal coupled through a communication network; Establishing a session with a VOD server for transmitting VOD content; Transmitting an invitation message from the terminal to one or more other terminals requested to be invited through the communication network; And transmitting the streaming data for the VOD content received from the VOD server to the terminal and the other terminal. According to the present invention, there is an effect that can provide a method and apparatus for providing a real-time VOD service that allows multiple users to watch the VOD content at the same time.

VOD, Content, IMS, Terminal

Description

Method and device for providing real-time video service {Method and device for providing real-time VOD service}

1 is a schematic diagram showing an overall system for providing a real-time VOD service according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a table showing a protocol-specific method for a VOD service according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a flowchart illustrating a process of providing a real-time VOD service according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a flowchart illustrating a session control process when providing a real-time VOD service according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of a service providing server according to an embodiment of the present invention.

6 is a block diagram of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

<Description of the symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

10: terminal

30: IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) Network

50: service providing server

70: VOD Server

90: content server

The present invention relates to a Video On Demand (VOD) service, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for providing a real-time VOD service.

Video-on-demand technology allows a subscriber to occupy one channel and stream VOD content over that channel when the subscriber requests a video viewing request.

The VOD method allocates one channel to a subscriber when there is a subscriber's request to watch a video. The allocated channel cannot be used by another subscriber until the subscriber finishes watching the video.

When watching the content called Dae Jang Geum 1 piece using the conventional VOD method, even if each user A, B, and C who are separated from each other request content to view the Dae Jang Geum piece together, each user is different from each other at different times depending on the time of request. You will watch the content through other channels. Therefore, according to the conventional VOD method, it was not possible to simultaneously watch the same VOD content with each other apart from each other.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for providing a real-time VOD service capable of simultaneously viewing a plurality of users who are remote from each other at the same time.

In addition, another object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for providing a real-time VOD service capable of watching a VOD content and performing a voice chat with another user in real time.

In addition, another object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for providing a real-time VOD service in an IMS network that can provide a VOD service between different communication providers using an IMS network using an international standard IMS network.

Other objects of the present invention will become more apparent through the preferred embodiments described below.

According to a first aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object, a method of providing a video on demand (VOD) service by a service providing server coupled with a communication network, (a1) any from the terminal coupled through the communication network Receiving a service request for the VOD content of the; (b1) establishing a session with a VOD server for transmitting the VOD content; (c1) transmitting an invitation message from the terminal to one or more other terminals requested to be invited through the communication network; And (d1) transmitting the streaming data for the VOD content received from the VOD server to the terminal and the other terminal.

According to a second aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object, a method of providing a video on demand (VOD) service by a service providing server combined with a communication network, (a2) to the invitation request received from any terminal Setting up a service group for at least one corresponding other terminal; (b2) receiving a service request for VOD content from any one of the terminal and the other terminal; (c2) establishing a session with a VOD server for transmitting the VOD content; And (d2) transmitting the streaming data for the VOD content received from the VOD server to the terminal and the other terminal.

In the first aspect and the second aspect, preferably, the communication network may be an IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) network. The terminal transmits the service request using a session initiation protocol (SIP) message, wherein the SIP message is converted into a real-time streaming protocol (RTSP) message by the service providing server and transmitted to the VOD server. Can be. The terminal may transmit the invitation request to the service providing server by using a SIP REFER function.

In addition, the step (c1) or step (a2), the step of receiving an invitation request for the other terminal from the terminal; Transmitting an invitation message to the other terminal; Receiving a response message from the other terminal; And setting the terminal and the other terminal as a group.

In addition, step (d1) or step (d2), the step of receiving a playback command from the terminal; Requesting transmission of the streaming data to the VOD server; Receiving the streaming data from the VOD server; Copying the streaming data by the number of other terminals; And transmitting the streaming data to the terminal and the other terminal.

In addition, step (c1) may be characterized in that can be performed while the session is maintained.

In addition, playback, pause, and release of the session for the VOD content may be controlled by one of the terminal and the other terminal.

According to a third aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object, a method in which a terminal combined with an IMS network provides a video on demand (VOD) service, (a) SIP to a service providing server through the IMS network transmitting a service request for any VOD content using a session initiation protocol; (b) receiving a response to the service request from the service providing server that has established a session with the VOD server for transmitting the VOD content; (c) requesting another terminal to invite the other terminal to the service providing server using the SIP; And (d) requesting the service providing server to play the VOD content using the SIP to receive and output the corresponding streaming data, wherein the service providing server is connected to the SIP received from the terminal. A message according to a real-time streaming protocol (RTSP) and communicating with the VOD server, and transmitting the streaming data received from the VOD server to the terminal and the other terminal. A recording medium on which a providing method and a program for executing the method is recorded is provided.

Here, the service request may use SIP INVITE, the invitation request may use SIP REFER, and the reproduction request for the VOD content may use SIP PLAY.

In addition, SIP PAUSE may be used to request the pause of playing the VOD content to the service providing server, and SIP TEARDOWN may be used to request release of the session.

According to a third aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object, in the apparatus for providing a real-time VOD (Vedio On Demand) service, receiving a service request for any VOD content from a terminal coupled through a communication network, A communication unit which transmits a message for establishing a session with the VOD server according to the service request to the VOD server; A group setting unit configured to set a group terminal device including the terminal and the other terminal by transmitting an invitation message through the communication network to one or more other terminals requested to invite from the terminal; And a streaming processor for transmitting streaming data of the VOD content received from the VOD server to the group terminal.

Here, the communication network may be an IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) network.

The apparatus may further include an audio / video mixing unit for providing a voice or video chat service between the group terminals.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object, a terminal coupled with an IMS network to provide a video on demand (VOD) service, the terminal comprising: a communication module for communicating with the IMS network; A SIP controller for transmitting a service request for any VOD content to the service providing server through the IMS network by controlling the communication module or inviting another terminal to the service providing server through a session initiation protocol (SIP); A main control unit controlling the SIP control unit and the communication module to request reproduction of the VOD content by using the SIP to the service providing server to receive corresponding streaming data; And a content reproducing unit for reproducing and outputting the streaming data, wherein the service providing server converts the message according to the SIP received from the terminal into a message according to a real-time streaming protocol (RTSP) and the VOD server. Communication and transmitting the streaming data received from the VOD server to the terminal and the other terminal is provided a real-time VOD service providing terminal.

Here, the invitation request may use SIP REFER.

In addition, the play request for the VOD content may use SIP PLAY, use SIP PAUSE to request the service providing server to pause the play of the VOD content, and use SIP TEARDOWN to request the release of the session. have.

As the invention allows for various changes and numerous embodiments, particular embodiments will be illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the written description. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, it should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and scope of the present invention. In describing the drawings, similar reference numerals are used for similar elements.

Terms including ordinal numbers such as first and second may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component may be referred to as the second component, and similarly, the second component may also be referred to as the first component. The term and / or includes a combination of a plurality of related items or any item of a plurality of related items.

When a component is said to be "connected" or "connected" to another component, it may be directly connected to or connected to that other component, but other components may be present in the middle. It should be understood. On the other hand, when a component is said to be "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there is no other component in between.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, the terms "comprise" or "have" are intended to indicate that there is a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, and one or more other features. It is to be understood that the present invention does not exclude the possibility of the presence or the addition of numbers, steps, operations, components, components, or a combination thereof.

Unless defined otherwise, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Terms such as those defined in the commonly used dictionaries should be construed as having meanings consistent with the meanings in the context of the related art and shall not be construed in ideal or excessively formal meanings unless expressly defined in this application. Do not.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and in describing the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, the same or corresponding components are given the same reference numerals regardless of the reference numerals. Duplicate explanations will be omitted.

1 is a block diagram schematically showing the entire system for providing a real-time VOD service according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a table showing the protocol-specific methods for VOD service according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention to be.

Referring to FIG. 1, the entire system includes a terminal 10, an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network 30, a service providing server 50, a VOD server 70, and a content server 90.

The terminal 10 is a communication device capable of receiving a VOD service through a communication network. For example, a personal digital assistant (PDA) as well as a mobile phone such as a personal communication service (PCS) terminal shown in FIG. Or a portable multimedia player (PMP).

The terminal 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention uses a session initiation protocol (SIP) for data communication with the IMS network 30. SIP is a signaling protocol, and a SIP-based service establishes a session. It can be divided into signaling traffic for transmitting and receiving data traffic according to the actual VOD content.

The IMS network 30 is a communication network based on a communication network standard proposed by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), and provides an IP-based communication service, and mainly uses a SIP signaling protocol. Since the IMS network 30 will be apparent to those skilled in the art, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. In the present embodiment, the IMS network 30 conforming to the international standard is exemplified as the communication network to which the terminal 10 communicates. In addition, the code division multiple access (CDMA) network and the wide-band code division multiple access (WCDMA) network are used. All other communication networks such as a network may be equally applicable to the present invention.

The VOD server 70 performs a function of providing VOD content to the terminal 10 through a communication network in a streaming manner. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the VOD server 70 supports the real-time streaming protocol (RTSP) of the international standard IETF RFC2326 and the real-time transport protocol (RTP) / RTP control protocol (RTCP) of the IETF RFC3550. do. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the VOD server 70 receives a content request from the service providing server 50, the VOD server 70 obtains the corresponding content from the content server 90 storing the content to the service providing server 50 Function to transmit

The content server 90 stores VOD content such as a video, and provides VOD content to the VOD server 70 according to a request from the VOD server 70.

When the service providing server 50 receives a request for VOD content from the terminal 10 via the IMS network 30, the service providing server 50 receives corresponding content data from the VOD server 70 in a streaming manner, and receives the received content data. Provided to the terminal 10.

The service providing server 50 according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention has a function of converting between SIP data and data of the RTSP according to the SIP signaling protocol of the IMS network 30. That is, the service providing server 50 may use both the SIP signaling protocol used in the IMS network 30 and the RTSP used in the VOD server 70 and perform a conversion function between the two protocols. Accordingly, the same VOD service may be provided to the terminal 10 subscribed to another domestic or foreign communication service provider using the IMS network 30 through the service providing server 50 according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

In order to convert between RTSP and SIP, the methods between the two protocols need to be matched. Each method for session connection and session control (play, pause, end) according to RTSP and SIP is shown in FIG. 2. RTSP methods for session control are still provided in the communication specification, but dotted SIP methods are not currently provided. Each SIP method for session control according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention may be used by changing specific parameters or attaching a separate identifier using INVITE for session connection existing in a communication specification. Alternatively, a separate data format that can be recognized by the service providing server 50 may be used. For example, when the terminal 10 transmits a predetermined identifier a after the session connection, the service providing server 50 recognizes this as "PLAY", the identifier b is "PAUSE" for pausing, and the identifier c is a session. Can be recognized as "TEARDOWN" for release.

In addition, the service providing server 50 according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention may copy the content data received from the VOD server 70 and transmit it to the plurality of terminals 10, respectively. That is, the service providing server 50 may perform a point-to-multipoint (PTM) function. According to the present invention, the content requesting terminal 10 may invite another terminal through the service providing server 50. Therefore, the service providing server 50 also transmits the corresponding content data to other terminals in response to the invitation.

In addition, the service providing server 50 may support a function that allows multiple users to exchange data such as video at the same time by OMA standard PTT (Push To Talk) function and Half-Duplex. PTT and Half-Duplex are well known techniques that will be used by those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail. Accordingly, voice / video chat may be performed between the terminal 10 requesting the content and a group terminal including another invited terminal. However, when supporting a voice chat, the service providing server 50 preferably has an audio mixing function. That is, the service providing server 50 should support a function of mixing the voice of the user with the audio of the VOD content and transmitting the same to the users. Of course, the video mixing function may be further provided to support the video chat.

Here, although the service providing server 50 and the VOD server 70 is shown in the figure is directly connected, it will be obvious that the service providing server 50 and the VOD server 70 may be combined through a communication network.

3 is a flowchart illustrating a process of providing a real-time VOD service according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a session control process in providing a real-time VOD service according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, a procedure 310 is a process of establishing a session for content data transmission, a process 330 is a process of inviting another terminal, and a process 350 is a process of transmitting content data according to reproduction of the corresponding content.

Referring to procedure 310 of FIG. 3, the first terminal 10-1 requests the VOD contents to be serviced by the service providing server 50 using the SIP INVITE through the IMS network 30 (steps 311 and 3). 313). Of course, when the VOD content request is made, the first terminal 10-1 provides access information (eg, a content URL as illustrated in the drawing) to the service providing server 50.

The service providing server 50 transmits a content request message (RTSP DESCREBE) including information on a URL in which the corresponding content exists to the VOD server 70, and sends a response (RTSP 200 OK) to the VOD server 70. As received from step S110, a session setup process is performed (steps 315 to 321). Here, the service providing server 50 receives a SIP message (ie, SIP INVITE) from the terminal 10, converts it into an RTSP message (ie, RTSP DESCRIBE) and transmits the corresponding message to the VOD server 70. That is, as described above, the service providing server 50 may use the SIP signaling protocol used in the IMS network 30 and the RTSP used in the VOD server 70 to perform a conversion function between the two protocols.

When the session setup between the service provision server 50 and the VOD server 70 is completed, the service provision server 50 notifies the first terminal 10-1 of the completion of the session setup (steps 323 and 325). Here, the conference shown in the figure is service identification information that the service providing server 50 assigns to the first terminal 10-1 to provide the service, and the service providing server 50 is subsequently configured to the first terminal 10. The terminal and the service environment (for example, information on another terminal currently invited) may be recognized through the conference URI included in the message received from -1). Since the conference is still in use and will be obvious to those skilled in the art, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

When the session setup is completed, that is, when the session is established, the first terminal 10-1 may play the corresponding content, and invite a friend (another terminal) to watch the corresponding content together. That is, the first terminal 10-1 may invite another terminal to simultaneously watch the VOD content using the standard SIP REFER function and the PTT function provided by the IMS network 30.

Referring to procedure 330 of inviting another terminal, the first terminal 10-1 transmits an invitation request message for the other terminal to the service providing server 50 through the IMS network 30 by using the SIP REFER ( Step 331 and step 333). Here, the first terminal 10-1 transmits identification information on the other terminal to be invited to the service providing server 50. Of course, the other terminal identification information may be included in the invitation request message or transmitted separately, and an IP address, a telephone number, a mobile identifier number (MIN), etc. may function as the other terminal identification information.

The service providing server 50 invites the second terminal 10-2, which is the corresponding other terminal requested to invite, by using the SIP INVITE (step 335), and receives a response from the second terminal 10-2 (step 337). In this case, the first terminal 10-1 is informed to the first terminal 10-1 via the IMS network 30 that the invitation of the second terminal 10-2 succeeds (steps 339 and 341). Here, the service providing server 50 stores information (for example, IP, phone number, URI, etc.) about the invited second terminal 10-2.

In addition, in the present embodiment, although only one other terminal (second terminal 10-2) is exemplified, it is natural that a plurality of other terminals may be invited. It can be obvious that the same process as the invitation process of 10-2) can be performed.

Accordingly, the first terminal 10-1 requesting to view the VOD content may invite another terminal to watch the corresponding content together. Here, the invitation process of step 330 may be performed at any time while the session is maintained. That is, other terminals can be invited even while watching VOD content or pausing.

In addition, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the invitation procedure 330 and the session establishment procedure 310 may be reversed. That is, the first terminal 10-1 may make an invitation request for the other terminal to the service providing server 50 and be set as a group with the other terminal. A chat may be performed, and any VOD content may be requested while the chat is being performed, and the corresponding content may be viewed together with other terminals of the set group. Of course, the service request for the VOD content may be performed not only by the first terminal 10-1 but also by the second terminal 10-2, which is another terminal, during the chat between the group terminals. However, hereinafter, for convenience of description, the terminal 10 will be described with an example of inviting another terminal after establishing a session with the VOD server 70 according to the VOD content request.

When the first terminal 10-1 invites all other terminals to watch the VOD content together, the first terminal 10-1 may transmit a control command for a play function to the service control server to view the corresponding content.

Referring to the procedure 350 of FIG. 3 according to the playback of the corresponding VOD content after the session is established, the first terminal 10-1 transmits a IMS playback request message for the specific content by using the aforementioned SIP PLAY (see FIG. 2). Transmission to the service providing server 50 through the network 30 (step 351 and step 353). Of course, as shown in the figure, the first terminal 10-1 may include the information (URL) of the corresponding content in the reproduction request message to the service providing server 50 or transmit it as a separate message.

The service providing server 50 converts the corresponding SIP PLAY into a message corresponding to the corresponding RTSP (RTSP PLAY) and transmits the content data to the VOD server 70 (step 355).

The VOD server 70 sends a response to the service server (step 357). Here, although not shown in the drawing, the VOD server 70 may further include checking whether the corresponding content exists in the content server 90, and if the corresponding content does not exist in the content server 90. An error message may be transmitted to the service providing server 50.

Upon receiving the response to the content request from the VOD server 70, the service providing server 50 transmits a response message to the first terminal 10-1 that has transmitted the playback request message (steps 359 and 361). Thereafter, the service providing server 50 receives the streaming data according to the corresponding content to the VOD server 70 (step 361), and the second terminal 10- 10 which is the first terminal 10-1 and the other terminal. 2) through the IMS network 30 (step 363).

Hereinafter, a real-time VOD service process according to pause, replay, and release of a session while playing VOD content will be described.

Referring to FIG. 4, procedure 410 is a pause process, procedure 430 is a process of replaying in a paused state, and procedure 450 is a session release process.

Referring to the procedure 410 according to the pause, the service providing server 50 RTSP to the pause request message (SIP PAUSE, including the information about the content) according to the SIP received from the first terminal 10-1 The message is converted into a message according to the message (RTSP PAUSE) and transmitted to the VOD server 70 (steps 411 to 415).

The VOD server 70 transmits a response message (RTSP 200 OK) corresponding to the RTSP to the service providing server 50 (step 417). Of course, the VOD server 70 stops the streaming transmission of the corresponding content data and stores related information (for example, time, time point, etc., played so far) so that the content data can be played back from the point of time when it is stopped.

The service providing server 50 transmits a response to the suspension request to the first terminal 10-1 in a message according to SIP (SIP 200 OK) (steps 419 and 421).

In the present exemplary embodiment, the first terminal 10-1 requesting the VOD content is performed to pause and control the release of the session according to the procedure 450. However, the other terminal (the second terminal 10-2 of FIG. 3) is invited. )) May control pause and / or release session. Of course, only the first terminal 10-1 requesting the VOD content may control pause and session release.

Referring to the procedure 430 for replaying in the paused state, it can be confirmed that the procedure may be performed in the same manner as the procedure 350 of FIG. 3. That is, the first playback process and the playback process after pausing may be performed in the same way. The terminal which can be replayed in the paused state may be performed only by the first terminal 10-1 that requested the first VOD content, or may be performed by all other invited terminals. Further, more preferably, only the terminal which has paused may be set to control playback again.

Referring to procedure 450 according to the session release, the first terminal 10-1 may request a session release established using SIP TEARDOWN (see FIG. 2) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention (step 451). Of course, the service providing server 50 converts the SIP TEARDOWN received from the first terminal 10-1 to RTSP TEARDOWN and transmits it to the VOD server 70 (step 455).

Accordingly, when the content data is being transmitted, the VOD server 70 stops the transmission and releases the established session.

Here, in the service providing process described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, when only the first terminal 10-1 requesting the first VOD content performs session control through the SIP method, other terminals need to process the SIP method. Since there is no, all of the terminal that can run the VOD content may be applicable. That is, other invited terminals can use the service even if they do not support the SIP method.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the service providing server 50 and the terminal will be described.

5 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of a service providing server 50 according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 6 is a block diagram of a terminal according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5, the service providing server 50 includes a communication unit 510, a storage unit 530, and a control unit 550, and the communication unit 510 includes a SIP processing unit 512 and an RTSP processing unit 514. The controller 550 may include a group setter 552, a streaming processor 554, a data copyer 556, a protocol converter 558, and a service controller 560.

The communication unit 510 is a means for communicating with the terminal 10 and the VOD server 70. The SIP processing unit 512 performs a SIP-based communication function with the terminal 10 through the IMS network 30, and the RTSP processing unit. 514 performs an RTSP-based communication function with the VOD server 70.

The storage unit 530 temporarily stores the streaming data received from the VOD server 70. The stored streaming data is transmitted to the terminal 10. In addition, the storage unit 530 may store service environment information such as an allocated channel, a conference URI, and information on another invited terminal according to a VOD content request from an arbitrary terminal 10.

The controller 550 may set a session to the VOD server 70 according to a VOD content request received from an arbitrary terminal 10, and transmit streaming data according to the received VOD content to the corresponding terminal 10. The communication unit 510 and the storage unit 530 are controlled.

The group setting unit 552 of the control unit 550 is a group for the terminals 10 to provide together the one content including the other terminal invited according to the invitation request message received from the terminal 10 requesting the VOD content. Set up the terminal.

The streaming processor 554 of the controller 550 functions to transmit the streaming data received from the VOD server 70 to the corresponding group terminal in a streaming manner, and the data copy unit 556 receives the content received from the VOD server 70. If there is another terminal invited to transmit data to the group terminal, the corresponding content data is copied as many times as the number of other terminals invited.

The protocol converter 558 of the controller 550 performs a conversion function between the SIP message and the RTSP message. Since the conversion between the SIP message and the RTSP message has been described above, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The service controller 560 of the controller 550 processes playback, pause, and release of VOD data according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. That is, the RTSP message corresponding to the SIP message (SIP PALY, SIP PUASE, SIP TEARDOWN) for session control received from the terminal 10 is generated and transmitted to the VOD server 70 to play, pause, and session the content data. Handle the release.

Here, each component of the controller 550 does not necessarily need to be implemented in hardware, and may be implemented in software such as a program of a specific function.

In addition, the service providing server 50 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may perform voice or video chat with each other between the terminal 10 requesting the content and a group terminal including the other terminal invited. However, the audio / video mixing unit and the PTT function unit may further include components.

Referring to FIG. 6, the terminal 10 includes a communication module 610, an output module 630, a buffer 650, and a control module 670, wherein the control module 670 includes a SIP control unit 672 and content. The playback unit 674 and the main control unit 676 may be included.

The communication module 610 is a means for communicating with the service control server through a communication network, and may use SIP for communicating with the IMS network 30 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The output module 630 is a means for outputting content data received from the service providing server 50, and may include a display module 632 and a speaker 634. The display module 632 may be, for example, a liquid crystal such as an LCD.

The buffer 650 is a storage means for temporarily storing for outputting streaming data for the received VOD content. Since the buffer 650 will be apparent to those skilled in the art, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The control module 670 requests and receives the VOD content to the service providing server 50 and outputs the generated VOD content to the service providing server 50 by generating a control message for playing, pausing and setting a session for the corresponding content. In order to transmit, the communication module 610 and the output module 630 are controlled.

The SIP controller 672 of the control module 670 performs a function of processing SIP messages according to SIP when communicating with the IMS network 30. That is, the SIP controller 672 generates a SIP INVITE for session establishment, a SIP REFER for inviting other terminals, and a SIP method for session control (play, pause, and session release) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. To transmit to the service providing server 50 through the communication module 610.

The content reproducing unit 674 functions to reproduce streaming data received from the service providing server 50 through the communication network and stored in the buffer 650 and output through the output module 630.

The main controller 676 controls the functions of the SIP controller 672 and the content playback unit 674. That is, the main controller 676 controls the SIP controller 672 and the content playback unit 674 to perform functions corresponding to session establishment and session control according to an input signal input from a user.

Here, although not shown in the drawing, the terminal 10 is a general terminal such as a mobile phone or PDA such as an input unit (for example, a keypad) for receiving a user input signal according to session setting, playback, pause, and session release. The component may further include.

The method of the present invention as described above may be implemented in a program and stored in a computer-readable recording medium (CD-ROM, RAM, ROM, floppy disk, hard disk, magneto-optical disk, etc.).

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and many variations are possible by those skilled in the art within the spirit of the present invention.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a method and apparatus for providing a real-time VOD service that allows multiple users to simultaneously view VOD content.

In addition, according to the present invention there is an effect that can perform a voice chat with other users in real time while watching the VOD content.

In addition, since the present invention uses the international standard IMS network can be provided anywhere in the world where the IMS network is installed, there is an effect that can provide a VOD service between different communication providers.

Although described above with reference to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, those skilled in the art that various modifications of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention described in the claims below And can be changed.

Claims (14)

In the method of providing a video on demand (VOD) service to a terminal coupled to a service providing server through a communication network, (a1) receiving a request for any VOD content using a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) from the terminal coupled through an IMS network; (b1) establishing a session with a VOD server for transmitting the VOD content using a message according to a Real-Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP); (c1) transmitting an invitation message through the IMS network to one or more other terminals that have been invited by using the message according to the SIP from the terminal; And (d1) transmitting streaming data of the VOD content received from the VOD server to the terminal and another terminal receiving a response to the invitation message, The service providing server converts a message by SIP received from the terminal into a message by the RTSP and communicates with the VOD server. In the method of providing a video on demand (VOD) service to a terminal coupled to a service providing server through a communication network, (a2) establishing a service group for at least one other terminal corresponding to an invitation request using a message according to SIP from any terminal coupled through an IMS network; (b2) receiving a service request for VOD content from any one of the terminal and the other terminal using a message according to SIP; (c2) establishing a session with a VOD server for transmitting the VOD content using a message according to a Real-Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP); And (d2) transmitting streaming data of the VOD content received from the VOD server to the terminal and another terminal set as the service group, The service providing server converts a message by SIP received from the terminal into a message by the RTSP and communicates with the VOD server. The method according to claim 1 or 2, When the service providing server receives a message by SIP including a predetermined identifier from any one of the terminal and another terminal set as the service group, after the session connection with the VOD server, the service providing server is selected from PLAY, PAUSE, and TEARDOWN. Method of providing a real-time VOD service, characterized in that converted to any one message and transmitted to the VOD server. The method according to claim 1 or 2, In order to invite the other terminal, the terminal transmits one or more of an IP address, a telephone number, and a mobile identifier number (MIN) of the other terminal to the service providing server. delete The method of claim 3, wherein Step (d1) or step (d2), Receiving a message by SIP including an identifier specified in advance to be converted into a PLAY message by RTSP from the terminal; Requesting transmission of the streaming data by transmitting a PLAY message by RTSP to the VOD server; Receiving the streaming data from the VOD server; Copying the streaming data by the number of other terminals; And And transmitting the streaming data to the terminal and the other terminal. The method of claim 1, The step (c1) may be performed while the session is maintained. delete A method for providing a video on demand (VOD) service by a terminal combined with an IMS network, (a) transmitting a service request for any VOD content using a session initiation protocol (SIP) to a service providing server through the IMS network; (b) receiving a response to the service request from the service providing server that has established a session with the VOD server for transmitting the VOD content; (c) requesting another terminal to invite the other terminal to the service providing server using the SIP; And (d) requesting the service providing server to play the VOD content using the SIP to receive and output corresponding streaming data, The service providing server converts the message according to the SIP received from the terminal into a message according to a real-time streaming protocol (RTSP) to communicate with the VOD server, and transmits the streaming data received from the VOD server to the terminal and the terminal. Real-time VOD service providing method characterized in that the transmission to the other terminal. In the device for providing a real-time VOD (Vedio On Demand) service, Receives a request for arbitrary VOD content using a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) from a terminal coupled through an IMS network, and converts a message received by the SIP from the terminal into a message using a Real-Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP). Communication unit for transmitting to the VOD server; A group setting unit configured to set a group terminal including the terminal and the other terminal by transmitting an invitation message through the IMS network to one or more other terminals that have been invited by using the message according to the SIP from the terminal; And Including a streaming processing unit for transmitting the streaming data for the VOD content received from the VOD server to the group terminal, And the communication unit transmits a message according to a Real-Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP) to the VOD server to establish a session with the VOD server when the request for the VOD content is received. delete The method of claim 10, And an audio / video mixing unit for providing a voice or video chat service between the group terminals. delete 10. A recording medium having recorded thereon a program of instructions that can be executed by a terminal to perform a method for providing a video on demand (VOD) service by a terminal combined with the IMS network according to claim 9.

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