WO2007037571A1 - Method for the treatment of video on demand data capable of compatible performance of storage and buffer processing of the video on demand data in video on demand service through set top box and set top box for the same - Google Patents

Method for the treatment of video on demand data capable of compatible performance of storage and buffer processing of the video on demand data in video on demand service through set top box and set top box for the same Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2007037571A1
WO2007037571A1 PCT/KR2005/003513 KR2005003513W WO2007037571A1 WO 2007037571 A1 WO2007037571 A1 WO 2007037571A1 KR 2005003513 W KR2005003513 W KR 2005003513W WO 2007037571 A1 WO2007037571 A1 WO 2007037571A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
vod
data
rate
buffering
set top
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/KR2005/003513
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Young Min Kim
Gyung Sueng Yang
Young Ick Kim
Original Assignee
Hanaromedia Co., Ltd.
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Publication date
Application filed by Hanaromedia Co., Ltd. filed Critical Hanaromedia Co., Ltd.
Publication of WO2007037571A1 publication Critical patent/WO2007037571A1/en

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/20—Servers specifically adapted for the distribution of content, e.g. VOD servers; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/23—Processing of content or additional data; Elementary server operations; Server middleware
    • H04N21/238—Interfacing the downstream path of the transmission network, e.g. adapting the transmission rate of a video stream to network bandwidth; Processing of multiplex streams
    • H04N21/2387—Stream processing in response to a playback request from an end-user, e.g. for trick-play
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/47—End-user applications
    • H04N21/472—End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or services; End-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification, for manipulating displayed content
    • H04N21/47202—End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or services; End-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification, for manipulating displayed content for requesting content on demand, e.g. video on demand
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/43—Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
    • H04N21/433—Content storage operation, e.g. storage operation in response to a pause request, caching operations
    • H04N21/4331—Caching operations, e.g. of an advertisement for later insertion during playback
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/43—Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
    • H04N21/44—Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing a video clip retrieved from local storage with an incoming video stream, rendering scenes according to MPEG-4 scene graphs
    • H04N21/44004—Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing a video clip retrieved from local storage with an incoming video stream, rendering scenes according to MPEG-4 scene graphs involving video buffer management, e.g. video decoder buffer or video display buffer
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/43—Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
    • H04N21/442—Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. detecting the failure of a recording device, monitoring the downstream bandwidth, the number of times a movie has been viewed, the storage space available from the internal hard disk
    • H04N21/44209—Monitoring of downstream path of the transmission network originating from a server, e.g. bandwidth variations of a wireless network

Definitions

  • the present invention generally relates to a method of processing video-on-demand data transmitted to a set top box in video-on-demand service, and more particularly to a method of processing video-on-demand data capable of compatibly storing and buffering the video-on-demand data in video-on-demand service using the set top box and the set top box for the same.
  • Digital broadcasting is rapidly becoming common and standardized.
  • Various technical developments are evolving in a number of areas, e.g., digital signal transmission through a broadcasting network, data multiplexing, video and audio signal processing, digital television display and the like.
  • the digital broadcasting can compress informational data for processing.
  • the digital broadcasting has a high transmission rate and provides superior quality of audio and video compared to analog broadcasting.
  • the digital broadcasting is advantageous since it can efficiently utilize frequency due to digital modulation. Therefore, it can broadcast a variety of information through hundreds of channels, which users can access through televisions.
  • the digital broadcasting can implement an interactive television by data broadcasting.
  • the users can interact with the television, in addition to controlling the channel, volume and video tapes.
  • the users can perform various operations such as payment, banking, shopping, reservation, games, forum discussion and the like.
  • video-on-demand (VOD) contents through the digital broadcasting, as shown in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,506,387, 4,890,320, 4,995,078, 5,063,610, 5,206,722 and 5,253,275.
  • VOD data to the set top box is generally performed by real-time streaming.
  • the buffering rate of a cache memory is an important factor to consider.
  • the cache memory performs the process of buffering data in consideration of the downloading rate and then reproduces the data.
  • the processing capacity of the cache memory cannot keep pace with the downloading rate. Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem
  • the present invention provides a data processing method capable of compatibly storing and buffering the VOD data. Specifically, it is an object of the present invention to provide a VOD data processing method wherein while monitoring the downloading and buffering rates of the VOD data transmitted to the set top box, the downloaded VOD data are stored in a storage prior to buffering if the downloading rate is faster than the buffering rate. If the buffering rate is faster than the downloading rate, then the VOD data are used for buffering and then (or at the same time) the VOD data is stored in the storage.
  • a method for processing video-on-demand (VOD) data wherein the VOD data are displayed on a screen after downloading the VOD data transmitted to a set top box and buffering the VOD data in a cache memory in VOD service.
  • Such a method includes the following steps: monitoring a downloading rate and a buffering rate of the VOD data; storing the downloaded VOD data in a storage prior to buffering if the downloading rate is faster than the buffering rate based on the monitoring results; and buffering the VOD data and then (or at the same time) storing the VOD data in the storage if the buffering rate is same as or faster than the downloading rate.
  • VOD data processing method wherein the VOD data are received while being divided into a plurality of blocks and the blocks are received at the same time from a plurality of VOD data sources.
  • a VOD data processing method wherein when the downloading rate of the VOD data is reported to the VOD server, the VOD server transmits a non-downloaded block among all blocks included in the VOD data for the downloading rate itself or by resorting to data exchange between set top boxes through transmitting identification information regarding a neighboring set top box capable of satisfying the downloading rate.
  • a block, which has not been downloaded is preferably transmitted via data exchange between the set top boxes. This can prevent an excessive load of the VOD server.
  • a set top box for compatibly storing and buffering VOD data, which includes: a) an input/output unit for inputting/outputting data to/from the set top box; b) a VOD management application for receiving information regarding VOD contents capable of being ordered by a user and a user's request through a user interface for providing the information, and then processing the request; c) a cache memory for buffering the VOD data; d) a storage for storing the VOD data; e) a microprocessor for monitoring a buffering rate of the VOD data in the cache memory and a downloading rate of the VOD data transmitted through the input/output unit and then producing control signals; and f) a distributor for storing the downloaded VOD data in the storage in advance and then transmitting the stored VOD data to the cache memory for the buffering rate of the cache memory when the downloading rate is faster than the buffering rate, the distributor further being configured to transmit the downloaded VOD data into the
  • VOD data processing method of the present invention provides the following advantages.
  • the VOD data processing method of the present invention can compatibly perform the storing and buffering of the VOD data.
  • the downloading efficiency can be improved.
  • the downloading rate is faster than the buffering rate
  • the downloaded VOD data are stored in the storage in advance.
  • the VOD data stored in the storage are used for buffering. This provides the effect of downloading the VOD data in advance. Therefore, the processing efficiency of the VOD data can be improved.
  • the VOD data processing method of the present invention can achieve distributed VOD service by storing VOD contents in set top boxes.
  • the neighboring set top boxes can serve as VOD data sources instead of receiving all VOD data from a VOD server.
  • Such combination of the VOD server and the neighboring set top boxes, which serve as the VOD data sources can enhance the downloading rate of the VOD data. It can further enhance the efficiency of the VOD data processing method of the present invention.
  • the distributed VOD service relieves the excessive load of the VOD server. Thus, it can improve the efficiency of data processing, which is conducted by the VOD server.
  • Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a VOD service in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a processing method of VOD data transmitted to the set top box via the VOD service according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a VOD service in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a VOD service in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • a plurality of set top boxes 200a to 20On are connected to a VOD sever 100 through a network 300.
  • the VOD server 100 holds and manages a majority of VOD contents, wherein each VOD content is divided into a plurality of blocks.
  • the VOD server 100 receives a request for a VOD content from the set top box 200, the VOD server 100 transmits the requested VOD content to the set top box 200 through the network 300.
  • VOD data transmission is generally performed through a return path using the network.
  • the VOD data transmitted through the network 300 are processed by the set top box 200.
  • the storing and buffering of the received VOD data are compatibly performed.
  • the set top box 200 includes: a) an input/output unit 201 for inputting/outputting data to/from the set top box; b) a VOD management application 202 for receiving information regarding video-on-demand contents capable of being ordered by the user and a user's request through a user interface for providing the information and then processing the request; c) a cache memory 203 for buffering the VOD data; d) a storage 204 for storing the VOD data; e) a microprocessor 205 for monitoring a buffering rate of the VOD data in the cache memory 203 and a downloading rate of the VOD data transmitted through the input/output unit and then producing control signals; and f) a distributor 206 for storing the downloaded VOD data in the storage 204 in advance and then transmitting the stored VOD data to
  • FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a processing method of the VOD data transmitted to the set top box through the VOD service according to the present invention.
  • the processing of the VOD data in the set top box 200 will be described in detail with reference to Figures. 1 and 2.
  • a VOD service screen is provided to the user by the VOD management application 202 for managing the information regarding video- on-demand contents and the user interface for providing the information (SlOO).
  • the user browses the VOD service screen and selects a desired VOD content. If the user selected the VOD content to be ordered (S200), then the VOD content ordering information is transmitted to the VOD server 100 through the network 300. In such a case, the VOD data included in the VOD content are divided and transmitted to the set top box 200 (S300) under the management of the VOD server 100.
  • the downloading rate and the buffering rate of the VOD data are first monitored by the microprocessor 205 (S500). Specifically, the microprocessor 205 monitors which is faster between the downloading rate of the VOD data transmitted through the input/output unit 201 and the buffering rate of the cache memory 203 (S 600). Based on the monitoring results, if the downloading rate is faster than the buffering rate, then the downloaded VOD data are stored in the storage 204 in advance (S700). Then, the VOD data stored in the storage 204 are used for buffering in the cache memory 203 (S 800) and the VOD content ordered/requested by the user is displayed (SlOOO).
  • the VOD data is transmitted to the cache memory 203 for buffering and then (or at the same time) the VOD data is stored in the storage 204 (S900).
  • the distribution of the VOD data to the cache memory 203 or the storage 204 is performed by the distributor 206. Such distribution is controlled according to the control signals produced by the microprocessor 205 based on the downloading rate and the buffering rate.
  • the distributor 206 is set as a default for receiving the VOD data from the input/output unit 201 and storing the VOD data in the storage 204.
  • the distributor 206 receives the control signals from the microprocessor 205, it distributes the VOD data to the cache memory 203 as well as the storage 204.
  • Such distribution is an important feature of the present invention. That is, storing of the VOD data in the storage 204 and buffering of the VOD data in the cache memory 203 are compatibly performed, thereby improving the downloading efficiency of the VOD data.
  • a conventional streaming service depends on the buffering rate (or the processing rate of the VOD data for display) when downloading the VOD data.
  • the VOD data are downloaded based on the buffering rate (or the processing rate of the VOD data for display).
  • the downloading rate may be faster than the buffering rate (or the processing rate of the VOD data for display) except at the initial stage of downloading. The conventional processing method does not overcome this point.
  • the downloaded VOD data are distributed so as to be stored in the storage 204 in advance by the distributor 206 (preferably as a default).
  • the VOD data are stored in the storage 204 in advance.
  • the VOD data stored in the storage 204 may be used for buffering according to the typical procedure. This provides the effect of downloading the VOD data in advance.
  • the VOD data can be downloaded regardless of the processing rate of the set top box.
  • the above-mentioned processing method is efficient when the VOD content is downloaded while being divided into a plurality of blocks or when the VOD data are received from a plurality of VOD data sources (e.g., a combination of a VOD server and neighboring set top boxes capable of transmitting the data) instead of the VOD server 100.
  • VOD data sources e.g., a combination of a VOD server and neighboring set top boxes capable of transmitting the data
  • FIG 3 is a block diagram illustrating the VOD service, which is in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • the user of a set top box 20Oi makes a request for a VOD content.
  • the VOD server 100 receives the request from the set top box 20Oi, it checks how many blocks the requested VOD content includes. For example, the VOD content requested by the set top box 20Oi includes four blocks (blocks A, B, C and D).
  • the VOD server 100 checks the states of other set top boxes 200a, 200b, 200c, 20On and the like (except the set top box 20Oi).
  • the set top box 200a is currently at off state; the set top boxes 200b, 200c and 20On are at on states; the set top box 200b never has any block included in the VOD content; and the set top boxes 200c and 20On have all the blocks.
  • the VOD server 100 checks the state of the network 300 to determine which way is the fastest way for transmitting the VOD data to the set top box 20Oi. If the VOD server 100 determines that the VOD content can be downloaded at the fastest rate by transmitting the blocks A and B from the VOD server 100, the block C from the set top box 200c and the block D from the set top box 20On, then the VOD server 100 transmits the determination result to the set top box 20Oi.
  • the set top box 20Oi receives the blocks A and B from the VOD server 100, the block C from the set top box 200c and the block D from the set top box 20On.
  • the distributor 206 stores the VOD data in the storage 204 in advance and the VOD data stored in the storage 204 can be used for buffering. Meanwhile, for example, a problem related to the transmitting rate or the like may occur in the set top box 20Oi while the VOD data are transmitted from the VOD server 100, the set top box 200c and the set top box 20On.
  • the problem is reported to the VOD server 100 and then the VOD server 100 can control the transmission of the VOD data to solve such a problem. Further, the set top box 20Oi can report the information regarding the distributed block to the VOD server 100 such that the VOD server 100 can easily check which VOD content is provided to each set top box 200.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method of processing video-on-demand data capable of compatibly storing and buffering the video-on-demand data in video-on-demand service using a set top box. The VOD data processing method of the present invention comprises: monitoring a downloading rate and a buffering rate of the VOD data; storing the downloaded VOD data in a storage prior to buffering if the downloading rate is faster than the buffering rate based on the monitoring results; and buffering the VOD data and then (or at the same time) storing the VOD data in the storage if the buffering rate is same as or faster than the downloading rate. According to the present invention, compared to a conventional streaming method, when the buffering rate is faster than the downloading rate, it provides the effect of downloading the data in the storage in advance. Further, after dividing the data into a plurality of blocks, the blocks can be downloaded at the same time within an allowable load range of the network.

Description

Description
THE METHOD FOR MANAGING BUFFER AND STORAGE IN VOD SYSTEM AND FOR INTERACTING BETWEEN SETTOP BOXES
Technical Field
[1] The present invention generally relates to a method of processing video-on-demand data transmitted to a set top box in video-on-demand service, and more particularly to a method of processing video-on-demand data capable of compatibly storing and buffering the video-on-demand data in video-on-demand service using the set top box and the set top box for the same. Background Art
[2] Digital broadcasting is rapidly becoming common and standardized. Various technical developments are evolving in a number of areas, e.g., digital signal transmission through a broadcasting network, data multiplexing, video and audio signal processing, digital television display and the like. Compared to analog broadcasting, the digital broadcasting can compress informational data for processing. Further, the digital broadcasting has a high transmission rate and provides superior quality of audio and video compared to analog broadcasting. Moreover, unlike the conventional analog broadcasting, the digital broadcasting is advantageous since it can efficiently utilize frequency due to digital modulation. Therefore, it can broadcast a variety of information through hundreds of channels, which users can access through televisions.
[3] Among others, the digital broadcasting can implement an interactive television by data broadcasting. Using the interactive television, the users can interact with the television, in addition to controlling the channel, volume and video tapes. Thus, the users can perform various operations such as payment, banking, shopping, reservation, games, forum discussion and the like. Moreover, there has recently been an increasing interest in ordering and watching video-on-demand (VOD) contents through the digital broadcasting, as shown in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,506,387, 4,890,320, 4,995,078, 5,063,610, 5,206,722 and 5,253,275.
[4] In the VOD service using a set top box, the transmission process of transmitting the
VOD data to the set top box is generally performed by real-time streaming. In such a transmission process, the buffering rate of a cache memory is an important factor to consider. Generally, the cache memory performs the process of buffering data in consideration of the downloading rate and then reproduces the data. However, when the downloading rate is faster than the buffering rate, the processing capacity of the cache memory cannot keep pace with the downloading rate. Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem
[5] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem that occurs when the downloading rate is faster than the buffering rate of the cache memory, the present invention provides a data processing method capable of compatibly storing and buffering the VOD data. Specifically, it is an object of the present invention to provide a VOD data processing method wherein while monitoring the downloading and buffering rates of the VOD data transmitted to the set top box, the downloaded VOD data are stored in a storage prior to buffering if the downloading rate is faster than the buffering rate. If the buffering rate is faster than the downloading rate, then the VOD data are used for buffering and then (or at the same time) the VOD data is stored in the storage. Technical Solution
[6] According to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for processing video-on-demand (VOD) data, wherein the VOD data are displayed on a screen after downloading the VOD data transmitted to a set top box and buffering the VOD data in a cache memory in VOD service. Such a method includes the following steps: monitoring a downloading rate and a buffering rate of the VOD data; storing the downloaded VOD data in a storage prior to buffering if the downloading rate is faster than the buffering rate based on the monitoring results; and buffering the VOD data and then (or at the same time) storing the VOD data in the storage if the buffering rate is same as or faster than the downloading rate.
[7] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a VOD data processing method, wherein the VOD data are received while being divided into a plurality of blocks and the blocks are received at the same time from a plurality of VOD data sources.
[8] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a VOD data processing method, wherein when the downloading rate of the VOD data is reported to the VOD server, the VOD server transmits a non-downloaded block among all blocks included in the VOD data for the downloading rate itself or by resorting to data exchange between set top boxes through transmitting identification information regarding a neighboring set top box capable of satisfying the downloading rate. In such a case, a block, which has not been downloaded, is preferably transmitted via data exchange between the set top boxes. This can prevent an excessive load of the VOD server.
[9] According to still yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a set top box for compatibly storing and buffering VOD data, which includes: a) an input/output unit for inputting/outputting data to/from the set top box; b) a VOD management application for receiving information regarding VOD contents capable of being ordered by a user and a user's request through a user interface for providing the information, and then processing the request; c) a cache memory for buffering the VOD data; d) a storage for storing the VOD data; e) a microprocessor for monitoring a buffering rate of the VOD data in the cache memory and a downloading rate of the VOD data transmitted through the input/output unit and then producing control signals; and f) a distributor for storing the downloaded VOD data in the storage in advance and then transmitting the stored VOD data to the cache memory for the buffering rate of the cache memory when the downloading rate is faster than the buffering rate, the distributor further being configured to transmit the downloaded VOD data into the storage at the same time while distributing them to the cache memory under control of the microprocessor when the buffering rate is faster than the downloading rate.
Advantageous Effects
[10] The VOD data processing method of the present invention provides the following advantages.
[11] (1) First, the VOD data processing method of the present invention can compatibly perform the storing and buffering of the VOD data. Thus, the downloading efficiency can be improved. When the downloading rate is faster than the buffering rate, the downloaded VOD data are stored in the storage in advance. Then, the VOD data stored in the storage are used for buffering. This provides the effect of downloading the VOD data in advance. Therefore, the processing efficiency of the VOD data can be improved.
[12] (2) Second, the VOD data processing method of the present invention can achieve distributed VOD service by storing VOD contents in set top boxes. Specifically, the neighboring set top boxes can serve as VOD data sources instead of receiving all VOD data from a VOD server. Such combination of the VOD server and the neighboring set top boxes, which serve as the VOD data sources, can enhance the downloading rate of the VOD data. It can further enhance the efficiency of the VOD data processing method of the present invention. The distributed VOD service relieves the excessive load of the VOD server. Thus, it can improve the efficiency of data processing, which is conducted by the VOD server. Brief Description of the Drawings [13] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a VOD service in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[14] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating a processing method of VOD data transmitted to the set top box via the VOD service according to the present invention.
[15] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating a VOD service in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention
[16] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a VOD service in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, a plurality of set top boxes 200a to 20On (commonly, referred to as a "set top box 200") are connected to a VOD sever 100 through a network 300. The VOD server 100 holds and manages a majority of VOD contents, wherein each VOD content is divided into a plurality of blocks. When the VOD server 100 receives a request for a VOD content from the set top box 200, the VOD server 100 transmits the requested VOD content to the set top box 200 through the network 300. In such a case, VOD data transmission is generally performed through a return path using the network.
[17] The VOD data transmitted through the network 300 are processed by the set top box 200. According to the present invention, the storing and buffering of the received VOD data are compatibly performed. For compatible storing and buffering, the set top box 200 includes: a) an input/output unit 201 for inputting/outputting data to/from the set top box; b) a VOD management application 202 for receiving information regarding video-on-demand contents capable of being ordered by the user and a user's request through a user interface for providing the information and then processing the request; c) a cache memory 203 for buffering the VOD data; d) a storage 204 for storing the VOD data; e) a microprocessor 205 for monitoring a buffering rate of the VOD data in the cache memory 203 and a downloading rate of the VOD data transmitted through the input/output unit and then producing control signals; and f) a distributor 206 for storing the downloaded VOD data in the storage 204 in advance and then transmitting the stored VOD data to the cache memory 203 for the buffering rate of the cache memory 203 when the downloading rate is faster than the buffering rate, the distributor 206 further being configured to transmit the downloaded VOD data into the storage 204 at the same time while distributing them to the cache memory 203 under the control of the microprocessor 205 when the buffering rate is faster than the downloading rate.
[18] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating a processing method of the VOD data transmitted to the set top box through the VOD service according to the present invention. The processing of the VOD data in the set top box 200 will be described in detail with reference to Figures. 1 and 2. First, a VOD service screen is provided to the user by the VOD management application 202 for managing the information regarding video- on-demand contents and the user interface for providing the information (SlOO). The user browses the VOD service screen and selects a desired VOD content. If the user selected the VOD content to be ordered (S200), then the VOD content ordering information is transmitted to the VOD server 100 through the network 300. In such a case, the VOD data included in the VOD content are divided and transmitted to the set top box 200 (S300) under the management of the VOD server 100.
[19] In accordance with the present invention, the downloading rate and the buffering rate of the VOD data are first monitored by the microprocessor 205 (S500). Specifically, the microprocessor 205 monitors which is faster between the downloading rate of the VOD data transmitted through the input/output unit 201 and the buffering rate of the cache memory 203 (S 600). Based on the monitoring results, if the downloading rate is faster than the buffering rate, then the downloaded VOD data are stored in the storage 204 in advance (S700). Then, the VOD data stored in the storage 204 are used for buffering in the cache memory 203 (S 800) and the VOD content ordered/requested by the user is displayed (SlOOO). If the buffering rate is same as or faster than the downloading rate, then the VOD data is transmitted to the cache memory 203 for buffering and then (or at the same time) the VOD data is stored in the storage 204 (S900). The distribution of the VOD data to the cache memory 203 or the storage 204 is performed by the distributor 206. Such distribution is controlled according to the control signals produced by the microprocessor 205 based on the downloading rate and the buffering rate. Preferably, the distributor 206 is set as a default for receiving the VOD data from the input/output unit 201 and storing the VOD data in the storage 204. Once the distributor 206 receives the control signals from the microprocessor 205, it distributes the VOD data to the cache memory 203 as well as the storage 204. Such distribution is an important feature of the present invention. That is, storing of the VOD data in the storage 204 and buffering of the VOD data in the cache memory 203 are compatibly performed, thereby improving the downloading efficiency of the VOD data.
[20] Specifically, a conventional streaming service depends on the buffering rate (or the processing rate of the VOD data for display) when downloading the VOD data. Thus, even when the downloading rate is faster than the buffering rate (or the processing rate of the VOD data for display), the VOD data are downloaded based on the buffering rate (or the processing rate of the VOD data for display). However, the downloading rate may be faster than the buffering rate (or the processing rate of the VOD data for display) except at the initial stage of downloading. The conventional processing method does not overcome this point.
[21] In contrast, in a processing method of the VOD data transmitted to the set top box through the VOD service in accordance with the present invention, the downloaded VOD data are distributed so as to be stored in the storage 204 in advance by the distributor 206 (preferably as a default). Thus, when the downloading rate is faster than the buffering rate, the VOD data are stored in the storage 204 in advance. Then, the VOD data stored in the storage 204 may be used for buffering according to the typical procedure. This provides the effect of downloading the VOD data in advance. Thus, the VOD data can be downloaded regardless of the processing rate of the set top box. Especially, the above-mentioned processing method is efficient when the VOD content is downloaded while being divided into a plurality of blocks or when the VOD data are received from a plurality of VOD data sources (e.g., a combination of a VOD server and neighboring set top boxes capable of transmitting the data) instead of the VOD server 100.
[22] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating the VOD service, which is in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the user of a set top box 20Oi makes a request for a VOD content. When the VOD server 100 receives the request from the set top box 20Oi, it checks how many blocks the requested VOD content includes. For example, the VOD content requested by the set top box 20Oi includes four blocks (blocks A, B, C and D). The VOD server 100 checks the states of other set top boxes 200a, 200b, 200c, 20On and the like (except the set top box 20Oi). For example, the set top box 200a is currently at off state; the set top boxes 200b, 200c and 20On are at on states; the set top box 200b never has any block included in the VOD content; and the set top boxes 200c and 20On have all the blocks. The VOD server 100 checks the state of the network 300 to determine which way is the fastest way for transmitting the VOD data to the set top box 20Oi. If the VOD server 100 determines that the VOD content can be downloaded at the fastest rate by transmitting the blocks A and B from the VOD server 100, the block C from the set top box 200c and the block D from the set top box 20On, then the VOD server 100 transmits the determination result to the set top box 20Oi. Then, based on the determination result, the set top box 20Oi receives the blocks A and B from the VOD server 100, the block C from the set top box 200c and the block D from the set top box 20On. In such a case, regardless of the processing rate of the set top box 20Oi, when the downloading rate is faster than the processing rate, the distributor 206 stores the VOD data in the storage 204 in advance and the VOD data stored in the storage 204 can be used for buffering. Meanwhile, for example, a problem related to the transmitting rate or the like may occur in the set top box 20Oi while the VOD data are transmitted from the VOD server 100, the set top box 200c and the set top box 20On. In such a case, the problem is reported to the VOD server 100 and then the VOD server 100 can control the transmission of the VOD data to solve such a problem. Further, the set top box 20Oi can report the information regarding the distributed block to the VOD server 100 such that the VOD server 100 can easily check which VOD content is provided to each set top box 200.

Claims

Claims
[1] A method for processing video-on-demand (VOD) data, wherein the VOD data are displayed on a screen after downloading the VOD data transmitted to a set top box and buffering the VOD data in a cache memory in a VOD service, the method comprising: monitoring a downloading rate and a buffering rate of the VOD data; storing the downloaded VOD data in a storage prior to buffering if the downloading rate is faster than the buffering rate based on the monitoring results; and buffering the VOD data and then or simultaneously storing the VOD data in the storage if the buffering rate is same as or faster than the downloading rate.
[2] The method of Claim 1, wherein the VOD data are received while being divided into a plurality of blocks, and wherein the blocks are received simultaneously from a plurality of VOD data sources.
[3] The method of Claim 1, wherein when the downloading rate of the VOD data is reported to the VOD server, the VOD server transmits a non-downloaded block among all blocks included in the VOD data for the downloading rate itself or by data exchange between set top boxes through transmitting identification information regarding a neighboring set top box capable of satisfying the downloading rate.
[4] The method of Claim 1, wherein the VOD server transmits identification information regarding a neighboring set top box capable of satisfying the downloading rate and transmits a non-downloaded block among all blocks included in the VOD data for the downloading rate via data exchange between set top boxes.
[5] A set top box for compatibly storing and buffering VOD data, comprising: a) an input/output unit for inputting/outputting data to/from the set top box; b) a VOD management application for receiving information regarding VOD contents capable of being ordered by a user and a user's request through a user interface for providing the information and then processing the request; c) a cache memory for buffering the VOD data; d) a storage for storing the VOD data; e) a microprocessor for monitoring a buffering rate of the VOD data in the cache memory and a downloading rate of the VOD data transmitted through the input/ output unit and then producing control signals; and f) a distributor for storing the downloaded VOD data in the storage in advance and then transmitting the stored VOD data to the cache memory for the buffering rate of the cache memory when the downloading rate is faster than the buffering rate, the distributor further being configured to transmit the downloaded VOD data into the storage at the same time while distributing the downloaded VOD data to the cache memory under control of the microprocessor when the buffering rate is faster than the downloading rate.
[6] The set top box of Claim 5, wherein the VOD data are received while being divided into a plurality of blocks.
[7] The set top box of Claim 6, wherein when the downloading rate of the VOD data is reported to the VOD server, the VOD server or a neighboring set top box transmits a non-downloaded block among all blocks included in the VOD data for the downloading rate under control of the VOD server.
PCT/KR2005/003513 2005-09-29 2005-10-21 Method for the treatment of video on demand data capable of compatible performance of storage and buffer processing of the video on demand data in video on demand service through set top box and set top box for the same WO2007037571A1 (en)

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