Methods for media streaming content preparation for an application provider in 5G networks

A method of directing content preparation for a 5G media streaming (5GMS) network performed by at least one processor implementing a 5GMS application provider, the method comprising creating a content preparation template, by the 5GMS application provider, wherein the content preparation template includes first information specifying instructions for content preparation, and second information specifying instructions for content output; establishing a first provisioning session with a 5GMS application function; transmitting the content preparation template to the 5GMS application function in the first provisioning session, wherein the 5GMS application function requests to allocate 5GMS content preparation resources and 5GMS content distribution resources; and receiving a first acknowledgement from the 5GMS application function, wherein the first acknowledgement indicates an allocation of at least one of content preparation resources and content distribution resources.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to media processing and streaming methods and systems, more particularly to content preparation in 5G networks.

BACKGROUND

3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) TS26.501 defines the general architecture for uplink and downlink streaming workflow. Further, 3GPP TS26.512 defines the concept of a content preparation template. However, neither the TS26.501 nor the TS26.512 define the characteristics of the content preparation template. Further, TS26.512 also does not define or describe the process of using the content preparation for content preparation, specifically, how to use a content preparation template for just-in-time content preparation.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure addresses one or more technical problems. The present disclosure provides technical solutions that enable Application Providers to direct the definition, process, and preparation of content preparation using content preparation templates. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods and workflows for content preparation including collaboration scenarios for content preparation for uplink and downlink streaming.

While TS26.512 defines the concepts of content preparation templates, the present disclosure describes collaboration scenarios for content preparation for uplink and downlink streaming including defining roles in the content preparation process and instantiating the content preparation process in 5GMS networks. Embodiments of the present disclosure also define how to use the content preparation template in a plurality of use cases enabling just-in-time content preparation over a 5G network. Just-in-time content preparation increases efficiency and reduces the computational overhead of the 5G network and the devices therein.

Embodiments of the present disclosure include methods and apparatus for directing content preparation for a 5G media streaming (5GMS) network performed by at least one processor implementing an application provider. The method includes creating a content preparation template, by the 5GMS application provider, wherein the content preparation template includes first information specifying instructions for content preparation, and second information specifying instructions for content output; establishing a first provisioning session with a 5GMS application function; transmitting the content preparation template to the 5GMS application function in the first provisioning session, wherein the 5GMS application function requests to allocate 5GMS content preparation resources and 5GMS content distribution resources; and receiving a first acknowledgement from the 5GMS application function, wherein the first acknowledgement indicates an allocation of at least one of content preparation resources and content distribution resources.

According to embodiments, the method includes transmitting content to a 5GMS application server, wherein the transmitting of the content is done prior to downlink streaming of the content to one or more user devices, and wherein the transmitting of the content to the 5GMS application server is subsequent to establishing the first provisioning session

According to embodiments, the 5GMS application server is configured to partially modify the content based on the content preparation template, and wherein the 5GMS application server is configured to distribute the partially modified content to the one or more user devices.

According to embodiments, the method includes receiving partially modified content from a 5GMS application server, wherein the partially modified content is received after uplink streaming of content from one or more user devices.

According to embodiments, the 5GMS application server is configured to partially modify the content from the one or more user devices based on the content preparation template, and wherein the 5GMS application server is configured to receive the content to be partially modified from the one or more user devices.

According to embodiments, the application function comprises a first application function, and wherein the method includes establishing a second provisioning session with a second 5GMS application function; defining a resource request, wherein the resource request is based on the allocation of the at least one of the 5GMS content preparation resources and the 5GMS content distribution resources; transmitting the resource request to the second 5GMS application function in the second provisioning session, wherein the second 5GMS application function requests to allocate 5GMS content preparation resources and 5GMS content distribution resources; and receiving a second acknowledgement from the second 5GMS application function, wherein the second acknowledgement indicates the allocation of the 5GMS content preparation resources and the 5GMS content distribution resources based on the resource request.

According to embodiments, the 5GMS application function is a first 5GMS application function, and wherein the first acknowledgement further comprises information indicating at least one of an uplink session or a downlink session with a second 5GMS application function.

According to embodiments, the transmitting of the content preparation template to the application function causes an instantiation of a content preparation and resource allocation process at a 5GMS application server.

According to embodiments, the 5GMS application function comprises a first 5GMS application function, and wherein prior to the receiving of the first acknowledgement, the first 5GMS application function is configured to establish a second provisioning session with a second 5GMS application function.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The proposed features discussed below may be used separately or combined in any order. Further, the embodiments may be implemented by processing circuitry (e.g., one or more processors or one or more integrated circuits) or processing entities (e.g., one or more application providers, one or more application servers, or one or more application functions). In one example, the one or more processors execute a program that is stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium.

A 5G media streaming (5GMS) system may be an assembly of application functions, application servers, and interfaces from the 5G media streaming architecture that support either downlink media streaming services or uplink media streaming services, or both. A 5GMS Application Provider may include a party that interacts with functions of the 5GMS system and supplies a 5GMS Aware Application that interacts with functions of the 5GMS system. The 5GMS Aware Application may refer to an application in the user equipment (UE), provided by the 5GMS Application Provider, that contains the service logic of the 5GMS application service, and interacts with other 5GMS Client and Network functions via the interfaces and application programming interfaces (APIs) defined in the 5GMS architecture. A 5GMS Client may refer to a UE function that is either a 5GMS downlink (5GMSd) Client or a 5GMS uplink (5GMSu) Client, or both.

The 5GMSd Client may refer to a UE function that includes at least a 5G media streaming player and a media session handler for downlink streaming and that may be accessed through well-defined interfaces/APIs. The 5GMSu Client may refer to an originator of a 5GMSu service that may be accessed through well-defined interfaces/APIs. A 5GMSu media streamer may refer to a UE function that enables uplink delivery of streaming media content to an Application Server (AS) function of the 5GMS Application Provider, and which interacts with both the 5GMSu Aware Application for media capture and subsequent streaming, and the Media Session Handler for media session control.

A dynamic policy may refer to a dynamic policy and charging control (PCC) rule for an uplink or downlink application flow during a media session. An egest session may refer to an uplink media streaming session from the 5GMS AS towards the 5GMSu Application Provider. An ingest session may refer to a session to upload the media content to a 5GMSd AS. A policy template may refer to a collection of (semi-static) Policy or Control Function (PCF)/Network Exposure Function (NEF) API parameters which are specific to the 5GMS Application Provider and also the resulting PCC rule. A policy template ID may identify the desired policy template, which is used by the 5GMSd Application Function (AF) to select the appropriate PCF/NEF API towards the 5G system so that the PCF can compile the desired PCC rule. The Media Player Entry may refer to a document or a pointer to a document that defines a media presentation (e.g., a media presentation description (MPD) for DASH or a uniform resource locator (URL) to a video clip file). A Media Streamer Entry may refer to a pointer (e.g., in the form of a URL) that defines an entry point of an uplink media streaming session. A presentation entry may refer to a document or a pointer to a document that defines an application presentation, such as an HTML5 document.

A Provisioning Session may refer to a data structure supplied at an interface (M1d) by a 5GMSd Application provider that configures the 5GMSd features relevant to a set of 5GMSd Aware Applications. A 5GMSd Media Player may refer to a UE function that enables playback and rendering of a media presentation based on a media play entry and exposing some basic controls such as play, pause, seek, stop, to the 5GMSd Aware Application. Server Access Information may refer to a set of parameters and addresses (including 5GMSd AF and 5GMSd AS addresses) which are needed to activate the reception of a streaming session. A Service and Content Discovery may refer to functionality and procedures provided by a 5GMSd Application Provider to a 5GMS Aware Application that enables the end user to discover the available streaming service and content offerings and select a specific service or content item for access. A Service Announcement may refer to procedures conducted between the 5GMS Aware Application and the 5GMS Application Provider such that the 5GMS Aware Application is able to obtain 5GMS Service Access Information, either directly or in the form of a reference to that information.

A third party player may refer to a part of an application that uses APIs to exercise selected 5GMSd functions to play back media content. A third party uplink streamer may refer to a part of an application that uses APIs to exercise selected 5GMSu functions to capture and stream media content.

FIG.1is a diagram of an environment100in which methods, apparatuses, and systems described herein may be implemented, according to embodiments. As shown inFIG.1, the environment100may include a user device110, a platform120, and a network130. Devices of the environment100may interconnect via wired connections, wireless connections, or a combination of wired and wireless connections.

The user device110includes one or more devices capable of receiving, generating, storing, processing, and/or providing information associated with platform120. For example, the user device110may include a computing device (e.g., a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a handheld computer, a smart speaker, a server, etc.), a mobile phone (e.g., a smart phone, a radiotelephone, etc.), a wearable device (e.g., a pair of smart glasses or a smart watch), or a similar device. In some implementations, the user device110may receive information from and/or transmit information to the platform120.

The platform120includes one or more devices as described elsewhere herein. In some implementations, the platform120may include a cloud server or a group of cloud servers. In some implementations, the platform120may be designed to be modular such that software components may be swapped in or out depending on a particular need. As such, the platform120may be easily and/or quickly reconfigured for different uses.

In some implementations, as shown, the platform120may be hosted in a cloud computing environment122. Notably, while implementations described herein describe the platform120as being hosted in the cloud computing environment122, in some implementations, the platform120may not be cloud-based (i.e., may be implemented outside of a cloud computing environment) or may be partially cloud-based.

The cloud computing environment122includes an environment that hosts the platform120. The cloud computing environment122may provide computation, software, data access, storage, etc. services that do not require end-user (e.g. the user device110) knowledge of a physical location and configuration of system(s) and/or device(s) that hosts the platform120. As shown, the cloud computing environment122may include a group of computing resources124(referred to collectively as “computing resources124” and individually as “computing resource124”).

The computing resource124includes one or more personal computers, workstation computers, server devices, or other types of computation and/or communication devices. In some implementations, the computing resource124may host the platform120. The cloud resources may include compute instances executing in the computing resource124, storage devices provided in the computing resource124, data transfer devices provided by the computing resource124, etc. In some implementations, the computing resource124may communicate with other computing resources124via wired connections, wireless connections, or a combination of wired and wireless connections.

As further shown inFIG.1, the computing resource124includes a group of cloud resources, such as one or more applications (“APPs”)124-1, one or more virtual machines (“VMs”)124-2, virtualized storage (“VSs”)124-3, one or more hypervisors (“HYPs”)124-4, or the like.

The application124-1includes one or more software applications that may be provided to or accessed by the user device110and/or the platform120. The application124-1may eliminate a need to install and execute the software applications on the user device110. For example, the application124-1may include software associated with the platform120and/or any other software capable of being provided via the cloud computing environment122. In some implementations, one application124-1may send/receive information to/from one or more other applications124-1, via the virtual machine124-2.

The virtual machine124-2includes a software implementation of a machine (e.g. a computer) that executes programs like a physical machine. The virtual machine124-2may be either a system virtual machine or a process virtual machine, depending upon use and degree of correspondence to any real machine by the virtual machine124-2. A system virtual machine may provide a complete system platform that supports execution of a complete operating system (“OS”). A process virtual machine may execute a single program, and may support a single process. In some implementations, the virtual machine124-2may execute on behalf of a user (e.g. the user device110), and may manage infrastructure of the cloud computing environment122, such as data management, synchronization, or long-duration data transfers.

The hypervisor124-4may provide hardware virtualization techniques that allow multiple operating systems (e.g. “guest operating systems”) to execute concurrently on a host computer, such as the computing resource124. The hypervisor124-4may present a virtual operating platform to the guest operating systems, and may manage the execution of the guest operating systems. Multiple instances of a variety of operating systems may share virtualized hardware resources.

FIG.2is a block diagram of example components of one or more devices ofFIG.1. The device200may correspond to the user device110and/or the platform120. As shown inFIG.2, the device200may include a bus210, a processor220, a memory230, a storage component240, an input component250, an output component260, and a communication interface270.

The bus210includes a component that permits communication among the components of the device200. The processor220is implemented in hardware, firmware, or a combination of hardware and software. The processor220is a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an accelerated processing unit (APU), a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or another type of processing component. In some implementations, the processor220includes one or more processors capable of being programmed to perform a function. The memory230includes a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), and/or another type of dynamic or static storage device (e.g. a flash memory, a magnetic memory, and/or an optical memory) that stores information and/or instructions for use by the processor220.

The input component250includes a component that permits the device200to receive information, such as via user input (e.g. a touch screen display, a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, a button, a switch, and/or a microphone). Additionally, or alternatively, the input component250may include a sensor for sensing information (e.g. a global positioning system (GPS) component, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and/or an actuator). The output component260includes a component that provides output information from the device200(e.g. a display, a speaker, and/or one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs)).

The communication interface270includes a transceiver-like component (e.g., a transceiver and/or a separate receiver and transmitter) that enables the device200to communicate with other devices, such as via a wired connection, a wireless connection, or a combination of wired and wireless connections. The communication interface270may permit the device200to receive information from another device and/or provide information to another device. For example, the communication interface270may include an Ethernet interface, an optical interface, a coaxial interface, an infrared interface, a radio frequency (RF) interface, a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a Wi-Fi interface, a cellular network interface, or the like.

The device200may perform one or more processes described herein. The device200may perform these processes in response to the processor220executing software instructions stored by a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as the memory230and/or the storage component240. A computer-readable medium is defined herein as a non-transitory memory device. A memory device includes memory space within a single physical storage device or memory space spread across multiple physical storage devices.

Software instructions may be read into the memory230and/or the storage component240from another computer-readable medium or from another device via the communication interface270. When executed, software instructions stored in the memory230and/or the storage component240may cause the processor220to perform one or more processes described herein. Additionally, or alternatively, hardwired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions to perform one or more processes described herein. Thus, implementations described herein are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software.

The number and arrangement of components shown inFIG.2are provided as an example. In practice, the device200may include additional components, fewer components, different components, or differently arranged components than those shown inFIG.2. Additionally, or alternatively, a set of components (e.g. one or more components) of the device200may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of components of the device200.

FIG.3is a diagram of a media architecture300for media streaming. In embodiments, media architecture300may be used for processing media content after Uplink streaming or before Downlink streaming. A 5G media streaming uplink (5GMS) Application Provider301may use 5GMS for streaming services. 5GMS Application provider301may provide a 5GMS Aware Application302on the UE303to make use of 5GMS Client304and network functions using interfaces and APIs defined in 5GMS. 5GMS Application Server (AS) may be an Application Server dedicated to 5G Media Streaming. 5GMS Client304may be a UE303internal function dedicated to 5G Media Streaming.

5GMS Application Function306and 5GMS Application Server305may be Data Network (DN)307functions. Functions in trusted Data Networks may be trusted by the operator's network. Therefore, Application Functions in trusted Data Networks may directly communicate with all 5G Core functions. Functions in external Data Networks may only communicate with 5G Core functions via the Network Exposure Function (NEF)308using link320.

The media architecture300may connect UE303internal functions and related network functions for 5G Media Uplink Streaming. In some embodiments, the media architecture300may connect UE303internal functions and related network functions for 5G Media Downlink Streaming. Accordingly, media architecture300may include a number of functions. For example, 5GMS Client304on UE303may be an originator of 5GMS service that may be accessed through interfaces/APIs. 5GMS Client304may include two sub-functions, media session handler (MSH)309and media streamer310. MSH309may communicate with the 5GMS Application Function306in order to establish, control and support the delivery of a media session. The MSH309may expose APIs that can be used by the 5GMS Aware Application302. Media Streamer310may communicate with 5GMS Application Server305in order to stream the media content and provide a service to the 5GMS Aware Application302for media capturing and streaming, and the MSH309for media session control. 5GMS Aware Application302may control 5GMS Client303by implementing external application or content service provider specific logic and enabling the establishment of a media session. 5GMS Application Server305may host 5G media functions. 5GMS Application Provider301may be an external application or content specific media functionality, e.g., media storage, consumption, transcoding and redistribution that uses 5GMS to stream media from 5GMS Aware Application302. 5GMS Application Function306may provide various control functions to the MSH309on the UE303and/or to 5GMS Application Provider301. 5GMS Application Function306may relay or initiate a request for different Policy or Charging Function (PCF)311treatment or interact with other network functions.

Media architecture300may include a number of different interfaces. For example, link M1 may be a 5GMS Provisioning API exposed by 5GMS Application Function306to provision usage of media architecture300and to obtain feedback. Link M2 may be a 5GMS Publish API exposed by 5GMS Application Server305and used when 5GMS Application Server305in trusted Data Network, such as Data Network307, is selected to receive content for streaming service. Link M3 may be an internal API used to exchange information for content hosting on 5GMS Application Server305within a trusted Data Network such as Data Network307. Link M4 may be a Media Uplink Streaming API exposed by 5GMS Application Server323to Media Streamer310to stream media content. Link M5 may be a Media Session Handling API exposed by 5GMS Application Function305to Media Session Handler for media session handling, control and assistance that also include appropriate security mechanisms e.g. authorization and authentication. Link M6 may be a UE303Media Session Handling API exposed by MSH309to 5GMS Aware Application302to make use of 5GMS functions. Link M7 may be a UE Media Streamer API exposed by Media Streamer310to 5GMS Aware Application302and MSH309to make use of Media Streamer310. Link M8 may be an Application API which is used for information exchange between 5GMS Aware Application302and 5GMS Application Provider301, for example to provide service access information to the 5GMS Aware Application302.

Embodiments corresponding toFIGS.4-5&7-10Brelate to workflows, collaboration schemes, and procedures directed to process media content across a 5G network by a 5GMS Application Provider.

In some embodiments, the 5GMS Application Provider may direct content processing across the 5G network by defining the content preparation process. As an example, the 5GMS Application Provider may direct content processing across the 5G network by defining content preparation templates and providing the content preparation templates to 5GMS Application Functions or 5GMS Application Servers across the 5G network using network functions and APIs. Content Preparation Templates (CPT) may include information and instructions for content preparation. In some embodiments, content preparation templates include information and instructions related to output formats for media content. In some embodiments, content preparation templates may include information that may be used for allocation of content preparation resources or content distribution resources across the 5GMS network.

In some embodiments, the 5GMS Application Provider may direct the content preparation process for its media stream before distributing the media stream to a UE by defining content preparation templates and providing the content preparation templates. In some embodiments, the 5GMS Application Provider may direct the content preparation process for a media stream from a 5GMS Aware Application before receiving the media stream by defining content preparation templates and providing the content preparation templates. In some embodiments, the 5GMS Application Provider may direct the content preparation process for a media stream by defining content preparation templates and providing the content preparation templates to one or more 5GMS Application Functions in preparation for an uplink media stream from one or more UEs and before downlink streaming to one or more UEs. As an example, a 5GMS Application Provider may define content preparation templates and provide the content preparation templates to a first 5GMS Application Function, enabling the first 5GMS Application Function to communicate with a second 5GMS Application Function. The first 5GMS Application Function and second 5GMS Application Function can communicate and process media content from a media stream after the media stream is uploaded from a 5GMS Aware Application and before the media content is downloaded to another 5GMS Aware Application.

In some embodiments, a 5GMS Application Provider may establish a provisioning session with one or more 5GMS Application Functions. In some embodiments, 5GMS Application Provider may transmit content preparation templates to one or more 5GMS Application Functions during the provisioning session. In some embodiments, the 5GMS Application Provider may establish a provisioning session with a 5GMS Application Function and then define and transmit content preparation templates. In some embodiments, 5GMS Application Provider may establish more than one provisioning session with more than one 5GMS Application Functions. In some embodiments, the 5GMS Application Provider may establish a provisioning session with a first 5GMS Application Function and the first 5GMS Application Function may be configured to establish another provisioning session with a second 5GMS Application Function.

In some embodiments, a 5GMS Application Provider may receive an acknowledgement from a 5GMS Application Function after establishing a provisioning session with the 5GMS Application Function. The acknowledgment may include information relating to discovery of resources, allocation of content preparation resources, allocation of content distribution resources, an uplink session with one or more other 5GMS Application Functions, or a downlink session with one or more other 5GMS Application Functions. In some embodiments, a 5GMS Application Server may determine information relating to discovery of resources, allocation of content preparation resources, allocation of content distribution resources and transmit it to the 5GMS Application Function.

In some embodiments, a 5GMS Application Provider may transmit media content to a 5GMS Application Server, wherein the media content may be modified based on the content preparation template. As an example, in some embodiments, the media content to be transmitted may be partially or completely modified prior to the downlink streaming of the modified media content to one or more user devices, the 5GMS Application Provider may transmit media content to be partially modified to the 5GMS Application Server. In some embodiments, the 5GMS Application Provider may transform the media content or partially modify the media content based on the content preparation template and distribute the partially modified media content to the one or more requesting client devices.

In some embodiments, a 5GMS Application Provider may receive partially modified media content from a 5GMS Application Server, wherein the media content may be modified based on the content preparation template. As an example, in some embodiments, the partially or completely modified media content may be received by the 5GMS Application Provider after the uplink streaming of the media content from one or more user devices to a 5GMS Application Server. The 5GMS Application Server may partially or completely modify the media content received from the one or more user devices based on the content preparation template and transmit the partially or completely modified media content to the 5GMS Application Provider that requested the partially or completely modified media content.

In some embodiments, a 5GMS Application Provider may direct the transfer of media content from a first 5GMS Application Server to another 5GMS Application Server through information in or accompanying the content preparation template. The 5GMS Application Provider may direct the transfer of media content from a first 5GMS Application Server to another 5GMS Application Server through information in or accompanying the content preparation template using one or more 5GMS Application Functions, wherein either the first 5GMS Application Server or the second 5GMS Application Server may be directed to modify the media content based on the content preparation template.

In some embodiments, a 5GMS Application Provider may updated the content preparation templates and transmit the updated content preparation template to one or more 5GMS Application Functions. The 5GMS Application Provider may receive an updated acknowledgement from the 5GMS Application Function, wherein the acknowledgement may indicate an updated information relating to discovery of resources, allocation of content preparation resources, allocation of content distribution resources, an uplink session with one or more other 5GMS Application Functions, or a downlink session with one or more other 5GMS Application Functions.

In some embodiments, the 5GMS Application Provider may create a content hosting configuration template (HCT) and transmit the content hosting configuration template to the 5GMS Application Function in the provisioning session with the 5GMS Application provider. The content hosting configuration template may include instructions and information for third-party providers to optimize delivery of media content over the 5G network. In some embodiments, 5GMS Application Server may allocate content preparation resources and allocate content distribution resources based on the content hosting configuration template.

In some embodiments, the 5GMS Application Provider may announce availability of content preparation services based on the acknowledgement from the provisioning session. The availability of content preparation services may be determined based on the allocation of content preparation resources, allocation of content distribution resources, and discovery of resources generally across the 5G network. In some embodiments, the 5GMS Application Provider may broadcast the availability of content preparation services to one or more 5GMS Aware Applications on the 5G network. In some embodiments, the 5GMS Application Provider may broadcast the availability of content preparation services to one or more 5GMS devices in the 5G network.

In some embodiments, the 5GMS Application Provider may establish a second provisioning session with another 5GMS Application Function. The second provision session may include a resource request, the resource request being based on the allocation of content preparation resources and content distribution resources. The 5GMS Application Provider may transmit the resource request to the second 5GMS Application Function, and receive a second acknowledgement indicating the allocation of the content preparation and distribution resources based on the resource request.

As an example, if a 5GMS Application Provider defines content preparation between a downlink media stream and an uplink media stream, the 5GMS Application Provider may establish a first provisioning session with a first 5GMS Application Function and a second provisioning session with a second 5GMS Application Function. The first provisioning session may include the 5GMS Application Provider to define content preparation templates for the media stream being uplinked. The second provisioning session may include defining resource request based on information relating to allocation of content preparation resources or the content distribution resources received from the first acknowledgement. The 5GMS Application Provider may transmit information relating to allocation of content preparation resources or the content distribution resources received from the first acknowledgement to the second 5GMS Application Function. The 5GMS Application Provider may receive a second acknowledgement from the second 5GMS Application Server, with the second acknowledgement indicating the allocation of content preparation and distribution resources based on the resource request.

In some embodiments, the 5GMS Application Provider may establish the first provisioning session with a first 5GMS Application Function and the first 5GMS Application Function may establish a provisioning session with a second 5GMS Application Function. As an example, the 5GMS Application Provider may establish a provisioning session with an Uplink 5GMS Application Function. The Uplink 5GMS Application Function may establish a provisioning session with a Downlink 5GMS Application Function. The two 5GMS Application Functions may communicate with each other and their respective 5GMS Application Servers to discover resources, allocate content preparation resources, and allocate content distribution resources. As another example, the 5GMS Application Provider may establish a provisioning session with an Downlink 5GMS Application Function. The Downlink 5GMS Application Function may establish a provisioning session with a Uplink 5GMS Application Function. The two 5GMS Application Functions may communicate with each other and their respective 5GMS Application Servers to discover resources, allocate content preparation resources, and allocate content distribution resources. In some embodiments, the respective 5GMS Application Servers may communicate with each other through APIs and transfer media content that may be modified using the content preparation templates.

In some embodiments, 5GMS Application Servers may discover resources for content processing. The 5GMS Application Server and 5GMS Application Function may communicate about discovering resources and allocating resources based on the content preparation template. The content preparation template transmitted by the 5GMS Application Provider may have a cascading effect causing an instantiation of a content preparation and content resource allocation at the 5GMS Application Server when the 5GMS Application Function requests resources and media content as defined by the 5GMS Application Provider in the content preparation templates.

In some embodiments, processing a media stream may include one or more 5GMS Application Servers processing the content based on the content preparation template. In some embodiments, the 5GMS Application Servers may receive media content from a 5GMS Application Provider and may partially modify the media content based on the content preparation template. In some embodiments, the 5GMS Application Servers may receive partially modified media content from a 5GMS Application Provider wherein the media content is partially modified based on the content preparation template. In some embodiments, the 5GMS Application Servers may transmit media content or media stream received from a 5GMS Aware Application or 5GMS client to the 5GMS Application Provider, wherein that media content may be partially modified based on the content preparation template by components of the 5GMS network. In some embodiments, the 5GMS Application Servers may transmit media content or media stream received from a 5GMS Aware Application or 5GMS client to another 5GMS Application Server and may partially modify the media content based on the content preparation template. As an example, a first 5GMS Application Server may process the media content received from a UE or 5GMS Aware Application based on content preparation templates before sending the processed media content to a second 5GMS Application Server. As another example, a first 5GMS Application Server may send the media content received from a UE or 5GMS Aware Application to a second 5GMS Application Server which may process the media content based on content preparation templates.

FIG.4illustrates a process400which may relate to a call flow for content preparation as directed by a 5GMS Application Provider before Downlink streaming of content to a 5G Aware Application on a client UE. The process400may be performed using architecture300or any other architecture desired.

According to process400, at operation405, the 5GMS Application Provider301may initiate or establish a provisioning session with a 5GMS Application Function306using link M1. In some embodiments, at operation405, the 5GMS Application Provider301may create content preparation templates and transmit the content preparation templates to the 5GMS Application Function306using link M1. In some embodiments, at operation405, the 5GMS Application Provider301may request the 5GMS Application Function306for creation of one or more content preparation templates that define the instructions for content preparation and for content output format using link M1. At operations410and420, the 5GMS Application Function306and 5GMS Application Server305may communicate with each other and the 5GMS Application Function306may request the 5GMS Application Server305to discover resources, and allocate content preparation resources and content distribution resources based on the content preparation template using link M3. The 5GMS Application Server305, at operation415, may instantiate content preparation process if the content preparation process was not instantiated before. Thus, the 5GMS Application Server305may instantiate and perform content preparation processes at the time of request or right before Downlink streaming, i.e., just-in-time. This just-in-time processing increases the 5G network's computational efficiency because no computation is done before it is needed. At operation425, the 5GMS Application Function306may transmit an acknowledgement to the 5GMS Application provider301indicating the successful creation of content preparation template, containing information related to content preparation resources, or containing information related to content distribution resources. At operation430, the 5GMS Application Provider301provides the media content to be partially modified to the 5GMS Application Server305using link M2.

At operation435, there may be service announcements or communications between the devices and components of the 5G network. In some embodiments, at operation435, the 5GMS Aware Application302may request service start from the 5GMS Application Provider301using link M8. At operation440, the 5GMS Aware Application302and the 5GMS Client304may communicate via UE APIs using one of links M7 or M8. At operation445, the 5GMS client304may request service access from or provide service access to the 5GMS Application Function306. At operation450, the 5GMS Client304may request media session handling with the 5GMS Application Function306using link M5. At operation455, the 5GMS Application Server305transmits media stream to the 5GMS Client304using M4.

FIG.5illustrates a process500which may relate to a call flow for content preparation as directed by a 5GMS Application Provider before Uplink streaming of content to the 5GMS Application Provider from a 5G Aware Application on a client UE. The process500may be performed using architecture300or any other architecture desired

According to process500, at operation505, the 5GMS Application Provider301may initiate or establish a provisioning session with a 5GMS Application Function606using link M1. In some embodiments, at operation505, the 5GMS Application Provider301may create content preparation templates and transmit the content preparation templates to the 5GMS Application Function606using link M1. In some embodiments, at operation505, the 5GMS Application Provider301may request the 5GMS Application Function606for creation of one or more content preparation templates that define the instructions for content preparation and for content output format using link M1. At operations510and520, the 5GMS Application Function606and 5GMS Application Server605may communicate with each other and the 5GMS Application Function606may request the 5GMS Application Server605to discover resources, and allocate content preparation resources and content distribution resources based on the content preparation template using link M3. The 5GMS Application Server605, at operation515, may instantiate content preparation process if the content preparation process was not instantiated before. At operation525, the 5GMS Application Function306may transmit an acknowledgement to the 5GMS Application provider301indicating the successful creation of content preparation template, containing information related to content preparation resources, or containing information related to content distribution resources.

At operation535, there may be service announcements or communications between the devices and components of the 5G network. In some embodiments, at operation535, the 5GMS Application Provider301may broadcast available services to one or more 5GMS Aware Application602using link M8. At operation540, the 5GMS Aware Application602and the 5GMS Client604may communicate via UE APIs using one of links M7 or M8. At operation545, the 5GMS client604may request service access from or provide service access to the 5GMS Application Function606. At operation550, the 5GMS Client604may request media session handling with the 5GMS Application Function606using link M5. At operation555, the 5GMS Application Server605receives media stream from the 5GMS Client604using M4. At operation530, the 5GMS Application Provider301receives the media content to be partially modified to the 5GMS Application Server305using link M2.

FIG.6is a diagram of media architecture600for media streaming. In embodiments, media architecture600may be used for processing media content requested by a 5GMS Application Provider for an Uplink resource stream from one or more UEs and before Downlink streaming to one or more other UEs. A 5G media streaming uplink (5GMS) Application Provider301may use 5GMS for streaming services. 5GMS Application provider301may provide a 5GMS Aware Application302on the UE303to make use of 5GMS Client304and network functions using interfaces and APIs defined in 5GMS. In some embodiments, the 5GMS Application provider301may also provide a 5GMS Aware Application602on the UE603to make use of 5GMS Client604and network functions using interfaces and APIs defined in 5GMS. 5GMS Application Server (Application Server) may be an Application Server dedicated to 5G Media Streaming. 5GMS Client304may be a UE303internal function dedicated to 5G Media Streaming. In some embodiments, 5GMS Client604may be a UE603internal function dedicated to 5G Media Streaming.

5GMS Application Function606and 5GMS Application Server605may be Data Network (DN)610functions. Functions in trusted Data Networks610may be trusted by the operator's network. Therefore, Application Functions in trusted Data Networks may directly communicate with all 5G Core functions. Functions in external Data Networks may only communicate with 5G Core functions via the Network Exposure Function (NEF).

The media architecture600may connect UE603internal functions and related network functions for 5G Media Uplink Streaming. In some embodiments, the media architecture600may connect UE603internal functions and related network functions for 5G Media Downlink Streaming. Accordingly, media architecture600may include a number of functions. For example, 5GMS Client604on UE603may be an originator of 5GMS service that may be accessed through interfaces/APIs. 5GMS Aware Application602may control 5GMS Client603by implementing external application or content service provider specific logic and enabling the establishment of a media session. 5GMS Application Server605may host 5G media functions. 5GMS Application Provider301may be an external application or content specific media functionality, e.g., media storage, consumption, transcoding and redistribution that uses 5GMS to stream media from 5GMS Aware Application602.

Media architecture600may include a number of different interfaces. For example, link M1 may be a 5GMS Provisioning API exposed by 5GMS Application Function306/606to provision usage of media architecture600and to obtain feedback. Link M2 may be a 5GMS Publish API exposed by 5GMS Application Server305/605and used when 5GMS Application Server305/605in trusted Data Network, such as Data Network610, is selected to receive content for streaming service. Link M3 may be an internal API used to exchange information for content hosting on 5GMS Application Server305/605between 5GMS Application Server305/605and 5GMS Application Function306/606within a trusted Data Network such as Data Network610.

Link M4 may be a Media Uplink or Downlink Streaming API exposed by 5GMS Application Server305/605to 5GMS Client304/604to stream media content. Link M5 may be a Media Session Handling API exposed by 5GMS Application Function306/606to 5GMS Client304/604for media session handling, control and assistance that also include appropriate security mechanisms e.g. authorization and authentication. Link M8 may be an Application API which is used for information exchange between 5GMS Aware Application302/602and 5GMS Application Provider301, for example to provide service access information to the 5GMS Aware Application302/602. Link12may be an Internal API exposed by 5GMS Application Server305/605to other 5GMS Application Server605/305and used for communication with a trusted Data Network such as Data Network610. Link I1 may be an Internal API exposed by 5GMS Application Function306/606to other 5GMS Application Function606/306used for communication with a trusted Data Network such as Data Network610. Link N5 may be an internal interface that may be used to map application specific instructions from one format to another.

FIG.7illustrates a process700which may relate to a call flow for content preparation as directed by a 5GMS Application Provider requesting content preparation after Uplink streaming from a 5G Aware Application on a 5GMS UE but before Downlink streaming of the media content to a 5G Aware Application on a client UE. The process700may be performed using architecture300or any other architecture desired.

According to process700, at operation710, the 5GMS Application Provider301may initiate or establish a provisioning session with a 5GMS Application Function306using link M1. In some embodiments, at operation710, the 5GMS Application Provider301may create content preparation templates and transmit the content preparation templates to the 5GMS Application Function306using link M1. In some embodiments, at operation710, the 5GMS Application Provider301may request the 5GMS Application Function306for creation of one or more content preparation templates that define the instructions for content preparation and for content output format using link M1. At operations715and725, the 5GMS Application Function306and 5GMS Application Server305may communicate with each other and the 5GMS Application Function306may request the 5GMS Application Server305to discover resources, and allocate content preparation resources and content distribution resources based on the content preparation template using link M3. The 5GMS Application Server305, at operation720, may instantiate content preparation process if the content preparation process was not instantiated before. Thus, the 5GMS Application Server305may instantiate and perform content preparation processes at the time of request or right before Downlink streaming, i.e., just-in-time. This just-in-time processing increases the 5G network's computational efficiency because no computation is done before it is needed. At operation730, the 5GMS Application Function306may transmit an acknowledgement to the 5GMS Application provider301indicating the successful creation of content preparation template, containing information related to content preparation resources, or containing information related to content distribution resources.

At operation735, the 5GMS Application Provider301may create content preparation templates and transmit the content preparation templates to the 5GMS Application Function606using link M1. In some embodiments, at operation735, the 5GMS Application Provider301may request the 5GMS Application Function606for creation of one or more content preparation templates that define the instructions for content preparation and for content output format using link M1. At operations740and745, the 5GMS Application Function606and 5GMS Application Server605may communicate with each other and the 5GMS Application Function606may request the 5GMS Application Server605to discover resources, and allocate content preparation resources and content distribution resources based on the content preparation template using link M3. At operation750, the 5GMS Application Function606may transmit an acknowledgement to the 5GMS Application provider301indicating the successful creation of content preparation template, containing information related to content preparation resources, or containing information related to content distribution resources. At operation752, the 5GMS Application Provider301may broadcast availability of content preparation services to one or more 5GMS Aware Applications on the 5G network.

At operation755, the 5GMS Aware Application302and the 5GMS Client604may communicate via UE APIs using one of links M7 or M8. At operation760, the 5GMS client604may request service access from or provide service access to the 5GMS Application Function606. At operation765, the 5GMS Client604may request media session handling with the 5GMS Application Function using link M5. At operation770, the 5GMS Application Server605receives Uplink media stream from the 5GMS Client604using M4. At operation775, the 5GMS Application Server305and 5GMS Application Server605may communicate with each other using an internal API using link12. In some embodiments, at operation775, the Downlink 5GMS Application Server305and Uplink 5GMS Application Server605may transfer or stream media content that may be requested by the 5GMS Aware Application302or may be modified by the Downlink 5GMS Application Server305using the content preparation templates.

At operation780, the 5GMS Application Provider301may announce the commencement of the Downlink media stream to the 5GMS Aware Application302. At operation785, the 5GMS Aware Application302and the 5GMS Client304may communicate via UE APIs using one of links M7 or M8. At operation790, the 5GMS client304may request service access from or provide service access to the 5GMS Application Function306. At operation795, the 5GMS Client304may request media session handling with the 5GMS Application Function using link M5. At operation799, the 5GMS Application Server305receives Uplink media stream from the 5GMS Client304using M4.

In some embodiments, the 5GMS Application Provider may establish a provisioning session with a first 5GMS Application Function, and that first 5GMS Application Function may communicate with one or more other 5GMS Application Functions and may establish a second provisioning session between the first 5GMS Application Function and other 5GMS Application Functions.

In some embodiments, the 5GMS Application Provider may establish a provisioning session with an Uplink 5GMS Application Function, and that Uplink 5GMS Application Function may communicate with one or more Downlink 5GMS Application Functions. The Uplink 5GMS Application Function may establish a second provisioning session with the Downlink 5GMS Application Functions. Thus, eliminating the need for the 5GMS Application Provider301to establish a second provisioning session with the Downlink 5GMS Application Function.

In some embodiments, the 5GMS Application Provider may establish a provisioning session with an Downlink 5GMS Application Function, and that Downlink 5GMS Application Function may communicate with one or more Uplink 5GMS Application Functions. The Downlink 5GMS Application Function may establish a second provisioning session with the Uplink 5GMS Application Functions. Thus, eliminating the need for the 5GMS Application Provider301to establish a second provisioning session with the Uplink 5GMS Application Function.

As an example,FIG.8illustrates a process800which may relate to a call flow for content preparation as directed by a 5GMS Application Provider requesting content preparation after Uplink streaming from a 5G Aware Application on a 5GMS UE but before Downlink streaming of the media content to a 5G Aware Application on a client UE. The process800illustrates a variation of process700. Operations852-899are similar to operations752-799in process700.

In process800, the 5GMS Application Provider may establish a provisioning session with only the Downlink 5GMS Application Function306and the Downlink 5GMS Application Function306may establish a provisioning session with Uplink 5GMS Application Function606.

At operation810, the 5GMS Application Provider301may initiate or establish a provisioning session with Downlink 5GMS Application Function306using link M1. In some embodiments, at operation810, the Downlink 5GMS Application Provider301may create content preparation templates and transmit the content preparation templates to the 5GMS Application Function306using link M1. In some embodiments, at operation810, the 5GMS Application Provider301may request the Downlink 5GMS Application Function306for creation of one or more content preparation templates that define the instructions for content preparation and for content output format using link M1. At operations815and825, the Downlink 5GMS Application Function306and Downlink 5GMS Application Server305may communicate with each other and the Downlink 5GMS Application Function306may request the Downlink 5GMS Application Server305to discover resources, and allocate content preparation resources and content distribution resources based on the content preparation template using link M3. The Downlink 5GMS Application Server305, at operation820, may instantiate content preparation process if the content preparation process was not instantiated before. Thus, the Downlink 5GMS Application Server305may instantiate and perform content preparation processes at the time of request or right before Downlink streaming, i.e., just-in-time. This just-in-time processing increases the 5G network's computational efficiency because no computation is done before it is needed.

At operation835, the Downlink 5GMS Application Function306may request internal provisioning with the Uplink 5GMS Application606. At operations840and845, the Uplink 5GMS Application Function606and Uplink 5GMS Application Server605may communicate with each other and the Uplink 5GMS Application Function606may request the Uplink 5GMS Application Server605to discover resources, and allocate content preparation resources and content distribution resources based on the content preparation template using link M3. At operation850, the Uplink 5GMS Application Function606may transmit an acknowledgement to the Downlink 5GMS Application Function306indicating the successful creation of content preparation template, containing information related to content preparation resources, or containing information related to content distribution resources.

At operation830, the Downlink 5GMS Application Function306may transmit an acknowledgement to the 5GMS Application provider301indicating successful provisioning with Uplink 5GMS Application Function306, creation of content preparation template, containing information related to content preparation resources, or containing information related to content distribution resources.

FIG.9illustrates a process900which may relate to a call flow for content preparation as directed by a 5GMS Application Provider requesting content preparation after Uplink streaming from a 5G Aware Application on a 5GMS UE but before Downlink streaming of the media content to a 5G Aware Application on a client UE. The process900illustrates a variation of process700. Operations952-999are similar to operations752-799in process700.

In process900, the 5GMS Application Provider may establish a provisioning session with only the Uplink 5GMS Application Function606and the Uplink 5GMS Application Function606may establish a provisioning session with Downlink 5GMS Application Function306.

At operation910, the 5GMS Application Provider301may initiate or establish a provisioning session with Uplink 5GMS Application Function606using link M1. In some embodiments, at operation910, the 5GMS Application Provider301may create content preparation templates and transmit the content preparation templates to the Uplink 5GMS Application Function606using link M1. In some embodiments, at operation910, the 5GMS Application Provider301may request the Uplink 5GMS Application Function606for creation of one or more content preparation templates that define the instructions for content preparation and for content output format using link M1. At operations915and920the Uplink 5GMS Application Function606and Uplink 5GMS Application Server605may communicate with each other and the Uplink 5GMS Application Function606may request the Uplink 5GMS Application Server605to discover resources, and allocate content preparation resources and content distribution resources based on the content preparation template using link M3.

At operation922, the Uplink 5GMS Application Function606may request internal provisioning with the Downlink 5GMS Application Function306using link I1. At operations925and935, the Downlink 5GMS Application Function306and Downlink 5GMS Application Server305may communicate with each other and the Downlink 5GMS Application Function306may request the Downlink 5GMS Application Server305to discover resources, and allocate content preparation resources and content distribution resources based on the content preparation template using link M3. The Downlink 5GMS Application Server305, at operation930, may instantiate content preparation process if the content preparation process was not instantiated before. Thus, the Downlink 5GMS Application Server305may instantiate and perform content preparation processes at the time of request or right before Downlink streaming, i.e., just-in-time. This just-in-time processing increases the 5G network's computational efficiency because no computation is done before it is needed.

At operation940, the Downlink 5GMS Application Function306may transmit an acknowledgement to the Uplink 5GMS Application Function606indicating the successful creation of content preparation template, containing information related to content preparation resources, or containing information related to content distribution resources

At operation945, the Uplink 5GMS Application Function606may transmit an acknowledgement to the Downlink 5GMS Application Function306indicating the successful creation of content preparation template, containing information related to content preparation resources, or containing information related to content distribution resources.

FIG.10Ashows an exemplary flowchart illustrating a process1000which may relate to a 5GMS Application Provider directing a content preparation process to process media content streamed over a 5G network. At1010, a 5GMS Application Provider may create content preparation templates that include a first information and a second information. In some embodiments, the first information may include information about content preparation. As an example, the first information may include specific instructions for content preparation. In some embodiments, the second information may include information about content output. As an example, the second information may include instructions specifying the output formats and requirements for the media content. As an example, the 5GMS Application Provider301may create preparation templates that include a first information and a second information.

At1015, the 5GMS Application Provider may establish a first provisioning session with a 5GMS Application Function. As an example, the 5GMS Application Provider301may establish a first provisioning session with a 5GMS Application Function306using link M1.

At1020, the 5GMS Application Provider may transmit the content preparation templates to the 5GMS Application Function. As an example, the 5GMS Application Provider301may establish a first provisioning session with a 5GMS Application Function306using link M1 and transmit the content preparation templates using link M1. In some embodiments, the transmitting of the content preparation templates to the 5GMS Application Function may cause an instantiation of a content preparation and resource allocation process at an application server. As an example, the 5GMS Application Provider301may establish a first provisioning session with a 5GMS Application Function306using link M1 and transmit the content preparation templates using link M1. This may cause the 5GMS Application Function306to instantiate a content preparation and resource allocation process at the 5GMS Application Server305using Link M3. Upon completion of the content preparation and resource allocation process at the 5GMS Application Server305, the 5GMS Application Server305may communicate with the 5GMS Application Function306and indicate the allocation of at least one of content preparation resources and content distribution resources.

At1025, the 5GMS Application Provider may receive a first acknowledgement from the 5GMS Application Function that includes an indication of an allocation of at least one of content preparation resources and content distribution resources. As an example, the 5GMS Application Function306may transmit a first acknowledgement to the 5GMS Application provider301indicating the successful creation of content preparation template, containing information related to content preparation resources, or containing information related to content distribution resources. In some embodiments, the first acknowledgement may also include information indicating at least one of an uplink session or a downlink session with a second application function.

At1030, the 5GMS Application Provider may perform a data transfer operation with the 5GMS Application Server.

In some embodiments, the 5GMS Application Provider may transmit content to an 5GMS Application Server, wherein the transmitting of the content is done prior to downlink streaming of the content to be partially modified to one or more user devices. Further, the 5GMS Application Provider may direct the 5GMS Application Server (in some embodiments, via the 5GMS Application Function) to partially or completely modify the content based on the content preparation template and distribute the partially or completely modified content to the one or more client devices that have requested the modified content.

As an example, the 5GMS Application Provider301may transmit media content to a 5GMS Application Server305, wherein the media content may be modified based on the content preparation template. As an example, in some embodiments, the media content to be transmitted may be partially or completely modified prior to the downlink streaming of the modified media content to one or more user devices, 5GMS client304or 5GMS Aware Application302. The 5GMS Application Provider301may transmit media content to be partially modified to the 5GMS Application Server305. In some embodiments, the 5GMS Application Provider305may transform the media content or partially modify the media content based on the content preparation template and distribute the partially modified media content to the one or more requesting user devices, 5GMS client304or 5GMS Aware Application302.

In some embodiments, a 5GMS Application Provider may receive partially modified content from a 5GMS Application Server, wherein the partially modified media content is received after uplink streaming of content from one or more user devices. In some embodiments, the partially or completely modified media content may be received by the 5GMS Application Provider after the uplink streaming of the media content from one or more user devices to a 5GMS Application Server. The 5GMS Application Server may partially or completely modify the media content received from the one or more user devices based on the content preparation template and transmit the partially or completely modified media content to the 5GMS Application Provider that requested the partially or completely modified media content.

In some embodiments, a 5GMS Application Provider may direct the transfer of media content from a first 5GMS Application Server to another 5GMS Application Server through information in or accompanying the content preparation template. The 5GMS Application Provider may direct the transfer of media content from a first 5GMS Application Server to another 5GMS Application Server through information in or accompanying the content preparation template using one or more 5GMS Application Functions, wherein either the first 5GMS Application Server or the second 5GMS Application Server may be directed to modify the media content based on the content preparation template.

FIG.10Bshows an exemplary flowchart illustrating a process1050which may relate to a 5GMS Application Provider directing a content preparation process to process media content streamed over a 5G network. In some embodiments, process1050may relate to a 5GMS Application Provider establishing a second provisioning session with a second 5GMS Application Function. In some embodiments, the establishment of the second provisioning session may be initiated by the 5GMS Application Provider to modify or process media content after media content was uploaded by an Uplink 5GMS Aware Application associated with an Uplink 5GMS Client but before the media content is downloaded by a Downlink 5GMS Aware Application associated with an Downlink 5GMS Client. As an example, a 5GMS Application Provider301may provision a second session with another 5GMS Application Function606when processing media content after a 5GMS Aware Application602associated with a 5GMS Client604uploads the media content to the 5G network but before a 5GMS Aware Application302associated with a 5GMS Client304downloads the media content.

At1060, a 5GMS Application Provider may establish a second provisioning session with a second 5GMS Application Function. As an example, the 5GMS Application Provider301may establish a second provisioning session with a second 5GMS Application Function606. In some embodiments, the 5GMS Application Provider may direct a first 5GMS Application Function to establish a second provisioning session with a second 5GMS Application Function. As an example, the 5GMS Application Provider301may establish a first provisioning session with 5GMS Application Function306, and then may direct or configure 5GMS Application Function306to establish a second provisioning session with a second 5GMS Application Function606. As another example, the 5GMS Application Provider301may establish a first provisioning session with 5GMS Application Function606, and then may direct or configure 5GMS Application Function606to establish a second provisioning session with a second 5GMS Application Function306. In some embodiments, the 5GMS Application Provider may direct a first 5GMS Application Function to establish a second provisioning session with a second 5GMS Application Function prior to receiving the first acknowledgement.

At1065, the 5GMS Application Provider may define a resource request based on the allocation of at least one of the content preparation resources and the content distribution resources. As an example, the 5GMS Application Provider301may define resource request based on the allocation of at least one of the content preparation resources and the content distribution resources as indicated by the first acknowledgement.

At1070, the 5GMS Application Provider may transmit the resource request to the second the 5GMS Application Function. As an example, the 5GMS Application Provider301may transmit the resource request to the second 5GMS Application Function606.

At1075, the 5GMS Application Provider may receive a second acknowledgement from the second 5GMS Application Function that includes an indication of the allocation of the content preparation resources and the content distribution resources based on the resource request. As an example, the 5GMS Application Provider301may receive a second acknowledgement from the second 5GMS Application Function606that indicates the allocation of the content preparation resources and the content distribution resources based on the resource request by 5GMS Application Provider301.

AlthoughFIGS.4-5and7-10Bshow example operations of the processes400,500,700,800,900,1000, and1050in embodiments. The processes400,500,700,800,900,1000, and1050may include additional operations, fewer operations, different operations, or differently arranged operations than those depicted inFIGS.4-5and7-10B. In embodiments, any operations of processes400,500,700,800,900,1000, and1050may be combined or arranged in any amount or order, as desired. In embodiments, two or more of the operations of the processes400,500,700,800,900,1000, and1050may be performed in parallel. The foregoing disclosure provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the implementations to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above disclosure or may be acquired from practice of the implementations.