Head-End System for Two-Way VOD Service via Java Middleware
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current two-way digital broadcasting systems face high initial investment costs due to the need for expensive multiplexing equipment to provide simultaneous video on demand (VOD) and related application information, with no effective method for interoperating AV and application services without discrete multiplexing.
Innovation Solution
A head-end system utilizing a Java virtual machine and Java TV/GEM standard middleware, which includes a terminal with a VOD navigator application and a two-way VOD head-end system server comprising a navigator server, application server, and streaming server, allowing real-time AV and application information to be provided over the Internet without discrete multiplexing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If discrete multiplexing equipment is used to provide simultaneous VOD and application information, then service functionality is improved, but initial investment cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the multiplexing function with the existing HTTP/HTTPS web server infrastructure. Instead of using separate discrete multiplexing equipment, the system integrates VOD content delivery and application information delivery through a unified web server platform that uses standard HTTP/HTTPS protocols, thereby eliminating the need for expensive dedicated multiplexing hardware while maintaining simultaneous service delivery capability
Solution Approach 2:
The web server is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a content delivery mechanism for VOD and an information delivery mechanism for application data. By making the web server universal and multi-functional, the system eliminates the need for specialized equipment, reducing initial investment costs while maintaining full service functionality
2Reliability
If conventional Java MPEG-2 based multiplexing is used, then AV transmission is achieved, but interoperability between application and AV services is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an application information table (AIT) as an intermediary data structure that bridges AV content and related applications. The AIT contains metadata that enables the terminal to understand how to access and interact with applications related to the VOD content being played, thereby restoring interoperability while maintaining reliable AV transmission through the web server
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the delivery parameters from proprietary MPEG-2 multiplexing to standard HTTP/HTTPS web protocols. By transforming the transmission parameters to use widely-supported web standards, the system achieves both reliable AV delivery and improved application interoperability, as terminals can use standard web browsers and Java applets to access both video content and related applications
Data Source
AI summary
A head-end system for providing a two-way VOD service and a service method thereof are disclosed. The head-end system includes: a terminal which is based on a Java virtual machine and a Java TV/GEM standard middleware and has a VOD navigator application of a tool set form for replaying and controlling an audiovisual (AV) which is processed to be replayed in real time and an application related to the AV which is processed to be replayed in real time; and a two-way VOD head-end system server for providing a VOD content list and content information to the terminal through the Internet and providing information of an application related to an AV which is processed to be replayed and an application execution-related file together when a VOD content is selected and requested by a user.