KR101056542B1 - On-demand video service system using heterogeneous server and its method - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an on-demand video service system using heterogeneous servers and a method thereof, and converts video-on-demand (VOD) content according to the characteristics of each VOD server and then applies it through a satellite or the Internet. The present invention provides a video service system using heterogeneous servers and a method thereof for distributing to a VOD server and providing VOD contents by connecting to a corresponding VOD server when a VOD service is requested through a set-top box.

To this end, the present invention, in an on-demand video service system using a heterogeneous server, delivers the access information to the set-top box, the indexing using the VOD (Video On Demand) content in the first VOD providing means or the second VOD providing means Distribution means for indexing in a manner to distribute to the corresponding VOD providing means via satellite or the Internet; The first VOD providing means for storing the VOD contents distributed from the distribution means in a first file storage means and delivering the VOD contents to the set top box according to a VOD content request from the set top box; And second VOD providing means for storing the VOD contents distributed from the distribution means in a second file storage means and delivering the corresponding VOD contents to the set top box according to a VOD content request from the set top box.

Heterogeneous VOD server, VOD service, indexing characteristics, VOD content conversion, VOD content distribution, set-top box

Description

On-demand video service system using heterogeneous server and its method {System and method for VOD service using heterogeneous server}             

1 is a configuration diagram of an embodiment of an on-demand video service system having a heterogeneous server according to the present invention;

2 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a VOD content conversion process according to the present invention;

3 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a VOD content distribution process according to the present invention;

4 is an exemplary view illustrating a user interface with each VOD server according to the present invention;

5 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of an on-demand video service method using a heterogeneous server according to the present invention.

* Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings

11: convert / deploy server 12: first VOD server

13: second VOD server 14: set-top box

The present invention relates to an on-demand video service system using heterogeneous servers and a method thereof, and more particularly, after converting video on demand (VOD) content according to characteristics of each VOD server, The present invention relates to an on-demand video service system using heterogeneous servers and a method for distributing to a corresponding VOD server through the Internet and providing VOD contents by connecting to the corresponding VOD server when a VOD service is requested through a set-top box.

In an embodiment of the present invention, two types of heterogeneous server groups (sets of servers) are described as an example, but the number of VOD server groups does not affect the present invention.

After the standardization of Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) 2 has reached its peak, the world's attention has begun to move toward realizing MPEG 2 application services. Particularly, experiments on the practical use of VOD service that combines MPEG 2 and computer networks to view programs required by users at a desired time through the network have been actively conducted worldwide.

The movement for the realization of MPEG 2 application service is not only technical, but also accelerates the development of applications such as on-demand movies, remote shopping, network games, on-demand news, and distance education based on VOD systems. . Against this backdrop, which has been around since 1993, the DAVIC (Digital Audio Visual Council) was established in March 1994, and standardization for interactive multimedia services such as VOD is actively underway.

The VOD service is not a service provided by a predetermined program table, but a service that allows a user to see a desired program whenever he or she wants to see it. Representatives that subscribers can receive VOD services include movies, but also include recently broadcast TV programs, educational programs, sports programs.

On the other hand, the conventional VOD service system, the set-top box is installed in a home, etc. to receive a VOD service request from the user and send it to the VOD server and to play the VOD content received from the VOD server to output to the display device, and the set-top And a VOD server for retrieving the corresponding VOD content from the VOD content storage unit and delivering the VOD content to the set-top box according to a VOD service request from the user received through the box, and a VOD content storage unit for storing the VOD content.

Such a conventional VOD service system cannot provide VOD content corresponding to the indexing method of one VOD server to another VOD server having another indexing method due to the characteristics of the VOD server having different indexing methods according to the model. There is a problem that can not provide a VOD service by using a heterogeneous VOD server.

In addition, the conventional VOD service system has a problem in that it cannot play VOD content provided from another VOD server because the VOD content must be played through a set-top box having a VOD content playing module corresponding to one VOD server. That is, a set-top box generally installed in a home can play VOD content provided from one VOD server and thus cannot play VOD content provided from another VOD server.

The present invention has been proposed to solve the above problems, after converting the on-demand video content according to the characteristics of each VOD server, and distributed to the corresponding VOD server via satellite or the Internet, according to the VOD service is requested through the set-top box The purpose of the present invention is to provide an on-demand video service system using heterogeneous servers and a method for providing VOD content by connecting to a corresponding VOD server.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention can be understood by the following description, and will be more clearly understood by the embodiments of the present invention. Also, it will be readily appreciated that the objects and advantages of the present invention may be realized by the means and combinations thereof indicated in the claims.

In order to achieve the above object, an apparatus of the present invention provides a video on demand (VOD) content and a first VOD providing means or a second VOD in an on-demand video service system using a heterogeneous server. Distribution means for indexing in an indexing manner used by the means and distributing it to the corresponding VOD providing means through satellite or the Internet; The first VOD providing means for storing the VOD contents distributed from the distribution means in a first file storage means and delivering the VOD contents to the set top box according to a VOD content request from the set top box; And second VOD providing means for storing the VOD contents distributed from the distribution means in a second file storage means and delivering the corresponding VOD contents to the set top box according to a VOD content request from the set top box. The apparatus of the present invention may further include the set-top box for accessing the VOD providing unit by using the access information received from the distribution unit in response to the VOD content request and receiving and playing the VOD content.

On the other hand, the method of the present invention, on-demand video service method using a heterogeneous server, the indexing step of indexing the VOD content by the indexing method used in each VOD server; A distribution step of distributing the indexed VOD contents to a corresponding VOD server; A transmission step of transmitting access information to the set-top box when a VOD service is requested through a set-top box; And providing VOD contents to the set-top box through the VOD server to which the set-top box is connected.

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The above objects, features and advantages will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, whereby those skilled in the art may easily implement the technical idea of the present invention. There will be. In the following description, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail since they would obscure the invention in unnecessary detail. Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of an on-demand video service system having a heterogeneous server according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, an on-demand video service system having a heterogeneous server according to the present invention transmits access information to the set-top box 14 and transmits VOD contents to the first VOD server 12 or the second VOD server. By converting according to the indexing characteristic of (13) (i.e., indexing the VOD content by the indexing method used by the first VOD server 12 or the second VOD server 13 as shown in FIG. 2). The conversion / deployment server 11 for distributing to the corresponding VOD server through the VOD server stores the VOD contents distributed from the conversion / distribution server 11 in the first file server, and requests the VOD contents from the set-top box 14. Accordingly, the first VOD server 12 for retrieving the corresponding VOD content through the first file server and delivering the VOD content to the set-top box 14, and the VOD contents distributed from the conversion / distribution server 11 to the second file server. From the set-top box 14 A second VOD server 13 for retrieving the corresponding VOD content through the second file server according to a VOD content request and delivering the VOD content to the set-top box 14, and the conversion / distribution server according to a VOD content request from a user ( 11) a set top box 14 for accessing the corresponding VOD server using the access information received from 11) to receive and play the VOD contents.

Here, when the conversion / distribution server 11 registers the first VOD server 12 or the second VOD server 13, the conversion / distribution server 11 receives the area information and the IP (Internet Protocol) address of each VOD server. At this time, only two VOD servers have been described as an example for better understanding, but the number of VOD servers does not affect the present invention.

In addition, the access information delivered to the set-top box 14 by the conversion / distribution server 11 includes local information of each VOD server, an IP address of each VOD server, an IP address of a backup server, and the like.

In addition, the set-top box 14 accesses the VOD server located closest to its current location by using the access information received from the conversion / distribution server 11 to receive and play the corresponding VOD content.

Meanwhile, the process of converting VOD content and distributing the converted VOD content will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

First, referring to the VOD content conversion process with reference to FIG. 2, the original VOD content is smoothly processed (played) by each VOD server, and in accordance with the MPEG 2 standard so as not to damage the VOD content during DRM (Digital Rights Management) encoding process. Reorder (201).

Thereafter, the rearranged VOD content is DRM encoded (DRM encrypted) through a DRM encoder (202).

Thereafter, the DRM-encoded content is converted according to the indexing characteristics of the first VOD server (that is, indexed by the indexing method used by the first VOD server) and stored in the first file server (203, 205).

The DRM-encoded content is converted according to the indexing characteristics of the second VOD server (that is, indexed by the indexing method used by the second VOD server) and stored in the second file server (204 and 206).

Here, indexing means extracting the frame position of the VOD content in order to provide the user with a function such as fast-forwarding, rewinding, and replaying during VOD playback. At this time, the indexing method has a unique method for each VOD server.

Next, referring to FIG. 3, the process of distributing the converted VOD content through the VOD content conversion process first receives a distribution command from the user (301). Here, the distribution command includes the VOD content to be distributed and the distribution medium.

Thereafter, the distribution medium is identified using the distribution command (302).

As a result of the check 302, if the distribution medium is the Internet, VOD server information for distributing VOD content is searched (303).

Thereafter, the server is classified using the retrieved VOD server information (304).

As a result of the classification 304, when the VOD server to which the VOD content is to be distributed is the first VOD server 12, the content for the first VOD server is transmitted (305).

Thereafter, when the transmission of the content for the first VOD server is completed, the transmission completion and content registration command is transmitted to the first VOD server 12 (306). At this time, the command delivery follows the command delivery method of the first VOD server.

Then, it is checked whether the VOD server receiving the VOD content is the last VOD server (309).

As a result of the check 309, if it is not the last VOD server, the process proceeds to the “303” process, and if it is the last VOD server, the distribution of VOD contents is terminated.

On the other hand, if the division result 304, the VOD server to distribute the VOD content is the second VOD server 13 transmits the content for the second VOD server (307).

Thereafter, when the transmission of the content for the second VOD server is completed, the transfer completion and content registration command is transmitted to the second VOD server 13 (308). At this time, the command delivery follows the command delivery method of the second VOD server.

Then, it is checked whether the VOD server receiving the VOD content is the last VOD server (309).

As a result of the check 309, if it is not the last VOD server, the process proceeds to the “303” process, and if it is the last VOD server, the distribution of VOD contents is terminated. That is, in the case of Internet distribution, VOD content is distributed 1: 1 with all registered servers (unicasting method), so the same operation is repeated for the entire VOD server.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the distribution medium is a satellite, the content for the first VOD server is transmitted to the first VOD server (server group) via the satellite (310). At this time, the content for the first VOD server is transmitted through a multicasting channel so that only the first VOD server (server group) can be received.

Thereafter, when the transmission is completed, the VOD content registration command is transmitted to the first VOD server (server group) (311).

Thereafter, when the transmission of the content for the first VOD server is completed, the content for the second VOD server is transmitted through the satellite (312). At this time, the content for the second VOD server is transmitted through the multicasting channel so that only the second VOD server can be received.

Thereafter, when the transmission is completed, the VOD content registration command is transmitted to the second VOD server (server group) (313).

4 is an exemplary view illustrating a user interface with each VOD server according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 4, a user controls each VOD server by calling an interface of each VOD server according to server classification through one interface. That is, the first VOD server (server group) is controlled through the interface for the first VOD server, and the second VOD server (server group) is controlled through the interface for the second VOD server.

5 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of an on-demand video service method using a heterogeneous server according to the present invention.

First, the VOD content is converted according to the indexing characteristics of each VOD server (that is, the VOD content is indexed by the corresponding indexing method used by each VOD server) (501).

Thereafter, the converted VOD content is distributed to the corresponding VOD server (502).

Subsequently, when the VOD service is requested through an arbitrary set top box, the access information used to access the corresponding VOD server is transmitted to the set top box (503).

Then, the set top box 14 accesses the VOD server located closest to each other using the received access information. In this case, if the VOD server cannot be accessed, the VOD content may be provided by accessing the backup server.

Then, the VOD content is provided through the corresponding VOD server (504).

Then, the set top box 14 plays the VOD content received through the playback module for the VOD server (for example, a Real-Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP) playback module). That is, the set top box 14 has a plurality of playback modules. For example, if the VOD content is provided from the first VOD server 12, the set top box 14 plays the VOD content using the playback module for the first VOD server and the second VOD server. If the VOD content is provided from (13), the VOD content is played using the playback module for the second VOD server.

In the present invention, converting the VOD content according to the indexing characteristics of the corresponding VOD server, distributing the converted VOD content to the corresponding VOD server, and playing the VOD content received from the VOD server, the VOD server The same delimiters (eg flags) are used to distinguish them.

The method of the present invention as described above may be embodied as a program and stored in a computer-readable recording medium (such as a CD-ROM, a RAM, a ROM, a floppy disk, a hard disk, or a magneto-optical disk). Since this process can be easily implemented by those skilled in the art will not be described in more detail.

The present invention described above is capable of various substitutions, modifications, and changes without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention for those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. It is not limited by the drawings.

 The present invention as described above, after converting the on-demand video content according to the characteristics of each VOD server and distribute to the corresponding VOD server via satellite or the Internet, and connected to the corresponding VOD server as the VOD service is requested through the set-top box By providing the VOD content, there is an effect that can provide a VOD service using a heterogeneous server.

Claims (12)

In the on-demand video service system using a heterogeneous server, It distributes the access information to the set-top box, indexes the video on demand (VOD) content by the indexing method used by the first VOD providing means or the second VOD providing means, and distributes it to the corresponding VOD providing means through satellite or the Internet. Way; The first VOD providing means for storing the VOD contents distributed from the distribution means in a first file storage means and delivering the VOD contents to the set top box according to a VOD content request from the set top box; And The second VOD providing means for storing the VOD contents distributed from the distribution means in a second file storage means and delivering the corresponding VOD contents to the set top box according to a VOD content request from the set top box. On-demand video service system using a heterogeneous server including. The method of claim 1, The distribution means, The original VOD content is smoothly processed by the corresponding VOD providing means and rearranged according to the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) 2 standard so that VOD content is not damaged during the DRM (Digital Rights Management) encoding process. On-demand video service system using heterogeneous servers that are indexed and distributed by the indexing method used in the service. The method of claim 1, The distribution means, When distributing the VOD content through the satellite, the corresponding VOD content is distributed to the corresponding VOD server by the multicasting method, and when distributing the VOD content via the Internet, the corresponding VOD content is distributed to the corresponding VOD server by the unicasting method. Video service on demand. The method of claim 1, The set-top box for accessing the VOD providing means using the access information received from the distribution means in response to the VOD content request for receiving and playing the VOD content, further comprising: The set top box, On-demand video service system using a heterogeneous server having a plurality of playback modules for playing various types of VOD content. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The connection information, On-demand video service system using a heterogeneous server, including regional information of each VOD providing means, IP address of each VOD providing means, IP address of the backup server. In the on-demand video service method using a heterogeneous server, Indexing the VOD contents in an indexing manner used by each VOD server; A distribution step of distributing the indexed VOD contents to a corresponding VOD server; A transmission step of transmitting access information to the set-top box when a VOD service is requested through a set-top box; And Providing a VOD content to the set-top box through the VOD server connected to the set-top box On-demand video service method using a heterogeneous server comprising a. The method of claim 6, The indexing step, Rearranging the original VOD content in accordance with a Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) 2 standard so as to smoothly process the original VOD content in the corresponding VOD server and prevent the VOD content from being damaged when encoding DRM (Digital Rights Management); DRM encoding (DRM encryption) the reordered VOD content; And Indexing the DRM-encoded content by an indexing method used by a corresponding VOD server On-demand video service method using a heterogeneous server comprising a. The method of claim 6, The distribution step, Identifying a distribution medium of the VOD content; As a result of the checking, distributing the VOD contents to the corresponding VOD server by a uticasting method as the distribution medium is the Internet; And As a result of the checking, distributing the VOD contents to the corresponding VOD server by the multicasting method as the distribution medium is the satellite. On-demand video service method using a heterogeneous server comprising a. The method of claim 6, The set top box, On-demand video service method using a heterogeneous server to play the VOD content provided by accessing the VOD server using the access information using the corresponding VOD content playback module. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 9, The connection information, On-demand video service method using a heterogeneous server, including local information of each VOD providing means, IP address of each VOD providing means, IP address of the backup server. 11. The method of claim 10, The set top box, If the VOD server can not be connected to the backup server to access the VOD content provided, on-demand video service method using a heterogeneous server. delete

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