Programmable hardware system for integrating SDN (Software Defined Network) service in radio and television industry

Abstract

The invention provides a programmable hardware system for integrating SDN (Software Defined Network) service in the radio and television industry. The system comprises a hardware panel body, an industrial mainboard module, a panel key module, an embedded SDN service module and a power management module. And the industrial mainboard module is used for running an embedded SDN service program, automatically detecting ST2110 compatible equipment through a network interface and dynamically constructing a logic topological graph. And after the system collects a signal switching operation instruction of the physical key, the signal switching operation instruction is directly issued to target network equipment through a locally generated flow table rule, so that routing control of a video signal is realized. And the embedded SDN service module adopts a layered software architecture, and realizes independent management and control separated from a server by using a built-in lightweight database. According to the invention, software and hardware integration of the SDN service and the hardware panel is realized, the problems of complex deployment, high network dependency and poor portability in the prior art are solved, and the system has the advantages of low delay, high reliability, simple deployment and strong shock resistance.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of signal management and control systems in the broadcasting industry, in particular to a programmable hardware system integrated with SDN services for the broadcasting industry. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the process of digital transformation in the broadcasting industry, the IP-based ST2110 standard has become an important technical direction for signal transmission, and traditional baseband signal systems are gradually being replaced by IP-based signal management and control systems. Although the signal transmission protocol has changed, the long-established operating habits of users in the broadcasting industry still tend to use hardware panel keys for signal switching operations rather than Web-based BS page operations. This operating habit is due to the significant advantages of hardware panels, such as tactile feedback, blind operation possibilities, and high efficiency. Currently, IP-based ST2110 signal management and control systems on the market usually adopt a separate architecture or a virtualization architecture. The separate architecture deploys the SDN service program on a separate server, and the hardware programmable panel only serves as a client to communicate with the server through the network, with all core processing logic completed on the remote server. The virtualization architecture creates a virtualized SDN network on traditional network hardware and software, but this deployment is limited by old components and often cannot provide the required flexibility.

[0003] These existing technical architectures have many defects in actual application. First, the separate architecture involves a series of complex steps such as server hardware configuration, operating system installation, and service program deployment, resulting in high deployment complexity and high dependence on professionals. Second, since the operation logic of the hardware panel runs on a remote server, all operations depend on network connection, and network delay or interruption will directly affect the response time and reliability of the system. In addition, the traditional server deployment method is large in size and lacks anti-shock performance, which is not conducive to on-site debugging, field production, and mobile broadcasting and other application scenarios that have high requirements for portability and environmental adaptability. Finally, the operation of the hardware panel is separated from the interface of the SDN service program, further increasing the operation complexity and the learning cost of users. Therefore, how to solve the problems caused by the separation of the SDN service program and the hardware operation panel and realize a highly integrated, portable, and industrial-grade reliable signal management and control device is a technical challenge that needs to be solved in the current broadcasting signal management and control field. SUMMARY

[0004] The present application aims to at least solve one of the above technical problems in the prior art.

[0005] To this end, the present application provides a programmable hardware system integrated with SDN services for the broadcasting industry.

[0006] The programmable hardware system integrated with SDN services for the broadcasting industry provided by the present application comprises: a hardware panel body; an industrial mainboard module arranged inside the hardware panel body, configured to provide computing and storage resources to run an embedded SDN service program; a panel key module arranged on the surface of the hardware panel body, comprising a plurality of physical interactive keys, configured to collect signal switching operation instructions of a user; an embedded SDN service module running on the industrial mainboard module, comprising an SDN controller, configured to detect ST2110 compatible devices in a network through a network interface, and generate corresponding flow table rules according to the signal switching operation instructions; a signal scheduling layer, configured to receive the flow table rules and issue them to target network devices to realize routing control of IP video signals.

[0007] The programmable hardware system for integrated SDN service for the broadcasting industry according to the technical scheme of the present application can further have the following additional technical features: In the above technical scheme, the embedded SDN service module adopts a layered software architecture, which comprises: an access layer, configured to uniformly abstract underlying hardware resources and provide standard API interfaces; a service layer, configured to perform network topology automatic discovery, flow table management, and signal scheduling logic; an application layer, configured to realize signal routing switching, service monitoring, and quality of service assurance specific to the broadcasting industry, and to provide a graphical interface and realize cooperative operation with physical key triggering signals.

[0008] In the above technical scheme, the service layer runs on the industrial mainboard module and is internally provided with a lightweight database, configured to locally store network topology structures and flow table mapping rules, to realize independent management and control without server dependence.

[0009] In the above technical scheme, the embedded SDN service module further comprises an adaptive network discovery unit, configured to automatically detect ST2110 compatible devices within the IP network to which the system belongs after system startup, and dynamically construct a network node logical topology graph.

[0010] In the above technical scheme, the panel key module comprises a physical key unit arranged on the surface of the hardware panel body, configured to collect signal switching operation instructions input by a user; the panel key module further comprises a state indication unit arranged in association with the physical key unit, configured to visually feedback signal scheduling results, network topology states, or device self-checking information; the system further comprises a mapping and conversion unit, configured to convert level interaction signals of the physical key unit into logical control instructions recognizable by the embedded SDN service module.

[0011] In the technical scheme, the system further comprises a state feedback control unit, configured to drive the state indicating unit to change the display state in real time to form a closed-loop interaction of operation instruction and execution feedback according to the signal routing execution result obtained by the embedded SDN service module.

[0012] In the technical scheme, the physical key unit comprises a plurality of programmable physical keys, and the front panel of the hardware panel body has an IP65 or above protection level.

[0013] In the technical scheme, further comprising: a power management module, configured to provide power supply support for the system, wherein the power management module is configured to support wide voltage DC input and has a redundant switching logic with dual input backup, so as to ensure that the system runs without interruption when a single power supply fails.

[0014] In the technical scheme, the hardware panel body further integrates an interface expansion module, wherein the interface expansion module comprises at least two independent addressing gigabit Ethernet interfaces, respectively used for data interaction of the SDN control plane and remote maintenance management of the system.

[0015] In the technical scheme, the industrial mainboard module adopts an industrial-grade processor of x86 architecture or ARM architecture, and the working temperature range covers-40℃ to +85℃;The industrial mainboard module is equipped with not less than 4GB of LPDDR4 memory and not less than 32GB of eMMC storage unit.

[0016] In summary, due to the adoption of the above technical features, the beneficial effects of the present application are: Firstly, by integrating the SDN service program originally requiring an independent server into the hardware panel, the present application realizes the integration of software and hardware, greatly simplifies the deployment process of the system, and reduces the installation, debugging and manual maintenance costs. This integrated design makes the device small and portable, and can be flexibly applied to the field production, mobile broadcasting and other application scenarios with high requirements for space and portability in the broadcasting industry.

[0017] Secondly, the present application performs excellently in performance and reliability. Since the core SDN controller and signal scheduling logic run on the local industrial mainboard, the network transmission delay between the hardware panel and the remote server in the traditional architecture is eliminated, realizing extremely low delay response of operation instruction and significantly improving the working efficiency of signal switching. At the same time, the realization of core functions locally reduces the dependence on the stability of external network connection, and ensures the continuity of system control even in complex network environment.

[0018] Furthermore, this invention fully considers the harsh working environment of the broadcasting industry. By employing wide-temperature and wide-voltage industrial-grade components and redundant power supply design, it ensures stable operation of the system under severe vibration, impact, and extreme temperature changes, achieving broadcast-grade reliability. The system's lightweight layered software architecture and real-time kernel optimization, combined with local database storage technology, achieve efficient resource scheduling and network management under limited hardware resources. Finally, through a closed-loop feedback mechanism of physical button interaction and status indicator lights, this invention retains the advantages of traditional operating habits of broadcasting users while providing intuitive feedback on execution results, effectively reducing the error rate and improving the human-computer interaction experience.

[0019] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the following description or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the hardware components of a programmable hardware system for integrated SDN services in the broadcasting industry, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a programmable hardware system software architecture for integrated SDN services in the broadcasting industry, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To better understand the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in these embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0022] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the invention. However, the invention may also be practiced in other ways different from those described herein, and therefore the scope of protection of the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0023] The following reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 This describes a programmable hardware system for integrated SDN services in the broadcasting industry, provided according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0024] Some embodiments of this application provide a programmable hardware system for integrated SDN services in the broadcasting industry.

[0025] like Figure 1As shown, the first embodiment of the present invention proposes a programmable hardware system for integrated SDN services in the broadcasting industry, which mainly includes: a hardware panel body, an industrial motherboard module, a panel button module, an embedded SDN service module, a signal scheduling layer, and a power management module.

[0026] An industrial motherboard module is located inside the hardware panel body and provides computing and storage resources to run embedded SDN service programs. A panel button module is located on the surface of the hardware panel body and includes multiple physical interactive buttons for collecting user signal switching operation commands. An embedded SDN service module runs on the industrial motherboard module and includes an SDN controller for detecting ST2110-compatible devices in the broadcast control network via a network interface and generating corresponding flow table rules based on the signal switching operation commands. A signal scheduling layer receives the flow table rules and sends them to target network devices to achieve routing control of IP-based video signals. A power management module provides power support for the system.

[0027] In one specific embodiment of the invention, the hardware panel body, serving as the physical platform for the entire system, employs a high-strength industrial-grade metal casing, possessing excellent electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and heat dissipation performance. Internally, the hardware panel body houses an industrial motherboard module, which is the core of the system's computing and control. This industrial motherboard module is not an ordinary commercial motherboard, but a dedicated industrial-grade component selected for the high reliability requirements of broadcast-grade systems. It not only provides the computing resources needed to run embedded SDN service programs but also manages the system's storage, communication, and peripheral scheduling. On the surface of the hardware panel body, a densely arranged panel button module contains multiple physical interactive buttons for real-time acquisition of signal switching operation commands from directors or technicians. These physical buttons are electrically connected to the industrial motherboard module via an internal bus, ensuring that the electrical signals triggered by the buttons are recognized by the motherboard with extremely low latency.

[0028] Furthermore, an embedded SDN service module runs within the industrial motherboard module. At its core is a deeply optimized SDN controller. After the system powers on and connects to the broadcast IP network, this SDN controller can automatically detect compatible devices conforming to the ST2110 standard in the network via the network interface. Based on the physical signal switching commands collected by the panel button module, it generates corresponding flow table rules locally in real time. To achieve physical routing control of IP-based video signals, a signal scheduling layer is built into the system. This layer is specifically responsible for receiving the flow table rules generated by the SDN service module and distributing them to the target switch or other controlled network nodes. In addition, the system is equipped with a power management module designed with dual-redundant power supply logic, providing continuous and stable power support for the industrial motherboard, button module, and communication interface.

[0029] At the software architecture level, some embodiments of the embedded SDN service module employ a highly modular, layered design to accommodate the limited system resources of embedded hardware. For example... Figure 2 As shown, this layered software architecture starts with an access layer, which shields the differences between various underlying hardware platforms (such as x86 or ARM). It provides a unified logical abstraction for underlying resources in the external resource layer, including IT equipment, network equipment, broadcasting equipment, and software services, and offers standardized API interfaces to the upper layers. Through this abstract design, even if the hardware motherboard is upgraded in the future, the upper-layer logic algorithms do not require large-scale modifications.

[0030] Above the access layer, the system operates at the service layer, a crucial layer for implementing software-defined network logic. This layer is responsible for executing complex automatic network topology discovery algorithms, probing every media node in the network using LLDP (Link Layer Discovery Protocol) or NMOS (Network Media Open Standard), and maintaining a real-time network connectivity table. Simultaneously, this layer undertakes the core task of flow table management, accurately calculating and managing the forwarding path of each media stream in the network based on signal switching requirements. Above the service layer is the application layer, which is deeply customized for the business characteristics of the broadcasting industry. For example, this layer implements signal routing switching algorithms based on source / destination mapping, business monitoring logic for HD / UHD signal transmission quality, and a Quality of Service (QoS) guarantee mechanism for critical live streams. It also drives the graphical configuration interface on the control panel and, more importantly, enables the collaborative processing of the software configuration interface and physical button trigger signals, ensuring logical consistency whether configured via the web or operated through the physical control panel.

[0031] To further optimize system response speed, a lightweight embedded database, such as SQLite, is built into the service layer for data storage. This database runs directly in the persistent storage unit of the industrial motherboard, used for local storage of complex network topology mapping diagrams, preset switching macro instructions, and currently active flow table mapping rules. Combined with the service layer running directly on the industrial motherboard module, this local storage strategy allows the system to independently complete signal control tasks based on locally cached rules even when temporarily losing connection to an external configuration server, achieving a truly serverless, independent operating mode.

[0032] The system in this embodiment also features a specially designed adaptive network discovery unit. After the system boots up and enters the ready state, this unit immediately sends probe packets to its affiliated broadcast IP management network. By parsing the signaling protocols related to the ST2110 standard, this unit can automatically identify online endpoint devices such as cameras, servers, and monitors in the network, and dynamically construct an intuitive network node logical topology based on the logical attributes and physical locations of these devices. This functionality greatly simplifies the deployment efficiency of the system in temporary environments such as live broadcast vans and relay stations, allowing technicians to complete initial system association without manually entering a large number of complex IP addresses.

[0033] In terms of the specific implementation of human-computer interaction, the panel button module adopts a structure that associates physical button units with status indicator units. The physical button unit consists of multiple mechanical touch keys with good tactile feedback, specifically used to collect signal switching commands triggered frequently by the user. The status indicator unit is located adjacent to the buttons and typically uses multi-color high-brightness LED indicators. This indicator unit can not only intuitively reflect the current signal routing success status through constant illumination, flashing, or color changes, but also indicate hardware failures, network congestion, or topology anomalies during system self-tests. To translate the physical button pressure into logical control commands, a mapping and conversion unit is also integrated into the system.

[0034] To ensure operational accuracy, the system further integrates a status feedback control unit, thus constructing a complete closed-loop instruction execution mechanism. Once the instruction issued by the mapping and conversion unit is executed by the SDN controller and the signal scheduling layer confirms that the target network device (such as a switch) has successfully applied the flow table, the execution result is immediately fed back to the status feedback control unit. This unit, based on the success or failure of the execution, drives the status indicator unit below or next to the corresponding physical button to change color or flashing frequency in real time. This closed-loop interaction mechanism allows the director to confirm the operation has taken effect in a tense live broadcast environment without having to look up at the screen; they can rely solely on peripheral vision or tactile feedback, greatly improving security in production environments.

[0035] To address the harsh physical characteristics of outdoor live broadcasting environments in the broadcasting industry, the hardware panel of this invention features a targeted anti-vibration and protective design. In one specific embodiment, the front panel of the hardware panel, including the physical button unit and its surrounding display unit, is treated with high-precision molds and special sealing gaskets, achieving an overall protection level of IP65 or higher. This effectively resists common outdoor dust intrusion and sudden rain splashes. The physical button unit uses no fewer than 34 programmable physical buttons, which can be customized by users according to actual business needs. In terms of structural strength, the system employs a modular anti-vibration bracket to firmly secure core components such as the industrial motherboard and power module, ensuring that the hardware interfaces will not loosen or experience signal interference under the vibrations of broadcast vans or temporary outdoor setups.

[0036] The power management module, serving as the foundation for system operation, is designed to support a wide DC input range of 12V to 36VDC. This wide voltage design allows the device to directly adapt to various power supply environments, such as the onboard battery of the broadcast vehicle and professional power adapters. Internally, the module integrates dual independent DC-DC conversion circuits, supporting dual inputs as backups for each other. Its redundancy switching logic employs hardware-level monitoring; when the system detects abnormal fluctuations or power failures in one input voltage, it automatically switches to the backup circuit within microseconds. This switching process is completely transparent to the upper-level software operation and signal transmission, ensuring uninterrupted power supply for the system during broadcast operations.

[0037] For external communication and management, the rear of the hardware panel integrates a feature-rich interface expansion module. This module provides at least two independently addressed gigabit Ethernet interfaces. One interface is defined as the service control plane, specifically for communicating with the broadcast IP switch to perform flow table distribution and topology detection tasks; the other interface is defined as the out-of-band management plane, used to connect to the operator's terminal or remote operation and maintenance management system. This physical interface separation strategy effectively avoids bandwidth interference from maintenance data to the real-time control flow. Furthermore, the expansion module can also integrate GPIO interface groups, USB 3.0 interfaces, and RS232 / 485 industrial serial ports for interfacing with traditional matrix systems or third-party console devices, providing excellent system compatibility.

[0038] In one specific embodiment, the core hardware module of this system, the industrial motherboard, adopts a high-performance, low-power embedded processor architecture, flexibly selecting either a multi-core ARM processor or a low-power x86 processor. All components on the motherboard undergo rigorous industrial-grade screening, with an operating temperature range covering from -40°C in cold regions to 85°C in hot environments, fully meeting the stringent requirements of all-weather operation in broadcasting field settings. In terms of resource allocation, the motherboard is equipped with at least 4GB of high-speed LPDDR4 memory and at least 32GB of industrial-grade eMMC storage units, ensuring that the system maintains smooth and stable operation even when running complex SDN controller software and processing large-scale flow table calculations, eliminating the risk of lag or memory overflow.

[0039] Through the aforementioned hardware layout, software architecture, and close collaboration between functional modules, this invention successfully democratizes complex SDN service capabilities to a portable hardware front-end. In practical applications, such as broadcasting an outdoor sporting event, technicians only need to install the device on a rack in a broadcast van and connect it to the network. The device can then automatically recognize all IP-based camera signals. The director can directly issue switching commands via physical buttons on the front panel, and the locally integrated SDN service program immediately responds and controls the switch to complete the image routing. This entire process does not rely on remote data center servers, ensuring both operational immediacy and significantly enhancing the overall system's resilience.

[0040] In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the terms used do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments or examples. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0041] Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of this invention shall be included within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A programmable hardware system for integrated SDN services in the broadcasting industry, characterized in that, include: Hardware panel body; An industrial motherboard module, located inside the hardware panel body, is used to provide computing and storage resources to run embedded SDN service programs; The panel button module is located on the surface of the hardware panel body and includes multiple physical interactive buttons for collecting user signal switching operation commands. An embedded SDN service module, running on the industrial motherboard module, includes an SDN controller for detecting ST2110 compatible devices in the network through a network interface and generating corresponding flow table rules based on the signal switching operation instructions. The signal scheduling layer is used to receive the flow table rules and send them to the target network devices to realize the routing control of IP-based video signals.

2. The programmable hardware system for integrated SDN services in the broadcasting industry according to claim 1, characterized in that, The embedded SDN service module adopts a layered software architecture, which includes: The access layer is used to uniformly abstract the underlying hardware resources and provide standard API interfaces; The service layer is used to perform network topology auto-discovery, flow table management, and signal scheduling logic; The application layer is used to implement signal routing switching, service monitoring and quality of service assurance specific to the broadcasting industry, as well as to provide a graphical interface and enable collaborative operation with physical button trigger signals.

3. The programmable hardware system for integrated SDN services in the broadcasting industry according to claim 2, characterized in that, The service layer runs on the industrial motherboard module and has a built-in lightweight database for storing network topology and flow table mapping rules locally, enabling independent management without server dependency.

4. The programmable hardware system for integrated SDN services in the broadcasting industry according to claim 1, characterized in that, The embedded SDN service module also includes an adaptive network discovery unit, which is used to automatically detect ST2110 compatible devices in the IP network after the system starts up, and dynamically construct a logical topology map of network nodes.

5. The programmable hardware system for integrated SDN services in the broadcasting industry according to claim 1, characterized in that, The panel button module includes physical button units disposed on the surface of the hardware panel body, used to collect signal switching operation commands input by the user; the panel button module also includes a status indicator unit associated with the physical button units, used to provide visual feedback on signal scheduling results, network topology status or device self-test information; the system also includes a mapping conversion unit, used to convert the level interaction signals of the physical button units into logical control commands that can be recognized by the embedded SDN service module.

6. The programmable hardware system for integrated SDN services in the broadcasting industry according to claim 5, characterized in that, The system also includes a status feedback control unit, which drives the status indicator unit to change its display status in real time based on the signal routing execution result obtained by the embedded SDN service module, so as to form a closed-loop interaction between operation instructions and execution feedback.

7. The programmable hardware system for integrated SDN services in the broadcasting industry according to claim 5, characterized in that, The physical button unit includes multiple programmable physical buttons, and the front panel protection level of the hardware panel body reaches IP65 or above.

8. The programmable hardware system for integrated SDN services in the broadcasting industry according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The power management module is used to provide power support for the system. The power management module is configured to support wide voltage DC input and has redundant switching logic with dual inputs as backups to ensure that the system operation is not interrupted when a single power supply fails.

9. The programmable hardware system for integrated SDN services in the broadcasting industry according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hardware panel body also integrates an interface expansion module, which includes at least two independently addressed gigabit Ethernet interfaces, used for data interaction in the SDN control plane and remote maintenance and management of the system, respectively.

10. The programmable hardware system for integrated SDN services in the broadcasting industry according to claim 1, characterized in that, The industrial motherboard module uses an industrial-grade processor with x86 or ARM architecture, and its operating temperature range covers -40℃ to +85℃; the industrial motherboard module is equipped with no less than 4GB of LPDDR4 memory and no less than 32GB of eMMC storage units.

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