HK1251733B - Multicast broadcast multimedia service-assisted content distribution - Google Patents

Description

Translated fromChinese

多播广播多媒体服务辅助内容分发Multicast broadcast multimedia service assisted content distribution

相关申请的交叉引用CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

本申请要求美国申请No. 13/626661(2012年9月25日提交，标题为“MULTICASTBROADCAST MULTIMEDIA SERVICE-ASSISTED CONTENT DISTRIBUTION”的优先权，其要求美国临时专利申请No. 61/612188(2012年3月16日提交，标题为“WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONSYSTEMS AND METHODS”)的优先权，通过引用将其两者完整地结合于此以用于所有目的。This application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 13/626,661, filed September 25, 2012, entitled “MULTICASTBROADCAST MULTIMEDIA SERVICE-ASSISTED CONTENT DISTRIBUTION,” which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/612,188, filed March 16, 2012, entitled “WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS,” both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

技术领域Technical Field

一般来说，本发明的实施例涉及通信领域，以及更具体来说，涉及多播广播多媒体服务辅助内容分发。Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to the field of communications, and more particularly, to multicast broadcast multimedia service assisted content delivery.

背景技术Background Art

在一些无线通信网络中，通过超文本传输协议的动态自适应流播(DASH)流播格式用来通过无线通信网络向用户设备(UE)传递媒体内容，例如视频、音频、多媒体和/或其它内容。在第三代合作伙伴项目(3GPP) TS 26.247 V.10.2.0以及ISO/IEC DIS 23009-1中在MPEG中已对DASH进行了标准化。媒体内容通常由UE经由UE与远程HTTP媒体服务器(其存储媒体内容)之间的单播HTTP信令来访问。UE发送HTTP请求，其被路由到远程HTTP媒体服务器，以及远程HTTP媒体服务器作为响应而经由HTTP向UE传送所请求媒体内容。这可在网络中造成高信令开销，并且对媒体内容的分发添加延迟。In some wireless communication networks, the Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over Hypertext Transfer Protocol (DASH) streaming format is used to deliver media content, such as video, audio, multimedia and/or other content, to user equipment (UE) over a wireless communication network. DASH has been standardized in MPEG in the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) TS 26.247 V.10.2.0 and ISO/IEC DIS 23009-1. Media content is typically accessed by a UE via unicast HTTP signaling between the UE and a remote HTTP media server (which stores the media content). The UE sends an HTTP request, which is routed to the remote HTTP media server, and the remote HTTP media server transmits the requested media content to the UE via HTTP in response. This can cause high signaling overhead in the network and add delay to the distribution of media content.

在DASH中，媒体呈现描述(MPD)元数据文件提供与服务器中存储的媒体内容表示的结构和不同版本有关的信息(包括不同比特率、帧率、分辨率、编解码器类型等)。另外，DASH还指定段格式，例如包括与媒体播放器(媒体播放器检查初始化段以理解容器格式和媒体定时信息)的初始化和媒体段有关的信息，以确保段映射到媒体呈现时间线中以用于与其它表示的切换和同步呈现。基于这个MPD元数据信息(其描述段的关系以及它们如何形成媒体呈现)，客户端可使用HTTP GET或部分GET方法来请求这些段。In DASH, the Media Presentation Description (MPD) metadata file provides information about the structure and different versions of the media content representation stored in the server (including different bit rates, frame rates, resolutions, codec types, etc.). In addition, DASH also specifies the segment format, including, for example, information about the initialization and media segments for the media player (the media player checks the initialization segment to understand the container format and media timing information) to ensure that the segments are mapped into the media presentation timeline for switching and synchronized presentation with other representations. Based on this MPD metadata information (which describes the relationship of the segments and how they form a media presentation), the client can request these segments using HTTP GET or partial GET methods.

3GPP TS 26.346中规定的多媒体广播多播服务(MBMS)是按照3GPP所颁布的蜂窝标准其中之一进行操作的蜂窝网络上使用的点对多点系统。它设计用于流行内容基于广播和多播技术向许多接收器的有效传递，并且在3GPP通用移动电信系统(UMTS)规范的发行版6中作为可选特征首次引入。MBMS在后续3GPP发行版中基于若干增强、例如多播广播单频网络(MBSFN)功能性来进一步优化。在服务层，MBMS还基于根据用户数据报协议(UDP)的传输层协议、使用用于流播的实时传输协议(RTP)以及用于文件传递的通过单向传输的文件传递(FLUTE)来定义用于多媒体内容的流播和文件的可靠下载的传递协议。MBMS在与3GPP 发行版8及更高版本对应的基于3GPP的长期演进(LTE)标准制订中已被采纳为增强MBMS(eMBMS)模式。Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS), specified in 3GPP TS 26.346, is a point-to-multipoint system used on cellular networks operating in accordance with one of the 3GPP-promulgated cellular standards. It is designed for the efficient delivery of popular content to many receivers based on broadcast and multicast technologies and was first introduced as an optional feature in Release 6 of the 3GPP Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) specifications. MBMS has been further optimized in subsequent 3GPP releases based on several enhancements, such as Multicast Broadcast Single Frequency Network (MBSFN) functionality. At the service layer, MBMS also defines a delivery protocol for streaming multimedia content and reliable file downloads, based on a transport layer protocol based on the User Datagram Protocol (UDP), using the Real-time Transport Protocol (RTP) for streaming and File Delivery over Unidirectional Transport (FLUTE) for file delivery. MBMS has been adopted as the enhanced MBMS (eMBMS) mode in the 3GPP-based Long Term Evolution (LTE) standardization corresponding to 3GPP Release 8 and above.

DASH格式化内容可使用MBMS下载传递方法和/或基于HTTP的传递方法来传递给UE。基于MBMS的DASH传递选项在一些服务区域中可能不可用，在这种情况下，那些服务可能备选地经由单播来提供。在通过MBMS的DASH格式化内容传递的情况下，可使用FLUTE传输协议。如RFC3926中定义的FLUTE准许通过MBMS来传递DASH段，使得客户端观察到它们是通过HTTP/TCP所传递的。将HTTP-URL指配给FLUTE中的每个所传递对象，以及HTTP-URL映射MPD中的段URL。UE基于MPD中包含的HTTP URL和FLUTE分组中包含的URL信息的比较来识别所接收DASH表示。DASH formatted content can be delivered to the UE using the MBMS download delivery method and/or the HTTP-based delivery method. The MBMS-based DASH delivery option may not be available in some service areas, in which case those services may alternatively be provided via unicast. In the case of DASH formatted content delivery over MBMS, the FLUTE transport protocol can be used. FLUTE as defined in RFC3926 allows DASH segments to be delivered over MBMS so that the client observes that they are delivered over HTTP/TCP. An HTTP-URL is assigned to each delivered object in FLUTE, and the HTTP-URL maps the segment URL in the MPD. The UE identifies the received DASH representation based on a comparison of the HTTP URL contained in the MPD and the URL information contained in the FLUTE packet.

附图说明BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

通过以下结合附图的详细描述，会容易理解实施例。为了便于本描述，相似的参考标号表示相似的结构元件。通过附图、作为举例而不是限制来示出实施例。The embodiments will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. To facilitate this description, like reference numerals denote like structural elements. The embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the accompanying drawings.

图1示意示出按照各种实施例的无线通信网络。FIG1 schematically illustrates a wireless communication network according to various embodiments.

图2是按照各种实施例的用户设备的框图。FIG2 is a block diagram of a user equipment according to various embodiments.

图3是按照各种实施例的代理终端的框图。FIG3 is a block diagram of a proxy terminal according to various embodiments.

图4是示出按照各种实施例、可由代理终端执行的促进向UE分发媒体数据的方法的流程图。4 is a flow chart illustrating a method that may be performed by a proxy terminal to facilitate distribution of media data to a UE, according to various embodiments.

图5是示出按照各种实施例的示例计算系统的框图。FIG5 is a block diagram illustrating an example computing system in accordance with various embodiments.

具体实施方式DETAILED DESCRIPTION

本公开的说明性实施例包括但不限于用于多播广播多媒体服务辅助内容分发的方法、系统和设备。Illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, methods, systems, and apparatus for multicast broadcast multimedia service assisted content delivery.

将使用本领域的技术人员通常用于向本领域的其他技术人员传达其工作主旨的术语来描述说明性实施例的各个方面。然而，本领域的技术人员将清楚地知道，仅通过所述方面的一部分也可实施备选实施例。为了便于说明，提出具体数量、材料和配置，以便提供对说明性实施例的透彻了解。但是，本领域的技术人员将清楚地知道，即使没有这些具体细节也可实施备选实施例。在其它情况下，省略或简化了众所周知的特征，以免影响对说明性实施例的理解。Various aspects of the illustrative embodiments will be described using terminology commonly used by those skilled in the art to convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that alternative embodiments may be practiced using only some of the described aspects. For ease of description, specific quantities, materials, and configurations are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the illustrative embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that alternative embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have been omitted or simplified so as not to obscure the understanding of the illustrative embodiments.

此外，各种操作将按照最有助于理解说明性实施例的方式依次描述为多个分立操作；但是，描述的顺序不应当被理解为暗示这些操作一定是顺序相关的。具体来说，这些操作不需要按照呈现的顺序来执行。Furthermore, various operations will be described as multiple discrete operations in sequence in a manner that is most helpful for understanding the illustrative embodiments; however, the order of description should not be understood as implying that these operations are necessarily order-dependent. Specifically, these operations do not need to be performed in the order presented.

反复使用词语 “在一些实施例中”。该词语一般不是指相同实施例；但它也可指相同实施例。术语“包含”、“具有”和“包括”是同义词，除非上下文另加说明。词语“A和/或B”表示(A)、(B)或者(A和B)。与词语“A和/或B”相似，词语“A/B”表示(A)、(B)或者(A和B)。词语“A、B和C中的至少一个”表示(A)、(B)、(C)、(A和B)、(A和C)、(B和C)或者(A、B和C)。词语“(A)B”表示(B)或(A和B)，也就是说，A是可选的。The phrase "in some embodiments" is used repeatedly. This phrase generally does not refer to the same embodiment; however, it may. The terms "including," "having," and "comprising" are synonymous unless the context indicates otherwise. The phrase "A and/or B" means (A), (B), or (A and B). Similar to the phrase "A and/or B," the phrase "A/B" means (A), (B), or (A and B). The phrase "at least one of A, B, and C" means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C). The phrase "(A)B" means (B) or (A and B), that is, A is optional.

虽然本文已经示出且描述了具体实施例，但是本领域的技术人员将会理解，大量备选和/或等效实现可取代所示和所述的具体实施例，而没有背离本公开的实施例的范围。本申请意在涵盖本文所述实施例的任何调整或变更。因此，本公开的实施例显然预计仅由权利要求书及其等效物来限制。Although specific embodiments have been shown and described herein, those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous alternative and/or equivalent implementations may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or modifications of the embodiments described herein. Therefore, it is expressly intended that the embodiments of the present disclosure be limited only by the claims and their equivalents.

本文所使用的术语“模块”可表示包括运行一个或多个软件或固件程序的专用集成电路(ASIC)、电子电路、处理器(共享、专用或编组)和/或存储器(共享、专用或编组)、组合逻辑电路和/或提供所述功能性的其它适当组件、作为其中一部分或者包括它们。The term "module" as used herein may mean, be part of, or include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or grouped) and/or memory (shared, dedicated, or grouped), a combinational logic circuit, and/or other suitable components that provide the functionality, running one or more software or firmware programs.

图1示意示出按照各种实施例的无线通信网络100。无线通信网络100(以下称作“网络100”)可以是第三代合作伙伴项目(3GPP)长期演进(LTE)网络的接入网，例如演进通用移动电信系统(UMTS)陆地无线电接入网(E-UTRAN)。网络100可包括代理终端104，其配置成经由无线连接或有线连接来与用户设备(UE)108进行通信。网络100还可包括：广播多播服务中心(BMSC)112，其将MBMS服务传递给各种MBMS客户端；以及媒体服务器116，其存储和分发媒体内容。FIG1 schematically illustrates a wireless communication network 100 according to various embodiments. The wireless communication network 100 (hereinafter referred to as "network 100") may be an access network of a Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, such as an Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN). Network 100 may include a proxy terminal 104 configured to communicate with a user equipment (UE) 108 via a wireless or wired connection. Network 100 may also include a Broadcast Multicast Service Center (BMSC) 112 that delivers MBMS services to various MBMS clients, and a media server 116 that stores and distributes media content.

在一些实施例中，代理终端104可以是配置成通过网络100与UE 108进行无线通信的基站、例如演进节点B(eNB)。在其它实施例中，代理终端104可以是另一个UE。在代理终端104是另一个UE的实施例中，另一UE可经由eNB与BMSC 112和/或网络100的其它组件进行通信。另一UE可作为“热点”进行操作，以允许UE 108接入网络100。在又一些实施例中，代理终端104可包含在UE 108中，即，代理终端104的功能性和UE 108的功能性可在单个终端中托管。In some embodiments, proxy terminal 104 may be a base station, such as an evolved Node B (eNB), configured to wirelessly communicate with UE 108 over network 100. In other embodiments, proxy terminal 104 may be another UE. In embodiments where proxy terminal 104 is another UE, the other UE may communicate with BMSC 112 and/or other components of network 100 via the eNB. The other UE may operate as a "hotspot" to allow UE 108 to access network 100. In still other embodiments, proxy terminal 104 may be included in UE 108, i.e., the functionality of proxy terminal 104 and the functionality of UE 108 may be hosted in a single terminal.

如图2所示，UE 108可包括至少如所示相互耦合的媒体客户端220和超文本传输协议(HTTP)接入客户端224。HTTP接入客户端224还可与UE 108的多个天线228中的一个或多个天线耦合，以用于通过网络100进行无线通信。UE 108可包括任何适当数量的天线228。天线228中的一个或多个天线可交替用作发射天线或接收天线。作为代替或补充，天线228中的一个或多个天线可以是专用接收天线或者专用发射天线。As shown in FIG2 , UE 108 may include at least a media client 220 and a Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) access client 224 coupled to each other as shown. HTTP access client 224 may also be coupled to one or more of multiple antennas 228 of UE 108 for wireless communication over network 100. UE 108 may include any suitable number of antennas 228. One or more of antennas 228 may alternately function as a transmit antenna or a receive antenna. Alternatively or additionally, one or more of antennas 228 may be dedicated receive antennas or dedicated transmit antennas.

如图3所示，代理终端104可包括至少如所示相互耦合的多媒体广播多播服务(MBMS)接入客户端332、HTTP服务器模块336和存储器340。MBMS接入客户端332和/或HTTP服务器模块336还可与代理终端104的一个或多个天线344耦合。在各种实施例中，代理终端104可包括至少与传送给UE 108和/或从MBSC 112所接收的同时传输流的数量同样多的天线344，但是本公开的范围并不局限于这个方面。天线344中的一个或多个天线可交替用作发射天线或接收天线。作为代替或补充，天线344中的一个或多个天线可以是专用接收天线或者专用发射天线。As shown in FIG3 , the proxy terminal 104 may include at least a Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS) access client 332, an HTTP server module 336, and a memory 340 coupled to one another as shown. The MBMS access client 332 and/or the HTTP server module 336 may also be coupled to one or more antennas 344 of the proxy terminal 104. In various embodiments, the proxy terminal 104 may include at least as many antennas 344 as the number of simultaneous transmission streams transmitted to the UE 108 and/or received from the MBSC 112, although the scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this respect. One or more of the antennas 344 may alternately function as either a transmit antenna or a receive antenna. Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the antennas 344 may be dedicated receive antennas or dedicated transmit antennas.

在各种实施例中，代理终端104的MBMS接入客户端332可接收包括媒体数据和元数据的MBMS传输。代理终端104可缓存媒体数据和/或元数据(例如将媒体数据和/或元数据存储在存储器340中)，供以后传输到UE 108。MBMS接入客户端332可从BMSC 112无线接收MBMS传输。例如，MBMS接入客户端332可经由通过单向传输的文件传递(FLUTE)协议和/或因特网协议(IP)多播协议接收MBMS传输。在各种实施例中，MBMS接入客户端332可经由用户服务发现(USD)信令从BMSC 112接收媒体数据和元数据。在一些实施例中，MBMS传输可包括通过HTTP的动态自适应流播(DASH)格式化媒体内容和关联MPD元数据。BMSC 112可向包括代理终端104在内的多个代理终端传送MBMS传输。在DASH格式化媒体内容的情况下，UE 108的HTTP接入客户端224又可称作DASH客户端。In various embodiments, the MBMS access client 332 of the proxy terminal 104 may receive MBMS transmissions including media data and metadata. The proxy terminal 104 may cache the media data and/or metadata (e.g., store the media data and/or metadata in memory 340) for later transmission to the UE 108. The MBMS access client 332 may wirelessly receive the MBMS transmissions from the BMSC 112. For example, the MBMS access client 332 may receive the MBMS transmissions via the File Delivery over Unidirectional Transport (FLUTE) protocol and/or the Internet Protocol (IP) multicast protocol. In various embodiments, the MBMS access client 332 may receive the media data and metadata from the BMSC 112 via User Service Discovery (USD) signaling. In some embodiments, the MBMS transmissions may include Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP (DASH) formatted media content and associated MPD metadata. The BMSC 112 may deliver the MBMS transmissions to multiple proxy terminals, including the proxy terminal 104. In the case of DASH-formatted media content, the HTTP access client 224 of the UE 108 may also be referred to as a DASH client.

BMSC 112可从媒体服务器116接收媒体数据和/或元数据。在一些实施例中，BMSC112可经由HTTP信令从媒体服务器116来检索媒体数据和元数据。BMSC 112与媒体服务器116之间的通信链路可以是无线和/或有线的。BMSC 112 may receive media data and/or metadata from media server 116. In some embodiments, BMSC 112 may retrieve media data and metadata from media server 116 via HTTP signaling. The communication link between BMSC 112 and media server 116 may be wireless and/or wired.

在各种实施例中，代理终端104的HTTP服务器模块336可经由HTTP传输向UE 108传送元数据和媒体数据的至少一部分。在一些实施例中，UE 108中的HTTP接入客户端224可通过发出HTTP GET或HTTP部分GET请求，从代理终端104的HTTP服务器模块336接收元数据和媒体数据的至少一部分。相应地，MBMS传输可用来有效地向多个代理终端分发媒体数据和/或元数据。这些代理终端则可经由HTTP向关联UE分发媒体数据和/或元数据。In various embodiments, the HTTP server module 336 of the proxy terminal 104 can transmit at least a portion of the metadata and media data to the UE 108 via HTTP transmission. In some embodiments, the HTTP access client 224 in the UE 108 can receive at least a portion of the metadata and media data from the HTTP server module 336 of the proxy terminal 104 by issuing an HTTP GET or HTTP partial GET request. Accordingly, MBMS transmission can be used to efficiently distribute media data and/or metadata to multiple proxy terminals. These proxy terminals can then distribute the media data and/or metadata to associated UEs via HTTP.

在一些实施例中，媒体数据和元数据可采取DASH格式。例如，媒体数据可包括与诸如视频、音频和/或多媒体呈现之类的媒体呈现关联的多个媒体段。这些媒体段可与媒体呈现的不同时段关联，和/或作为媒体呈现的同一时段的不同版本。这些版本可包括不同性质，例如比特率、帧率、分辨率、编解码器类型和/或其它性质。In some embodiments, the media data and metadata may be in DASH format. For example, the media data may include multiple media segments associated with a media presentation such as a video, audio, and/or multimedia presentation. These media segments may be associated with different time periods of the media presentation and/or may be different versions of the same time period of the media presentation. These versions may include different properties, such as bit rate, frame rate, resolution, codec type, and/or other properties.

DASH格式化内容的元数据可包括与媒体数据关联的媒体呈现描述(MPD)元数据。MPD元数据可包括与媒体数据中包含的媒体段的内容和/或性质相关的信息和/或与包括媒体数据的MBMS传输关联的参数。The metadata of the DASH formatted content may include Media Presentation Description (MPD) metadata associated with the media data. The MPD metadata may include information related to the content and/or properties of the media segments included in the media data and/or parameters associated with the MBMS transmission including the media data.

在各种实施例中，UE 108的媒体客户端220也可基于MPD元数据、使用HTTP请求(例如经由HTTP接入客户端224)向BMSC 112或媒体服务器116来请求一个或多个媒体段。媒体客户端220可请求连续时段的媒体段，以便向UE 108的用户提供媒体呈现。媒体客户端220可基于一个或多个条件(例如可用带宽、网络条件、用户偏好、装置能力(例如显示器分辨率、处理能力、存储器资源等))和/或装置条件(例如其它处理/存储器开销)来动态改变要请求哪一个媒体段版本。In various embodiments, the media client 220 of the UE 108 may also request one or more media segments based on the MPD metadata using an HTTP request (e.g., via the HTTP access client 224) to the BMSC 112 or the media server 116. The media client 220 may request consecutive time periods of the media segments in order to provide a media presentation to the user of the UE 108. The media client 220 may dynamically change which media segment version to request based on one or more conditions (e.g., available bandwidth, network conditions, user preferences, device capabilities (e.g., display resolution, processing power, memory resources, etc.)) and/or device conditions (e.g., other processing/memory overhead).

在各种实施例中，代理终端104的HTTP服务器模块336可从UE 108的HTTP接入客户端224接收HTTP请求。HTTP服务器模块336可响应该请求而经由HTTP向UE 108传送所请求媒体段。In various embodiments, the HTTP server module 336 of the proxy terminal 104 may receive an HTTP request from the HTTP access client 224 of the UE 108. The HTTP server module 336 may transmit the requested media segment to the UE 108 via HTTP in response to the request.

在常规系统中，由UE 108进行的HTTP请求经过一个或多个中间装置(例如eNB、HTTP高速缓存等)转发到远程HTTP服务器。相比之下，本文所述的代理终端104直接响应UE108进行的HTTP请求。HTTP请求可以不转发到媒体服务器116。相应地，代理终端104可提供通过网络100的降低信令和/或UE 108访问媒体呈现的降低延迟(例如启动延迟)。另外，本文所述的MBMS辅助过程对UE 108而言可以是透明的。In conventional systems, HTTP requests made by UE 108 are forwarded to a remote HTTP server via one or more intermediary devices (e.g., eNB, HTTP cache, etc.). In contrast, the proxy terminal 104 described herein responds directly to HTTP requests made by UE 108. The HTTP requests may not be forwarded to media server 116. Accordingly, the proxy terminal 104 may provide reduced signaling over network 100 and/or reduced latency (e.g., startup latency) for UE 108 to access media presentations. Furthermore, the MBMS assisted procedures described herein may be transparent to UE 108.

虽然本文中参照DASH格式化媒体数据和元数据来描述媒体数据和元数据，但是本公开并不局限于这个方面。在其它实施例中，代理终端104可用来向UE 108分发任何适当类型的媒体数据和/或元数据。Although media data and metadata are described herein with reference to DASH formatted media data and metadata, the present disclosure is not limited in this respect. In other embodiments, proxy terminal 104 may be used to distribute any suitable type of media data and/or metadata to UE 108.

在一些实施例中，代理终端104可以仅接收和/或缓存可从该BMSC得到的给定媒体呈现的媒体数据的一部分(例如所选媒体段)。代理终端104可从BMSC 112接收与可从BMSC112得到的媒体数据关联的第一MPD元数据。代理终端104可生成与可用于向UE的HTTP传输的媒体数据的子集或超集关联的第二MPD元数据和/或向UE 108传送与可用于向UE的HTTP传输媒体数据的子集或超集关联的第二MPD元数据。例如因调度限制、存储器限制、网络条件和/或允许存储器/带宽用于其它媒体呈现，代理终端104可以仅接收和/或缓存媒体数据的一部分。In some embodiments, the proxy terminal 104 may receive and/or cache only a portion of the media data (e.g., selected media segments) for a given media presentation available from the BMSC. The proxy terminal 104 may receive, from the BMSC 112, first MPD metadata associated with the media data available from the BMSC 112. The proxy terminal 104 may generate and/or transmit to the UE 108 second MPD metadata associated with a subset or superset of the media data available for HTTP transmission to the UE. For example, the proxy terminal 104 may receive and/or cache only a portion of the media data due to scheduling constraints, memory limitations, network conditions, and/or to allow memory/bandwidth for other media presentations.

在一些实施例中，代理终端104可缓存与媒体呈现的给定部分的表示(例如质量等级)的子集对应的可用媒体段的子集。In some embodiments, the proxy terminal 104 may cache a subset of the available media segments corresponding to a subset of representations (eg, quality levels) of a given portion of a media presentation.

在一些实施例中，代理终端104可缓存与媒体呈现的开始部分对应的可用媒体段的子集。在由用户请求媒体呈现的回放时，这可促进媒体呈现的快速启动。在请求回放之后可请求附加媒体段。In some embodiments, the proxy terminal 104 may cache a subset of available media segments corresponding to the beginning of the media presentation. This may facilitate rapid startup of the media presentation when playback of the media presentation is requested by the user. Additional media segments may be requested after playback is requested.

由代理终端104所缓存的媒体呈现和/或媒体段可基于任何适当标准来选择，例如媒体呈现和/或媒体段的所确定或预期流行度。在一些实施例中，媒体呈现可基于标识媒体呈现的用户指示(例如指示用户希望在媒体呈现成为可用时和/或在稍后时间回放媒体呈现)来选择。在代理终端104包含在UE 108的实施例中，这可特别有帮助，但是它并不局限于那个方面。在一些实施例中，UE 108还可指示UE 108的一种或多种能力和/或用户的质量/体验偏好，以促进媒体呈现的一个或多个适当表示的选择。例如，用户可优选较低比特率呈现，其中与较高比特率呈现相比具有较少回放延迟。The media presentations and/or media segments buffered by the proxy terminal 104 can be selected based on any appropriate criteria, such as the determined or expected popularity of the media presentations and/or media segments. In some embodiments, the media presentation can be selected based on a user indication identifying the media presentation (e.g., indicating that the user wishes to playback the media presentation when it becomes available and/or at a later time). In embodiments where the proxy terminal 104 is included in a UE 108, this can be particularly helpful, but it is not limited to that aspect. In some embodiments, the UE 108 can also indicate one or more capabilities of the UE 108 and/or the user's quality/experience preferences to facilitate the selection of one or more appropriate representations of the media presentation. For example, a user may prefer a lower bit rate presentation, which has less playback delay than a higher bit rate presentation.

在各种实施例中，代理终端104的MBMS接入客户端332可包括接收和/或缓存MBMS传输的一种或多种MBMS能力。例如，MBMS接入客户端332可激活利用BMSC 112的MBMS服务，并且经由USD信令接收MPD元数据。在一些实施例中，MBMS接入客户端332可对与MBMS传输关联的应用层前向纠错(AL-FEC)码、例如Raptor码进行解码。作为补充或替代，MBMS接入客户端332可执行一个或多个恢复过程，以检索元数据和/或媒体数据的不正确接收部分。在一些实施例中，MBMS接入客户端332可向BMSC 112发送具有传递检验信息和/或接收统计的报告。In various embodiments, the MBMS access client 332 of the proxy terminal 104 may include one or more MBMS capabilities for receiving and/or buffering MBMS transmissions. For example, the MBMS access client 332 may activate an MBMS service with the BMSC 112 and receive MPD metadata via USD signaling. In some embodiments, the MBMS access client 332 may decode application layer forward error correction (AL-FEC) codes associated with the MBMS transmission, such as Raptor codes. Additionally or alternatively, the MBMS access client 332 may perform one or more recovery procedures to retrieve incorrectly received portions of the metadata and/or media data. In some embodiments, the MBMS access client 332 may send a report containing delivery verification information and/or reception statistics to the BMSC 112.

如上所述，在一些实施例中，代理终端104可包含在eNB中或者网络100的另一个UE中。UE 108可具有与eNB或另一UE的通信链路，以便除了媒体数据和元数据之外，还通过网络100传送和/或接收其它数据。在其它实施例中，代理终端104可包含在UE 108中，即，代理终端104的功能性和UE 108的功能性可包含在单个终端中。在这些实施例中，HTTP服务器模块336可具有与UE 108的HTTP接入客户端224的有线或无线连接。As described above, in some embodiments, the proxy terminal 104 may be included in an eNB or in another UE of the network 100. The UE 108 may have a communication link with the eNB or another UE to transmit and/or receive other data, in addition to media data and metadata, over the network 100. In other embodiments, the proxy terminal 104 may be included in the UE 108, i.e., the functionality of the proxy terminal 104 and the functionality of the UE 108 may be included in a single terminal. In these embodiments, the HTTP server module 336 may have a wired or wireless connection to the HTTP access client 224 of the UE 108.

图4示出按照各种实施例、促进向UE的HTTP接入客户端(例如UE 108的HTTP接入客户端224)分发媒体数据的方法400。方法400可由代理终端(例如代理终端104)来执行。该代理终端可例如包含在eNB或另一个UE中。备选地，代理终端可包含在包括该HTTP接入客户端的同一UE终端中。在一些实施例中，代理终端可包括和/或有权访问其上存储了指令的一个或多个计算机可读介质，其中指令在被运行时使代理终端执行方法400。FIG4 illustrates a method 400 for facilitating the distribution of media data to an HTTP access client of a UE (e.g., HTTP access client 224 of UE 108), according to various embodiments. Method 400 may be performed by a proxy terminal (e.g., proxy terminal 104). The proxy terminal may, for example, be included in an eNB or another UE. Alternatively, the proxy terminal may be included in the same UE terminal that includes the HTTP access client. In some embodiments, the proxy terminal may include and/or have access to one or more computer-readable media having stored thereon instructions that, when executed, cause the proxy terminal to perform method 400.

在404，代理终端可激活利用BMSC(例如BMSC 112)的MBMS服务。代理终端可主动地(例如不是响应来自UE的指令)激活MBMS服务。At 404, the proxy terminal may activate the MBMS service with the BMSC (eg, BMSC 112). The proxy terminal may activate the MBMS service proactively (eg, not in response to an instruction from the UE).

在408，代理终端可经由USD信令从BMSC接收元数据(例如MPD元数据)。所述元数据可与将由BMSC广播的媒体数据关联。所述元数据可传递到UE。在一些实施例中，所述元数据可在传递到UE之前经过修改。例如，所述元数据可修改成包括与可用于向UE的HTTP传输的媒体数据的子集或超集相关的信息。At 408, the proxy terminal may receive metadata (e.g., MPD metadata) from the BMSC via USD signaling. The metadata may be associated with media data to be broadcast by the BMSC. The metadata may be delivered to the UE. In some embodiments, the metadata may be modified before delivery to the UE. For example, the metadata may be modified to include information related to a subset or superset of media data available for HTTP delivery to the UE.

在412，代理终端可从包括媒体数据的BMSC接收MBMS传输。媒体数据可采取DASH格式，并且包括与媒体呈现关联的多个媒体段。The proxy terminal may receive an MBMS transmission from the BMSC including media data at 412. The media data may be in a DASH format and include a plurality of media segments associated with a media presentation.

在416，代理终端可缓存所接收媒体数据。该缓存可包括将媒体数据存储在代理终端上的本地存储装置中。The proxy terminal may cache the received media data at 416. The caching may include storing the media data in a local storage device on the proxy terminal.

在420，代理终端可从HTTP接入客户端接收要接收所缓存媒体数据的至少一部分的HTTP请求。例如，所述HTTP请求可标识所缓存媒体数据的一个或多个媒体段。HTTP接入客户端可在UE 108中托管。在一些实施例中，MBMS接入客户端、存储器、HTTP服务器和HTTP接入客户端功能性可在单个终端中托管。在其它实施例中，MBMS接入客户端、存储器和HTTP服务器可在另一个终端、例如eNB或另一个UE中托管。At 420, the proxy terminal may receive an HTTP request from the HTTP access client to receive at least a portion of the cached media data. For example, the HTTP request may identify one or more media segments of the cached media data. The HTTP access client may be hosted in UE 108. In some embodiments, the MBMS access client, storage, HTTP server, and HTTP access client functionality may be hosted in a single terminal. In other embodiments, the MBMS access client, storage, and HTTP server may be hosted in another terminal, such as an eNB or another UE.

在424，代理终端可经由HTTP信令向HTTP接入客户端传送所请求媒体数据。代理终端可从本地存储装置中检索所请求媒体数据供传输。相应地，来自HTTP接入客户端的HTTP请求可由代理终端来截取，而没有转发到远程服务器。At 424, the proxy terminal may transmit the requested media data to the HTTP access client via HTTP signaling. The proxy terminal may retrieve the requested media data from the local storage device for transmission. Accordingly, the HTTP request from the HTTP access client may be intercepted by the proxy terminal without being forwarded to the remote server.

代理终端此后可从UE接收要检索媒体数据的其它部分的附加HTTP请求。The proxy terminal may thereafter receive additional HTTP requests from the UE to retrieve other portions of the media data.

本文所述的代理终端104、UE 108和/或BMSC 112可使用根据需要配置的任何适当硬件和/或软件来实现到系统中。图5对于一个实施例示出示例系统500，其中包括一个或多个处理器504、与(一个或多个)处理器504中的至少一个处理器耦合的系统控制逻辑508、与系统控制逻辑508耦合的系统存储器512、与系统控制逻辑508耦合的非易失性存储器(NVM)/存储装置516、与系统控制逻辑508耦合的网络接口520以及与系统控制逻辑508耦合的输入/输出(I/O)装置532。The proxy terminal 104, UE 108, and/or BMSC 112 described herein can be implemented into a system using any appropriate hardware and/or software configured as needed. FIG5 illustrates an example system 500 for one embodiment, including one or more processors 504, system control logic 508 coupled to at least one of the processor(s) 504, system memory 512 coupled to the system control logic 508, non-volatile memory (NVM)/storage device 516 coupled to the system control logic 508, a network interface 520 coupled to the system control logic 508, and an input/output (I/O) device 532 coupled to the system control logic 508.

(一个或多个)处理器504可包括一个或多个单核处理器或多核处理器。(一个或多个)处理器504可包括通用处理器和专用处理器(例如图形处理器、应用处理器、基带处理器等)的任何组合。The processor(s) 504 may include one or more single-core processors or multi-core processors. The processor(s) 504 may include any combination of general-purpose processors and specialized processors (eg, graphics processors, application processors, baseband processors, etc.).

一个实施例的系统控制逻辑508可包括任何适当的接口控制器，以便提供到(一个或多个)处理器504中的至少一个处理器和/或到与系统控制逻辑508进行通信的任何适当装置或组件的任何适当接口。System control logic 508 for one embodiment may include any suitable interface controller to provide any appropriate interface to at least one of processor(s) 504 and/or to any appropriate device or component in communication with system control logic 508 .

一个实施例的系统控制逻辑508可包括一个或多个存储控制器，以便提供到系统存储器512的接口。系统存储器512可用来加载和存储例如用于系统500的数据和/或指令。一个实施例的系统存储器512可包括例如任何适当的易失性存储器，例如适当的动态随机存取存储器(DRAM)。System control logic 508 for one embodiment may include one or more memory controllers to provide an interface to system memory 512. System memory 512 may be used to load and store, for example, data and/or instructions for system 500. System memory 512 for one embodiment may include, for example, any suitable volatile memory, such as suitable dynamic random access memory (DRAM).

例如，NVM/存储装置516可包括用于存储数据和/或指令的一个或多个有形、非暂时计算机可读介质。NVM/存储装置516可包括任何适当的非易失性存储器，例如闪速存储器，和/或可包括例如任何适当的非易失性存储装置，例如一个或多个硬盘驱动器(HDD)、一个或多个致密光盘(CD)驱动器和/或一个或多个数字多功能盘(DVD)驱动器。For example, NVM/storage 516 may include one or more tangible, non-transitory computer-readable media for storing data and/or instructions. NVM/storage 516 may include any suitable non-volatile memory, such as flash memory, and/or may include, for example, any suitable non-volatile storage devices, such as one or more hard disk drives (HDDs), one or more compact disk (CD) drives, and/or one or more digital versatile disk (DVD) drives.

NVM/存储装置516可包括物理上作为其上安装了系统500的装置的一部分的存储资源，或者它可以是该装置可访问的，但不一定是该装置的一部分。例如，可通过网络经由网络接口520和/或通过输入/输出(I/O)装置532来访问NVM/存储装置516。NVM/storage 516 may include storage resources that are physically part of the device on which system 500 is installed, or it may be accessible to the device but not necessarily part of the device. For example, NVM/storage 516 may be accessed over a network via network interface 520 and/or through input/output (I/O) devices 532.

网络接口520可具有收发器522，以便为系统500提供无线电接口以通过一个或多个网络和/或与任何其它适当装置进行通信。收发器522可实现UE 108的HTTP接入客户端120或者MBMS模块和/或代理终端104的HTTP模块132。在各种实施例中，收发器522可与系统500的其它组件集成。例如，收发器522可包括(一个或多个)处理器504中的处理器、系统存储器512中的存储器以及NVM/存储装置516中的NVM/存储装置。网络接口520可包括任何适当的硬件和/或固件。网络接口520可包括多个天线，以便提供多输入多输出无线电接口。一个实施例的网络接口520可包括例如有线网络适配器、无线网络适配器、电话调制解调器和/或无线调制解调器。The network interface 520 may include a transceiver 522 to provide a radio interface for the system 500 to communicate over one or more networks and/or with any other suitable devices. The transceiver 522 may implement the HTTP access client 120 of the UE 108 or the MBMS module and/or the HTTP module 132 of the proxy terminal 104. In various embodiments, the transceiver 522 may be integrated with other components of the system 500. For example, the transceiver 522 may include a processor in the processor(s) 504, a memory in the system memory 512, and an NVM/storage device in the NVM/storage device 516. The network interface 520 may include any suitable hardware and/or firmware. The network interface 520 may include multiple antennas to provide a multiple-input, multiple-output radio interface. The network interface 520 of one embodiment may include, for example, a wired network adapter, a wireless network adapter, a telephone modem, and/or a wireless modem.

对于一个实施例，(一个或多个)处理器504中的至少一个处理器可与系统控制逻辑508的一个或多个控制器的逻辑封装在一起。对于一个实施例，(一个或多个)处理器504中的至少一个处理器可与系统控制逻辑508的一个或多个控制器的逻辑封装在一起，以形成系统级封装(SiP)。对于一个实施例，(一个或多个)处理器504中的至少一个处理器可与系统控制逻辑508的一个或多个控制器的逻辑集成在同一个管芯上。对于一个实施例，(一个或多个)处理器504中的至少一个处理器可与系统控制逻辑508的一个或多个控制器的逻辑集成在同一个管芯上，以形成芯片上系统(SoC)。For one embodiment, at least one of the processor(s) 504 may be packaged together with the logic of one or more controllers of the system control logic 508. For one embodiment, at least one of the processor(s) 504 may be packaged together with the logic of one or more controllers of the system control logic 508 to form a system-in-package (SiP). For one embodiment, at least one of the processor(s) 504 may be integrated on the same die with the logic of one or more controllers of the system control logic 508. For one embodiment, at least one of the processor(s) 504 may be integrated on the same die with the logic of one or more controllers of the system control logic 508 to form a system on a chip (SoC).

在各种实施例中，I/O装置532可包括：用户接口，设计成实现用户与系统500的交互；外设部件接口，设计成实现外设部件与系统500的交互；和/或传感器，设计成确定与系统500相关的环境条件和/或位置信息。In various embodiments, the I/O device 532 may include: a user interface designed to enable user interaction with the system 500; a peripheral component interface designed to enable interaction between a peripheral component and the system 500; and/or a sensor designed to determine environmental conditions and/or location information related to the system 500.

在各种实施例中，用户接口可包括但不限于显示器(例如液晶显示器、触摸屏显示器等)、喇叭、话筒、一个或多个摄像机(例如照相机和/或视频摄像机)、闪光灯(例如发光二极管闪光)和键盘。In various embodiments, the user interface may include, but is not limited to, a display (e.g., an LCD display, a touch screen display, etc.), a speaker, a microphone, one or more cameras (e.g., a still camera and/or a video camera), a flash (e.g., an LED flash), and a keyboard.

在各种实施例中，外设部件接口可包括但不限于非易失性存储器端口、通用串行总线(USB)端口、音频插孔和电源接口。In various embodiments, the peripheral component interface may include, but is not limited to, a non-volatile memory port, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, an audio jack, and a power interface.

在各种实施例中，传感器可包括但不限于陀螺仪传感器、加速计、近程传感器、环境光传感器和定位单元。定位单元也可以是网络接口520的组成部分或者与其交互，以便与定位网络的组件、例如全球定位系统(GPS)卫星进行通信。In various embodiments, the sensors may include, but are not limited to, gyroscope sensors, accelerometers, proximity sensors, ambient light sensors, and positioning units. The positioning unit may also be part of or interact with the network interface 520 to communicate with components of a positioning network, such as global positioning system (GPS) satellites.

在各种实施例中，系统500可以是移动计算装置，诸如但不限于膝上型计算装置、平板计算装置、上网本、智能电话等。在各种实施例中，系统500可具有更多或更少的组件和/或不同的架构。In various embodiments, the system 500 may be a mobile computing device such as, but not limited to, a laptop computing device, a tablet computing device, a netbook, a smartphone, etc. In various embodiments, the system 500 may have more or fewer components and/or a different architecture.

在本公开的各种实施例中，提供一种可由代理终端来执行的方法。该方法可包括：由代理终端激活利用广播多播服务中心(BMSC)的多播广播多媒体服务(MBMS)；经由用户服务发现(USD)信令从BMSC接收媒体呈现描述(MPD)元数据，MPD元数据与媒体数据关联；经由MBMS传输从BMSC接收与MPD元数据关联的媒体数据的至少一部分；缓存所接收媒体数据和元数据；从用户设备(UE)中托管的超文本传输协议(HTTP)接入客户端接收要接收所缓存元数据和所缓存媒体数据的至少一部分的HTTP请求；以及响应HTTP请求而经由HTTP信令向UE传送所缓存元数据和所缓存媒体数据的至少一部分。在该方法的一个实施例中，该缓存包括存储所接收媒体数据和MPD元数据供以后经由HTTP传输来传输，以及在缓存所接收媒体数据和元数据之后从UE接收HTTP请求。In various embodiments of the present disclosure, a method that can be performed by a proxy terminal is provided. The method may include: activating a multicast broadcast multimedia service (MBMS) using a broadcast multicast service center (BMSC) by the proxy terminal; receiving media presentation description (MPD) metadata from the BMSC via user service discovery (USD) signaling, the MPD metadata being associated with media data; receiving at least a portion of the media data associated with the MPD metadata from the BMSC via MBMS transmission; caching the received media data and metadata; receiving a hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) access client hosted in a user equipment (UE) to receive an HTTP request to receive at least a portion of the cached metadata and the cached media data; and transmitting the cached metadata and at least a portion of the cached media data to the UE via HTTP signaling in response to the HTTP request. In one embodiment of the method, the caching includes storing the received media data and MPD metadata for later transmission via HTTP transmission, and receiving an HTTP request from the UE after caching the received media data and metadata.

在本公开的其它实施例中，提供一种用于媒体数据的传递的代理终端。该代理终端可包括：用于激活利用广播多播服务中心(BMSC)的多播广播多媒体服务(MBMS)的部件；用于经由用户服务发现(USD)信令从BMSC接收媒体呈现描述(MPD)元数据的部件，MPD元数据与媒体数据关联；用于经由MBMS传输从BMSC接收与MPD元数据关联的媒体数据的至少一部分的部件；用于缓存所接收媒体数据和元数据的部件；用于从用户设备(UE)中托管的超文本传输协议(HTTP)接入客户端接收要接收所缓存元数据和所缓存媒体数据的至少一部分的HTTP请求的部件；以及用于响应HTTP请求而经由HTTP信令向UE传送所缓存元数据和所缓存媒体数据的至少一部分的部件。在该代理终端的一些实施例中，用于缓存的部件包括用于存储所接收媒体数据和MPD元数据供以后经由HTTP传输来传输的部件，以及在缓存所接收媒体数据和元数据之后从UE接收HTTP请求。In other embodiments of the present disclosure, a proxy terminal for delivering media data is provided. The proxy terminal may include: a component for activating a multicast broadcast multimedia service (MBMS) utilizing a broadcast multicast service center (BMSC); a component for receiving media presentation description (MPD) metadata from the BMSC via user service discovery (USD) signaling, the MPD metadata being associated with the media data; a component for receiving at least a portion of the media data associated with the MPD metadata from the BMSC via MBMS transmission; a component for caching the received media data and metadata; a component for receiving a hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) access client hosted in a user equipment (UE) to receive an HTTP request for at least a portion of the cached metadata and the cached media data; and a component for transmitting the cached metadata and at least a portion of the cached media data to the UE via HTTP signaling in response to the HTTP request. In some embodiments of the proxy terminal, the component for caching includes a component for storing the received media data and MPD metadata for later transmission via HTTP transmission, and receiving an HTTP request from the UE after caching the received media data and metadata.

在以上所述方法或代理终端的一些实施例中，媒体数据和MPD元数据采取通过HTTP的动态自适应流播(DASH)格式。在以上所述方法或代理终端的一些实施例中，所接收MPD元数据是第一MPD元数据，以及其中代理终端还包括用于向UE传送与可用于向UE的HTTP传输的媒体数据的子集或超集关联的第二MPD元数据的部件。In some embodiments of the above method or proxy terminal, the media data and MPD metadata are in Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP (DASH) format. In some embodiments of the above method or proxy terminal, the received MPD metadata is first MPD metadata, and wherein the proxy terminal further comprises means for transmitting to the UE second MPD metadata associated with a subset or superset of the media data available for HTTP transmission to the UE.

在以上所述方法或代理终端的一些实施例中，代理终端包含在演进节点B(eNB)或另一个UE中。In some embodiments of the above method or proxy terminal, the proxy terminal is included in an evolved Node B (eNB) or another UE.

在本公开的其它实施例中，提供一种用于媒体数据的传递的代理终端，所述代理终端包括：多媒体广播和多播服务(MBMS)接入客户端，所述多媒体广播和多播服务(MBMS)接入客户端配置成：接收包括媒体数据和元数据的MBMS传输；并且缓存媒体数据和元数据供以后传输；所述代理终端还包括超文本传输协议(HTTP)服务器模块，其配置成：在媒体数据和元数据被缓存之后从用户设备(UE)的HTTP接入客户端接收HTTP请求；并且经由HTTP传输向UE的HTTP接入客户端传送元数据和媒体数据的至少一部分。In other embodiments of the present disclosure, a proxy terminal for delivery of media data is provided, the proxy terminal comprising: a multimedia broadcast and multicast service (MBMS) access client, the MBMS access client configured to: receive MBMS transmissions comprising media data and metadata; and cache the media data and metadata for later transmission; the proxy terminal further comprising a hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) server module configured to: receive an HTTP request from an HTTP access client of a user equipment (UE) after the media data and metadata are cached; and transmit at least a portion of the metadata and media data to the HTTP access client of the UE via HTTP transmission.

在代理终端的一些实施例中，媒体数据和元数据采取通过HTTP的动态自适应流播(DASH)格式。在一些这类实施例中，MBMS接入客户端配置成接收与媒体数据关联的第一媒体呈现描述(MPD)元数据，以及其中HTTP服务器模块还配置成生成第二MPD元数据并且向UE传送第二MPD元数据，第二MPD与可用于向UE的HTTP接入客户端的HTTP传输的媒体数据的子集或超集关联。在代理终端的一些实施例中，HTTP服务器模块配置成从HTTP接入客户端接收HTTP请求，所述HTTP请求标识将要传送给HTTP接入客户端的DASH格式媒体数据段。In some embodiments of the proxy terminal, the media data and metadata are in a Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP (DASH) format. In some such embodiments, the MBMS access client is configured to receive first Media Presentation Description (MPD) metadata associated with the media data, and wherein the HTTP server module is further configured to generate second MPD metadata and transmit the second MPD metadata to the UE, the second MPD being associated with a subset or superset of the media data available for HTTP transmission to the HTTP access client of the UE. In some embodiments of the proxy terminal, the HTTP server module is configured to receive an HTTP request from the HTTP access client, the HTTP request identifying DASH formatted media data segments to be transmitted to the HTTP access client.

在代理终端的一些实施例中，代理终端包含在配置成通过无线通信网络与UE进行通信的演进节点B(eNB)中。在代理终端的其它实施例中，代理终端包含在另一个UE中。在代理终端的又一些实施例中，代理终端包含在其中包含HTTP接入客户端的同一UE中。In some embodiments of the proxy terminal, the proxy terminal is included in an evolved Node B (eNB) configured to communicate with a UE via a wireless communication network. In other embodiments of the proxy terminal, the proxy terminal is included in another UE. In still other embodiments of the proxy terminal, the proxy terminal is included in the same UE that includes the HTTP access client.

在代理终端的一些实施例中，MBMS接入客户端配置成经由通过单向传输的文件传递(FLUTE)协议接收MBMS传输。在代理终端的一些实施例中，MBMS接入客户端配置成经由因特网协议(IP)多播协议接收MBMS传输。在代理终端的一些实施例中，MBMS传输从广播多播服务中心(BMSC)接收；以及MBMS接入客户端还配置成向BMSC发送具有传递检验信息或接收统计的报告。In some embodiments of the proxy terminal, the MBMS access client is configured to receive MBMS transmissions via the File Delivery over Unidirectional Transport (FLUTE) protocol. In some embodiments of the proxy terminal, the MBMS access client is configured to receive MBMS transmissions via the Internet Protocol (IP) multicast protocol. In some embodiments of the proxy terminal, the MBMS transmissions are received from a Broadcast Multicast Service Center (BMSC); and the MBMS access client is further configured to send a report with delivery verification information or reception statistics to the BMSC.

在代理终端的一些实施例中，MBMS接入客户端配置成对与MBMS传输关联的应用层前向纠错(AL-FEC)码进行解码，或者执行一个或多个恢复过程以检索元数据或媒体数据的不正确接收部分。在代理终端的一些实施例中，MBMS接入客户端还配置成执行一个或多个恢复过程，以检索元数据或媒体数据的不正确接收部分。In some embodiments of the proxy terminal, the MBMS access client is configured to decode an application layer forward error correction (AL-FEC) code associated with the MBMS transmission, or to perform one or more recovery procedures to retrieve incorrectly received portions of the metadata or media data. In some embodiments of the proxy terminal, the MBMS access client is further configured to perform one or more recovery procedures to retrieve incorrectly received portions of the metadata or media data.

本公开的其它实施例提供其上存储了指令的一个或多个非暂时计算机可读介质，指令在被运行时使无线通信装置：接收包括采取通过超文本传输协议的动态自适应流播(DASH)格式的媒体数据和元数据的MBMS传输，媒体数据包括多个媒体段；存储媒体段的部分或全部供以后传输；并且经由超文本传输协议(HTTP)向用户设备(UE)传送所存储媒体段中的一个或多个媒体段。Other embodiments of the present disclosure provide one or more non-transitory computer-readable media having instructions stored thereon that, when executed, cause a wireless communication device to: receive an MBMS transmission comprising media data and metadata in a Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over Hypertext Transfer Protocol (DASH) format, the media data comprising a plurality of media segments; store some or all of the media segments for later transmission; and transmit one or more of the stored media segments to a user equipment (UE) via a Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP).

在一个或多个计算机可读介质的一些实施例中，指令在被运行时还使无线通信装置接收与多个媒体段关联的第一媒体呈现描述(MPD)元数据；并且向UE传送第二MPD元数据，第二MPD与可用于向UE的传输的多个媒体数据段的子集或超集关联。在一个或多个计算机可读介质的一些实施例中，指令在被运行时还使无线通信装置从UE接收对一个或多个媒体段的传输的请求；并且响应该请求而从UE传送一个或多个媒体段。In some embodiments of the one or more computer-readable media, the instructions, when executed, further cause the wireless communication device to receive first media presentation description (MPD) metadata associated with a plurality of media segments; and transmit second MPD metadata to the UE, the second MPD being associated with a subset or a superset of the plurality of media data segments available for transmission to the UE. In some embodiments of the one or more computer-readable media, the instructions, when executed, further cause the wireless communication device to receive a request from the UE for transmission of the one or more media segments; and transmit the one or more media segments from the UE in response to the request.

在一个或多个计算机可读介质的一些实施例中，无线通信装置是演进节点B(eNB)，其配置成通过无线通信网络与UE进行通信。在一个或多个计算机可读介质的其它实施例中，无线通信装置是另一个UE。In some embodiments of the one or more computer-readable media, the wireless communication device is an evolved Node B (eNB) configured to communicate with a UE over a wireless communication network. In other embodiments of the one or more computer-readable media, the wireless communication device is another UE.

本公开的其它实施例提供一种要由用户设备(UE)用于访问介质的设备，所述设备包括：存储器；多媒体广播和多播服务(MBMS)接入客户端，其配置成：接收包括采取通过超文本传输协议的动态自适应流播(DASH)格式的媒体数据和元数据的MBMS传输，媒体数据包括一个或多个媒体段；并且将媒体数据和元数据缓存在存储器中供以后访问；以及DASH客户端，其配置成在媒体数据被缓存之后从存储器检索一个或多个媒体段或元数据。Other embodiments of the present disclosure provide a device to be used by a user equipment (UE) to access a medium, the device comprising: a memory; a Multimedia Broadcast and Multicast Service (MBMS) access client configured to: receive MBMS transmissions comprising media data and metadata in a Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over Hypertext Transfer Protocol (DASH) format, the media data comprising one or more media segments; and cache the media data and metadata in the memory for later access; and a DASH client configured to retrieve the one or more media segments or metadata from the memory after the media data is cached.

在该设备的一些实施例中，DASH客户端配置成使用HTTP请求来检索一个或多个媒体段或元数据。在该设备的一些实施例中，MBMS接入客户端配置成经由通过单向传输的文件传递(FLUTE)协议接收MBMS传输。In some embodiments of the apparatus, the DASH client is configured to retrieve one or more media segments or metadata using HTTP requests.In some embodiments of the apparatus, the MBMS access client is configured to receive MBMS transmissions via a File Delivery over Unidirectional Transport (FLUTE) protocol.

在该设备的一些实施例中，MBMS接入客户端配置成从远程服务器接收媒体数据和元数据，以及MBMS接入客户端配置成接收可从远程服务器得到的、与媒体呈现关联的媒体段的子集。In some embodiments of the apparatus, the MBMS access client is configured to receive media data and metadata from a remote server, and the MBMS access client is configured to receive a subset of media segments associated with the media presentation available from the remote server.

在该设备的一些实施例中，MBMS接入客户端配置成接收与媒体呈现关联的媒体段的子集，其中媒体段的子集对应于媒体呈现的开始部分，以及其中DASH客户端配置成在媒体呈现的回放期间自适应地检索与媒体呈现的其余部分的至少一部分对应的媒体段。In some embodiments of the apparatus, the MBMS access client is configured to receive a subset of media segments associated with a media presentation, wherein the subset of media segments corresponds to a beginning portion of the media presentation, and wherein the DASH client is configured to adaptively retrieve media segments corresponding to at least a portion of a remainder of the media presentation during playback of the media presentation.

在该设备的一些实施例中，MBMS接入客户端配置成基于标识媒体呈现的用户指示接收与该媒体呈现关联的媒体数据，其中所述用户指示在该媒体呈现的可用性之前接收。In some embodiments of the apparatus, the MBMS access client is configured to receive media data associated with the media presentation based on a user indication identifying the media presentation, wherein the user indication is received prior to availability of the media presentation.

虽然本文中为了描述的目的而示出和描述了特定的实施例，但是打算实现相同目的的大量备选和/或等效实施例或实现可代替所示和所述的实施例，而没有背离本公开的范围。本申请意在涵盖本文所述实施例的任何修改或变更。因此，显然意图是，本文所述实施例仅受权利要求及其等效物限制。Although specific embodiments are shown and described herein for illustrative purposes, numerous alternative and/or equivalent embodiments or implementations intended to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. This application is intended to cover any modifications or variations of the embodiments described herein. Therefore, it is expressly intended that the embodiments described herein be limited only by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims (26)

Translated fromChinese

1.一种要由代理终端使用的方法，所述方法包括：1. A method to be used by an agent terminal, the method comprising:从广播多播服务中心(BMSC)接收媒体呈现描述(MPD)信息，所述MPD信息与通过超文本传输协议的动态自适应流播(DASH)媒体段相关联；receiving media presentation description (MPD) information from a broadcast multicast service center (BMSC), the MPD information associated with a Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over Hypertext Transfer Protocol (DASH) media segment;经由多播广播多媒体服务(MBMS)传输从所述BMSC接收与所述MPD信息相关联的所述DASH媒体段中的第一DASH媒体段；receiving a first DASH media segment of the DASH media segments associated with the MPD information from the BMSC via a multicast broadcast multimedia service (MBMS) transmission;缓存所述第一DASH媒体段和所述MPD信息；caching the first DASH media segment and the MPD information;从用户设备(UE)中托管的DASH客户端接收请求所述第一DASH媒体段的超文本传输协议(HTTP)请求；以及receiving a hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) request from a DASH client hosted in a user equipment (UE) requesting the first DASH media segment; and响应于所述HTTP请求，经由单播HTTP信令向所述DASH客户端发送所述第一DASH媒体段。In response to the HTTP request, the first DASH media segment is sent to the DASH client via unicast HTTP signaling.2.如权利要求1所述的方法，其中，所述接收的MPD信息是第一MPD信息，并且其中所述方法还包括：2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the received MPD information is first MPD information, and wherein the method further comprises:向所述UE传送第二MPD信息，所述第二MPD信息与可用于向所述代理终端的MBMS传输的DASH媒体段的子集或超集关联，其中所述子集或超集与可用于向所述UE的DASH客户端的HTTP传输的DASH媒体段对应。Second MPD information is transmitted to the UE, the second MPD information being associated with a subset or superset of DASH media segments available for MBMS delivery to the proxy terminal, wherein the subset or superset corresponds to DASH media segments available for HTTP delivery to a DASH client of the UE.3.如权利要求1所述的方法，其中，所述缓存包括存储所述第一DASH媒体段供以后经由所述HTTP传输来传递，以及其中在缓存所述第一DASH媒体段和所述MPD信息之后从所述DASH客户端接收所述HTTP请求。3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the caching comprises storing the first DASH media segment for later delivery via the HTTP transport, and wherein the HTTP request is received from the DASH client after caching the first DASH media segment and the MPD information.4.如权利要求1所述的方法，其中，所述代理终端包含在基站或另一个UE中。The method of claim 1 , wherein the proxy terminal is included in a base station or another UE.5.如权利要求1所述的方法，其中，所述代理终端包含在所述UE中。The method according to claim 1 , wherein the proxy terminal is included in the UE.6.一种或多种具有存储在上面的指令的计算机可读介质，所述指令在被代理终端的一个或多个处理器执行时引起所述代理终端执行权利要求1-5中任一项所述的方法。6. One or more computer-readable media having instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by one or more processors of an agent terminal, cause the agent terminal to perform the method of any one of claims 1-5.7.一种或多种具有存储在上面的指令的非易失性计算机可读介质，所述指令在被执行时引起用户设备(UE)：7. One or more non-transitory computer-readable media having stored thereon instructions that, when executed, cause a user equipment (UE):将包括通过超文本传输协议的动态自适应流播(DASH)媒体段的多媒体广播及多播服务(MBMS)广播传输解码；Decoding Multimedia Broadcast and Multicast Service (MBMS) broadcast transmissions including Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over Hypertext Transfer Protocol (DASH) media segments;缓存所述DASH媒体段的一些或全部，包括第一DASH媒体段，以供以后检索；以及caching some or all of the DASH media segments, including the first DASH media segment, for later retrieval; and经由单播超文本传输协议(HTTP)消息向所述UE的DASH客户端发送所述第一DASH媒体段。The first DASH media segment is sent to a DASH client of the UE via a unicast Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) message.8.如权利要求7所述的一种或多种计算机可读介质，其中，所述指令在被执行时还引起所述UE：8. The one or more computer-readable media of claim 7, wherein the instructions, when executed, further cause the UE to:将来自所述DASH客户端的请求所述第一DASH媒体段的HTTP请求解码；以及decoding an HTTP request from the DASH client requesting the first DASH media segment; and响应于所述请求，向所述DASH客户端发送所述第一DASH媒体段。In response to the request, the first DASH media segment is sent to the DASH client.9.如权利要求8所述的一种或多种计算机可读介质，其中，所述HTTP请求包括对应于所述第一DASH媒体段的标识符。9. The one or more computer-readable media of claim 8, wherein the HTTP request includes an identifier corresponding to the first DASH media segment.10.如权利要求7-9中任一项所述的一种或多种计算机可读介质，其中，所述指令在被执行时还引起所述UE：10. The one or more computer-readable media of any one of claims 7-9, wherein the instructions, when executed, further cause the UE to:接收第一媒体呈现描述(MPD)，所述第一媒体呈现描述指示可用于MBMS广播传输的第一组媒体段；以及receiving a first Media Presentation Description (MPD) indicating a first set of media segments available for MBMS broadcast transmission; and向所述DASH客户端发送第二MPD，所述第二MPD指示可用于向所述DASH客户端的HTTP传递的第二组媒体段，其中所述第二组媒体段是所述第一组媒体段的子集或超集。A second MPD is sent to the DASH client, the second MPD indicating a second set of media segments available for HTTP delivery to the DASH client, wherein the second set of media segments is a subset or a superset of the first set of media segments.11.一种设备，包括：11. A device comprising:多媒体广播及多播服务(MBMS)接入客户端，用于接收广播MBMS传输，所述广播MBMS传输包括通过超文本传输协议的动态自适应流播(DASH)媒体段；a Multimedia Broadcast and Multicast Service (MBMS) access client for receiving broadcast MBMS transmissions including Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over Hypertext Transfer Protocol (DASH) media segments;耦合到所述MBMS接入客户端的缓存，用于缓存接收的DASH媒体段供以后检索；以及a cache coupled to the MBMS access client, configured to cache received DASH media segments for later retrieval; and超文本传输协议(HTTP)服务器，用于：Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) server for:从用户设备(UE)的DASH客户端接收请求所述媒体段的HTTP请求；以及receiving an HTTP request from a DASH client of a user equipment (UE) requesting the media segment; and经由单播HTTP消息从所述缓存向所述UE的DASH客户端发送请求的媒体段。The requested media segments are sent from the cache to the DASH client of the UE via a unicast HTTP message.12.如权利要求11所述的设备，其中，所述MBMS接入客户端要接收与所述DASH媒体段相关联的第一媒体呈现描述(MPD)元数据，并且其中所述HTTP服务器还要生成第二MPD元数据并将其传送给所述UE，所述第二MPD与可用于向所述MBMS接入客户端的MBMS传输的DASH媒体段的子集或超集关联，其中所述子集或超集与可用于向所述UE的DASH客户端的HTTP传输的DASH媒体段对应。12. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the MBMS access client is to receive first media presentation description (MPD) metadata associated with the DASH media segments, and wherein the HTTP server is to generate and transmit second MPD metadata to the UE, the second MPD being associated with a subset or superset of DASH media segments available for MBMS transmission to the MBMS access client, wherein the subset or superset corresponds to DASH media segments available for HTTP transmission to the DASH client of the UE.13.如权利要求11所述的设备，其中，所述MBMS传输被从广播多播服务中心(BMSC)接收。13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the MBMS transmission is received from a Broadcast Multicast Service Center (BMSC).14.如权利要求13所述的设备，其中，所述MBMS接入客户端还要向所述BMSC发送带有传递检验信息或接收统计的报告。14. The device according to claim 13, wherein the MBMS access client further sends a report with delivery verification information or reception statistics to the BMSC.15.如权利要求11所述的设备，其中，所述MBMS接入客户端要将与所述MBMS传输关联的应用层前向纠错(AL-FEC)码解码。15. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the MBMS access client is to decode an application layer forward error correction (AL-FEC) code associated with the MBMS transmission.16.如权利要求15所述的设备，其中，所述MBMS接入客户端还要执行一个或多个恢复过程以检索所述DASH媒体段的不正确接收部分。16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the MBMS access client is further to perform one or more recovery procedures to retrieve the incorrectly received portion of the DASH media segment.17.如权利要求11所述的设备，其中，所述MBMS接入客户端要经由通过单向传输的文件传递(FLUTE)协议接收所述MBMS传输。17. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the MBMS access client is to receive the MBMS transmission via a File Delivery over Unidirectional Transport (FLUTE) protocol.18.如权利要求11所述的设备，其中，所述MBMS接入客户端要经由因特网协议(IP)多播协议接收所述MBMS传输。18. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the MBMS access client is to receive the MBMS transmission via an Internet Protocol (IP) multicast protocol.19.如权利要求11-18中任一项所述的设备，其中，所述设备是包括所述DASH客户端的UE。19. The device according to any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein the device is a UE including the DASH client.20.如权利要求11-18中任一项所述的设备，其中，所述设备是配置成通过无线通信网络与所述UE通信的基站。20. The apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein the apparatus is a base station configured to communicate with the UE through a wireless communication network.21.如权利要求11-18中任一项所述的设备，其中，所述设备是另一个UE。21. The apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein the apparatus is another UE.22.一种要由代理终端使用的设备，所述设备包括：22. A device to be used by an agent terminal, the device comprising:用于从广播多播服务中心(BMSC)接收媒体呈现描述(MPD)信息的装置，所述MPD信息与通过超文本传输协议的动态自适应流播(DASH)媒体段相关联；means for receiving media presentation description (MPD) information from a broadcast multicast service center (BMSC), the MPD information associated with Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over Hypertext Transfer Protocol (DASH) media segments;用于经由多播广播多媒体服务(MBMS)传输从所述BMSC接收与所述MPD信息相关联的所述DASH媒体段中的第一DASH媒体段的装置；means for receiving a first DASH media segment of the DASH media segments associated with the MPD information from the BMSC via a multicast broadcast multimedia service (MBMS) transmission;用于缓存所述第一DASH媒体段和所述MPD信息的装置；means for caching the first DASH media segment and the MPD information;用于从用户设备(UE)中托管的DASH客户端接收请求所述第一DASH媒体段的超文本传输协议(HTTP)请求的装置；以及means for receiving a hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) request for the first DASH media segment from a DASH client hosted in a user equipment (UE); and用于响应于所述HTTP请求，经由单播HTTP信令向所述DASH客户端发送所述第一DASH媒体段的装置。Means for sending the first DASH media segment to the DASH client via unicast HTTP signaling in response to the HTTP request.23.如权利要求22所述的设备，其中，所述接收的MPD信息是第一MPD信息，并且其中所述设备还包括：23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the received MPD information is first MPD information, and wherein the apparatus further comprises:用于向所述UE传送第二MPD信息的装置，所述第二MPD信息与可用于向所述代理终端的MBMS传输的DASH媒体段的子集或超集关联，其中所述子集或超集与可用于向所述UE的DASH客户端的HTTP传输的DASH媒体段对应。means for transmitting second MPD information to the UE, the second MPD information being associated with a subset or superset of DASH media segments available for MBMS delivery to the proxy terminal, wherein the subset or superset corresponds to DASH media segments available for HTTP delivery to a DASH client of the UE.24.如权利要求22所述的设备，其中，用于缓存的所述装置包括用于存储所述第一DASH媒体段供以后经由所述HTTP传输来传递的装置，以及其中在缓存所述第一DASH媒体段和所述MPD信息之后从所述DASH客户端接收所述HTTP请求。24. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the means for caching comprises means for storing the first DASH media segment for later delivery via the HTTP transport, and wherein the HTTP request is received from the DASH client after caching the first DASH media segment and the MPD information.25.如权利要求22所述的设备，其中，所述代理终端包含在基站或另一个UE中。25. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the proxy terminal is included in a base station or another UE.26.如权利要求22所述的设备，其中，所述代理终端包含在所述UE中。26. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the proxy terminal is included in the UE.