WO2009015539A1

WO2009015539A1 - Multicast control method for service of demanding the media content and the system thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2009015539A1
Application number: PCT/CN2007/003918
Authority: WO
Inventors: Zunyou Ke
Original assignee: Zte Corporation
Priority date: 2007-07-27
Filing date: 2007-12-29
Publication date: 2009-02-05
Also published as: CN101110690A; CN100512130C

Abstract

A multicast control method for service of demanding the media content, including: A, the demanding service system receiving the user demanding request and reading the program beginning time information of the demanding request; B, the demanding service system reading the beginning time of all present multicast groups which have same content of the user request, determining whether have multicast group according with the playing condition according to the program beginning time of the demanding request and configuration policy, if yes, then adding the user to the multicast group. A multicast control system for service of demanding the media content, including media service module and service control and management module which are interconnected.

Description

Multicast control method and system for media content on-demand service

Technical field

The present invention relates to multicast control techniques, and more particularly to a multicast control method and system for media content on demand services.

Background technique

Media content on demand services based on IP (Internet Protocol) networks are gradually favored by users. As a result, the bandwidth bottleneck of media stream transmission on the network is also becoming more serious, especially in the mobile communication network environment.

Traditional IP communication can be performed in two ways: one is between a source IP host and a destination IP host, called unicast; the other is between a source IP host and all other IP hosts in the network. Conducted, called broadcasting. If you want to send information to multiple specific hosts on the network instead of all hosts, either broadcast or the source host sends unicast IP packets to multiple target hosts in the network. When implemented in broadcast mode, not only the information will be sent to the unneeded host, but the bandwidth will be wasted, and the broadcast loopback may cause serious broadcast storms. In the unicast mode, due to repeated transmission of IP packets, a lot of bandwidth is wasted, which also increases the load on the server. Therefore, the traditional unicast and broadcast communication methods cannot effectively solve the problem of single-point transmission and multi-point reception.

IP multicast refers to sending a packet to a certain subset of nodes in the network in an IP network. This subset is called multicast. The basic idea of multicast is that the source host sends only one piece of data. The destination address in this data is the multicast address. All recipients in the multicast can receive the same copy of the data, and only the hosts in the multicast can receive the data.

The multicast advantage is obvious because it does not send IP packets to unwanted hosts relative to the broadcast, avoiding network risks; it saves a lot of bandwidth compared to unicast. Therefore, most of the existing media content on-demand services use multicast.

However, multicast does not consider how to best manage user control. The multicast media is used to send streaming media data, and the user can only receive it passively. Since the time when the user starts watching is different, and the user may choose to fast forward, play back, etc. during the playback to adjust the progress, pure multicast is completely impossible. Meet the above requirements. In the prior art, the first solution is to play the same program in turn, and the second is to start multiple multicasts in different times. Although the former can meet the requirements of all users to watch, but the user can only wait for the start point, the targeted experience is poor, and the user can not control the progress; the latter to some extent meets the user's choice of the channel close to the expectation, but It is bound to cause waste of bandwidth.

Summary of the invention

The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a multicast control method and system for the media content on-demand service, which can satisfy the user's targeted experience as much as possible, and can save bandwidth.

To solve the above technical problem, the present invention provides a multicast control method for a media content on-demand service, which is characterized in that it comprises the following steps:

A, the on-demand service system receives the user's on-demand request, and reads information about the program start time point of the on-demand request;

B. The on-demand service system reads the current broadcast time of all the multicast groups that are the same as the content requested by the user, and determines whether the multicast group meets the conditions for starting the broadcast according to the program play time and the configuration policy of the on-demand request. If yes, Join the user to the multicast group.

Further, the foregoing method may further have the following feature. In the step B, the on-demand service system determines whether the current start time of the program is the same as the current start time of the multicast group. The time interval is less than the preset allowable time interval, and if yes, the user is added to the multicast group with the smallest interval; or

The on-demand service system in step B determines whether the current broadcast time is later than the requested program start time point and the time interval from the program start time point is less than a preset in the multicast group that is currently the same as the content requested by the user. The multicast group with the allowed time interval, if any, joins the user to the multicast group with the smallest interval.

Further, the foregoing method may further have the following feature. In the step B, if a multicast group that meets the conditions for starting the broadcast is not found, a new multicast group is created for the user, and the user is added to the new multicast group. After the user joins or the number of joined users reaches a specified number, the multicast group starts broadcasting. Further, the foregoing method may further have the following feature: the start time of the multicast group is preset in a certain time interval, or when a multicast group that meets the conditions for starting the broadcast is not found, according to the program requested by the client. Start the time to set the start time of the new multicast group.

Further, the foregoing method may further have the following feature: the start time of the program content requested by the user on demand is a time indicated by a parameter in the on-demand request input by the user when the request is requested by the user, that is, on-demand by the manner agreed by the user. The agreed on-demand time is a time input by the user or a time selected according to the start time of the multicast group disclosed by the network side; or

The program content start time of the user on-demand request is calculated at the time when the user sends the on-demand request.

Further, the foregoing method may further have the following feature: C, generating multicast control information according to step B, and sending the information to the media service module of the on-demand service system, where the media service module schedules the multicast according to the multicast control information;

D. The media service module sends redirection information to the user terminal, and the user terminal initiates a multicast service request according to the redirection information, and the media service module requests the media data to be sent from the media library to the user terminal.

To solve the above technical problem, the present invention provides a multicast control system for media content on-demand services, including interconnected media service modules and service control and management modules, wherein:

The media service module is configured to receive an on-demand request of the user, forward the message to the service control and management module, receive a control instruction of the service control and management module, and provide a media service protocol interface, where the service control and management module is configured to receive An on-demand request forwarded by the media service module, analyzing a parameter of the on-demand request, obtaining a program start time point of the on-demand request, and reading a current broadcast time of all the multicast groups that are the same as the content requested by the user, according to the request for the on-demand request The program play time and the configuration policy determine whether the multicast group meets the broadcast conditions, and if so, join the user to the multicast group.

Further, the foregoing system may further have the following feature: if the service control and management module determines that the time interval between the start time of the multicast group and the program start time point of the on-demand request is less than the preset tolerance interval, Create a new multicast group for the user and add the user to the new multicast group. The multicast group starts broadcasting after a user joins or after the number of joined users reaches a specified number. Further, the foregoing system may further have the following feature: the service control and management module determines whether there is a time of the start time of the program starting with the current multicast time of all the multicast groups that are the same as the content requested by the user. If the interval is less than the preset allowable time interval, if yes, the user is added to the multicast group with the smallest interval; or

The service control and management module determines whether a multicast group that is currently in the same content as the user request has a broadcast time later than the requested program start time point and the time interval from the program start time point is less than a preset A multicast group that allows time intervals, if any, joins the user to the multicast group with the smallest interval.

Further, the foregoing system may further have the following feature: the security control and management module presets the start time of the multicast group at a certain time interval, or when a multicast group that meets the conditions for starting the broadcast is not found. The service control and management module sets the start time of the new multicast group according to the program start time requested by the client.

Further, the above system may further have the following feature: the start time of the program content requested by the user on demand is the time indicated by the parameter in the on-demand request input by the user when the request is requested by the user, that is, the on-demand broadcast in the manner agreed by the user. The agreed on-demand time is a time input by the user or a time selected according to the start time of the multicast group disclosed by the network side; or

Further, the system may further have the following features: a content management system module, connected to the service control and management module, for managing media content information, where the media content information includes a program content identifier, a name, a description, a level, and a classification. , Post status;

a media library, connected to the media service module, for storing media content for on-demand. Further, the foregoing system may further have the following features: a user and a terminal management module, connected to the service control and management module, for providing user information, where the user information includes user basic information, user subscription information, user personalization, Group information management and capability parameters of the terminal. Further, the above system may further have the following features, wherein the service control and management module includes an on-demand request response unit, a service control, and a management logic unit that are sequentially connected. Word data management unit, where:

The on-demand request response unit is configured to receive a user-on-demand request forwarded by the media service module, and parse the request parameter, where the parameter includes the requested content identifier, the content start time or progress, the user information, the terminal information, and the terminal Responding to the program service parameters after the service system is scheduled;

The service control and management logic unit is a service service logic total scheduling process, uses system configuration service parameters, schedules control session data management, multicast data management, and manages a correspondence between user sessions and multicasts;

The session data management unit is configured to manage session information that is requested by the user, including session identifier, user information, terminal information, content identifier, and request content start time.

Further, the foregoing system may further have the following features, the service control and management module further includes:

The multicast data management unit is connected to the control and management logic unit, and is configured to manage multicast data, including a multicast identifier, a port, and a broadcast time.

a content data analyzing unit, connected to the service control and management logic unit, configured to extract information of content in a content management system module requested by the user, and analyze validity of content requested by the user; an operation management unit, and the service control unit The management logic unit is connected to provide an interface for parameter operation management, and performs control parameter query, configuration, session management, and multicast management;

The timer management unit is connected to the service control and management logic unit, and is configured to provide a timing service, trigger a timer event, and process the transaction according to the setting call timing.

It can be seen from the above that the system and method for managing multicast in the on-demand service proposed by the present invention can find a multicast that is close to the time point for the user, and if not, establish a new multicast for the user. It's possible to save bandwidth while also improving the user's targeted experience. BRIEF abstract

FIG. 1 is a flowchart of a multicast control method for a media content on-demand service according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a block diagram of a multicast control system for media content on demand services according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the components of the service control and management module of FIG. 2.

4 is a flow chart of a user requesting media content in an embodiment of the present invention. Preferred embodiment of the invention

The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

Example

FIG. 1 is a flowchart of a multicast control method for a media content on-demand service according to the embodiment, including the following steps:

Step 101: The user starts to use the media on demand application on the terminal;

Step 102: The user uses the program content provided by the terminal on-demand media service system, for example, selecting a program content through a program list, or adjusting the progress of the program content being watched (for example, adjusting a progress bar of the program being viewed), and the terminal sends the program content to the media service system. On-demand request;

Step 103: The media service system receives the user's request for on-demand, and schedules the management of the user request; Step 104: The media service system adds the user to a multicast group of the program content, or re-opens a multicast channel for the user;

Comparing the start time of the program content requested by the current user on demand (that is, the program play time of the clear request) with the broadcast time of the program content multicast, if the time difference is within the set "permissible time interval", the user is added If the multicast group has multiple qualified multicast groups, the multicast group with the smallest time difference is selected to provide services for the user. If there is no qualified multicast group, the new multicast information and multicast of the program content are created. flow.

Now, an example is given to determine the starting time of the above program content:

The first type, preset the start time, for example, at half an hour interval, 8: 00, 8: 30, 9: 00, ..., etc., if the start time of a request and the start time If the time difference is within a certain range, multicast will be started at the configured start time. Otherwise, multicast will not be started.

Secondly, according to the request of the client, the start time is set, and if the start time of the new request and the original broadcast time are within the set range, the original multicast is added, otherwise, a multicast is restarted and requested by the client. The start time is used as the start time of the multicast. The above-mentioned "program content start time of the user-on-demand request" is a time indicated by a parameter in the on-demand-purification request input by the user at the request of the on-demand, that is, on-demand in a manner that the user can agree, and the user can also send an on-demand request. The moment to count.

The time difference is less than the set range, and may include a situation in which the requested play time is after the start time, such as 9:00, the request start time is 9: 15, if included, the user may not see the content that has been broadcasted before. In order to avoid such a situation, the corresponding multicast group can be selected by the policy configuration to limit the start time of the requested program content before the start time.

The above method is to create a new multicast group if the time difference does not meet the requirements, but is not limited thereto. For example, the number of requests for a certain multicast can be restricted by policy configuration, and the multicast is started after the number is reached; Knowing whether it can be broadcast, you can also announce the current number of requests and the number of people to be broadcast.

Step 105: The user terminal uses the multicast to view the program content, and the user can close the application after viewing, go to 106, or adjust the program progress, and go to 102.

Step 106: Close the app.

In other embodiments of the present invention, the set broadcast time (the interval may be smaller) may also be advertised by the network side, and the user selects and sends an on-demand request, and the network side initiates multicast if receiving the on-demand request for the time period. Otherwise it will not start. The user can directly select the multicast group, and the network side does not need to compare the time difference. The network side can also announce the multicast group that has been determined to be broadcastable, which is convenient for the user to select.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a system for performing multicast control in the management of the on-demand service in the foregoing method. In the media service system of this embodiment, the logical entity includes a terminal (User Equipment, UE) 201, a transport network (TN) 202, and a user and terminal management (UTM) module. 207, Media Serving (MS) module 203, Content Management System (CMS) 206 > Media Data (MD) 204, Service Control and Management (Service Controlling and Management, referred to as SCM) Module 205, and its associated subsystem 208. The terminal UE is connected to the media service module MS through the transmission network TN, the media service module, the service control and management module, the user and the terminal management module are sequentially connected, the media service module is also connected to the media library MD, and the service control and management module is also connected with the content management. The modules are connected. In addition, the media service module, service control and management module, user and terminal management module can be connected to other related subsystems. The above system can adopt the existing mode in the module composition and connection relationship, but the processing logic of the service control and management module selecting and starting the multicast needs to be changed.

The functions of each part are as follows:

201 terminal (UE): refers to user equipment, including mobile phones, PCs, etc., for media on demand and play;

202 Transmission Network (TN): refers to a transmission system between a terminal and a service service device, such as a mobile communication network, for transmitting information between a terminal and a service service device;

203 media service module (MS): receiving an on-demand request of the user, and forwarding to the SCM; receiving the SCM multicast control indication; providing a media service protocol interface;

204 Media Library (MD): storing media content for on-demand;

205 Service Control and Management Module (SCM): The core logical entity of the present invention receives the user media on-demand request forwarded by the MS, performs authentication, analyzes the on-demand parameters through authentication, and compares it with the existing multicast. Add the user to the existing multicast, or join the new multicast, and then send the multicast control message to the media service module MS;

206 Content Management System Module (CMS): manages media content information, including: program content ID (identification), name, description, rating, classification, release status, and the like.

207 User and Terminal Management Module (UTM): assists in providing user basic information, user subscription information, user personalization, group information management, etc., and terminal capability parameters (eg, whether to support multimedia playback); 208 other related subsystem entities For example, billing, network management modules, etc.

The functional unit of the service control and management module SCM includes an operation management unit 301, a timer management unit 302, an on-demand request response unit 303, a content data analysis unit 304, Session data management unit 305 (including session data unit), multicast data management unit 306 (including multicast data unit), service control and management logic unit 307, as shown in FIG. The functions of each unit are as follows:

301 Operation Management Unit: provides an interface for parameter operation management, which can perform control parameter query, configuration, session management, and multicast management, for example, an operation management portal;

302 timer management unit: provides a timing service, triggers a timer event, and processes the transaction according to the setting, for example, the SCM can be used to periodically clear the vacant multicast channel, and periodically clear the timeout session information;

303 on-demand request response unit: receiving the user media on demand request forwarded by the MS, and parsing the request parameter, the parameter includes the requested program content ID, content start time or progress, user information (user number, etc.), terminal information (terminal Models, etc., and return a response message to the terminal, including the program service parameters of the service system, which can be described by a SDP (Session Description Protocol) file, including a multicast IP address, a port, and the like;

304 content data analysis unit: extracting information of the content in the CMS requested by the user on-demand, and analyzing the validity of the content requested by the user on-demand;

305 session data management unit (including session data unit): manage session information of user-on-demand, including session ID, user information, terminal information, content ID, request content start time, etc.;

306 multicast data management unit (including multicast data unit): manages multicast data, including multicast IP, port, broadcast time, etc.

307 Service Control and Management Logic Unit: Manages the scheduling of business service logic processes, uses system-configured service parameters (allowable interval time, etc.), schedules control session data management, multicast data management, and manages user session and multicast correspondence.

The above-mentioned unit configuration and connection relationship can be adopted in the existing manner, but the service control and management logic unit selects and processes the multicast generation logic differently.

Fig. 4 is a flow chart when the user requests the media content using the system and method proposed in the embodiment, and the abnormal flow is omitted. As shown in FIG. 4, the process includes the following steps:

401: a request for the user terminal to send an on-demand program service to the MS; 402: After receiving, the MS forwards the service request to the SCM.

403: The SCM forwards the program service request response to the UE via the MS, and if it is a failure response, the MS forwards the failure response to the UE, and ends;

404: The SCM sends a content data request to the CMS, and risks the validity of the program content requested by the user;

405: The CMS returns a content data response to the SCM;

The content data response contains information on the validity of the program content requested by the user, and also includes some information such as the duration of the returned content.

406: The SCM performs authentication, and then analyzes the on-demand parameters and compares with the existing multicast, and adds the user to the existing multicast group according to the comparison result, or joins a new multicast group;

407: The media service control message sends the multicast control message to the MS to control the multicast and the service user.

408: The MS returns a message response to the SCM.

409: The MS manages the multicast stream according to the SCM multicast control indication.

410: The MS sends a multicast forwarding (redirect) corresponding to the program content of the on-demand program to the user;

411: The UE forwards to the multicast service request that automatically initiates program content to the MS according to step 410.

During the redirection, the MS can send a multicast address to the user terminal, and the terminal can directly initiate a multicast service request without user intervention. Of course, it is also possible for the terminal to display the assigned multicast information to the user, to select the consent by the user, or to input another request for the playback time.

412: MS media library requests media data;

413: The media library returns media data to the MS;

414: The UE obtains media data for viewing.

Industrial Applicability The system for managing multicast in the on-demand service proposed by the present invention uses a media service module to Interact with the user and add service control and management modules. The service control and management module is configured to find, according to the program start time point requested by the user, whether there is a time interval of multicast within a preset allowable time interval. In the meantime, the present invention also provides a method for managing multicast control in an on-demand service, and adopts a method for finding whether there is a time interval within a preset allowable time interval according to a program start time point requested by a user. The invention can find the multicast close to the time point of the program requested by the user, and if not, establish a new multicast for the user, in this way, the bandwidth can be saved as much as possible, and the targeted experience of the user can be improved at the same time. .

Claims

Claim

A multicast control method for media content on-demand service, characterized in that the method comprises the following steps:

A. The on-demand service system receives the user's on-demand request, and reads information about the start time of the program requested by the on-demand broadcast;

2. The method of claim 1 wherein:

The on-demand service system in step B determines whether the time interval between the start time point of the program and the requested program start time is less than a preset allowable time interval in determining the current broadcast time of all the multicast groups that are the same as the content requested by the user. If yes, the user is added to the multicast group with the smallest interval; or the on-demand service system in step B is to determine whether the current broadcast time is later than the requested program start time. And the multicast group whose time interval is less than the preset allowable time interval, and if yes, joins the user to the multicast group with the smallest interval.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, characterized by:

In the step B, if a multicast group that meets the conditions for the broadcast is not found, a new multicast group is created for the user, and the user is added to the new multicast group. After the number of joined users reaches the specified number, the broadcast is started.

4. The method of claim 1 or 2, characterized by:

The start time of the multicast group is preset in a certain time interval, or when a multicast group that meets the conditions for starting the broadcast is not found, the start of the new multicast group is set according to the start time of the program requested by the client. time.

5. The method of claim 1 or 2, characterized by:

The start time of the program content requested by the user on demand is used by the user when the request is requested by the on-demand request. The time indicated by the parameter in the on-demand request, that is, the on-demand broadcast in the manner agreed by the user, the scheduled on-demand time is the time input by the user or the time selected according to the start time of the multicast group disclosed by the network side; or

The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein after step B, the method further comprises:

C, generating multicast control information according to step B, and sending the information to the media service module of the on-demand service system, where the media service module schedules the multicast according to the multicast control information;

7. A multicast control system for media content on-demand services, comprising interconnected media service modules and service control and management modules, wherein:

The media service module is configured to receive an on-demand request of the user, forward the message to the service control and management module, receive a control instruction of the service control and management module, and provide a media service protocol interface, where the service control and management module is configured to receive An on-demand request forwarded by the media service module, analyzing a parameter of the on-demand request, obtaining a program start time point of the on-demand request, and reading a current broadcast time of all the multicast groups that are the same as the content requested by the user, according to the request for the on-demand request The program play time and configuration policy determine whether a multicast group meets the broadcast conditions, and if so, join the user to the multicast group.

8. The system of claim 7 wherein:

If the service control and management module determines that the time interval between the start time of the multicast group and the program start time point of the on-demand request is less than the preset allowable time interval, the user establishes a new multicast group, and the user is Join the new multicast group. After the user joins or the number of joined users reaches the specified number, the multicast group starts broadcasting.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein the system further comprises: The service control and management module determines whether a time interval between the start time of the program and the requested start time point is less than a preset allowable time interval in the current broadcast time of all the multicast groups that are the same as the content requested by the user, and if Some users are added to the multicast group with the smallest interval; or

10. A system according to claim 7 or claim 9 wherein:

The service control and management module pre-sets the start time of the multicast group according to a certain time interval, or when the multicast group that meets the conditions for starting the broadcast is not found, the service control and management module starts from the program requested by the client. Start the time to set the start time of the new multicast group.

11. A system as claimed in claim 7 or claim 9 wherein:

The start time of the program content requested by the user on demand is the time indicated by the parameter in the on-demand request input by the user when the request is requested by the user, that is, the on-demand time is the manner specified by the user, and the on-demand time of the appointment is the time input by the user or according to The time at which the broadcast time of the multicast group disclosed by the network side is selected; or

The system of claim 7, wherein the system further comprises: a content management system module, coupled to the service control and management module, for managing media content information, the media content information including a program Content identification, name, description, rating, classification, release status;

a media library, connected to the media service module, for storing media content for on-demand.

The system according to claim 7 or 12, wherein the system further comprises: a user and a terminal management module, connected to the service control and management module, for providing user information, wherein the user information comprises User basic information, user subscription information, user personalization, group Information management and capability parameters of the terminal.

14. The system of claim 7, wherein the service control and management module comprises an on-demand request response unit, a service control and management logic unit, and a session data management unit, which are sequentially connected, wherein:

The service control and management logic unit is a service service logic total scheduling process, uses system configuration service parameters, schedules control session data management, multicast data management, and manages correspondence between user sessions and multicasts;

The system of claim 14, wherein the service control and management module further comprises:

a multicast data management unit, connected to the service control and management logic unit, for managing multicast data, including a multicast identifier, a port, and a broadcast time;