WO2008089702A1

WO2008089702A1 - System and method for implementing stream-media service, and stream-media service control function entity

Info

Publication number: WO2008089702A1
Application number: PCT/CN2008/070160
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jincheng Li; Jun Yan; Feng Wang; Xiangyang Wu; Youying Li
Original assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2007-01-22
Filing date: 2008-01-22
Publication date: 2008-07-31
Also published as: CN101232632A

Abstract

A system and a method for implementing stream-media service, and a stream-media service control function entity SSCF, wherein the method includes: determining service delivery mode by set the SSCF in the system for implementing stream-media service, employing the determined service delivery mode,so as to control media server to provide a stream-media service to a UE; and controlling the media server to stop providing the stream-media to the UE when the SSCF having received a request for terminating stream-media service from a CSCF or an AS. Moreover, the SSCF has an unified session managing function, a service deciding function, a service state managing function and a user service interactive information processing function.

Description

System, method and streaming media service control function entity for realizing streaming media service

The present invention relates to streaming media communication technologies, and in particular, to a system, method, and streaming media service control functional entity for implementing streaming media services in an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS). Background of the invention

In order to meet the needs of the increasingly prominent IP multimedia applications, the IMS of the all-IP service network architecture is introduced on the basis of the packet bearer network. IMS is a subsystem superimposed on an existing packet domain in a Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) network. This system uses a packet domain as its bearer channel for upper layer control signaling and media transmission, and uses the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP). As a service control protocol, the protocol provides a rich multimedia service by separating the service control from the bearer control by utilizing the features of the SIP protocol, easy expansion, and convenient media combination.

The streaming media service is a new type of multimedia service that has developed rapidly in recent years. The key technology for implementing streaming media services is streaming technology. Streaming media services use streaming technology to transfer multimedia files, such as video and audio files, over a packet-switched network. Streaming multimedia files using streaming technology allows you to play the information carried in these files without having to wait until all files have been downloaded.

In the prior art, the control of the streaming media service is completely implemented by the application server (AS) having the corresponding function. Therefore, the system cannot uniformly control the streaming media service, and the operator cannot uniformly deploy the streaming media service to provide users with rich streaming media services. Experience. At the same time, because the operator's system cannot provide basic streaming media service capabilities, such as session management of streaming media services, user interaction, etc., in order to provide streaming media services, service providers need to consider various aspects of streaming media services, thereby increasing It is difficult for service providers to provide streaming services. It reduces the openness of streaming services and the speed at which service providers provide streaming services. Summary of the invention

An embodiment of the present invention provides a system for implementing a streaming media service and a streaming media service control function entity, and a method for implementing a streaming media service, so that an operator's system can uniformly control the streaming media service. achieve.

The system for implementing the streaming media service provided by the embodiment of the present invention includes: a user terminal UE, a call session control function CSCF, an application server AS, and a media server, where the UE is connected to the CSCF for information interaction, and the system further includes: Media Service Control Function Entity SSCF,

The CSCF is configured to receive a streaming media service request and a streaming media service end request, and forward the received request to the SSCF;

The SSCF is configured to determine a service delivery mode, and use the determined service delivery mode to control the media server to provide a streaming media service to the UE.

The streaming media service control function entity SSCF provided by the embodiment of the present invention includes: an information interaction unit and a service control function unit,

The information interaction unit is configured to receive a streaming media service request from the CSCF or the AS, and send the received request to the service control function unit;

The service control function unit is configured to use a service delivery mode to control the media server to provide a streaming media service to the UE by using the determined service delivery mode.

A method for implementing a streaming media service provided by an embodiment of the present invention, where the method sets an SSCF in the system, including the following steps:

The SSCF determines to obtain a service delivery mode, and uses the determined service delivery mode to control the media server to provide streaming media services to the UE. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a system structure diagram for implementing a streaming media service;

2 is a system structural diagram of a streaming media service according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a system structural diagram of implementing a streaming media service according to a second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 (a) is a third embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4(b) is a system structural diagram of implementing a streaming media service according to a third embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4(c) is a flowchart of implementing a streaming media service according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; System structure diagram; FIG. 4 (d) is a schematic structural diagram of an SSCF according to an embodiment of the present invention;

5 is a flow chart of implementing SSCF service control functions initiated by a terminal side according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of implementing SSCF unified session management function according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 7 is a flowchart of implementing SSCF service decision function according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of implementing SSCF user service interaction information processing function according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a flow chart of information interaction between different domain SSCFs according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart of implementing SSCF service control functions initiated by a network side according to an embodiment of the present invention. Mode for carrying out the invention

In order to make the objects, technical solutions and advantageous effects of the present invention more comprehensible, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments and drawings.

1 is a system structure diagram for implementing a streaming media service, the system includes: a user equipment (UE), an IMS core (IMS Core), an application function, a user configuration server function (UPSF), a network attachment subsystem, and a resource admission control subsystem. , Media Resource Processing Function (MRFP) and IP Transport Network. The IMS Core includes at least a Call Session Control Function (CSCF) consisting of a Proxy Call Session Control Function (P-CSCF) and a Query/Service Call Session Control Function (I/S-CSCF), and may also include a media resource control function ( MRFC). The application function includes at least one application server (AS), and may also include other application entities, such as a presentation server (PS, Presence Server) and the like. The system may also include a media resource location function/media resource proxy function (MRLF/MRBF) such as MRLF/MRBF may be set in the IMS Core.

The Media Resource Control Function (MRFC) and the Media Resource Processing Function (MRFP) are collectively referred to as a media resource function, which is equivalent to a media server.

The streaming media service implementation system and method and the streaming media service control function entity provided by the embodiments of the present invention implement the unified management of the system for streaming media services by setting the SSCF with the service control function in the system, so that the system can uniformly control the streaming media. The realization of the business.

2 is a system structural diagram of implementing a streaming media service according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The system includes at least: a UE, a CSCF, an SSCF, an application server AS, and a media server.

The UE is connected to the CSCF for information interaction. The CSCF is configured to receive a streaming media service request and a streaming media service end request, and forward the received request to the SSCF.

The streaming service request and the service end request are usually sent by the UE to the CSCF and forwarded by the CSCF to the SSCF. In the event of a service failure, the streaming service request and the service end request may also be sent by the AS.

The SSCF, configured to receive a streaming media service request from the CSCF or an AS, obtain service delivery mode information, and control a media server to provide a streaming media service to the UE by using a corresponding service delivery mode; receiving the CSCF or AS from the CSCF or AS The streaming media service end request controls the media server to stop providing streaming media services to the UE.

The media server includes a media resource processing function (MRFP) and a media resource control function (MRFC), and the MRFC may or may not belong to the IMS Core. The CSCF is part of the IMS Core and includes the Proxy Call Session Control Function (P-CSCF) and the Query/Service Call Session Control Function (I/S-CSCF).

The embodiment of the present invention implements unified control of the streaming media service by the operator system by introducing the SSCF, so that the operator system can uniformly control the streaming media service provided by the media server for the UE. In addition, the SSCF introduced in the embodiment of the present invention can also implement a unified session management function, a service decision function, a service state management function, and a user service interaction management function, and the SSCF implements a streaming media service by performing information interaction with other functional entities in the system. Unified control.

FIG. 3 is a structural diagram of a system for implementing a streaming media service according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The system includes: UE, IMS Core, User Configuration Server Function (UPSF), Streaming Media Support Function, Application Function, Resource Admission Control Subsystem, Media Resource Function Processor (MRFP), IP Transport Network, Network Attachment Subsystem, and the like.

In this embodiment, the IMS Core includes: a CSCF, an MRFC, and an MRLF/MRBF composed of a P-CSCF and an I/S-CSCF. The streaming support functional entities include: SSCF, Context Manager (CM), Policy Manager (PM), Content Location Management Function (CLMF). The application function includes at least one AS, and the application function may also include other application entities, such as a presentation server (PS, Presence Server) and the like.

The MRFC and MRFP in the system are collectively referred to as a media resource function, which is equivalent to a media server, and is used to provide streaming media service services for the UE.

The CSCF forwards the streaming media service request and the streaming media service end request from the UE to the SSCF, and forwards the response message from the SSCF to the UE;

The SSCF is configured to receive a streaming service request from the CSCF or the AS, and obtain service delivery mode information, such as multicast or unicast, and control the media server to provide a streaming media service for the UE by using a corresponding service delivery mode. At the same time, it is also possible to control the transition between different service delivery modes according to the requirements of the business. SSCF can be from related functional entities in the streaming media system, For example, the AS obtains the service delivery mode information, and can also obtain the service delivery mode information directly from the service delivery mode indication sent by the UE, such as the service delivery mode indication carried in the streaming media service request. The SSCF is further configured to receive a streaming service end request from the CSCF or the AS, and control the media server to stop providing the streaming service to the UE.

In order to improve the reliability and security of the streaming media service, the SSCF may be further configured to obtain necessary service information of the related functional entity in the streaming media system, and transmit the same to the UE.

Related functional entities in the streaming media system include: functional entities related to service management and functional entities related to content and service protection. The necessary service information includes: content encryption key or rights object (RO) information in unicast, and/or RTP, RTSP connection address, port information; service and content key and/or multicast in multicast Address (MA) information.

The SSCF also has a unified session management and media server selection function. The SSCF is configured to establish a session for the received streaming media service request, select a corresponding media server, and release the corresponding session for the received streaming media service end request.

Here, the establishing, by the SSCF, the session according to the received streaming service request includes: establishing a session between the UE and the selected media server, or establishing a session between the UE and the corresponding AS and the selected media server.

In order to further extend the media server selection function of the SSCF, the SSCF may select an optimal media server for the UE. The SSCF in this embodiment may be further configured to obtain information related to the selected media server from the information storage unit in the system, and according to The obtained information selects a corresponding media server for the received streaming media service request. The information related to selecting a media server includes: media resource status information, and/or end user context information, and/or operator policy information, and/or user subscription information.

The information saving unit includes: a media resource status information saving unit, configured to save media resource status information, including media content distribution information and status information of the media server, Such as load information. In this embodiment, the media resource status information saving unit may be:

MRLF/MRBF, or CLMF, or MRFC.

The MRLF/MRBF is used to collect and save the media resource status information of the media server, and may also send the collected media resource status information to the CLMF; the CLMF is used to save the media resource status information from the MRLF/MRBF, and may also be used for The obtained media resource status information is processed, for example, into a prescribed format, and the media content is distributed in a location of a different media server into a PSI or CRID format. The MRFCs in the system can also communicate through the P2P network to collect media resource status information.

The information storage unit includes a CM, configured to save context information of the terminal user, including location information of the terminal user, and/or online status information, and/or terminal capability information; and the SSCF acquires the context of the terminal user from the CM. information.

The information storage unit includes a PM for storing policy information of the operator for different users and/or different streaming media services, and the SSCF obtains the operator's policy information from the PM.

The information storage unit includes a user subscription information holding unit, which is an UPSF in the embodiment, and the UPSF is configured to save user subscription information, including user preference information, and/or user service subscription data; and the SSCF obtains user subscription information from the UPSF.

The user subscription information storage unit may also be a separate streaming media service database for storing user subscription information in the system; or an AS that stores user subscription information.

The SSCF also has a service status management function. The SSCF directly perceives or obtains user service status change information from other entities having user service status change awareness functions. The user service status change information includes: channel switching information in the LTV, or VOD, Time shift TV In the VCR control information and the like, the acquired user service state change information is notified to the entity in the system that needs to obtain the service state change information, such as the PS or AS in the application function entity notified by switching the user to a new channel.

The service state aware entity may be a node of the media server or the access network, such as a gateway. General Packet Radio Service Support Node/Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer (GGSN/DSLAM).

The SSCF further has a user service interaction information processing function, configured to receive service interaction information of the UE forwarded by the CSCF, process the received service interaction information, and send the processed service interaction information to the corresponding one connected to itself. Receiving, by the AS, the service interaction response information from the AS, and forwarding the received service interaction response information to the UE. Interactive streaming services can be supported through user service interaction information processing functions.

The AS is further configured to receive service interaction information from the SSCF and return service interaction response information to the SSCF.

The streaming media service is implemented in the system shown in Figure 3, which facilitates the opening of the basic service capabilities of the streaming media service to third-party service providers, and facilitates the third-party service providers to conduct streaming media services. The standard interface can be used for communication between the SSCF and the AS. For example, when the AS is a SIP AS, the standard interface is a SIP interface. When the AS is an AS of a third-party service provider, a standard API interface, such as a Parley interface, can be used. . The interface between the SSCF and the S-CSCF is an ISC interface based on the SIP protocol.

In the system shown in Figure 3, the SSCF is set independently. In practical applications, the SSCF can also be set in the AS, as shown in Figure 4 (a). The SSCF is set up in the AS to enhance the functionality of the AS, enabling it to have business control, session management, business decisions, business state management, and user service interaction management.

When the SSCF is set in the AS of the system, the step of the SSCF transmitting the processed service interaction information to the corresponding AS connected to itself may be omitted.

The MRLF/MRBF in the system shown in Figure 3 or Figure 4 (a) is an optional entity. When the system includes MRLF/MRBF, the MRLF/MRBF can also be connected to the I/S-CSCF through the I/S-CSCF. The SSCF or the CLMF in the streaming media support function performs information interaction; when the MRLF/MRBF is not included in the system, the media resource status information saving unit can only be The MRFC collects and saves the media resource status information by the MRFC. If there are multiple MRFCs in the network, the MRFC and the MRFC can interact to complete the collection of media content distribution information in the entire network.

FIG. 4(b) is a system structural diagram of a streaming media service according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4(b) differs from the system shown in FIG. 3 only in the MRLF/MRBF in FIG. 4(b). Connected to the I/S-CSCF, the I/S-CSCF communicates with the streaming support function, rather than directly connected to the streaming support function. There may be interfaces between MRLF/MRBF in different domains.

FIG. 4(c) is a system structural diagram of a streaming media service according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4(c) is different from the system shown in FIG. 3 in that FIG. 4(c) does not include MRLF/MRBF. The collection and storage of media resource status information is implemented by the MRFC in the system. The MRFCs in the network can be connected to each other. The MRFCs in different domains can also be connected to each other to complete cross-domain media content collection.

The SSCF in the system shown in the embodiment of the present invention includes at least: an information interaction unit and a service control function unit, as shown in FIG. 4(d).

The information interaction unit 401 is configured to receive a streaming media service request and a streaming media service end request from the CSCF or AS, and send the received request to the service control function unit 402;

The service control function unit 402 receives a streaming media service request from the information interaction unit 401, obtains service delivery mode information, and controls a media server to provide a streaming media service to the UE by using a corresponding service delivery mode; The streaming media service end request of the information interaction unit 401 controls the media server to stop providing the streaming media service to the UE.

Here, the service control function unit 402 may obtain the service delivery mode information from the AS, or may directly obtain the service delivery mode information from the service request sent by the UE. Business control When the function unit 402 needs to send a streaming media service request or a streaming media service end request response message to the UE or the AS, the service control function unit 402 sends a response message to the information interaction unit 401, which is received by the information interaction unit 401. The response message to the UE is forwarded to the UE through the CSCF or directly forwarded to the AS.

The service control function unit 402 is further configured to obtain necessary service information from a related function entity of the streaming media system, and send the same to the UE and/or the media server. The necessary service information includes: a key or RO information required for content encryption in unicast, and/or RTP, RTSP connection address information; a service key and/or MA information in multicast.

In order to implement the unified session management and service decision function of the SSCF, the service control function unit 402 is further configured to send the received streaming media service request to the media server selection unit 403, and receive the selection from the media server. a result of the selection of the unit 403; establishing a session for the received streaming media service request; releasing the session corresponding to the received streaming media service end request;

The media server selecting unit 403 is configured to receive a streaming media service request from the service control function unit 402, select a media server or a media server network entry point for the received streaming media service request, and notify the selection result Service Control Function Unit 402.

The media server selecting unit 403 may be a first media server selecting unit, configured to receive a streaming media service request from the service control function unit 402, and obtain information related to selecting a media server, including media, from the information saving unit. Resource status information, and/or media content distribution information, and/or user subscription information, and/or end user context information, and/or operator policy information, and selecting media for the received streaming service request based on the obtained information The server notifies the service control function unit 402 of the result of the selection.

In order to implement the service state management function of the SSCF, the SSCF further includes: a service state change information notification unit 404, which itself perceives or acquires UEs from other entities. The business status change information, and the acquired business status change information is notified to the entity that needs to obtain the business status change information.

In order to implement the user service interaction management function of the SSCF, the SSCF further includes: a service interaction information processing unit 405, configured to receive service interaction information of the UE forwarded by the CSCF, and process the received service interaction information.

When the SSCF is set independently, the service interaction information processing unit 405 is further configured to send the processed service interaction information to the corresponding AS connected to itself.

The embodiment of the present invention further provides a method for implementing a streaming media service, where the method sets the SSCF in the system, including the following steps:

A. When receiving the streaming service request from the CSCF or the AS, the SSCF obtains the service delivery mode information, and controls the media server to provide the streaming media service to the UE by using a corresponding service delivery mode;

B. When receiving the streaming service end request from the CSCF or the AS, the SSCF controls the media server to stop providing the streaming media service to the UE.

And receiving the required service information required by the service delivery mode, and sending the obtained necessary service information to the UE.

When the service delivery mode includes a unicast service delivery mode, the necessary service information includes a real-time transport protocol RTP connection of the unicast service and/or address port information of the real-time streaming protocol RTSP connection, and/or content protection required Key information; when the service delivery mode includes a multicast service delivery mode, the necessary service information includes: multicast address information of the multicast service and/or key information required for channel or multicast service protection.

The SSCF may obtain service delivery mode information from a streaming media service related functional entity, such as an AS, or may obtain the service delivery mode information directly from the streaming media service request sent by the UE; User's request for business, decision Use unicast or multicast delivery mode, or convert between unicast and multicast. As a service, if the number of requested users is less than a preset threshold, unicast is used for each user; if the number of requested users is not less than a preset threshold, multicast is used, and unicast to multicast conversion is completed. control.

The foregoing steps can be used to control the media server to provide streaming media services to the UE, so that the operator system can uniformly control the implementation of the streaming media service. In addition, the embodiment of the present invention further provides a method for implementing unified session management, service decision, service state management, and user service interaction management functions of the SSCF.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of implementing SSCF service control function initiated by a terminal side according to an embodiment of the present invention, where the process includes the following steps:

Step 501: The UE sends a streaming media service request to the CSCF, where the request may carry the capability information of the UE. The request may also carry indications of the service delivery mode, such as unicast Unicast service, multicast Muticast service.

Step 502: The CSCF forwards the streaming media service request from the UE to the SSCF.

Step 503: The SSCF obtains necessary service information, such as key information of the unicast service, multicast address information and/or key information of the multicast service, from related functional entities in the streaming media system.

Step 504: The SSCF obtains service delivery mode information from a related functional entity in the streaming media system, for example, adopting multicast or unicast delivery of the streaming media service.

In this step, the SSCF obtains the service delivery mode information from the corresponding functional entity of the streaming media service, such as the application server. In the actual application, the SSCF may also directly obtain the service delivery mode information from the indication of the service delivery mode information sent by the UE. Or judging from other information carried by the UE, such as an IP address, etc., if the UE carries its own unicast IP address, it may be a unicast service; if the UE carries a multicast address, it may be a multicast service.

Step 505, the SSCF obtains a message according to the corresponding functional entity from the UE and the streaming media system. The service delivery mode judgment, and/or control, such as determining unicast or multicast, and correspondingly controlling the bearer layer to use multicast or unicast transmission services.

When the SSCF makes a judgment, the following factors can be considered:

1. The delivery model supported by the service itself, such as only supporting unicast, only supporting multicast, or supporting at the same time. and / or

2. Information in the streaming media service request, such as delivery mode indication information, or information such as the IP address of the UE. and / or

3. The capabilities of the network where the UE is located, such as only supporting unicast, only supporting multicast, or supporting at the same time. This information can be carried in the streaming service request, or the SSCF can be obtained from other functional entities of the streaming system.

The foregoing determining factors may be obtained in multiple ways, such as being saved by the SSCF itself, obtained from a streaming media service request, or obtained from other functional entities of the streaming media system.

Step 506: The SSCF sends a streaming media service response to the CSCF, where the response carries information required by the specific service, such as key information of the unicast service, multicast address information of the multicast service, and/or key information.

Step 507: The CSCF forwards the streaming media service response from the SSCF to the UE.

Step 503 and step 504 in this embodiment do not have a fixed sequence, and the two steps may be performed simultaneously or at different times.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of implementing a SSCF unified session management function according to an embodiment of the present invention, where the process includes the following steps:

Step 601: The UE sends a streaming media service request to the CSCF, where the request carries the requested service identifier, such as a content ID or a channel ID.

Step 602: The CSCF forwards the streaming media service request from the UE to the SSCF.

In the above steps 601 and 602, the SIP Invite message can be used to send the streaming media service. Step 603: The SSCF selects a media server to create and maintain a corresponding session for the received streaming media service request.

Step 604: The SSCF sends a streaming media service response to the CSCF.

Step 605: The CSCF forwards the streaming media service response from the SSCF to the UE.

Step 606: The UE uses the corresponding streaming media service.

Step 607: When the UE determines that the streaming media service can be ended, the UE sends a streaming media service end request to the CSCF.

Step 608: The CSCF sends a streaming media service end request from the UE to the SSCF. Step 609, the SSCF releases the session created in step 603 for the received streaming service request.

Step 610: The SSCF sends a streaming media service end response to the CSCF.

Step 611: The CSCF sends the received streaming media service end response to the UE. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of implementing an SSCF service decision function according to an embodiment of the present invention, where the process includes the following steps:

Step 701: The UE sends a streaming media service request to the CSCF, where the request carries the service identifier of the request, such as the content ID or the channel ID, and may further carry the location information and the capability information of the UE.

Step 702: The CSCF forwards the streaming service request from the UE to the SSCF.

Step 703: The SSCF obtains media resource status information of the media content according to the media content requested by the UE.

According to the system shown in Figure 3, the SSCF may request media resource status information from the MRLF/MRBF, or MRFC, or CLMF, including the distribution of the media content on the media server and status information of the corresponding media server, such as load information.

Step 704, the SSCF obtains user subscription information, such as user preference information, and/or user service subscription data. In this step, the specific implementation manner of the SSCF to obtain the user subscription information depends on the location where the user subscription information is stored, such as the user subscription information may be stored in the UPSF, or stored in a separate streaming media service database, or stored in the application server. .

Step 705: The SSCF obtains user context information, including location information of the terminal user, and/or online status information, and/or terminal capability information, and the like.

If the service request of the terminal does not carry its own location information, capability information, etc., the SSCF needs to obtain the above information from the context manager.

Step 706: The SSCF obtains the operator's policy information from the policy server.

The operator may have different policies for different users and different services, so the SSCF needs to obtain corresponding policy information from the policy server.

Step 707: The SSCF selects the best media server for the UE according to the information carried in the streaming media service request sent by the UE and the information related to the selected media server obtained from other functional entities.

In the streaming media service, the media content is very rich. When the number of media content of an operator is relatively small, such as only a few dozen media servers, the SSCF can request the streaming media service of the user according to various information. Specific media server.

However, when the number of streaming media content of the operator is relatively large, such as hundreds of media servers, the operator may divide all media servers into one or more media server networks according to the criteria of region, category, and the like. , or called a media server cluster. Each media server network has one or more entry points. Each media server network entry point may be a separate network entity or a media server in the media server network, and each media server network entry point stores media resource status information of the media server in the media server network under its jurisdiction, such as The location identifier of each media server, the stored media content, current status information, such as load information. At the same time, each media server network entry point has a network identifier, which may be in the form of an IP address or a URL. The SSCF can select a suitable media server network entry point for the streaming service request based on various information and specific policies, rather than the final media server. The SSCF forwards the received streaming media service request to the selected media server network entry point. The selection of the specific media server depends on the specific media server network, and the SSCF obtains the selected result from the media server network entry point.

In the case of multiple operators sharing content, for security or trade secrets, operators often do not want other operators to obtain information about specific media servers in their own networks, and thus may only pass one or more portals to each other. Click to contact. Each entry point stores media resource status information of its own network. When it comes to content access across carriers, SSCF chooses an entry point based on various information and specific policies, rather than a specific media server.

In summary, the selection of the media server in step 707 may be based on the actual network deployment of the operator, or may be the entry point of the media server network. Of course, the entry point selection can also be implemented by static configuration on the SSCF or by using a DNS-like query mechanism to return the address of the entry point.

In step 707, the interaction between the SSCF and the selected media server or media server entry point is omitted. Whether the interaction process exists depends on the service delivery mode. If the service delivery mode is a unicast delivery mode, interaction is required to obtain the RTP and/or RTSP connection address information of the media server; if the service delivery mode is the multicast delivery mode, It may not be necessary to interact with the media server or media server network entry point, but directly return multicast address information.

Step 708: The SSCF sends a streaming media service response to the CSCF, where the response message carries the information of the optimal media server selected by the SSCF for the UE, such as connection address information and other service information.

Step 709: The CSCF forwards the streaming media service response from the SSCF to the UE. SSCF can also implement business state management functions. The SSCF implements the service state management function, which focuses on obtaining service state change information. There are two ways for the SSCF to obtain service state change information:

The first way: If the service status of the UE changes, such as channel switching in LTV, or VCR control in VOD, Time Shift TV, etc., the signaling passes through the SSCF, and the 'J SSCF can directly sense the change of the service status.

The second way: if the service state of the UE changes, such as channel switching in LTV, or VCR control in VOD, Time Shift TV, etc., the signaling does not pass through the SSCF, and the 'J SSCF needs to have the function of changing the state of the service. An entity, such as a media server, or a node of the access network, such as a GGSN/DSLAM, or the UE itself communicates, such as through subscription and notification, to obtain corresponding service state change information.

After the SSCF establishes a streaming media service session for the UE, if the SSCF obtains the user state change information by using any one of the foregoing two methods, the SSCF may send the obtained user service state change information to the system to learn the user service. The entity of the state change information.

The SSCF can use the Subscribe/Notify mechanism to exchange information with the entity that has the function of changing the state of the service. The specific implementation steps are as follows: The SSCF subscribes to the service state change information to the entity that has the function of changing the state of the service. When the service status changes. The entity having the function of sensing the change of the service state notifies the SSCF of the service state change information through the Notify message.

The SSCF can use the Subscribe/Notify mechanism to notify the entity that needs to know the change of the service status of the user. The specific implementation steps are as follows: The entity that needs to know the change of the service status of the user subscribes to the service status change information of the SSCF. When it is known that the service status changes, the learned service status change information is notified by the Notify message to the entity that needs to know the user service status change information. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of implementing an SSCF user service interaction information processing function according to an embodiment of the present invention, where the process includes the following steps:

Step 801: The application server subscribes the service interaction information of the user to the SSCF.

In this step, the application server can subscribe to the service interaction information of the UE to the SSCF through the SIP Subscribe/Notify mechanism.

Step 802: After the SSCF establishes a streaming media service session for the UE, the UE sends the service interaction information to the CSCF.

Step 803: The CSCF sends the service interaction information from the UE to the SSCF.

Step 804: The SSCF processes the received service interaction information.

In this step, the SSCF processes the received service interaction information, including: associating the information of the specific UE with the specific service according to the user ID, the session ID, and the service ID information. At the same time, statistics such as business interaction information, filtering, and the like can be performed.

Step 805: The SSCF transmits the processed service interaction information to the corresponding AS.

In this step, the SSCF may transmit the received service interaction information to the corresponding AS through the SIP Notify message.

Step 806: The AS returns service interaction response information to the SSCF.

Step 807: The SSCF sends the service interaction response information from the AS to the CSCF. Step 808: The CSCF sends the service interaction response information from the SSCF to the corresponding UE. Steps 801, 806 to 808 in this embodiment are optional steps, and the order of step 801 is not fixed, as long as the SSCF performs the service interaction information before sending it to the corresponding AS.

The system in the above embodiment only includes one SSCF. In practical applications, the unified system may include multiple SSCFs located in different domains. The SSCFs in different domains may directly exchange information or perform information interaction through the CSCF in the system. .

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of information interaction between different domain SSCFs according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, two SSCFs located in different domains, namely SSCF-A and SSCF-B, are respectively used. The SSCFs in the domain may belong to the same carrier or may belong to different operators. The process includes:

Step 901: The UE sends a streaming media service request to the CSCF, where the request may carry user location information.

Step 902: The CSCF forwards the streaming service request from the UE to the SSCF-A. Step 903: The SSCF-A determines that the content requested by the received streaming media service request is provided by another domain, and forwards the received streaming media service request to another domain.

SSCF-B.

Step 904, SSCF-B selects a media server for the received request and forwards the streaming service request to the selected media server.

In this step, the SSCF-B may also select a media server network entry point for the received request, and forward the received request to the selected media server network entry point, and the media server network entry point forwards the request to the media server. The corresponding media server.

Step 905: The media server sends a streaming media service response to the SSCF-B.

Step 906: The SSCF-B sends the received streaming media service response to the SSCF-A. Step 907: The SSCF-A sends the received streaming media service response to the CSCF.

Step 908: The CSCF forwards the received streaming media service response to the UE.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 9, SSCF-A and SSCF-B directly exchange information. In actual applications, the two can also exchange information through the CSCF in the system. The specific process is: SSCF-A firstly sends the received streaming media service request to the CSCF of the local domain, and the CSCF of the local domain forwards it to the CSCF of the destination domain, and then forwards it to the SSCF-B by the CSCF of the destination domain. Other media server selection and session request procedures are similar to the embodiment shown in FIG.

At the same time, the foregoing embodiment can reflect how the user accesses the streaming media service of the roaming/nomadic land after the roaming/nomadic, for example, the SSCF-A is regarded as the streaming media service control entity of the user's home location, and the SSCF-B is regarded as the user. Roaming traffic control entity, through SSCF-A The above interaction mode with the SSCF-B and the media server selection, the streaming media session establishment process completes providing the roaming/nomadic streaming media service to the user, and further, the above manner can also be used to complete the user whether roaming/nomadic And enjoy the streaming media business provided by other places, such as the location of SSCF-B.

The foregoing embodiments describe that the SSCF can perform service delivery mode determination and establishment of a streaming media service according to the received streaming media service request from the UE or the AS.

10 is a flowchart of implementing the SSCF service control function initiated by the network side according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the SSCF may trigger a service delivery mode judgment according to its own service policy or service logic, and initiate a streaming media service. .

The process includes the following steps:

Step 1001: The SSCF obtains service information from a corresponding functional entity of the streaming media system, such as a presence server Presence server.

Step 1002: The SSCF obtains service delivery mode information from a corresponding functional entity of the streaming media system.

The above steps 1001 and 1002 are optional steps.

Step 1003: The SSCF performs service delivery mode determination, and/or service control according to information obtained from a corresponding functional entity of the streaming media system, and/or information stored by itself. For example, if you need to provide streaming services for one user, you may adopt a unicast service delivery mode. If you need to provide services for multiple users, you may adopt a multicast delivery mode or a unicast delivery mode.

Step 1004: The SSCF sends a streaming media service request to the CSCF. Depending on the service delivery model, it may be a unicast service request or a multicast service request.

Step 1005: The CSCF forwards the streaming service request from the SSCF to the UE.

Step 1006: The UE returns a streaming media service response to the SSCF.

Step 1007: The CSCF forwards the streaming media service response from the UE to the SSCF.

After the service is successfully established, the UE can enjoy the streaming media service. In this embodiment, information interaction between the corresponding functional entity and the SSCF of the streaming media system may be performed through the CSCF, and the information interaction is directly learned.

In this embodiment, it is described that the SSCF initiates a streaming service request to the UE. However, if the unicast delivery mode is adopted, the SSCF can notify the streaming server that the streaming server initiates a streaming service request to the terminal.

As can be seen from the foregoing technical solutions, the embodiment of the present invention sets the SSCF in the streaming media service implementation system, and when the SSCF receives the streaming media service request, determines the service delivery mode, and uses the determined service delivery mode to control the media server to the UE. Providing a streaming media service; when the SSCF receives the streaming media service end request, controlling the media server to stop providing the streaming media service to the UE; or, the SSCF may determine the service payment module based on its own service policy, and adopt the determined The service delivery mode controls the media server to provide streaming media services to the UE. Therefore, the streaming media service implementation system, the method, and the streaming media service control function entity provided by the embodiments of the present invention can implement unified control of the operator's system for streaming media services.

The embodiment of the present invention implements unified control of streaming media services by using information exchange between the SSCF and other functional entities of the streaming media system, including service control functions, session management functions, service decision functions, service state maintenance functions, and user interaction management. Features. By providing basic streaming media service functions, SSCF implements integrated and unified management of streaming media services, streamlining the implementation process of streaming media services, and provides a feasible method for streaming media systems to open interfaces and functions to third-party service providers. Therefore, the development of streaming media services is more flexible and flexible, which is conducive to the rapid development and deployment of streaming media services. In addition, although the method, system, and SSCF provided by the embodiments of the present invention can be applied not only to the streaming media service but also to the IPTV service.

In conclusion, the above description is only the preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalents made within the spirit and principles of the present invention Replacement, improvement, etc., are all included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims

Claim

A system for implementing a streaming media service, the system comprising: a user terminal UE, a call session control function CSCF, an application server AS, and a media server, wherein the UE is connected to the CSCF for information interaction, and the system is characterized in that the system Further comprising: a streaming media service control function entity SSCF;

The CSCF is configured to receive a streaming media service request, and forward the received request to the SSCF;

The SSCF is configured to determine a service delivery mode, and the service delivery mode is used to control the media server to provide a streaming media service to the UE.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the manner in which the SSCF determines a service delivery mode is:

The SSCF receives a streaming service request from the CSCF or AS, or determines a service delivery mode based on its own business policy.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the SSCF is further configured to acquire necessary service information from a related function entity of the streaming media system and transmit the same to the UE.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the SSCF is further configured to establish a session according to the received streaming service request, and select a media server or a media server network entry point.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the system further comprises: one or more information holding units for storing information related to selecting a media server or a media server network entry point;

The SSCF is further configured to obtain and select a media service from the information saving unit Corresponding information related to the media entry point of the server or the media server, and selecting a corresponding media server or media server network entry point for the received streaming media service request according to the obtained information.

The system of claim 5, wherein the information saving unit comprises: a media resource status information saving unit,

The media resource information holding unit is configured to save media resource status information, including media content distribution information and status information of the media server;

The SSCF acquires media resource status information from the media resource status information holding unit.

The system according to claim 6, wherein the media resource status information holding unit is: a media resource location function MRLF, or a media resource proxy function MRBF, or a content location management function CLMF, or a media resource control function. MRFC.

The system of claim 5, wherein the information storage unit comprises: a context manager CM, wherein the CM is configured to save context information of the terminal user, including location information of the terminal user, and/or Online status information, and/or terminal capability information;

9. The system of claim 5 wherein said information storage unit comprises: a policy manager PM,

The PM is used to save operator information about different users and/or different streaming media services;

The SSCF obtains policy information related to the streaming media service of the operator from the PM.

The system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the system further comprises: an entity that needs to know the change of the business status,

The SSCF is further configured to perceive the service state change information of the UE, and notify the entity that needs to obtain the service state change information by using the sensed service state change information.

11. The system of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the system The step includes a service state change-aware entity and an entity that needs to know the service state change information, where the service state change-aware entity is configured to sense the change of the service state, and notify the SSCF of the perceived service state change information;

And the SSCF is further configured to acquire the service state change information of the UE from the service state change sensing entity, and notify the entity that needs to obtain the service state change information by acquiring the service state change information.

The system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the SSCF is set in the AS; or is independently set and connected to an AS in the system.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein when the SSCF is set in the AS,

The CSCF is further configured to send service interaction information from the UE to the SSCF, where the SSCF is further configured to process service interaction information from the CSCF.

The system according to claim 12, wherein, when the SSCF is independently set, the CSCF is further configured to send service interaction information from the UE to the SSCF; And configured to process service interaction information from the UE, and send the processed service interaction information to a corresponding AS connected to itself.

The system according to claim 12, wherein the SSCF is further configured to receive service interaction response information from the AS, and send the received service interaction response information to the UE.

The system according to claim 1, wherein when the system includes a plurality of SSCFs located in different domains, the SSCF directly performs information interaction; or performs information interaction through the CSCF in the system.

17. The system according to claim 1, wherein the service delivery mode determined by the SSCF comprises: a unicast service delivery mode, a multicast service delivery mode, or a unicast industry. The conversion between the payment mode and the multicast service delivery mode.

The system according to claim 1, wherein the CSCF is further configured to receive a streaming media service end request, and forward the received request to the SSCF; the SSCF is further configured to receive from the SSCF. The streaming media service end request of the CSCF or the AS controls the media server to stop providing the streaming media service to the UE.

A streaming media service control function entity SSCF, wherein the entity comprises: an information interaction unit and a service control function unit,

The service control function unit is configured to determine a service delivery mode, and use the service delivery mode to control the media server to provide a streaming media service to the UE.

The SSCF according to claim 19, wherein the service control function unit determines the service delivery mode by:

The service control function unit receives a streaming media service request from the information interaction unit, or determines a service delivery mode based on a service policy of the SSCF itself.

The SSCF according to claim 19, wherein the service control function unit is further configured to obtain necessary service information from a related function entity of the streaming media system, and send the same to the UE.

The SSCF according to claim 19, wherein the entity further comprises: a media server selection unit,

The service control function unit is further configured to send the received streaming media service request to the media server selection unit, receive a selection result from the media server selection unit, and establish a request for the received streaming media service. a session; releasing a session corresponding to the received streaming media service end request;

The media server selecting unit, configured to receive, from the service control function unit The streaming media service request selects a media server or media server network entry point for the received streaming media service request, and notifies the service control function unit of the selection result.

The SSCF according to claim 22, wherein the media server selecting unit is a first media server selecting unit, configured to receive a streaming media service request from the service control function unit, and the information saving unit Obtaining information related to selecting a media server or a media server network entry point, and selecting a media server or a media server network entry point for the received streaming media service request according to the obtained information, and notifying the service control function of the selected result unit.

The SSCF according to claim 22, wherein the SSCF further comprises: a service state change information notification unit, the unit itself perceiving or acquiring service state change information of the UE from other entities, and acquiring the service state The change information informs an entity that needs to obtain business status change information.

The SSCF according to claim 19, wherein the SSCF further comprises: a service interaction information processing unit, configured to receive service interaction information from the UE forwarded by the CSCF, and receive the service interaction. Information is processed.

The SSCF according to claim 25, wherein the service interaction information processing unit is further configured to send the processed service interaction information to a corresponding AS connected to itself.

The SSCF according to claim 25 or 26, wherein the service interaction information processing unit is further configured to forward the service interaction response information from the AS to the UE through the CSCF.

The SSCF according to claim 19, wherein the service control function unit comprises:

a receiving subunit, configured to receive a streaming media service request from the information interaction unit; a determining subunit, configured to use information according to the streaming media service request, and/or the industry Determining the service delivery mode by the delivery mode information supported by the service itself, and/or the capability of the network in which the UE is located;

And a control subunit, configured to control the control media server to provide the streaming media service to the UE according to the service delivery mode determined by the determining subunit.

The SSCF according to claim 28, wherein the service delivery mode determined by the determining subunit comprises: a unicast service delivery mode, a multicast service delivery module, or a unicast service payment mode and a multicast service. Transfer between modules.

The SSCF according to claim 19, wherein the information interaction unit is further configured to receive a streaming media service end request from the CSCF or the AS, and send the received request to the service control function unit. ;

The service control function unit is further configured to receive a streaming media service end request from the information interaction unit, and control the media server to stop providing a streaming media service to the UE.

A method for implementing a streaming media service, characterized in that the SSCF is set in the system, the method comprising:

The SSCF determines a service delivery mode, and uses the service delivery mode to control the media server to provide streaming media services to the UE.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein the step of determining, by the SSCF, a service delivery mode comprises:

The method according to claim 31, wherein the method further comprises: the SSCF receiving a streaming service end request from the CSCF or the AS, and controlling the media server to stop providing the streaming service to the UE.

The method according to claim 31, wherein the service delivery mode comprises: a unicast service delivery mode, a multicast service delivery mode, or a unicast service delivery mode and Conversion between multicast service delivery modes.

The method of claim 31, wherein the receiving the streaming media service request further comprises: acquiring necessary service information required by the service delivery mode, and sending the obtained necessary service information to The UE and/or media server.

The method according to claim 35, wherein, when the service delivery mode includes a unicast service delivery mode, the necessary service information includes address port information of a real-time transport protocol RTP connection of the unicast service, And/or address port information of the real-time streaming protocol RTSP connection, and/or key information required for content encryption;

When the service delivery mode includes a multicast service delivery mode, the necessary service information includes: multicast address information of the multicast service and/or key information required for content encryption.

The method according to claim 35, wherein, after the method, the method further includes: sending, by the SSCF, a streaming media service response to the UE, where the response carries necessary service information required for a service delivery mode .

The method according to claim 31, wherein the manner in which the SSCF determines the service delivery mode is: the SSCF acquires information for determining a service delivery mode, where the information includes: information in a streaming media service request, And/or delivery mode information supported by the service itself, and/or capabilities of the network in which the UE is located; the SSCF determines a service delivery mode based on the information.

The method of claim 38, wherein the step of the SSCF acquiring information for determining a service delivery mode is specifically: the SSCF acquiring from itself; or obtaining service delivery from a streaming media service related functional entity Mode information; or obtaining the information for determining a service delivery mode directly from the received streaming media service request.

The method of claim 33, wherein the receiving the streaming media service request further comprises: establishing a session for the streaming media service request, and selecting a media server or a media server network entry point. When the receiving the streaming media service end request, the method further includes releasing the session established for the streaming media service request.

The method according to claim 40, wherein the method for selecting a media server or a media server network entry point comprises:

The SSCF acquires information related to selecting a media server or a media server network entry point, including media resource status information, and/or user subscription information, and/or terminal user context information, and/or operator policy information, and according to the acquisition The information is selected for the received streaming media service request corresponding media server or media server network entry point.

The method according to claim 41, wherein the media server network entry point stores media resource status information of the media server network;

The media server network entry point is identified by an IP address or a URL.

The method according to claim 42, wherein the media resource status information comprises: media content distribution information and/or status information of the media server; the user subscription information includes: user preference information, and/or User service subscription data; the context information of the terminal user includes: location information of the terminal user, and/or online status information, and/or terminal capability information.

The method according to any one of claims 40 to 43, wherein, after the SSCF establishes a session for the streaming media service request, the method further includes:

The SSCF itself perceives or obtains user service state change information from other entities having the function of sensing user service state change information, including channel switching information in the linear television service LTV, and/or on-demand service VoD or time-shifted television service TS- The VCR in the TV controls the information and sends it to the entity that needs to know the status change information.

The method of claim 44, wherein the step of the SSCF acquiring the user service state change information from the other entity having the function of changing the user service state change information comprises: the SSCF to the perceived user service State change information function The entity subscribes to the user's business status change information;

When the entity having the function of changing the user service state change information perceives the change of the service state of the user, the SSCF is notified by the Notify message.

The method according to claim 45, wherein the entity having the function of sensing user service state change information is: a media server or a node of the access network or the UE.

The method of claim 44, wherein the SSCF sends the user service status change information to the entity that needs to know the service status change information, and further includes:

The entity that needs to know the service state change information subscribes to the SSCF for user service state change information;

The SSCF sends the service status change information to the entity that needs to learn the service status change information by using a Notify message.

The method according to any one of claims 40 to 43, wherein, after the session is established for the streaming media service request, the method further includes:

The SSCF processes the received service interaction information when receiving the service interaction information from the UE forwarded by the CSCF.

The method of claim 48, wherein, after the SSCF processes the received service interaction information, the method further includes: sending the processed service interaction information to the corresponding AS by using the CSCF.

The method of claim 49, wherein, after the AS receives the service interaction information from the SSCF, the method further includes: the AS returning service interaction response information to the SSCF;

When receiving the service interaction response information sent by the AS, the SSCF sends the service interaction response information received by the SSCF to the UE.

The method of claim 49, wherein the SSCF sends the received service interaction information to the corresponding AS, and further includes:

The AS subscribes to the SSCF for service interaction information of the UE.

The method according to claim 31, wherein when the system includes a plurality of SSCFs located in different domains, information exchange is directly performed between the SSCFs; or

The CSCF performs information interaction.