KR102369806B1 - Sending device and method for providing real time contents thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a method and a transmission apparatus for providing real-time content.
A method for providing real-time content by a transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of: generating content; storing the content in a first storage device in real time; storing at least a portion of the content in a second storage device during at least a part of a period in which the content is stored in the first storage device; determining whether a channel for transmitting content stored in the first storage device is changed according to a content storage amount of the first storage device; and determining whether to transmit the content in real time or continuously according to a result of determining whether to change the channel.

Description

A method for providing real-time content and a transmission device for performing the same

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a method and system for providing real-time content.

In the case of real-time broadcasting using a wireless network environment, the quality varies greatly depending on the network environment. Therefore, it is important to mainly improve the network environment in order to improve the wireless real-time broadcasting quality. However, due to the nature of the radio, it is impossible to completely remove the poor environment, so the occurrence of a section where broadcasting is cut off is inevitable. Therefore, there is a need for a method of recovering broadcasting in the cut-off section.

SUMMARY Embodiments of the present invention provide a broadcasting system and a broadcasting content providing method capable of securing wireless real-time broadcasting quality in a wireless environment.

A method for providing real-time content by a transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of: generating content; storing the content in a first storage device in real time; storing at least a portion of the content in a second storage device during at least a portion of a period in which the content is stored in the first storage device; determining whether a channel for transmitting content stored in the first storage device is changed according to a content storage amount of the first storage device; and determining whether to transmit the content in real time or continuously according to a result of determining whether to change the channel.

The second storage device may store the content simultaneously with the first storage device.

The content may be stored in the second storage device only while the transmission of the content stored in the first storage device is stopped.

The content may be stored in the second storage device from a point in time when the transmission of the content stored in the first storage device is stopped until the transmission of the content is terminated.

The step of determining whether to detect the channel may include: if the amount of content stored in the first storage device is equal to or greater than a reference value, detecting a second channel to replace the first channel for transmitting the content stored in the first storage device according to a network state; ; may be included.

The determining whether to transmit the content may include, when the second channel is detected, changing the first channel to the second channel and transmitting the content through the second channel.

The determining whether to transmit the content may include stopping the content transmission when the second channel is not detected.

The method may further include, when the second channel is detected, resuming transmission of the content through the second channel.

The resuming of content transmission may include, according to a user setting, a real-time transmission mode for transmitting the contents stored in the first storage device in real time or a continuous transmission mode for transmitting the contents stored in the second storage device after stopping the contents transmission. Resuming content transmission; may include.

The method may further include, after the transmission of the content is completed, transmitting the content stored in the second storage device to the receiving device.

The second channel may be one of a plurality of channels including the first channel.

A transmission apparatus for providing real-time content according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a content acquisition unit for generating content; a first storage device in which the content is stored in real time; a second storage device in which at least a portion of the content is stored in the first storage device during at least a part of a period in which the content is stored; a detection unit configured to determine whether a channel for transmitting content stored in the first storage device is changed according to a content storage amount of the first storage device; and a control unit that determines whether the content is transmitted in real time or continuously according to a result of determining whether to change the channel.

The second storage device may store the content simultaneously with the first storage device.

The content may be stored in the second storage device only while the transmission of the content stored in the first storage device is stopped.

The content may be stored in the second storage device from a point in time when the transmission of the content stored in the first storage device is stopped until the transmission of the content is terminated.

When the amount of content stored in the first storage device is equal to or greater than a reference value, the detector may detect a second channel to replace the first channel for transmitting the content stored in the first storage device according to a network state.

When the second channel is detected, the controller may change the first channel to the second channel and transmit the content through the second channel.

If the second channel is not detected, the controller may stop the transmission of the content, and if the second channel is detected after a predetermined time elapses, the controller may resume the transmission of the content through the second channel.

The control unit may transmit the content in a real-time transmission mode for transmitting the content stored in the first storage device in real time or a continuous transmission mode for transmitting the content stored in the second storage device after the content transmission is stopped, according to a user setting. can resume

The controller may transmit the content stored in the second storage device to the receiving device after the content transmission is completed.

Embodiments of the present invention may provide a broadcasting system and a broadcasting content providing method capable of securing wireless real-time broadcasting quality in a wireless environment.

1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a real-time broadcasting system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 and 3 are diagrams schematically illustrating a method of providing a real-time broadcasting service in a real-time broadcasting system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is an example of a wireless network environment.
5 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a broadcast transmitter 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 to 9 are flowcharts schematically illustrating a real-time broadcasting method according to an embodiment of the present invention.
10A and 10B are an example of a graphical user interface provided by a broadcast receiver according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The following is merely illustrative of the principles of the invention. Therefore, those skilled in the art will be able to devise various devices that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present invention and are included within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Further, it is to be understood that all conditional terms and examples listed herein are, in principle, expressly intended solely for the purpose of enabling the concept of the present invention to be understood, and not limited to the specifically enumerated embodiments and states as such. should be Moreover, it is to be understood that all detailed description reciting the principles, aspects, and embodiments of the invention, as well as specific embodiments, are intended to cover structural and functional equivalents of such matters. Moreover, it is to be understood that such equivalents include not only currently known equivalents, but also equivalents developed in the future, i.e., all devices invented to perform the same function, regardless of structure.

Accordingly, the functions of the various elements shown in the drawings including functional blocks denoted as processors or similar concepts may be provided by the use of dedicated hardware as well as hardware having the ability to execute software in association with appropriate software. When provided by a processor, the functionality may be provided by a single dedicated processor, a single shared processor, or a plurality of separate processors, some of which may be shared. In addition, the use of terms presented as processor, control, or similar concepts should not be construed as exclusively referring to hardware having the ability to execute software, and without limitation, digital signal processor (DSP) hardware, ROM for storing software. It should be understood to implicitly include (ROM), RAM (RAM) and non-volatile memory. Other hardware of common knowledge may also be included.

The above objects, features and advantages will become more apparent through the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known technology may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted or briefly described.

On the other hand, when a part "includes" a certain component, this means that other components may be further included, rather than excluding other components unless otherwise stated.

Hereinafter, the present invention according to a preferred embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a real-time broadcasting system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 and 3 are diagrams schematically illustrating a method of providing a real-time broadcasting service in a real-time broadcasting system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1 , a real-time broadcast system 1 according to an embodiment includes at least one broadcast transmitter 10 , a server 30 , and at least one broadcast receiver 50 .

The broadcast transmitter 10 may collect and/or generate content for real-time broadcast. The broadcast transmitter 10 may include a recording means for broadcasting, and may transmit (upload) content to the server 30 and/or the broadcast receiver 50 through a network. The broadcast transmitter 10 may be implemented as a portable camera, a wearable camera, a camcorder, or the like.

4 is an example of a wireless network environment.

In real-time broadcasting using a wireless network environment, broadcast quality is affected by the network environment. For example, when broadcast data requiring a bandwidth of 2.5 Mbps is transmitted in an environment in which the wireless network environment changes as shown in FIG. 2, the video cannot be uploaded in the lower bandwidth of the network environment, so the video is cut off or disappears. phenomenon will occur.

When the real-time broadcast is interrupted, the broadcast transmitter 10 may restore and upload the interrupted part through the stored (recorded) image. The broadcast transmitter 10 automatically retransmits the un-uploaded image when the wireless network environment improves after storing the image information that has not been uploaded when uploading is not possible or delayed due to a poor wireless network environment, and is omitted from the image stored in the server 30 . It can be done so that there are no parts.

The server 30 may be wirelessly connected to at least one broadcast transmitter 10 and at least one broadcast receiver 50 through a communication network or a base station. Communication networks include wired networks and wireless Internet such as 3G, 4G (LTE), Wi-Fi, Wibro, and Wimax, and Bluetooth, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), and infrared communications (IrDA, infrared). Data Association), UWB (Ultra Wideband), and may include a wireless network including short-distance communication such as ZigBee.

The server 30 may include a first communication module for transmitting and receiving data with the broadcast transmitter 10 and a second communication module for transmitting and receiving data with the broadcast receiver 50 .

The first communication module may receive content transmitted from the broadcast transmitter 10 . The second communication module may receive a content request from the broadcast receiver 50 and transmit the content stored in the storage 36 to the broadcast receiver 50 .

The server 30 may store and manage content transmitted from the broadcast transmitter 10 . The server 30 may receive selection information of the broadcast transmitter 10 from the broadcast receiver 50 , and transmit content uploaded by the broadcast transmitter 10 to the broadcast receiver 50 .

The broadcast receiver 50 may receive the content provided by the broadcast transmitter 10 through the server 30 to view a real-time broadcast. In another embodiment, the broadcast receiver 50 may directly select the broadcast transmitter 10 to receive content directly from the broadcast transmitter 10 .

The broadcast receiver 50 may be a laptop computer, a handheld device, a smart phone, a mobile terminal such as a tab, a desktop computer, or any suitable device using or directly or indirectly connected thereto.

The broadcast receiver 50 may include a communication module for transmitting and receiving data to and from the server 30 . The broadcast receiver 50 may execute a real-time broadcast application to access the server 30 , download content from the server 30 and display it on the display screen.

Recently, as the wireless network environment that can transmit high-capacity data such as LTE and WiFi has been improved and the spread of various mobile devices has increased, real-time broadcasting using platforms such as Africa and YouTube is being conducted frequently while moving or stationary. However, since the network environment changes frequently due to the nature of the wireless network, it is difficult to maintain a uniform broadcasting environment without interruption. In such a situation, if the real-time broadcast video is cut off, the video uploaded to the server is cut off, and the rebroadcast is also cut off later, making it impossible to recover the video.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, when a disconnection occurs due to a poor network environment in a situation in which the wireless network environment changes, an image of the corresponding portion is backed up to the broadcast transmitter 10 and then automatically returned to the server 30 after the network environment is improved ), so that the complete video without interruption is stored in the server 30, enabling the rebroadcast of the video without loss.

Referring to FIG. 2 , in one embodiment, the broadcast transmitter 10 generates content from a first time T1 and starts uploading (S111), and transmits the content after the first time T1 to the server 30 . It can be uploaded to (S112).

The broadcast receiver 50 may download the content after the first time T1 from the server 30 (S113), and start watching the real-time broadcast (S114).

The broadcast transmitter 10 may periodically monitor the network environment and, if the network environment is inappropriate for content upload, may stop uploading the content from the second time T2 ( S115 ). Accordingly, the broadcast receiver 50 may stop watching the real-time broadcast (S116).

When the network environment is improved, the broadcast transmitter 10 may resume uploading the content at the third time T3 (S117), and upload the content after the third time T3 to the server 30 (S118) .

The broadcast receiver 50 may download the content after the third time T3 from the server 30 (S119), and resume viewing the real-time broadcast from the content after the third time T3 (S120).

After the real-time broadcast ends at the fourth time T4 (S121), the broadcast transmitter 10 may upload the untransmitted content from the second time T2 to the third time T3 to the server 30. There is (S122).

The broadcast receiver 50 may download the entire content from the server 30 from the first time T1 to the fourth time T4 (S123), and reproduce the content to watch the rebroadcast (S124).

The embodiment of FIG. 2 is an example of a real-time broadcasting (real-time transmission) mode. Although the content cannot be viewed while the real-time broadcasting is stopped, the real-time content can be viewed again after the real-time broadcasting is resumed. Here, real-time means that content can be viewed at the time the content is generated, and a time difference between content creation and content viewing according to content upload and download may be considered.

Referring to FIG. 3 , in another embodiment, the broadcast transmitter 10 resumes uploading the content at the third time T3 ( S117 ), and uploads the content after the second time T2 to the server 30 . It can be (S125).

The broadcast receiver 50 downloads the content after the second time (T2) from the server 30 (S126), resumes viewing the real-time broadcast from the content after the second time (T2) (S127), and performs the real-time broadcast It can be ended (S128).

Although not shown, the broadcast receiver 50 may download the entire content from the server 30 from the first time T1 to the fourth time T4, reproduce the content, and watch the rebroadcast.

The embodiment of FIG. 3 is a continuous broadcasting (continuous transmission) mode that provides real-time broadcasting delayed by a predetermined time. After the real-time broadcasting is stopped, it is possible to continuously view content without loss of content.

A specific method of the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9 .

5 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a broadcast transmitter 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5 , the broadcast transmitter 10 may include a content acquisition unit 101 , a storage unit 104 , a detection unit 107 , a communication unit 108 , and a control unit 109 .

The content acquisition unit 101 may generate content. The content acquisition unit 101 may include an image acquisition unit 102 and an image processing unit 103 . The image acquisition unit 102 may include an image sensor and a lens for receiving an optical signal. The image acquisition unit 102 may acquire an image as content by shooting a specific scene while still and/or moving.

The image processing unit 103 may be configured to receive an image from the image acquisition unit 102 and process, transform, scale, encode, decode, transmit, store, and display the image. The image processing unit 103 is configured to improve image quality such as gamma correction, color filter array interpolation, color matrix, color correction, and color enhancement. Image signal processing may be performed.

The storage unit 104 may perform a function of storing the content generated by the content acquisition unit 101 . The storage unit 104 may include a first storage unit 105 and a second storage unit 106 .

The first storage unit 105 is a buffer for temporarily storing data, and the second storage unit 106 is a main memory for permanently storing data until intentionally deleted by an external command. ) can be The first storage unit 105 is a volatile memory in which data disappears when the power supply is cut off, and the second storage unit 106 is a non-volatile memory in which data is preserved even when the power supply is cut off. can The second storage unit 106 may be an SD card.

The first storage unit 105 may temporarily store the content input from the content acquisition unit 101 in real time. The second storage unit 106 may store content input from the content acquisition unit 101 . The second storage unit 106 may store at least a portion of the content during at least a partial period of the period in which the content is stored in the first storage unit 105 .

In an embodiment, the second storage unit 106 may store content input from the content acquisition unit 101 simultaneously with the first storage unit 105 . Accordingly, the second storage unit 106 may store the entire content input from the content acquisition unit 101 .

In another embodiment, the second storage unit 106 may store a portion of the content output by the content acquisition unit 101 according to the content storage state and/or the network state of the first storage unit 105 . For example, the second storage unit 106 may not store the contents when the capacity of the contents stored in the first storage unit 105 is less than the reference value. The second storage unit 106 may store the contents when the capacity of the contents stored in the first storage unit 105 is equal to or greater than the reference value. The second storage unit 106 may stop storing the contents when the capacity of the contents stored in the first storage unit 105 is less than the reference value. The second storage unit 106 may store the contents only while the transmission of the contents stored in the first storage unit 105 is stopped. The second storage unit 106 may store the contents from the time when the transmission of the contents stored in the first storage unit 105 is stopped until the transmission of the contents is terminated.

The detection unit 107 may detect a content storage state and a network state in the first storage unit 105 . The detection unit 107 may determine whether a channel for transmitting the content stored in the first storage unit 105 is changed according to the content storage amount of the first storage unit 105 .

The channel (band) state of the currently used network may be detected by comparing the content capacity stored in the first storage unit 105 with a reference value. If the content capacity stored in the first storage unit 105 is smaller than the reference value, the detection unit 107 may determine that the state of the currently used channel is good. When the content capacity stored in the first storage unit 105 is equal to or greater than the reference value, the detection unit 107 may determine that the current channel state is a state in which it is difficult to transmit content, that is, a failure state.

The detection unit 107 may detect the state of each of a plurality of channels of the network. The detection unit 107 may detect at least one better channel than a currently used channel through scanning of the channels. The detection unit 107 may transmit and receive a test pattern to each channel to check channel performance. For example, in the case of an LTE environment, the detector 107 may check bandwidth performance by transmitting and receiving a test pattern in a center frequency band of each of the plurality of frequency bands. The detection unit 107 may detect at least one channel capable of transmitting real-time content by checking an upload speed of a channel through scanning of each channel.

The communication unit 108 may be a device including hardware and software necessary for transmitting and receiving signals such as control signals or data signals through wired/wireless connection with an external device, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. The communication unit 108 may include a communication module for transmitting and receiving data to and from the server 30 .

The communication unit 108 may transmit the content stored in the first storage unit 105 to the receiving device through the selected channel. The communication unit 108 may transmit the content stored in the second storage unit 106 to the receiving device through the selected channel.

The control unit 109 may be implemented with various numbers of hardware and/or software components that perform specific functions. For example, the controller 109 may be an integrated circuit, such as memory, processing, logic, look-up table, etc., capable of executing various functions by means of the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices. configurations may be employed. As an example of the control unit 109, a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), a processor core, a multiprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an FPGA ( field programmable gate array), but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. The functionality of the controller 109 may be implemented in a programming or scripting language, including various algorithms implemented in a combination of data structures, processes, routines, or other programming constructs.

The control unit 109 controls the overall operation of the broadcast transmitter 10, and controls the operation of each component such as the content acquisition unit 101, the storage unit 104, the detection unit 107, and the communication unit 108. Functions such as exchanging control signals with components or processing data may be performed.

The controller 109 may control storage and transmission of content output from the content obtaining unit 101 . The control unit 109 stores the contents in the first storage unit 105 and the second storage unit 106 according to the state detection result of the first storage unit 105 of the detection unit 107 and the first storage unit 105 and It is possible to control content transmission of the second storage unit 106 .

The control unit 109 according to a user setting, a real-time transmission mode for transmitting the content stored in the first storage unit 105 in real time or a continuous transmission mode for transmitting the contents stored in the second storage unit 106 after the content transmission is stopped to resume content transmission.

According to a user setting, the controller 109 may transmit the content according to the real-time transmission mode when real-time broadcasting is resumed within a predetermined time, and transmit the content in the continuous transmission mode if the real-time broadcasting is not resumed for more than a predetermined time.

An existing broadcast transmitter (eg, a mobile camera) processes a real-time image and transmits it directly through a communication unit. Therefore, there is a problem in that the image is deteriorated or important broadcasting is missed due to the omission of image data. At this time, even if the user who watched the broadcast tries to watch the video after the broadcast is over and finds the part that was not watched due to the bad wireless network environment, the video data in the poor network environment is not stored and thus cannot be viewed.

The broadcast transmitter 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention is equipped with a buffer and a mass storage device, so that real-time broadcasting can be maintained for a long time even in a bad wireless network environment, and even if the broadcasting is cut off or the broadcasting image is missed due to the very bad network environment The missed broadcast can be confirmed later through the rebroadcast data stored in the server 30 .

6 to 9 are flowcharts schematically illustrating a real-time broadcasting method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, it will be described with reference to FIG. 3 .

Referring to FIG. 6 , in an embodiment, the content acquisition unit 101 may generate content ( S11 ).

Under the control of the controller 109, the content output from the content acquisition unit 101 is simultaneously input to the first storage unit 105 and the second storage unit 106, and the first storage unit 105 and the second storage unit 106 Content may be simultaneously stored in the unit 106 (S12).

Under the control of the control unit 109, the communication unit 108 may transmit (upload) the content stored in the first storage unit 105 to the real-time receiving side through the current channel (S13). Here, the receiving side may be the server 30 . Accordingly, the broadcast receiver 50 accesses the server 30 to receive (download) the content, so that a real-time broadcast can be viewed.

Under the control of the control unit 109 , the detection unit 107 may periodically detect the state of the first storage unit 105 . The detection unit 107 may compare the capacity of the content stored in the first storage unit 105 with a reference value.

If the capacity of the content stored in the first storage unit 105 is less than the reference value, the detection unit 107 may determine that the current channel state is good (S14). Accordingly, the control unit 109 can continuously transmit the content stored in the first storage unit 105 through the communication unit 108 to the real-time receiving side through the current channel (S13). Accordingly, the broadcast receiver 50 connects to the server 30 and receives (downloads) the content, so that the broadcast receiver 50 can watch real-time broadcasting without interruption.

If the capacity of the content stored in the first storage unit 105 is equal to or greater than the reference value, the detection unit 107 may determine that the current channel state is bad (S14). And under the control of the controller 109, the detector 107 may detect the network channel state.

The detection unit 107 may detect a channel state by transmitting and receiving a test signal in each of a plurality of channels of the network.

As a result of the detection of the channel state of the detection unit 107, when it is determined that there is at least one alternative channel for transmitting content instead of the current channel (S15), the controller 109 selects a channel with the best status among the at least one alternative channels to change the channel (S16). Accordingly, the channel before the change may become the previous channel, and the changed channel may be set as the current channel. The communication unit 108 may transmit the content stored in the first storage unit 105 to the receiving side in real time through the continuously changed current channel. Accordingly, the broadcast receiver 50 can view the real-time broadcast without interruption by connecting to the server 30 and receiving (downloading) the content.

As a result of the detection of the channel state of the detection unit 107 , when it is determined that there is no alternative channel through which content is to be transmitted by replacing the current channel ( S15 ), the controller 109 may stop the real-time broadcasting ( S17 ). The content transmitted by the communication unit 108 while the real-time broadcasting is stopped may be a part of the content last transmitted from the first storage unit 105 , for example, the last frame or I frame of the last transmitted video. Accordingly, the broadcast receiver 50 can view a still image by accessing the server 30 and receiving (downloading) some content. Depending on the current channel status, the communication unit 108 may not be able to transmit content while real-time broadcasting is stopped. While the real-time broadcasting is stopped, the generated content may be continuously stored in the first storage unit 105 and the second storage unit 106 . Previously stored content in the first storage unit 105 may be deleted and newly inputted content may be stored. All the generated contents may be stored in the second storage unit 106 without loss.

The detection unit 107 periodically detects a channel state, and the control unit 107 may determine whether an alternative channel exists according to the detection result of the detection unit 107 ( S18 ). The detection unit 107 may detect the status of all channels of the network including the channel through which the content is transmitted before the real-time broadcasting is stopped.

As a result of the detection of the channel state of the detection unit 107 , the controller 109 may stop the real-time broadcasting until there is an alternative channel for transmitting content by replacing the current channel ( S17 ).

As a result of the detection of the channel state of the detection unit 107, when it is determined that there is at least one alternative channel for transmitting content instead of the current channel (S18), the controller 109 selects a channel with the best status among the at least one alternative channels to change the channel (S19). Accordingly, the channel before the change may become the previous channel, and the changed channel may be set as the current channel.

Under the control of the control unit 109, the communication unit 108 transmits the content stored in the first storage unit 105 to the real-time receiving side through the changed current channel, so that the broadcasting transmitter 10 resumes the real-time broadcasting which has been interrupted for a predetermined time. It can be done (S20). The broadcast receiver 50 can view the real-time broadcast again by accessing the server 30 and receiving (downloading) the content after the real-time broadcast is resumed.

Under the control of the control unit 109 , the communication unit 108 may transmit the content stored in the second storage unit 106 to the receiving side after the real-time broadcasting ends ( S21 ). In this case, the transmitted content may be the entire content broadcast in real time or a part of the total content, that is, content stored during broadcast interruption. The control unit 109 may extract content of a section corresponding to the time when the real-time broadcasting is stopped from among all the contents stored in the second storage unit 106 .

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 , when the broadcast transmitter 10 improves the network condition, the interrupted real-time broadcast is resumed, and the content generated while the real-time broadcast is interrupted is transmitted after the real-time broadcast ends. Accordingly, the server 30 can restore the content after the end of the real-time broadcast, and the broadcast receiver 50 can download the content that was not viewed during the interruption of the real-time broadcast after the real-time broadcast ends and watch it as a rebroadcast.

Referring to FIG. 7 , in an embodiment, the content acquisition unit 101 may generate content ( S31 ).

Under the control of the controller 109, the content output from the content acquisition unit 101 is simultaneously input to the first storage unit 105 and the second storage unit 106, and the first storage unit 105 and the second storage unit 106 Content may be stored in the unit 106 (S32).

Under the control of the controller 109, the communication unit 108 may transmit (upload) the content stored in the first storage unit 105 to the real-time receiver through the current channel (S33). Here, the receiving side may be the server 30 . Accordingly, the broadcast receiver 50 accesses the server 30 to receive (download) the content, so that a real-time broadcast can be viewed.

Under the control of the control unit 109 , the detection unit 107 may periodically detect the state of the first storage unit 105 . The detection unit 107 may compare the capacity of the content stored in the first storage unit 105 with a reference value.

If the capacity of the content stored in the first storage unit 105 is smaller than the reference value, the detection unit 107 may determine that the current channel state is good (S34). Accordingly, the control unit 109 may continuously transmit the content stored in the first storage unit 105 through the communication unit 108 to the real-time receiving side through the current channel (S33). The broadcast receiver 50 connects to the server 30 and receives (downloads) content, so that the broadcast receiver 50 can watch real-time broadcasting without interruption.

If the capacity of the content stored in the first storage unit 105 is equal to or greater than the reference value, the detection unit 107 may determine that the current channel state is bad ( S34 ). In this case, the detection unit 107 may detect the network channel state. The detection unit 107 may detect a channel state by transmitting and receiving a test signal in each of a plurality of channels of the network.

As a result of the detection of the channel state of the detection unit 107, when it is determined that there is at least one alternative channel for transmitting content instead of the current channel (S35), the controller 109 selects a channel with the best status among the at least one alternative channels to change the channel (S36). Accordingly, the channel before the change may become the previous channel, and the changed channel may be set as the current channel. The communication unit 108 may transmit the content stored in the first storage unit 105 to the receiving side in real time through the continuously changed current channel. Accordingly, the broadcast receiver 50 can view the real-time broadcast without interruption by connecting to the server 30 and receiving (downloading) the content.

As a result of the detection of the channel state of the detection unit 107 , if it is determined that there is no alternative channel through which content will be transmitted by replacing the current channel ( S35 ), the controller 109 may stop the real-time broadcasting ( S37 ). The content transmitted by the communication unit 108 while the real-time broadcasting is stopped may be a part of the content last transmitted from the first storage unit 105 , for example, the last frame or I frame of the last transmitted video. Accordingly, the broadcast receiver 50 can view a still image by accessing the server 30 and receiving (downloading) some content. Depending on the current channel status, the communication unit 108 may not be able to transmit content while real-time broadcasting is stopped. While the real-time broadcasting is stopped, the generated content may be continuously stored in the first storage unit 105 and the second storage unit 106 . Previously stored content in the first storage unit 105 may be deleted and newly inputted content may be stored. All the generated contents may be stored in the second storage unit 106 without loss.

The detection unit 107 periodically detects the channel state, and the control unit 107 may determine whether an alternative channel exists according to the detection result of the detection unit 107 ( S38 ). The detection unit 107 may detect the status of all channels of the network including the channel through which the content is transmitted before the real-time broadcasting is stopped.

As a result of the detection of the channel state of the detection unit 107 , the controller 109 may stop the real-time broadcasting until there is an alternative channel through which content is to be transmitted by replacing the current channel ( S37 ).

As a result of the detection of the channel state of the detection unit 107, when it is determined that there is at least one alternative channel for transmitting content instead of the current channel (S38), the control unit 109 selects a channel with the best status among the at least one alternative channels to change the channel (S39). Accordingly, the channel before the change may become the previous channel, and the changed channel may be set as the current channel.

Under the control of the control unit 109, the communication unit 108 transmits the content stored in the second storage unit 105 to the receiving side through the changed current channel, so that the broadcasting transmitter 10 resumes the real-time broadcasting which has been interrupted for a predetermined time ( S40), it is possible to end the real-time broadcasting (S41). The broadcast receiver 50 can view the real-time broadcast again by accessing the server 30 and receiving (downloading) the content after the real-time broadcast is stopped.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 , when the broadcast transmitter 10 improves the network condition, the interrupted real-time broadcast is resumed, and the content generated while the real-time broadcast is interrupted is continuously transmitted to provide real-time broadcast delayed by a predetermined time. can Accordingly, the broadcast receiver 50 can watch the real-time broadcast without loss of content, although the real-time broadcast is interrupted for a predetermined time.

Referring to FIG. 8 , in an embodiment, the content acquisition unit 101 may generate content ( S51 ).

The content output from the content acquisition unit 101 may be input to the first storage unit 105 under the control of the controller 109 , and the content may be stored in the first storage unit 105 ( S52 ).

The control unit 109 may transmit (upload) the content stored in the first storage unit 105 to the receiving side in real time through the current channel through the communication unit 108 (S53). Here, the receiving side may be the server 30 . Accordingly, the broadcast receiver 50 accesses the server 30 to receive (download) the content, so that a real-time broadcast can be viewed.

Under the control of the control unit 109 , the detection unit 107 may periodically detect the state of the first storage unit 105 . The detection unit 107 may compare the capacity of the content stored in the first storage unit 105 with a reference value.

If the capacity of the content stored in the first storage unit 105 is less than the reference value, the detection unit 107 may determine that the current channel state is good (S54). Accordingly, the control unit 109 may continuously transmit the content stored in the first storage unit 105 through the communication unit 108 to the real-time receiver through the current channel (S53). Accordingly, the broadcast receiver 50 connects to the server 30 and receives (downloads) the content, so that the broadcast receiver 50 can watch real-time broadcasting without interruption.

If the capacity of the content stored in the first storage unit 105 is equal to or greater than the reference value, the detection unit 107 may determine that the current channel state is bad (S54). And under the control of the controller 109, the detector 107 may detect the network channel state.

The detection unit 107 may detect a channel state by transmitting and receiving a test signal in each of a plurality of channels of the network.

As a result of the detection of the channel state of the detection unit 107, when it is determined that there is at least one alternative channel for transmitting content instead of the current channel (S55), the controller 109 selects a channel with the best status among the at least one alternative channels to change the channel (S56). Accordingly, the channel before the change may become the previous channel, and the changed channel may be set as the current channel. The communication unit 108 may transmit the content stored in the first storage unit 105 to the receiving side in real time through the continuously changed current channel. Accordingly, the broadcast receiver 50 can connect to the server 30 and receive (download) the content to watch real-time broadcasting without interruption.

As a result of the detection of the channel state of the detection unit 107 , when it is determined that there is no alternative channel through which content is to be transmitted by replacing the current channel ( S55 ), the controller 109 may stop the real-time broadcasting ( S57 ). The content transmitted by the communication unit 108 while the real-time broadcasting is stopped may be a part of the content last transmitted from the first storage unit 105 , for example, the last frame or I frame of the last transmitted video. Accordingly, the broadcast receiver 50 can view a still image by accessing the server 30 and receiving (downloading) some content. Depending on the current channel status, the communication unit 108 may not be able to transmit content while real-time broadcasting is stopped. While the real-time broadcasting is stopped, the storage of the generated content in the second storage unit 106 may be started (S57).

The detection unit 107 periodically detects the channel state, and the control unit 107 may determine whether an alternative channel exists according to the detection result of the detection unit 107 (S58). The detection unit 107 may detect the status of all channels of the network including the channel through which the content is transmitted before the real-time broadcasting is stopped.

The controller 109 may stop the real-time broadcasting until there is an alternative channel for transmitting the content by replacing the current channel, and store the content in the second storage unit 106 ( S57 ).

As a result of the detection of the channel state of the detection unit 107, if it is determined that there is at least one alternative channel for transmitting content instead of the current channel (S58), the control unit 109 selects a channel with the best status among the at least one alternative channels to change the channel (S59). Accordingly, the channel before the change may become the previous channel, and the changed channel may be set as the current channel. At this time, the control unit 109 may stop storing the content in the second storage unit 106 (S59).

The control unit 109 transmits the content stored in the first storage unit 105 through the communication unit 108 to the real-time receiving side through the changed current channel, so that the broadcasting transmitter 10 can resume the real-time broadcasting that has been interrupted for a predetermined time. There is (S60). The broadcast receiver 50 can view the real-time broadcast again by accessing the server 30 and receiving (downloading) the content after the real-time broadcast is resumed.

Under the control of the control unit 109 , the communication unit 108 may transmit the content stored in the second storage unit 106 to the receiving side after the real-time broadcasting ends ( S61 ). At this time, the transmitted content is the content stored in the second storage unit 106 during the broadcast interruption.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 8 is different from the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 in that the second storage unit 106 stores content only while the real-time broadcasting is stopped and transmits the content after the real-time broadcasting ends. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 , since the entire content is not stored in the second storage unit 106 , a content storage space can be saved, and a content extraction process to be transmitted later can be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 9 , in an embodiment, the content acquisition unit 101 may generate content ( S71 ).

The content output from the content acquisition unit 101 may be input to the first storage unit 105 under the control of the controller 109 , and the content may be stored in the first storage unit 105 ( S72 ).

The control unit 109 may transmit (upload) the content stored in the first storage unit 105 to the receiving side in real time through the current channel through the communication unit 108 (S73). Here, the receiving side may be the server 30 . Accordingly, the broadcast receiver 50 accesses the server 30 to receive (download) the content, so that a real-time broadcast can be viewed.

Under the control of the control unit 109 , the detection unit 107 may periodically detect the state of the first storage unit 105 . The detection unit 107 may compare the capacity of the content stored in the first storage unit 105 with a reference value.

If the capacity of the content stored in the first storage unit 105 is less than the reference value, the detection unit 107 may determine that the current channel state is good (S74). Accordingly, the control unit 109 may continuously transmit the content stored in the first storage unit 105 through the communication unit 108 to the real-time receiving side through the current channel (S73). The broadcast receiver 50 connects to the server 30 and receives (downloads) content, so that the broadcast receiver 50 can watch real-time broadcasting without interruption.

If the capacity of the content stored in the first storage unit 105 is equal to or greater than the reference value, the detection unit 107 may determine that the current channel state is bad ( S74 ). In this case, the detection unit 107 may detect the network channel state. The detection unit 107 may detect a channel state by transmitting and receiving a test signal in each of a plurality of channels of the network.

As a result of the detection of the channel state of the detection unit 107, when it is determined that there is at least one alternative channel for transmitting content instead of the current channel (S75), the controller 109 selects a channel with the best status among the at least one alternative channels to change the channel (S76). Accordingly, the channel before the change may become the previous channel, and the changed channel may be set as the current channel. The communication unit 108 may transmit the content stored in the first storage unit 105 to the receiving side in real time through the continuously changed current channel. Accordingly, the broadcast receiver 50 can view the real-time broadcast without interruption by connecting to the server 30 and receiving (downloading) the content.

As a result of the detection of the channel state of the detection unit 107 , when it is determined that there is no alternative channel through which content is to be transmitted by replacing the current channel ( S75 ), the controller 109 may stop the real-time broadcasting ( S77 ). The content transmitted by the communication unit 108 while the real-time broadcasting is stopped may be a part of the content last transmitted from the first storage unit 105 , for example, the last frame or I frame of the last transmitted video. Accordingly, the broadcast receiver 50 can view a still image by accessing the server 30 and receiving (downloading) some content. Depending on the current channel status, the communication unit 108 may not be able to transmit content while real-time broadcasting is stopped. While the real-time broadcasting is stopped, the generated content may be stored in the second storage unit 106 (S77).

The detection unit 107 periodically detects the channel state, and the control unit 107 may determine whether an alternative channel exists according to the detection result of the detection unit 107 (S78). The detection unit 107 may detect the status of all channels of the network including the channel through which the content is transmitted before the real-time broadcasting is stopped.

The controller 109 may stop the real-time broadcasting until there is an alternative channel through which to transmit the content by replacing the current channel, and store the content in the second storage unit 106 (S77).

As a result of the detection of the channel state of the detection unit 107, when it is determined that there is at least one alternative channel for transmitting content instead of the current channel (S78), the controller 109 selects a channel with the best status among the at least one alternative channel to change the channel (S79). Accordingly, the channel before the change may become the previous channel, and the changed channel may be set as the current channel.

The control unit 109 transmits the content stored in the second storage unit 105 through the communication unit 108 to the receiving side through the changed current channel, so that the broadcast transmitter 10 resumes the real-time broadcasting, which has been interrupted for a predetermined time (S70) , it is possible to end the real-time broadcasting (S71). The broadcast receiver 50 can view the real-time broadcast again by accessing the server 30 and receiving (downloading) the content after the real-time broadcast is stopped.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 , the content is stored in the second storage unit 106 from the point in time when the real-time broadcasting is stopped, and when the real-time broadcasting is resumed, the content stored in the second storage unit 106 is continuously transmitted. is different from the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 . In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 , the entire content is not stored in the second storage unit 106 , and thus the content storage space can be saved.

10A and 10B are an example of a graphical user interface provided by a broadcast receiver according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The broadcast receiver 50 may provide a specialized graphic user interface on the display so that the user can more easily and intuitively watch real-time broadcasts. A user may input a setting for viewing a real-time broadcast through a user interface using an input means.

Referring to FIG. 10A , in an embodiment, a user may select a method in which real-time broadcasting is resumed due to improvement of a network environment after the real-time broadcasting is stopped for a predetermined time.

When the real-time broadcasting is resumed after the real-time broadcasting is stopped for a predetermined time, the broadcast receiver 50 may provide a pop-up window 57a for selecting the type of the real-time broadcasting in one area of the display screen. In the pop-up window 57a, the "continuous view (continuous view)" mode in which the content can be viewed continuously from the point in time when the real-time broadcasting is stopped, and the content between the time when the real-time broadcasting is stopped and the real-time broadcasting is resumed is skipped, and the real-time broadcasting is performed A menu may be provided for selecting a "real-time view" mode for viewing content from the resumed time point. Users can choose between "live view" and "continue view".

Referring to FIG. 10B , according to another embodiment, the user may set in advance a method for resuming real-time broadcasting due to improvement of the network environment after the real-time broadcasting is stopped for a predetermined time.

In response to a user's request for setting, the broadcast receiver 50 may provide a setting window 57b in one area of the display screen. The user may set a time condition for executing the "real-time view" mode through the setting window 57b. In the embodiment of FIG. 10B , the user sets “within 60 seconds”. In this case, the broadcast receiver 50 automatically proceeds to the “real-time view” mode when the real-time broadcasting is resumed if the period during which the real-time broadcasting is stopped is within 60 seconds, and automatically proceeds to the “continue view” mode if it is 60 seconds or more. .

Information on the method of resuming real-time broadcasting of the broadcasting receiver 50 is transmitted to the broadcasting transmitter 10 , and the broadcasting transmitter 10 transmits the contents of the first storage unit 105 or the second storage unit according to the mode set by the user. You can upload the contents of (106). According to the real-time viewing mode, the broadcast transmitter 10 may operate in the real-time broadcast mode shown in FIG. 6 or FIG. 8 . Then, according to the viewing mode, the broadcast transmitter 10 may operate in the continuous broadcast mode according to FIG. 7 or 9 .

When the upload speed of the wireless network environment becomes a situation in which image information cannot be transmitted, real-time broadcasting is interrupted, and the broadcasting image of the corresponding section is discarded without being transmitted to the server, and broadcasting is interrupted for a certain period of time.

In the current wireless environment, it is necessary to improve the wireless network environment in order to secure the wireless real-time broadcasting quality. Accordingly, there is a need to compensate for a phenomenon in which real-time broadcasting is interrupted due to a wireless network environment. In particular, when the cut-off section is a very important part, such as a scoring scene in a soccer match, the broadcast video was not seen in real time, but the video stored in the server is absolutely necessary to restore that part.

When the wireless network environment is improved and it becomes larger than the required minimum network bandwidth, it is necessary to use the remaining bandwidth to upload the video data of the previously untransmitted section, that is, the section cut off due to insufficient network bandwidth, to the server.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the upload status of real-time broadcast data is firstly monitored, and in a section in which data cannot be completely transmitted, the data is first backed up in a separate storage device inside the broadcast transmitter 10 . Thereafter, when the bandwidth of the wireless network is improved, the data of the corresponding section is transmitted together with the real-time broadcast data to the server 30 to recover the missing part so that there is no interruption when the broadcast receiver 50 watches the rebroadcast.

An embodiment of the present invention provides a method of storing a broadcast image in a storage when the wireless network environment is bad and then transmitting an image stored in the storage when the wireless network is improved, and a broadcast is lost when rebroadcasting by combining the image stored in the storage with the real-time stored image after the broadcasting ends. You can provide a way to avoid this.

The method for providing real-time content according to the present invention can be implemented as computer-readable codes on a computer-readable recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium includes all types of recording devices in which data readable by a computer system is stored. Examples of the computer-readable recording medium include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, and optical data storage device. In addition, the computer-readable recording medium is distributed in a computer system connected to a network, so that the computer-readable code can be stored and executed in a distributed manner. In addition, functional programs, codes, and code segments for implementing the present invention can be easily inferred by programmers in the technical field to which the present invention pertains.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to one embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, this is merely exemplary, and those of ordinary skill in the art realize that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible therefrom. You will understand. Accordingly, the true protection scope of the present invention should be defined only by the appended claims.

Claims (20)

◈Claim 1 was abandoned when paying the registration fee.◈ A method for providing real-time content in a transmission device that generates content and transmits it to an external device through a network, the method comprising:
storing the content in a first storage device in real time;
storing at least a portion of the content in a second storage device during at least a part of a period in which the content is stored in the first storage device; and
Transmitting the content to the external device in a real-time transmission mode for transmitting the content stored in the first storage device in real time or in a continuous transmission mode for transmitting the content stored in the second storage device after the content transmission is stopped; and,
The method of claim 1, wherein the first storage device is a volatile storage device and the second storage device is a non-volatile storage device. ◈Claim 2 was abandoned when paying the registration fee.◈ According to claim 1,
The second storage device stores the content simultaneously with the first storage device. ◈Claim 3 was abandoned when paying the registration fee.◈ According to claim 1,
The method of claim 1, wherein the content is stored in the second storage device only while transmission of the content stored in the first storage device is stopped. ◈Claim 4 was abandoned when paying the registration fee.◈ According to claim 1,
The method of claim 1, wherein the content is stored in the second storage device from a point in time when transmission of the content stored in the first storage device is stopped until the transmission of the content is terminated. ◈Claim 5 was abandoned when paying the registration fee.◈ According to claim 1, wherein the content transmission step,
detecting a state of a first channel through which content of the first storage device is transmitted;
transmitting the contents of the first storage device in the real-time transmission mode through the first channel if the first channel is in good condition; and
and detecting a second channel to replace the first channel when the state of the first channel is bad. ◈Claim 6 was abandoned when paying the registration fee.◈ The method of claim 5, wherein the content transmission step comprises:
when the second channel is detected, changing the first channel to the second channel, and transmitting the contents of the first storage device in the real-time transmission mode through the second channel; How to provide real-time content. ◈Claim 7 was abandoned at the time of payment of the registration fee.◈ The method of claim 5, wherein the content transmission step comprises:
stopping transmission of the content when the second channel is not detected;
detecting a third channel to replace the first channel; and
when the third channel is detected, restarting the transmission of the content, and transmitting the content of the first storage device in the real-time transmission mode through the third channel; . ◈Claim 8 was abandoned when paying the registration fee.◈ 6. The method of claim 5,
stopping transmission of the content when the second channel is not detected;
detecting a third channel to replace the first channel; and
When the third channel is detected, restarting the transmission of the content, and transmitting the content of the second storage device in the continuous transmission mode through the third channel; . delete ◈Claim 10 was abandoned when paying the registration fee.◈ 9. The method according to claim 7 or 8,
The third channel is one of a plurality of channels including the first channel. ◈Claim 11 was abandoned when paying the registration fee.◈ 8. The method of claim 7,
After the transmission of the contents is completed, transmitting the contents stored in the second storage device to the external device while the transmission of the contents is stopped. a content acquisition unit that generates content;
a first storage device in which the content is stored in real time;
a second storage device in which at least a portion of the content is stored in the first storage device during at least a part of a period in which the content is stored; and
a control unit for transmitting the content to an external device in a real-time transmission mode for transmitting the content stored in the first storage device in real time or a continuous transmission mode for transmitting the content stored in the second storage device after the content transmission is stopped; and ,
The first storage device is a volatile storage device, and the second storage device is a non-volatile storage device. 13. The method of claim 12,
The second storage device stores the content simultaneously with the first storage device, and a transmission device for providing real-time content. 13. The method of claim 12,
A transmission device providing real-time content in which the content is stored in the second storage device only while transmission of the content stored in the first storage device is stopped 13. The method of claim 12,
A transmission device for providing real-time content, wherein the content is stored in the second storage device from a point in time when the transmission of the content stored in the first storage device is stopped until the transmission of the content is terminated. 13. The method of claim 12,
and a detection unit configured to detect a second channel to replace the first channel when the first channel for transmitting the content of the first storage device and the first channel state are bad;
The controller transmits the content of the first storage device in the real-time transmission mode through the first channel when the state of the first channel is good. The method of claim 16, wherein the control unit,
When the second channel is detected, the first channel is changed to the second channel, and the content of the first storage device is transmitted in the real-time transmission mode through the second channel. . The method of claim 16, wherein the control unit,
When the second channel is not detected, the content transmission is stopped, and when a third channel to replace the first channel is detected, the content transmission is resumed, and the real-time transmission mode is entered through the third channel. A transmission device that provides real-time content, which transmits the content of the first storage device. The method of claim 16, wherein the control unit,
If the second channel is not detected, the transmission of the content is stopped, and when a third channel to replace the first channel is detected, the content transmission is resumed, and the continuous transmission mode is performed through the third channel. A transmission device that provides real-time content, which transmits the content of the second storage device. The method of claim 18 or 19, wherein the control unit,
After the transmission of the contents is completed, the contents stored in the second storage device are transmitted to the external device while the transmission of the contents is stopped.

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