Method and device for selecting media application server in wireless communication system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a 5G or 6G communication system for supporting higher data transmission rates. Provided is a method performed by a terminal in a wireless communication system. The method may comprise the steps of: receiving, from an application function (AF), pieces of information associated with media files; identifying a media file including information about a first application server (AS) and information about a second AS; selecting the first AS on the basis of the information about the first AS and the information about the second AS; and receiving media information from the first AS.

Description

Method and device for selecting a media application server in a wireless communication system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a wireless communication system. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for effectively selecting a media application server in a wireless communication system.

[0002] 5G mobile communication technology defines a wide frequency band to enable fast transmission speeds and new services, and can be implemented not only in the sub-6GHz frequency band such as 3.5 gigahertz (3.5GHz), but also in the ultra-high frequency band called millimeter wave (mmWave) such as 28GHz and 39GHz ('Above 6GHz'). In addition, for 6G mobile communication technology, which is called the system after 5G communication (Beyond 5G), implementation in the terahertz band (for example, the 3 terahertz (3THz) band at 95GHz) is being considered to achieve a transmission speed that is 50 times faster than 5G mobile communication technology and an ultra-low latency time that is reduced to one-tenth.

[0003] In the early stages of 5G mobile communication technology, the goal is to support services and satisfy performance requirements for enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communications (URLLC), and massive Machine-Type Communications (mMTC). These include beamforming and massive MIMO to mitigate path loss of radio waves in ultra-high frequency bands and increase the transmission distance of radio waves, support for various numerologies (such as operation of multiple subcarrier intervals) and dynamic operation of slot formats for efficient use of ultra-high frequency resources, initial access technology to support multi-beam transmission and wideband, definition and operation of BWP (Bidth Part), new channel coding methods such as LDPC (Low Density Parity Check) codes for large-capacity data transmission and Polar Code for reliable transmission of control information, and L2 pre-processing (L2). Standardization has been made for network slicing, which provides dedicated networks specialized for specific services, and pre-processing.

[0004] Currently, discussions are underway to improve and enhance the initial 5G mobile communication technology in consideration of the services that 5G mobile communication technology was intended to support, and physical layer standardization is in progress for technologies such as V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) to help autonomous vehicles make driving decisions and increase user convenience based on their own location and status information transmitted by vehicles, NR-U (New Radio Unlicensed) for the purpose of system operation that complies with various regulatory requirements in unlicensed bands, NR terminal low power consumption technology (UE Power Saving), Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN), which is direct terminal-satellite communication to secure coverage in areas where communication with terrestrial networks is impossible, and Positioning.

[0005] In addition, standardization of wireless interface architecture / protocols is in progress for technologies such as intelligent factories (Industrial Internet of Things, IIoT) to support new services through linkage and convergence with other industries, Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) that provides nodes for expanding network service areas by integrating wireless backhaul links and access links, Mobility Enhancement technology including Conditional Handover and Dual Active Protocol Stack (DAPS) handover, and 2-step random access (2-step RACH for NR) that simplifies random access procedures. Standardization is also in progress for system architecture / services such as 5G baseline architecture (e.g., Service-based Architecture, Service-based Interface) for grafting Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) and Software-Defined Networking (SDN) technologies, and Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) that provides services based on the location of the terminal.

[0006] Once these 5G mobile communication systems are commercialized, an explosive increase in connected devices will be connected to the communication network, necessitating enhanced functionality and performance of 5G mobile communication systems and integrated operation of these connected devices. To this end, new research will be conducted on improving 5G performance and reducing complexity, supporting AI services, supporting metaverse services, and drone communications by utilizing eXtended Reality (XR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Machine Learning (ML) to efficiently support Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Mixed Reality (MR).

[0007] In addition, the development of these 5G mobile communication systems includes new waveforms to ensure coverage in the terahertz band of 6G mobile communication technology, multi-antenna transmission technologies such as Full Dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), Array Antenna, and Large Scale Antenna, metamaterial-based lenses and antennas to improve the coverage of terahertz band signals, high-dimensional spatial multiplexing technology using Orbital Angular Momentum (OAM), Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface (RIS) technology, as well as full duplex technology to improve the frequency efficiency and system network of 6G mobile communication technology, satellite, AI (Artificial Intelligence) from the design stage and AI-based communication technology that realizes system optimization by internalizing end-to-end AI support functions, and ultra-high-performance communication and computing resources to provide services with complexity that exceeds the limits of terminal computing capabilities. It could serve as a basis for the development of next-generation distributed computing technologies that can be realized by utilizing this technology.

[0008] The present disclosure can provide a method and device for effectively selecting a media application server in a wireless communication system.

[0009] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the structure of a wireless communication system supporting 5GMS (5G Media Streaming).

[0010] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an operation of streaming content according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an operation of receiving a media streaming service according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates an operation of receiving a media streaming service according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 5 illustrates an operation of receiving a media streaming service according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 6 illustrates an operation of receiving a media streaming service according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of a terminal according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of a base station according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of a network entity according to the present disclosure.

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0019] In describing the embodiments, descriptions of technical details that are well known in the technical field to which the present disclosure pertains and are not directly related to the present disclosure will be omitted. This is to ensure that the gist of the present disclosure is conveyed more clearly without obscuring it by omitting unnecessary explanations.

[0020] For the same reason, some components in the attached drawings are exaggerated, omitted, or schematically depicted. Furthermore, the dimensions of each component do not entirely reflect its actual size. In each drawing, identical or corresponding components are assigned the same or different reference numbers.

[0021] The advantages and features of the present disclosure, and methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided only to ensure that the disclosure of the present disclosure is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the disclosure, and the present disclosure is defined only by the scope of the claims. Like reference numerals designate like elements throughout the specification. In addition, when describing the present disclosure, if a specific description of a related function or configuration is determined to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present disclosure, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the terms described below are terms defined in consideration of the functions of the present disclosure, and these may vary depending on the intention or custom of the user or operator. Therefore, their definitions should be made based on the contents throughout the specification.

[0022] In the present disclosure, it will be appreciated that each block of the processing flowchart drawings and combinations of the flowchart drawings can be performed based on computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be selectively installed in at least one processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing equipment, so that the instructions executed by any one or any combination of at least one processor of the computer or other programmable data processing equipment create means for performing the functions described in the flowchart block(s). These computer program instructions can also be stored in a computer-available or computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to implement the functions in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the computer-available or computer-readable memory can also produce an article of manufacture that includes instruction means for performing the functions described in the flowchart block(s). Since the computer program instructions may be installed on a computer or other programmable data processing device, a series of operational steps may be performed on the computer or other programmable data processing device to create a computer-executable process, and the instructions that cause the computer or other programmable data processing device to perform the steps for performing the functions described in the flowchart block(s) may also provide steps for performing the functions described in the flowchart block(s).

[0023] Additionally, each block may represent a module, segment, or portion of code that contains one or more executable instructions for performing a specific logical function(s). It should also be noted that in some alternative implementation examples, the functions mentioned in the blocks may occur out of order. For example, two blocks (or functions) depicted in succession may actually be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the corresponding function.

[0024] The term '~ unit' used in the embodiments of the present disclosure means a software or hardware component such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and the '~ unit' performs certain roles. However, terms including '~ unit' are not limited to software or hardware. The '~ unit' may be configured to be on an addressable storage medium and may be configured to play one or more processors. Thus, as an example, the '~ unit' includes components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components, and task components, processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuits, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables. The functionality provided within the components and '~ units' may be combined into a smaller number of components and '~ units' or further separated into additional components and '~ units'. In addition, the components and '~parts' may be implemented to play one or more central processing units (CPUs) within the device or secure multimedia card. Also, in an embodiment, the '~parts' may include one or more processors.

[0025] As described above, it should be noted that the blocks and combinations of flowcharts described in the present disclosure may be implemented by one or more computer programs containing instructions. One or more computer programs may be stored entirely in a single memory device, or one or more computer programs may be divided and stored in different portions across multiple memory devices.

[0026] Additionally, any / any function or operation described in the present disclosure may be processed by a single processor or a combination of processors. The single processor or the combination of processors may include circuitry that performs processing, such as an application processor (AP, e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)), a communication processor (CP, e.g., a modem), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU) (e.g., an artificial intelligence (AI) chip), a Wi-Fi chip, a Bluetooth® chip, a global positioning system (GPS) chip, a near-field communication (NFC) chip, a connectivity chip, a sensor controller, a touch controller, a fingerprint sensor controller, a display driver integrated circuit (IC), an audio codec (CODEC) chip, a universal serial bus (USB) controller, a camera controller, an image processing IC, a microprocessor unit (MPU), a system on a chip (SoC), an IC, or similar circuitry.

[0027] It should also be noted that the various embodiments in the claims and description of the present disclosure may be implemented in the form of hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0028] Such software may be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores one or more computer programs (software modules), wherein the one or more computer programs include computer-executable instructions that, when executed alone or collectively by one or more processors of an electronic device, cause the electronic device to perform a method according to the present disclosure.

[0029] The software may be stored in a temporary or non-transitory storage device, for example, in the form of a read-only memory (ROM) (whether erasable or rewritable), a random access memory (RAM), a memory chip, a device, or an integrated circuit (IC). The software may also be stored in an optically or magnetically readable medium, for example, a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), a magnetic disk, or a magnetic tape. It should be understood that the storage device and the storage medium are examples of non-transitory machine-readable storage media suitable for storing a program for implementing various embodiments of the present disclosure. Accordingly, various embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a program comprising code for implementing a device or method according to any one of the claims of the present specification, and a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium storing such a program.

[0030] In the present disclosure, determining the priority between A and B may be referred to in various ways, such as selecting a higher priority according to a predetermined priority rule and performing an action corresponding to it, or omitting or dropping an action for a lower priority.

[0031] Hereinafter, 'A or B' described in the present disclosure may be understood as 'A and / or B', which may be understood to include 'A', or 'B', or 'A and B'.

[0032] Additionally, 'at least one of A, B, and C' described in the present disclosure may be understood to include 'A', or 'B', or 'C', or 'any combination of A, B, and C'.

[0033] Additionally, 'at least one of A, B, or C' described in the present disclosure may be understood to include 'A', or 'B', or 'C', or 'any combination of A, B, and C'.

[0034] Additionally, 'A / B' described in the present disclosure may be understood as 'A and / or B', which may be understood to include 'A', or 'B', or 'A and B'.

[0035] Additionally, 'A, B' described in the present disclosure may be understood as 'A and / or B', which may be understood to include 'A', or 'B', or 'A and B'.

[0036] Additionally, 'A and B' described in the present disclosure may be understood as 'A and / or B', which may be understood to include 'A', or 'B', or 'A and B'.

[0037] In addition, it can be understood that the 'case where conditions A and B are satisfied' described in the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to the case where both conditions A and B are satisfied, but may include the case where each of conditions A or B is satisfied, the case where both conditions A and B are satisfied, or the case where one or more additional conditions are satisfied together.

[0038] Additionally, throughout this specification, ordinal terms such as "first," "second," "third," and the like (and modifiers thereof) are used solely to distinguish between various instances, occurrences, configurations, messages, stages, or aspects of elements, operations, or information, as described below. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the use of such ordinal terms does not require that the elements, operations, or information distinguished by them be structurally, numerically, or inherently different. For example, "a first signal" and "a second signal" may represent instances of the same signal transmitted at different times, may represent signals containing the same core information albeit with some modifications, or may represent signals having different content or characteristics depending on the specific context. Similarly, "a first value" and "a second value" may represent measurements or applications of the same magnitude in different circumstances, or may represent different magnitudes. Such interpretation should be determined by the specific technical context, functions and relationships described in the relevant portions of the specification and claims.

[0039] Furthermore, although terms such as "first" and "second" described in this disclosure are used to refer to various elements such as information, objects, actions, and sequences, they are not intended to limit such elements to a specific order. These terms may be understood to be used merely to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element.

[0040] Additionally, it may be understood that the terms "first~" and "second~" described in this disclosure may refer to the same or different elements. For example, if the elements are information, the first information and the second information may both be information, and in some cases, they may be the same information or different information.

[0041] In addition, the expressions "if" and "in case that" described in the present disclosure or claims may be interpreted to mean "when or upon," "in response to," or "based on," or "according to," depending on the context, and these expressions may be used interchangeably. In addition, in addition to these expressions, other expressions having substantially the same meaning may be used interchangeably, within the scope that does not impair the technical features of the present disclosure.

[0042] Additionally, the term "not perform" as used in this disclosure or claims may be understood to mean omitting or skipping a step, depending on the context. Such terms may be replaced with other terms having the same or substantially similar meaning.

[0043] Additionally, "transmitting a message including A and B" as described herein may be interpreted to include both (i) cases where A and B are transmitted in a single message, as well as (ii) cases where A and B are transmitted individually via multiple messages (e.g., transmitting a first message including A and a second message including B). This interpretation may also apply when a message including two or more items, such as A, B, and C, is transmitted together or individually.

[0044] Additionally, 'sending a message containing A and sending a message containing B' can also be interpreted as sending a single message containing A and B.

[0045] In the specific embodiments of the present disclosure described below, terms or components included in the disclosure will be expressed in the singular or plural, depending on the specific embodiment presented. However, the singular or plural expressions are selected to suit the presented situation for convenience of explanation, and the present disclosure is not limited to singular or plural components. Components expressed in the plural may be composed of singular elements, or components expressed in the singular may be composed of plural elements.

[0046] The drawings or flowcharts described below illustrate exemplary methods that may be implemented according to the principles of the present disclosure, and various modifications may be made to the methods depicted in the flowcharts of the present disclosure. For example, although depicted as a series of steps, various steps in each drawing or flowchart may overlap, occur in parallel, occur in different orders, or occur multiple times. In other instances, any step may be omitted or replaced with another step.

[0047] The methods and devices proposed in the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to each embodiment, and may be utilized as a combination of one or more embodiments, all or part of the embodiments proposed in the disclosure. Accordingly, the embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied with some modifications within a scope that does not significantly deviate from the scope of the present disclosure, as determined by a person skilled in the art.

[0048] In this case, even if any wording is mentioned in different embodiments, if the concepts correspond, they may be used interchangeably, combined, or substituted. For example, for identical or corresponding concepts, even if one embodiment uses the expression "A" and another embodiment uses the expression "B," these may be understood interchangeably, substituted, or combined.

[0049] In the following description, terms used to identify connection nodes, terms referring to network entities, terms referring to messages, terms referring to interfaces between network entities, terms referring to various identification information, etc. are examples for convenience of explanation. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the terms described below, and other terms referring to objects having equivalent technical meanings may be used. In addition, the terms may be replaced with terms defined in the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) Technical Specifications (TS), if appropriate.

[0050] Hereinafter, the base station is an entity that performs resource allocation of a terminal, and may be at least one of a gNode B, an eNode B, a Node B, a BS (base station), a radio access unit, a base station controller, or a node on a network. In addition, the base station of the present disclosure may include a structure that is split into a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). In this structure, the CU is responsible for the upper layers of the control and user planes, and the DU is responsible for radio resource processing of the lower layers. The embodiments of the present disclosure can be equally applied to a 5G base station structure in which functions are separated into the CU and DU.

[0051] The terminal may include a UE (user equipment), MS (mobile station), cellular phone, smartphone, computer, or multimedia system capable of performing communication functions.

[0052] In the present disclosure, downlink (DL) refers to a wireless transmission path of a signal transmitted from a base station to a terminal, and uplink (UL) refers to a wireless transmission path of a signal transmitted from a terminal to a base station.

[0053] In addition, although the fifth generation mobile communication system (5G, new radio, NR) and the sixth generation mobile communication system (6G) may be described below as examples, the embodiments of the present disclosure may also be applied to other communication systems with similar technical backgrounds or channel types. For example, this may include new and evolved mobile communication systems developed after 5G and 6G. Furthermore, the present disclosure may be applied to other communication systems (e.g., Wi-Fi systems) with some modifications within a scope that does not significantly deviate from the scope of the present disclosure, as determined by a person having skilled technical knowledge.

[0054] In the following description, the terms "physical channel" and "signal" may be used interchangeably with data or control signals. For example, while PDSCH (physical downlink shared channel) refers to a physical channel through which data is transmitted, PDSCH may also be used to refer to data. That is, in the present disclosure, the expression "transmitting a physical channel" may be interpreted equivalently to the expression "transmitting data or a signal through a physical channel."

[0055] In the following description of the present disclosure, upper layer signaling may be signaling corresponding to at least one or a combination of one or more of MIB (master information block), SIB (system information block), SIB M (M=1, 2, …), RRC (radio resource control), MAC (medium access control) CE (control element), NAS (non-access stratum) signaling, or application layer messages. The RRC signaling may also be referred to as L3 signaling (layer 3 signaling).

[0056] In addition, L1 signaling may be signaling corresponding to at least one or a combination of one or more signaling methods using a physical layer channel or signaling of PDCCH (physical downlink control channel), DCI (downlink control information), UE-specific DCI, group common DCI, common DCI, scheduling DCI (e.g., DCI used for the purpose of scheduling downlink or uplink data), non-scheduling DCI (e.g., DCI not for the purpose of scheduling downlink or uplink data), physical uplink control channel (PUCCH), or uplink control information (UCI). The L1 signaling may also be referred to as physical layer signaling.

[0057] Hereinafter, the expression that information can be configured from a base station in the present disclosure or claims may mean that a terminal receives the information from the base station through physical layer signaling or upper layer signaling, depending on the context, and such expression may be replaced with other terms having the same or substantially similar meaning.

[0058] The operating principle of the present disclosure is described in detail with reference to the attached drawings below.

[0059] 5G Media Streaming (5GMS) technology may be considered to provide content streaming services to terminals in mobile communication networks. 5GMS can be described as follows.

[0060] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the structure of a wireless communication system supporting 5GMS.

[0061] The terminal (101) may include a 5GMS Application (App) (103) for accessing a streaming service provider server (111), a Media Session Handler (MSH) (105) for communicating with a 5GMS Application Function (AF) (121) for creating and controlling a streaming session in a mobile communication network, and a Media Access Function (MAF) (107) for connecting to a 5GMS Application Server (AS) (131) that is a server for storing and transmitting media fragments (or segments) that are the target of media streaming and transmitting data.

[0062] In a mobile communication network, AF (121) receives Service Access Information (SAI), which is a message for describing a service provided by a streaming service provider (Application Service Provider: ASP) (111), and AS (131) can receive a media fragment that is the target of streaming from ASP (111).

[0063] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an operation of streaming content according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0064] In step 1, AF (221) can receive SAI from ASP (211), and AS (231) created or assigned according to the contents of SAI can ingest media fragments from ASP (211).

[0065] In step 2, the terminal (201) can access ASP (211) through App (203) to receive a list of contents that are the target of the streaming service and identify the list of received contents.

[0066] In step 3, the terminal (201) can select the content to be streamed.

[0067] In step 4, the App (203) can instruct the MSH (205) to play streaming media using an MPE (media play entry). The MPE may be a content identifier, an identifier of a manifest (Media Presentation Description, hereinafter referred to as MPD in the case of MPEG-DASH) in a manifest-based adaptive streaming technology such as MPEG (moving picture expert group)-DASH (dynamic adaptive streaming over HTTP), or a URL (uniform resource locator). For example, the App (203) can transmit information instructing the MSH (205) to an MPE to initiate media playback.

[0068] In step 5, MSH (205) can request SAI from AF (221) and receive SAI from AF (221).

[0069] In step 6, the MSH (205) may instruct the MAF (207) to stream media. For example, the MSH (205) may transmit information requesting the MAF (207) to start playing the media.

[0070] In step 7, MAF (207) can perform manifest reception and media streaming based on the indicated MPE. Specifically, MPE is an identifier or URL of a manifest (e.g., MPD), and MAF (207) can establish a session to receive a manifest file from AS (231) based on the URL.

[0071] In step 8, MAF (207) may request a manifest from AS (231) after the session is established. In Fig. 2, the manifest is indicated as MPD, and MPD can be identified as an entry point that can initiate media streaming.

[0072] In step 9, AS (231) can transmit the MPD file to MAF (207) along with a response (OK) to the request received in step 8.

[0073] In step 10, MAF (207) can identify media fragments constituting the content, option information of different qualities, and address information of AS (231) for receiving the media fragments based on the received MPD, and can establish a session for receiving the media fragments from AS (231).

[0074] At step 11, MAF (207) may request AS (231) to transmit a media fragment.

[0075] At step 12, AS (231) may transmit the requested media fragment to MAF (207).

[0076] Steps 7 to 9 or steps 10 to 12 may then be repeated to continue streaming the content.

[0077] An ASP and AF can be assigned one or more ASs, each of which can store a copy of the same media fragment ingested from the ASP.

[0078] MPD, one of the manifests, can indicate the address of an AS via BaseURL, and subsequent media fragment addresses can be described as relative to the address of the AS. For example, combining BaseURL and media fragment addresses can specify a specific AS and the addresses of media fragments within that AS.

[0079] For example, MPD provides addresses of several different ASs, but does not provide information about different properties for each AS, while media properties can be described in terms of codec, resolution, bitrate, etc., regardless of AS.

[0080] In this case, MPD can provide multiple addresses of different ASs, but in the process of providing multiple addresses, information that can distinguish between different ASs or a method of distinguishing that considers the relationship between ASs and UEs (user equipment) is required.

[0081] For example, the transmission delay time between ASs providing files within a first region to which a first UE belongs and the first UE may be different from the transmission delay time between ASs providing files within a second region to which a second UE belongs and the second UE.

[0082] That is, even if the same AS transmits the same media fragment, the connection distance and number of hops between the AS and the UE cannot but vary depending on the location of the UE. For the same reason, if one UE is connected to multiple different ASs, one UE may have different transmission delay times with different ASs.

[0083] In another example, the first AS may operate on electricity generated from renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower, while the second AS may operate on electricity generated from greenhouse gas-emitting energy sources like oil, coal, and gas. From the perspective of users seeking environmentally friendly value consumption and their terminals, identifying differences in energy sources between the first and second ASs may impact how the terminals select ASes.

[0084] Accordingly, the present disclosure proposes a method for distinguishing between different ASs when one or more ASs are presented to a UE in a manifest for media streaming, and a method for distinguishing between ASs is proposed, including a method for providing unique attribute information of an AS regardless of a terminal and relational transmission characteristic information that can be measured in a connection relationship between an AS and a terminal.

[0085] A manifest for media streaming not only describes information about the pieces of media and the different codecs, resolutions, bit rates, etc. for each piece, but also needs to provide information about the differences between different servers providing the same piece of media, such as the difference in delay time depending on the distance between the server and the terminal, and the source information of the electrical energy used to operate the server.

[0086] A media service according to the present disclosure may provide server property information in addition to media information in a manifest.

[0087] Server attribute information can be provided as information that can compare attributes of a server with those of other servers, regardless of the conditions of the terminal connecting to the server, and can be used as a means to distinguish different characteristics of a first server from a second server, for example.

[0088] In addition, server attribute information may be provided as relational transmission characteristic information that can be measured in the connection relationship between a server and a terminal depending on the terminal connecting to the server, for example, as a means for distinguishing transmission characteristics between a terminal and a first server and transmission characteristics between the terminal and a second server.

[0089] Additionally, the above server attribute information may be described together within the manifest, or may be provided as separate external information upon request from the terminal.

[0090] The terminal can select one server from among one or more servers based on the above server attribute information, and if the server attribute information conflicts with each other, one can be selected based on the terminal's preferred priority.

[0091] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for modifying an MPD, which is a manifest file of MPEG-DASH, is proposed.

[0092] As a manifest, the MPD organizes content into multiple media fragments, describing the properties of each fragment and the relative address for receiving each fragment.

[0093] Additionally, MPD lists different servers where the same media fragments are stored, each with a BaseURL property.

[0094] Accordingly, terminals that wish to stream media using MPD can receive media fragments from different servers by combining the BaseURL and the media fragment address.

[0095] Table 1 provides an example MPD to aid understanding. Representations r1 and r2, which have an alternative relationship, are provided to enable switching from low-resolution to high-resolution. Media fragments have relative URLs, such as $Time / $Bandwidth / segment-$Number$.m4s, which can be received in conjunction with one of the BaseURLs. Because the BaseURLs specify example1.com and example2.com without additional attribute information, the MPD alone cannot detect the difference between the two servers.

[0096]

[0097] Table 1

[0098] The MPD according to the present disclosure can enable a terminal to distinguish servers by describing sub-attributes of BaseURL.

[0099] Sub-attributes of BaseURL can contain unique attributes of the server itself. Unique attributes are attributes that can be assigned to the server regardless of its relative relationship with the terminal, as described below. Their values ​​can change over time.

[0100] Energy source type information can be considered as a unique attribute of a server. Energy source type information can be determined during the physical installation process of the server or can vary hourly depending on the power generation plan and energy source supply and demand status of the power plant providing the power. The time interval for which an energy source is available from the present can be determined according to the power plant's schedule. That is, information such as the time indicating the time after which the energy source will no longer be valid (expiration time), the time interval indicating the start and end of the energy source use (energy source start time, energy source end time), the planned next energy source type information, the planned next energy source start time, and the planned current energy source start time can be provided. Specific details on the unique attributes of a server related to energy sources are shown in Table 2 below.

[0101]

[0102] Table 2

[0103] Another unique attribute that can be considered is energy consumption. Energy consumption can be considered as idle time energy consumption, which is the amount of energy consumed while waiting for a terminal request; unit data traffic energy consumption, which is the amount of energy consumed to transmit a certain unit of data to a terminal; and unit data caching energy consumption, which is the amount of energy consumed to receive and store a certain unit of data from an upper cache server. Table 3 provides specific details on the server's unique attributes regarding energy consumption.

[0104]

[0105] Table 3

[0106] Another unique attribute that can be considered is request response times. This represents the time it takes for the server to complete the requested data for a given request. More specifically, this can provide the resource discovery time (the time offset from the request reception time) and the start sending time (the time at which the requested data is retrieved). These time values ​​can be further subdivided into average, minimum, and maximum times.

[0107] Another unique property that can be considered is the cache hit ratio. For media fragments indicated by the MPD, the server may cache all of them or retrieve some from higher-level cache servers on demand. The cache hit ratio indicates the percentage of media fragments indicated by the MPD that are cached within the server. Therefore, when selecting a server with a non-100% cache hit ratio and receiving media fragments from it, it can be assumed that some media fragments may experience latency while being transmitted from the higher-level cache server after a request from the terminal. Specific details regarding server unique properties related to request response time and cache hit ratio are provided in Table 4 below.

[0108]

[0109] Table 4

[0110] Another unique attribute that can be considered is location. Location information can include a geographic address (a combination of latitude and longitude), an administrative address (e.g., street address), a hierarchical location linked in a network topology (topological address), and a contextual address (e.g., a server on a subway line 2 vehicle).

[0111] Another sub-attribute of BaseURL can describe relational transfer characteristics between the terminal and the server. Relational transfer characteristics refer to attributes that can be derived from the connection relationship for transfer between the terminal and the server. Their values ​​can vary depending on changes in time and the terminal's location.

[0112] Relational transmission characteristics between a terminal and a server may include transmission distance based on terminal location and server location information. Transmission distance may be information indicating the geographical distance between a first geographic location and a second geographic location, information indicating the number of hops in a network connection between a first endpoint (e.g., a terminal) and a second endpoint (e.g., a server), information indicating the maximum number of hops a packet can travel along a route (Time To Live (TTL), or a measured or estimated latency time obtained from quality of experience (QoE) metrics acquired from the terminal or terminals connected in the same cell. Specific details regarding server attributes related to location and relational transmission characteristics are set forth in Table 5 below.

[0113]

[0114] Table 5

[0115] The information listed above may have the characteristic that, when predicting transmission characteristics between a terminal and a server, a server with a larger value can be expected to have worse transmission characteristics than a server with a smaller value. Accordingly, when the information listed above is presented to a terminal as a common transmission characteristic item for one or more servers, and the item has different values ​​for each server, the terminal can more effectively select one server among multiple servers based on the above item.

[0116] The mobile communication network service according to the present disclosure may provide a list of available ASs for a single terminal by providing the aforementioned server-specific properties and terminal-server transmission characteristics through sub-properties of BaseURL within MPD or through separate message exchange.

[0117] Table 6 is an example of a BaseURL that includes the aforementioned properties.

[0118]

[0119] Table 6

[0120] In response to a terminal's MPE request via MSH in 5GMS, the AF can receive and identify a list of ASs that can provide MPE and their unique attributes. Furthermore, based on the location information of the terminal requesting MPE, the AF can determine the locational relationship between each AS and the terminal, and identify and understand the transmission characteristics between the terminal and the AS.

[0121] In order to determine the location of a terminal, the AF can present the terminal with the desired type of location information and receive the location information, or transmit the terminal identifier to the 5G Core network (5GC) through the Network Exposure Function (hereinafter referred to as NEF) and receive the terminal location information from the 5GC. The AS can have unique attributes during the creation phase and respond to the AF's request. For example, attributes corresponding to the AS can be determined during the AS creation process, and when the AF requests attribute information about the AS from the AS, the AS can transmit attribute information about the AS to the AF.

[0122] Based on the identified information, the AF can select a list of ASs to present to the terminal from among all ASs within the service, instruct the MPD manager to directly add or update the AS's properties to the MPD, or exchange messages to return the AS's properties in response to a terminal's request.

[0123] When one or more BaseURLs are specified in the received MPD, the MAF can check the sub-attributes of the BaseURL and compare the items specified as sub-attributes to select a more suitable AS. The MAF can establish a transmission session with the selected AS for transmitting media fragments and receive media fragments from the AS. If there are conflicting items among different attribute items, the MAF can receive priorities from the MSH and select an AS according to the priorities. For example, if there are instructions indicating to select a server that uses renewable energy and instructions indicating to select a server that provides low latency, and the first server uses renewable energy but has a high latency, and the second server uses energy that emits greenhouse gases but has a low latency, the MSH can present to the MAF a priority item indicating that one item has priority over the other for the values ​​of the conflicting different conditions. When the MSH presents a priority item, the MAF can operate to select the AS that satisfies the highest priority item, and then select the AS that either satisfies or does not satisfy the next item.

[0124] The AF can periodically determine the attributes of the AS and compare the differences with previously determined attribute values. If the attribute values ​​have changed, it can directly record them in the MPD or instruct the MPD manager to update them. Accordingly, a version difference may occur between the MPD already received by the MAF of the terminal and the MPD updated on the server. Since the MPD itself has timer information that expires, the cycle at which the AF determines the attributes of the AS and compares the differences can be reflected in the MPD so that the MPD is invalidated after a certain period of time, that is, after the cycle, and the terminal can request a new version of the MPD. For example, the terminal can start a timer to receive an updated MPD. When the timer expires, the terminal can invalidate the MPD stored in the terminal and request a new version of the MPD. Alternatively, the AF can send a message to the MSH notifying that the MPD has been invalidated and instruct the terminal to request a new version of the MPD.

[0125] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an operation of receiving a media streaming service according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0126] In a mobile communication network according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, two different ASs may be provided to provide a media streaming service. A first AS may operate on electricity generated from an energy source that emits greenhouse gases, and a second AS may operate on electricity generated from a naturally renewable energy source. Each AS may store unique attribute information including energy source information and provide the unique attribute information to an AF. The AF may derive relational transmission characteristic information that can be derived from a connection relationship with available ASs for a terminal requesting a media streaming service and provide the relational transmission characteristic information to the terminal.

[0127] The MPD provided to a terminal for a media streaming service contains a list of available ASs and attribute information, and the terminal initiates media streaming from an AS that satisfies the preferred items.

[0128] In step 1 of FIG. 3, AF (321) receives SAI from ASP (311), and ASP (311) can ingest media fragments into AS created or assigned according to the contents of SAI.

[0129] The ASP according to the present disclosure can provide different service access information for each terminal and initiate a service accordingly.

[0130] For example, an ASP may decide to provide different services to different terminals, and may describe how to provide different services based on various terminal conditions. Terminal conditions that may be considered may include the subscribed rate plan of the terminal user, the terminal's energy source preference information, and the terminal's geographical or network route topological location. A mobile communication network may identify the terminal's location based on its identifier or topological information of the network to which it is connected, and may select a service to provide to the terminal based on energy source preference information specified by the terminal during the service subscription or connection process.

[0131] Additionally, the various different services described above may be listed within the terminal's service access information, allowing the terminal to select one of them. The types of services provided within the service access information provided to the terminal may be those available to the terminal, and the terminal's information may be considered to provide a selection comprised solely of available services.

[0132] The types of services that ASP can provide are as follows:

[0133] - Based on the information of the identified terminal, provision of different values ​​among the properties of the servers provided to the terminal (e.g. number of hops, latency size, etc.)

[0134] - Based on the information of the identified terminal (e.g., preferred setting value), provision of properties of servers provided to the terminal that fall within the setting value (e.g., below a certain delay value, below a certain number of hops, designation of a specific energy source)

[0135] - Provision of different values ​​among the properties of servers provided to the terminal, regardless of the information of the identified terminal (e.g., Energy source type, etc.)

[0136] Accordingly, in step 1, the type of service that ASP wants to provide for each terminal, as well as the availability of support for the service requested by ASP from AF and the type of service that ASP can request can be provided and exchanged.

[0137] In step 2, the App (303) of the terminal (301) can access the ASP (311) to receive a list of contents that are the target of the streaming service from the ASP (311) and identify the list.

[0138] In step 3, the terminal (301) can select the content to be streamed.

[0139] In step 4, the App (303) can instruct the MSH (305) to play streaming media via an MPE. The MPE can be a content identifier, or an identifier or URL of a manifest (Media Presentation Description, hereinafter referred to as MPD in the case of MPEG-DASH) in a manifest-based adaptive streaming technology such as MPEG-DASH. For example, the App (303) can transmit information to the MSH (305) instructing the MPE to initiate media playback.

[0140] In step 5, the MSH (305) may request service access information (SAI) from the AF (321) and receive the SAI. At this time, the MSH (305) may also provide the AF (321) with the terminal identifier or location information of the terminal.

[0141] In step 6, AF (321) can inquire about the location of the terminal to 5GC (341) via NEF if the terminal identifier is provided and receive information about the location of the terminal from 5GC (341). Based on the location information of the terminal, AF (321) can set up routes between the terminal and ASs and receive or generate relational transmission characteristics.

[0142] In step 7, AF (321) can update the MPD for the terminal by recording AS's unique attribute information and relational transmission characteristic information in the MPD and include the updated MPD in the SAI. The MPD can be updated by AF (321) or the MPD manager can be requested to update by transmitting the AS information.

[0143] In step 8, AF (321) may ingest the updated MPD to the AS providing the MPD. If an update to the MPD is requested from the MPD manager, the MPD manager may also ingest the updated MPD to the AS providing the MPD.

[0144] In step 9, MSH (305) may receive an SAI. The SAI may include an MPE that is the same as or updated from the MPE received in step 4. The MPE may include a URL for receiving an MPD, and the URL may be a URL indicating an MPD separately generated for the terminal requesting the SAI.

[0145] In step 10, the MSH (305) may instruct the MAF (307) to stream media. For example, the MSH (305) may transmit information requesting the MAF (307) to start playing the media.

[0146] In step 11, MAF (307) can perform manifest reception and media streaming based on the indicated MPE. The MPE is an identifier or URL of the manifest (e.g., MPD), and MAF (307) can establish a session to receive the manifest file from the AS based on the URL. For example, MAF (307) can establish a session to receive the manifest file with the AS described in the received MPE, and FIG. 3 illustrates a case where the received MPE is associated with the first AS (331).

[0147] In step 12, MAF (307) may request a manifest from the first AS (331) after session establishment. In Fig. 3, the manifest is indicated as MPD, and the manifest can be identified as an entry point that can initiate media streaming.

[0148] In step 13, the first AS (331) may transmit the MPD file to the MAF (307) along with a response (OK) to the request.

[0149] In step 14, the MAF (307) can identify the media fragments that constitute the content, information on their different qualities, and the address information of the AS for receiving the media fragments based on the received MPD, and establish a session for receiving the media fragments from the AS. At this time, the first AS (331) or the second AS (333) can be selected based on the AS's unique attributes and relational transmission characteristic information. For example, if the second AS (333) that uses a natural renewable energy source is selected, a separate transmission session from the first AS (331) can be established.

[0150] At step 15, MAF (307) may request transmission of a media fragment to the second AS (333).

[0151] At step 16, the second AS (333) may transmit the requested media fragment to the MAF (307).

[0152] Steps 11 to 13 or steps 14 to 16 are then repeated to continue streaming the content.

[0153] FIG. 4 illustrates an operation of receiving a media streaming service according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0154] In a mobile communication network according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, two different ASs may be provided to provide a media streaming service. The first AS operates on electricity generated from an energy source that emits greenhouse gases, and the second AS operates on electricity generated from a naturally renewable energy source. Each AS may store unique attribute information including energy source information and provide the unique attribute information to an AF. The AF may derive relational transmission characteristic information that can be derived from a connection relationship with available ASs for a terminal requesting a media streaming service and provide the relational transmission characteristic information.

[0155] In this embodiment, the terminal explicitly conveys its preferred AS priority, and the AF identifies an MPD comprised of ASs that meet the conditions and transmits an MPE to the terminal for receiving the MPD. Accordingly, although sub-attributes of BaseURL may or may not be specified, the terminal can select an AS based on the requested priority.

[0156] In step 1 of FIG. 4, AF (421) receives SAI from ASP (411), and ASP (411) can ingest media fragments into AS created or assigned according to the contents of SAI.

[0157] In step 2, the App (403) of the terminal (401) can access the ASP (411) to receive a list of contents that are the target of the streaming service and identify the list.

[0158] In step 3, the terminal (401) can select the content to be streamed.

[0159] In step 4, the App (403) can instruct the MSH (405) to play streaming media via an MPE. The MPE can be a content identifier, or an identifier or URL of a manifest (Media Presentation Description, hereinafter referred to as MPD in the case of MPEG-DASH) in a manifest-based adaptive streaming technology such as MPEG-DASH. For example, the App (403) can transmit information to the MSH (405) indicating an MPE to initiate media playback.

[0160] In step 5, the MSH (405) may request Service Access Information (SAI) from the AF (421) and receive the SAI. At this time, the SAI may present a list of AS attribute items or profiles that the terminal can select.

[0161] In step 6, MSH (405) may select an AS attribute item or profile that serves as a selection criterion and transmit information about the selected AS attribute item or profile to AF (421). If more than one item is listed, AF (421) may operate as if the item listed first has a higher priority, or priority information may be explicitly transmitted.

[0162] In step 7, AF (421) generates a list of ASs that meet the terminal's preferences based on the AS's unique attribute information and relational transmission characteristic information, and updates the MPD to include the list. The MPD may be updated by AF or may be requested to be updated by transmitting the AS information to the MPD manager.

[0163] In step 8, AF (421) may ingest the updated MPD into the MPD server. If an update to the MPD is requested from the MPD manager, the MPD manager may also ingest the MPD server.

[0164] In step 9, the MSH (405) may instruct the MAF (407) to stream media. For example, the MSH (405) may transmit information requesting the MAF (407) to start playing the media.

[0165] In step 10, MAF (407) can perform manifest reception and media streaming based on the indicated MPE. The MPE is an identifier or URL of the manifest (e.g., MPD), and MAF (407) can establish a session to receive the manifest file from the AS based on the URL. For example, MAF (407) can establish a session to receive the manifest file with the AS described in the received MPE, and FIG. 4 illustrates a case where the received MPE is associated with the first AS (431).

[0166] In step 11, MAF (407) may request a manifest after session establishment. In Fig. 4, the manifest is indicated as MPD, and the manifest can be identified as an entry point that can initiate media streaming.

[0167] At step 12, the first AS (431) may transmit the MPD file to the MAF (407) along with a response (OK) to the request.

[0168] In step 13, MAF (407) can identify the media fragments that make up the content, information about their different quality options, and the address information of the AS for receiving the media fragments, based on the received MPD, and establish a session for receiving the media fragments from the AS. At this time, only the second AS (433) that meets the conditions previously transmitted is recorded in the received MPD.

[0169] At step 14, MAF (407) may request transmission of a media fragment to the second AS (433).

[0170] At step 15, the second AS (433) may transmit the requested media fragment to the MAF (407).

[0171] Steps 10 to 12 or steps 13 to 15 are then repeated to continue streaming the content.

[0172] FIG. 5 illustrates an operation of receiving a media streaming service according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0173] In a mobile communication network according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, two different ASs may be provided to provide a media streaming service. The first AS operates on electricity generated from an energy source that emits greenhouse gases, and the second AS operates on electricity generated from a naturally renewable energy source. Each AS may store unique attribute information including energy source information and provide the unique attribute information to an AF. The AF may derive relational transmission characteristic information that can be derived from a connection relationship with available ASs for a terminal requesting a media streaming service and provide the relational transmission characteristic information.

[0174] In this embodiment, the terminal explicitly transmits information regarding its preferred AS priority to the ASP, and the ASP can then transmit the terminal's preferences to the AF. The AF then identifies an MPD comprised of ASs that meet the terminal's preferred conditions in the SAI provided to the terminal and transmits an MPE to the terminal for receiving the MPD. Accordingly, although sub-attributes of the BaseURL may or may not be included, the terminal can select an AS based on the requested priority.

[0175] In step 1 of FIG. 5, AF (521) receives SAI from ASP (511), and ASP (511) can ingest media fragments to AS created or assigned according to the contents of SAI.

[0176] In step 2, the App (503) of the terminal (501) can access the ASP (511) to receive a list of contents eligible for streaming services and identify the list. Furthermore, the terminal (501) can receive Service Access Information (SAI) from the ASP (511). At this time, the SAI can present a list of AS attribute items or profiles that the terminal (501) can select.

[0177] In step 3, the App (503) of the terminal (501) may select an AS attribute item or profile that serves as a selection criterion and transmit information about the AS attribute item or profile to the ASP (511). If more than one item is listed, the item listed first may be considered to have a higher priority, or priority information may be explicitly transmitted. In FIG. 5, an example is provided in which energy source preferences are transmitted.

[0178] In step 4, ASP (511) transmits the selection criteria requested by terminal (501) to AF (521), and AF (521) can store information about the terminal identifier and terminal selection criteria.

[0179] In step 5, the terminal (501) can select the content to be streamed.

[0180] In step 6, the App (503) can instruct the MSH (505) to play streaming media via MPE. The MPE can be a content identifier or an identifier or URL of a manifest (Media Presentation Description, hereinafter referred to as MPD in the case of MPEG-DASH) in a manifest-based adaptive streaming technology such as MPEG-DASH. For example, the App (503) can transmit information instructing the MSH (505) to use MPE to initiate media playback.

[0181] In step 7, MSH (505) may request SAI from AF (521).

[0182] In step 8, AF (521) searches whether a selection criterion has been registered based on the terminal identifier.

[0183] In step 9, AF (521) generates a list of ASs that match the identified terminal preferences based on the AS's unique attribute information and relational transmission characteristic information, and updates the MPD to include the list. The MPD may be updated by AF or may be requested to be updated by transmitting the AS information to the MPD manager.

[0184] At step 10, MSH (505) can receive SAI from AF (521).

[0185] In step 11, the MSH (505) may instruct the MAF (507) to stream media. For example, the MSH (505) may transmit information requesting the MAF (507) to start playing the media.

[0186] In step 12, MAF (507) can perform manifest reception and media streaming based on the indicated MPE. The MPE is an identifier or URL of a manifest (e.g., MPD), and MAF (507) can establish a session to receive a manifest file from an AS based on the URL.

[0187] In step 13, MAF (507) may request a manifest after session establishment. In Fig. 5, the manifest is indicated as MPD, and the manifest can be identified as an entry point that can initiate media streaming.

[0188] At step 14, the first AS (531) may transmit the MPD file to the MAF (507) along with a response (OK) to the request.

[0189] In step 15, MAF (507) can identify media fragments constituting the content, information on their different quality options, and address information of the AS for receiving the media fragments, based on the received MPD, and establish a session for receiving the media fragments from the AS. At this time, only the second AS (533) that meets the conditions previously transmitted is recorded in the received MPD.

[0190] At step 16, MAF (507) may request transmission of a media fragment to the second AS (533).

[0191] At step 17, the second AS (533) may transmit the requested media fragment to the MAF (507).

[0192] Steps 12 to 14 or steps 15 to 17 are then repeated to continue streaming the content.

[0193] FIG. 6 illustrates an operation of receiving a media streaming service according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0194] In a mobile communication network according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, two different ASs may be provided to provide a media streaming service. The first AS operates on electricity generated from an energy source that emits greenhouse gases, and the second AS operates on electricity generated from a naturally renewable energy source. Each AS may store unique attribute information including energy source information and provide the unique attribute information to an AF. The AF may derive relational transmission characteristic information that can be derived from a connection relationship with available ASs for a terminal requesting a media streaming service and provide the relational transmission characteristic information.

[0195] In this embodiment, the terminal explicitly transmits information about its preferred AS priority to the AF, and the AF can write the terminal's preferred unique attribute as a DNS (domain name system) zone and register it in the client address table of the DNS server within the mobile communication network. For example, when a first terminal is registered in energy zone:green and a second terminal is registered as a client address in energy zone:carbon, the URLs requested to the DNS server are returned as different IP addresses. That is, for the same content.example.com address, 1.1.1.1 may be returned to the first terminal, and 2.2.2.2 may be returned to the second terminal.

[0196] In step 1 of FIG. 6, AF (621) receives SAI from ASP (611), and ASP (611) can ingest media fragments to AS created or assigned according to the contents of SAI.

[0197] In step 2, the App (603) of the terminal (601) can access the ASP (611) to receive a list of contents that are the target of the streaming service and identify the list.

[0198] In step 3, the terminal (601) can select the content to be streamed.

[0199] In step 4, the App (603) can instruct the MSH (605) to play streaming media via an MPE. The MPE can be a content identifier, or an identifier or URL of a manifest (Media Presentation Description, hereinafter referred to as MPD, in the case of MPEG-DASH) in a manifest-based adaptive streaming technology such as MPEG-DASH. For example, the App (603) can transmit information to the MSH (605) indicating an MPE to initiate media playback.

[0200] In step 5, the MSH (605) may request an SAI from the AF (621). At this time, the SAI may be presented with a list of AS attribute items or profiles from which the terminal can select.

[0201] In step 6, MSH (605) may select an AS attribute item or profile that serves as a selection criterion and transmit information about the selected AS attribute item or profile to AF (621). If more than one item is listed, AF may operate as if the item listed first has a higher priority, or priority information may be explicitly transmitted.

[0202] In step 7, AF (621) can create a zone in the client address table of the DNS server (651) and register a terminal identifier (e.g., IP address).

[0203] In step 8, the MSH (605) may instruct the MAF (607) to stream media. For example, the MSH (605) may transmit information requesting the MAF (607) to start playing the media.

[0204] In step 9, MAF (607) can perform manifest reception and media streaming based on the indicated MPE. The MPE is an identifier or URL of a manifest (e.g., MPD), and MAF (607) can establish a session to receive a manifest file from an AS based on the URL.

[0205] After establishing a session in step 10, a manifest can be requested. In Fig. 6, the manifest is indicated as MPD, and the manifest can be identified as an entry point from which media streaming can begin.

[0206] At step 11, the first AS (631) can transmit the MPD file along with a response (OK) to the request.

[0207] In step 12, the MAF (607) can query the DNS server (651) for the URL to resolve or convert the AS URL into an IP address and receive it as an IP address. At this time, the DNS server (651) can look up the client address table based on the client IP address and determine that the terminal is included in the zone of the second AS (633), and return the IP address of the second AS (633).

[0208] In step 13, based on its understanding of the received MPD, MAF (607) can identify media fragments constituting the content, information about their different quality options, and address information of the AS for receiving the media fragments, and establish a session for receiving the media fragments from the AS. For example, MAF (607) can identify information about the AS for receiving the media fragments based on the received IP address, and can identify information about the media fragments for receiving from the AS.

[0209] At step 14, MAF (607) may request transmission of a media fragment to the second AS (633).

[0210] At step 15, the second AS (633) may transmit the requested media fragment to the MAF (607).

[0211] Steps 9 to 12 or steps 13 to 15 are then repeated to continue streaming the content.

[0212] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method performed by a terminal in a wireless communication system may be provided. The method may include: receiving information associated with a media file from an application function (AF); identifying the media file, which includes information regarding a first application server (AS) and information regarding a second AS; selecting a first AS based on the information regarding the first AS and the information regarding the second AS; and receiving media information from the first AS.

[0213] According to one embodiment, the information associated with the media file may include information regarding an identifier of the media file.

[0214] According to one embodiment, the method may further include the steps of transmitting media file request information to the first AS or the second AS associated with the identifier of the media file; and receiving the media file from the first AS or the second AS, the media file including information about the first AS and information about the second AS.

[0215] According to one embodiment, the step of receiving information associated with the media file may include the step of receiving, from the AF, the media file including information regarding the first AS and information regarding the second AS.

[0216] According to one embodiment, the information about the first AS includes energy source type information indicating a type of a first energy source for producing energy used for the operation of the first AS, and the type of the first energy source includes an energy source that emits greenhouse gases or a natural renewable energy source, and the energy source that emits greenhouse gases includes at least one of oil, coal, and gas, and the natural renewable energy source may include at least one of solar power, wind power, and hydropower.

[0217] In one embodiment, the information about the first AS may further include information indicating a point in time when the first energy source begins to be used again after use of the first energy source has been stopped.

[0218] According to one embodiment, the information about the first AS may further include information indicating a second energy source to be used after use of the first energy source is stopped, information indicating a point in time when use of the second energy source begins, information indicating a point in time when use of the second energy source is stopped, and information indicating a point in time when use of the first energy source begins again after use of the first energy source is stopped.

[0219] According to one embodiment, the information about the first AS includes information about a relationship between the terminal and the first AS, the information about the second AS includes information about a relationship between the terminal and the second AS, and the information about the relationship between the terminal and the first AS may include information about a distance between the terminal and the first AS.

[0220] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method performed by an application function (AF) in a wireless communication system may be provided. The method may include the steps of: receiving information about a first application server (AS) from the first AS and receiving information about a second AS from the second AS; determining a media file including information about the first AS and information about the second AS; and transmitting information associated with the media file to a terminal.

[0221] According to one embodiment, the method further comprises obtaining location information of the terminal, information regarding a relationship between the terminal and the first AS, and information regarding a relationship between the terminal and the second AS, wherein the media file may further include information regarding a relationship between the terminal and the first AS and information regarding a relationship between the terminal and the second AS.

[0222] According to one embodiment, the information associated with the media file may further include information regarding an identifier of the media file, and may further include a step of transmitting the media file to the first AS or the second AS.

[0223] According to one embodiment, the step of transmitting information associated with the media file to the terminal may include the step of transmitting the media file to the terminal.

[0224] According to one embodiment, the information about the first AS includes energy source type information indicating a type of a first energy source for producing energy used for the operation of the first AS, the type of the first energy source includes an energy source that emits greenhouse gases or a natural renewable energy source, and the information about the first AS may further include information indicating a point in time when the first energy source began to be used and information indicating a point in time when the use of the first energy source ceases.

[0225] According to one embodiment, the information about the first AS may further include information indicating a second energy source to be used after use of the first energy source is stopped, information indicating a point in time when use of the second energy source begins, information indicating a point in time when use of the second energy source is stopped, and information indicating a point in time when use of the first energy source begins again after use of the first energy source is stopped.

[0226] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a terminal may be provided in a wireless communication system. The terminal may include at least one transceiver; at least one processor communicatively coupled to the at least one transceiver; and at least one memory communicatively coupled to the at least one processor and storing instructions executable by the at least one processor. The instructions may cause the terminal to receive information associated with a media file from an application function (AF), identify the media file including information about a first application server (AS) and information about a second AS, select the first AS based on the information about the first AS and the information about the second AS, and receive media information from the first AS.

[0227] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of a terminal according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0228] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the terminal of the present disclosure may include a transceiver (710), a memory (720), and a processor (730). The processor (730), the transceiver (710), and the memory (720) of the terminal may operate according to the communication method of the terminal described above. However, the components of the terminal are not limited to the examples described above. For example, the terminal may include more or fewer components than the components described above. In addition, the processor (730), the transceiver (710), and the memory (720) may be implemented in the form of a single chip.

[0229] The transceiver (710) is a general term for the terminal's receiver and transmitter, and can transmit and receive signals with a base station or network entity. The signals transmitted and received with the base station may include control information and data. To this end, the transceiver (710) may be configured with an RF transmitter that up-converts and amplifies the frequency of a transmitted signal, and an RF receiver that low-noise amplifies and down-converts the frequency of a received signal. However, this is only one embodiment of the transceiver (710), and the components of the transceiver (710) are not limited to an RF transmitter and an RF receiver.

[0230] Additionally, the transceiver (710) may include a wired or wireless transceiver and may include various configurations for transmitting and receiving signals.

[0231] In addition, the transceiver (710) can receive a signal through a wired or wireless channel and output it to the processor (730), and transmit the signal output from the processor (730) through the wired or wireless channel.

[0232] In addition, the transceiver (710) can receive a communication signal and output it to the processor, and transmit the signal output from the processor to a network entity via a wired or wireless network.

[0233] The memory (720) can store programs and data necessary for the operation of the terminal. In addition, the memory (720) can store control information or data included in signals acquired from the terminal. The memory (720) can be configured as a storage medium or a combination of storage media, such as a ROM, a RAM, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, and a DVD.

[0234] The processor (730) can control a series of processes so that the terminal can operate according to the embodiments of the present disclosure described above. The processor (730) may include at least one processor. For example, the processor (730) may include a communication processor (CP) that performs control for communication and an application processor (AP) that controls upper layers such as application programs.

[0235] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of a base station according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0236] As illustrated in FIG. 8, the base station of the present disclosure may include a transceiver (810), a memory (820), and a processor (830). The processor (830), the transceiver (810), and the memory (820) of the base station may operate according to the communication method of the base station described above. However, the components of the base station are not limited to the examples described above. For example, the base station may include more or fewer components than the components described above. In addition, the processor (830), the transceiver (810), and the memory (820) may be implemented in the form of a single chip.

[0237] The transceiver (810) is a general term for the receiving unit and the transmitting unit of the base station, and can transmit and receive signals with a terminal or another base station. At this time, the transmitted and received signals may include control information and data. To this end, the transceiver (810) may be configured with an RF transmitter that up-converts and amplifies the frequency of a transmitted signal, and an RF receiver that low-noise amplifies and frequency-down-converts the received signal. However, this is only one embodiment of the transceiver (810), and the components of the transceiver (810) are not limited to the RF transmitter and RF receiver. The transceiver (810) may include wired and wireless transceivers, and may include various configurations for transmitting and receiving signals.

[0238] Additionally, the transceiver (810) can receive a signal through a communication channel (e.g., a wireless channel) and output the signal to the processor (830), and transmit the signal output from the processor (830) through the communication channel.

[0239] In addition, the transceiver (810) can receive a communication signal and output it to the processor, and transmit the signal output from the processor to a terminal or network entity via a wired or wireless network.

[0240] The memory (820) can store programs and data required for the operation of the base station. In addition, the memory (820) can store control information or data included in signals acquired from the base station. The memory (820) can be configured as a storage medium or a combination of storage media, such as a ROM, a RAM, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, and a DVD.

[0241] The processor (830) may control a series of processes so that the base station can operate according to the embodiments of the present disclosure described above. The processor (830) may include at least one processor. The methods according to the embodiments described in the claims or specification of the present disclosure may be implemented in the form of hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0242] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a network entity according to the present disclosure. The network entity of the present disclosure is a concept that includes a network function depending on the system implementation.

[0243] As illustrated in FIG. 9, the network entity of the present disclosure may include a transceiver (900), a memory (910), and a processor (920). The processor (920), the transceiver (900), and the memory (910) of the network entity may operate according to the communication method of the network entity described above. However, the components of the network entity are not limited to the examples described above. For example, the network entity may include more or fewer components than the components described above. In addition, the processor (920), the transceiver (900), and the memory (910) may be implemented in the form of a single chip. In addition, the processor (920) may include at least one processor.

[0244] The transceiver (900) is a general term for the receiving unit and transmitting unit of a network entity, and can transmit and receive signals with a base station. The signals transmitted and received with the base station may include control information and data. To this end, the transceiver (900) may be configured with an RF transmitter that up-converts and amplifies the frequency of a transmitted signal, and an RF receiver that low-noise amplifies and frequency-converts the received signal. However, this is only one embodiment of the transceiver (900), and the components of the transceiver (900) are not limited to the RF transmitter and RF receiver. In addition, the transceiver (900) may transmit and receive signals with other network entities.

[0245] In addition, the transceiver (900) can receive a signal through a wireless channel and output it to the processor (920), and transmit the signal output from the processor (920) through the wireless channel.

[0246] The memory (910) can store programs and data necessary for the operation of the network entity. In addition, the memory (910) can store control information or data included in signals acquired from the network entity. The memory (910) can be configured as a storage medium or a combination of storage media, such as a ROM, a RAM, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, and a DVD.

[0247] The processor (920) may control a series of processes so that a network entity can operate according to the embodiments of the present disclosure described above. For example, the processor (920) may receive control signals and data signals through the transceiver (900) and process the received control signals and data signals. Furthermore, the processor (920) may transmit the processed control signals and data signals through the transceiver (900).

[0248] Additionally, the transmitter / receiver unit (900), memory (910), and processor (920) may be electrically connected. Additionally, the operations of the network entity may be realized by providing a memory device storing the corresponding program code in any component within the network entity.

[0249] The methods according to the embodiments described in the claims or specification of the present disclosure may be implemented in the form of hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0250] When implemented in software, a computer-readable storage medium storing one or more programs (software modules) may be provided. The one or more programs stored in the computer-readable storage medium are configured for execution by one or more processors within an electronic device. The one or more programs include instructions that cause the electronic device to execute methods according to the embodiments described in the claims or specification of the present disclosure.

[0251] These programs (software modules, software) may be stored in random access memory, non-volatile memory including flash memory, read only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), magnetic disc storage device, compact disc ROM (CD-ROM), digital versatile discs (DVDs) or other forms of optical storage device, magnetic cassette. Or, they may be stored in a memory configured as a combination of some or all of these. In addition, each configuration memory may be included in multiple numbers.

[0252] Additionally, the program may be stored in an attachable storage device that is accessible via a communication network such as the Internet, an intranet, a local area network (LAN), a wide local area network (WLAN), a storage area network (SAN), or a combination thereof. Such a storage device may be connected to a device performing an embodiment of the present disclosure via an external port. Additionally, a separate storage device on the communication network may be connected to a device performing an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0253] In the specific embodiments of the present disclosure described above, components included in the disclosure are expressed in the singular or plural form, depending on the specific embodiment presented. However, the singular or plural expressions are selected to suit the presented situation for convenience of explanation, and the present disclosure is not limited to singular or plural components. Components expressed in the plural form may be composed of singular elements, or components expressed in the singular form may be composed of plural elements.

[0254] While the detailed description of the present disclosure has described specific embodiments, it should be understood that various modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure should not be limited to the described embodiments, but should be determined not only by the scope of the claims described below but also by equivalents thereof. In other words, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains that other modifications based on the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure are possible. In addition, the respective embodiments may be combined and operated as needed. For example, parts of the methods proposed in the present disclosure may be combined to operate a base station and a terminal. In addition, although the above embodiments have been presented based on a 5G, NR system, other modifications based on the technical idea of ​​the above embodiments may be implemented in other systems such as LTE, LTE-A, and LTE-A-Pro systems.

Claims

1. In a method performed by a terminal in a wireless communication system, A step of receiving information associated with a media file from an AF (application function); A step of identifying the media file including information about a first AS (application server) and information about a second AS; A step of selecting the first AS based on information about the first AS and information about the second AS; and A method comprising the step of receiving media information from the first AS.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the information associated with the media file includes information regarding an identifier of the media file.

3. In the second paragraph, a step of transmitting media file request information to the first AS or the second AS associated with the identifier of the media file; and A method further comprising the step of receiving, from the first AS or the second AS, the media file including information about the first AS and information about the second AS.

4. In the first paragraph, the step of receiving information associated with the media file A method comprising the step of receiving, from the AF, the media file including information about the first AS and information about the second AS.

5. In the first paragraph, the information about the first AS includes energy source type information indicating the type of the first energy source for producing energy used for the operation of the first AS, The type of the above first energy source includes an energy source that emits greenhouse gases or a naturally renewable energy source, The energy source that emits the above greenhouse gases includes at least one of oil, coal and gas, A method wherein the above natural renewable energy source comprises at least one of solar power, wind power and hydro power.

6. A method according to claim 5, wherein the information regarding the first AS further includes information indicating a point in time when the first energy source began to be used and information indicating a point in time when the use of the first energy source ceases.

7. In the 6th paragraph, the information regarding the first AS further includes information indicating a second energy source to be used after use of the first energy source is stopped, information indicating a point in time when use of the second energy source begins, information indicating a point in time when use of the second energy source is stopped, and information indicating a point in time when use of the first energy source begins again after use of the first energy source is stopped.

8. In the first paragraph, the information about the first AS includes information about the relationship between the terminal and the first AS, The information about the second AS includes information about the relationship between the terminal and the second AS, A method in which information about the relationship between the terminal and the first AS includes information about the distance between the terminal and the first AS.

9. In a method performed by AF (application function) in a wireless communication system, A step of receiving information about a first AS (application server) from a first AS and receiving information about a second AS from a second AS; A step of determining a media file including information about the first AS and information about the second AS; and A method comprising the step of transmitting information associated with the media file to a terminal.

10. In the 9th paragraph, the method further comprises a step of acquiring location information of the terminal, information on the relationship between the terminal and the first AS, and information on the relationship between the terminal and the second AS. A method wherein the media file further includes information regarding a relationship between the terminal and the first AS and information regarding a relationship between the terminal and the second AS.

11. In paragraph 9, the information associated with the media file includes information regarding an identifier of the media file, A method further comprising the step of transmitting the media file to the first AS or the second AS.

12. In the 9th paragraph, the step of transmitting information related to the media file to the terminal A method comprising the step of transmitting the media file to the terminal.

13. In the 9th paragraph, the information about the first AS includes energy source type information indicating the type of the first energy source for producing energy used for the operation of the first AS, The type of the above first energy source includes an energy source that emits greenhouse gases or a naturally renewable energy source, A method wherein the information about the first AS further includes information indicating a point in time when the first energy source began to be used and information indicating a point in time when the first energy source ceased to be used.

14. A method according to claim 13, wherein the information about the first AS further includes information indicating a second energy source to be used after use of the first energy source is stopped, information indicating a point in time when use of the second energy source begins, information indicating a point in time when use of the second energy source is stopped, and information indicating a point in time when use of the first energy source begins again after use of the first energy source is stopped.

15. In a wireless communication system, at a terminal, At least one transmitter / receiver; At least one processor communicatively coupled to said at least one transceiver; and At least one memory coupled to the at least one processor so as to be communicatively connected and storing instructions executable by the at least one processor, The above commands are used by the terminal Receive information associated with a media file from AF (application function), Identifying the media file containing information about the first AS (application server) and information about the second AS, Based on the information about the first AS and the information about the second AS, the first AS is selected, A terminal that receives media information from the above first AS.

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