Patent Description:
This disclosure relates generally to field of data processing, and more particularly to <NUM> networks.

<NUM> defines the concept of a content preparation template to set up the processing of the media streams before hosting the content for streaming. It also defines the content hosting configuration for the distribution of the content. Document titled "[<NPL>is directed towards a high-level concept of content preparation and/or modification within <NUM> Media Streaming System. Further, the document <CIT> is directed towards techniques for locating a service using Domain Name Server search techniques.

Embodiments relate to a method, system, and computer readable medium for content preparation for <NUM> networks. According to one aspect, a method for content preparation for <NUM> networks is provided. The method may include identifying a reverse address mapping process associated with a content preparation process. A media content address is calculated based on the identified reverse address mapping process. A workflow is generated for the content preparation process based on the calculated media content address.

According to another aspect, a computer system for media content preparation for <NUM> networks is provided. The computer system may include one or more processors, one or more computer-readable memories, one or more computer-readable tangible storage devices, and program instructions stored on at least one of the one or more storage devices for execution by at least one of the one or more processors via at least one of the one or more memories, whereby the computer system is capable of performing a method. The method may include identifying a reverse address mapping process associated with a content preparation process for <NUM> media streaming. A media content address is calculated based on the identified reverse address streaming. A media content address is calculated based on the identified reverse address mapping process. A workflow is generated for the content preparation process based on the calculated media content address. <NUM> media streaming content preparation is performed according to the workflow for the content preparation process.

According to yet another aspect, a computer readable medium for media content preparation for <NUM> networks is provided. The computer readable medium may include one or more computer-readable storage devices and program instructions stored on at least one of the one or more tangible storage devices, the program instructions executable by a processor. The program instructions are executable by a processor for performing a method that may accordingly include identifying a reverse address mapping process associated with a content preparation process for <NUM> media streaming. A media content address is calculated based on the identified reverse address mapping process. A workflow is generated for the content preparation process based on the calculated media content address. <NUM> media streaming content preparation is performed according to the workflow for the content preparation process.

These and other objects, features and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings. The various features of the drawings are not to scale as the illustrations are for clarity in facilitating the understanding of one skilled in the art in conjunction with the detailed description. In the drawings:.

Detailed embodiments of the claimed structures and methods are disclosed herein; however, it can be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely illustrative of the claimed structures and methods that may be embodied in various forms. Those structures and methods may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope to those skilled in the art. In the description, details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the presented embodiments.

Embodiments relate generally to the field of data processing, and more particularly to <NUM> networks. The following described exemplary embodiments provide a system, method and computer program for, among other things, content preparation for <NUM> networks. Therefore, some embodiments have the capacity to improve the field of computing by allowing for a reverse address mapping for a content preparation process for <NUM> networks to be defined.

As previously described, 3GPP TS26. <NUM> defines the concept of a content preparation template to set up the processing of the media streams before hosting the content for streaming. It also defines the content hosting configuration for the distribution of the content. The current <NUM> media streaming architecture defined in 3GPP TS26. <NUM> only defines the general architecture for uplink and downlink media streaming. <NUM> defines the concept of a content preparation template (CPT) to prepare received content for downlink streaming. However, it doesn't define the process for the content miss with content preparation It may be advantageous, therefore, to use reverse address mapping on the content preparation process.

A <NUM> media streaming (5GMS) system may be an assembly of application functions, application servers, and interfaces from the <NUM> 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 <NUM> 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 <NUM> 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.

Aspects are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer readable media according to the various embodiments.

Referring now to <FIG>, a functional block diagram of a networked computer environment illustrating a content preparation system <NUM> (hereinafter "system") for content preparation for <NUM> networks. It should be appreciated that <FIG> provides only an illustration of one implementation and does not imply any limitations with regard to the environments in which different embodiments may be implemented. Many modifications to the depicted environments may be made based on design and implementation requirements.

The system <NUM> may include a computer <NUM> and a server computer <NUM>. The computer <NUM> may communicate with the server computer <NUM> via a communication network <NUM> (hereinafter "network"). The computer <NUM> may include a processor <NUM> and a software program <NUM> that is stored on a data storage device <NUM> and is enabled to interface with a user and communicate with the server computer <NUM>. As will be discussed below with reference to <FIG> the computer <NUM> may include internal components 800A and external components 900A, respectively, and the server computer <NUM> may include internal components 800B and external components 900B, respectively. The computer <NUM> may be, for example, a mobile device, a telephone, a personal digital assistant, a netbook, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a desktop computer, or any type of computing devices capable of running a program, accessing a network, and accessing a database.

The server computer <NUM> may also operate in a cloud computing service model, such as Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), or Infrastructure as a Service (laaS), as discussed below with respect to <FIG> and <FIG>. The server computer <NUM> may also be located in a cloud computing deployment model, such as a private cloud, community cloud, public cloud, or hybrid cloud.

The server computer <NUM>, which may be used for content preparation for <NUM> networks is enabled to run a Content Preparation Program <NUM> (hereinafter "program") that may interact with a database <NUM>. The Content Preparation Program method is explained in more detail below with respect to <FIG>. In one embodiment, the computer <NUM> may operate as an input device including a user interface while the program <NUM> may run primarily on server computer <NUM>. In an alternative embodiment, the program <NUM> may run primarily on one or more computers <NUM> while the server computer <NUM> may be used for processing and storage of data used by the program <NUM>. It should be noted that the program <NUM> may be a standalone program or may be integrated into a larger content preparation program.

It should be noted, however, that processing for the program <NUM> may, in some instances be shared amongst the computers <NUM> and the server computers <NUM> in any ratio. In another embodiment, the program <NUM> may operate on more than one computer, server computer, or some combination of computers and server computers, for example, a plurality of computers <NUM> communicating across the network <NUM> with a single server computer <NUM>. In another embodiment, for example, the program <NUM> may operate on a plurality of server computers <NUM> communicating across the network <NUM> with a plurality of client computers. Alternatively, the program may operate on a network server communicating across the network with a server and a plurality of client computers.

The network <NUM> may include wired connections, wireless connections, fiber optic connections, or some combination thereof. In general, the network <NUM> can be any combination of connections and protocols that will support communications between the computer <NUM> and the server computer <NUM>. The network <NUM> may include various types of networks, such as, for example, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet, a telecommunication network such as the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), a wireless network, a public switched network, a satellite network, a cellular network (e.g., a fifth generation (<NUM>) network, a long-term evolution (LTE) network, a third generation (<NUM>) network, a code division multiple access (CDMA) network, etc.), a public land mobile network (PLMN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a private network, an ad hoc network, an intranet, a fiber optic-based network, or the like, and/or a combination of these or other types of networks.

Additionally, or alternatively, a set of devices (e.g., one or more devices) of system <NUM> may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of devices of system <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, a diagram 200A of content preparation before downlink streaming is depicted. In a collaboration use case, the 5GMSd Application Provider requests content preparation for its stream before distribution. In a use case of downloading without content preparation, the content is provided by the Application Provider through M2d. M2d refers to a 5GMSd Ingest API. It is an optional external API exposed by the 5GMSd AS and is used when the 5GMSd AS in the trusted data network is selected to host content for the streaming service. One option is to pull the content from Application Provider using the HTTP pull-based ingest protocol defined in 3GPP TS26. If the content is ready for distribution, the distribution happens based on Content Hosting Configuration Template (HCT), set by the Application Provider. In this use case, when the content is requested by the client, if it is available on 5GMSd AS, it is delivered to the client. However, if the content is not available or missing, then corresponding original content is requested from Application Provider. <NUM> defines a simple rewriting process for building the address of the original content from the requested content address by the client. This rewriting process results in one URL address.

In a use case of downloading with content preparation, the content is provided by the Application Provider through M2d. One option is to pull the content from Application Provider using the HTTP pull-based ingest protocol. Then the content is prepared for distribution as defined in the Content Preparation Template (CPT) and last, the distribution happens based on Content Hosting Configuration Template (HCT), both set by the Application Provider. In this use case, when the content is requested by the client, if it is available on 5GMSd AS, it is delivered to the client. However, if the content is not available or missing, then corresponding original content that is needed for content preparation must be requested from Application Provider. If there is a simple mapping rule between the requested content and the original content, the path rewrite rules of 3GPP TS26. <NUM> can be used. However, if the content creation is more complex, for instance, it uses multiple original contents, then the path rewrite may not address the generation of the required multiple pieces of the original content.

Referring now to <FIG>, a diagram 200B of addressing missing content using content preparation mapping is depicted. Using reverse address mapping as part of the content preparation template may provide a more comprehensive solution for calculating the required content pulls in the case when a client requests content that is missing. In this approach, the content is requested by the client. The content selector requests the content from the cache and/or storage. If the content is available, it is delivered to the client by the M4d interface. However, if it is missing, the content selector requests the content preparation process (CPP). The CPP has two parts: Content Generation Process (CGP) for processing the input content and provides the outputs to the cache/storage and Reverse Address Mapping (RAM) for mapping the client URL request to one or more URLs and makes the requests through M2d.

Referring now to <FIG>, a diagram 200C of a call-flow when content is not available or missing in the storage is depicted. The call-flow may define a process when a client request for content is missing from the cache and/or storage. In this design, the reverse address mapping is part of the content preparation process, and therefore can be defined by the content preparation template and in its format. Since the content preparation template might have a different format, the reverse address mapping is also defined in the corresponding format. Using content preparation templates with multiple inputs may allow for address mapping for each input to be performed if the content preparation template defines multiple inputs.

Using cascading content preparation templates may allow for the address mapping to be performed in a set of serial operations if the content preparation template is cascaded. In this case, if the content preparation process <NUM>, <NUM>,. , N are cascaded, one after another, then reverse address mapping would be performed in a cascaded fashion of applying the reverse address mapping of content preparation template N, N-<NUM>,. , <NUM> in this order.

When using workflows of content preparation templates in more complex setups, a workflow can be built using multiple content preparation templates (CPT), when some of the CPTs have multiple inputs. In this case, the address mapping can be performed by back-propagation of the reverse address mappings, starting from the last CPT and calculating back in order the input addresses.

Referring now to <FIG>, an operational flowchart illustrating the steps of a method <NUM> carried out by a program for content preparation in <NUM> networks is depicted.

At <NUM>, the method <NUM> may include identifying a reverse address mapping process associated with a content preparation process.

At <NUM>, the method <NUM> may include calculating a media content address based on the identified reverse address mapping process.

At <NUM>, the method <NUM> may include generating a workflow for the content preparation process based on the calculated media content address.

It may be appreciated that <FIG> provides only an illustration of one implementation and does not imply any limitations with regard to how different embodiments may be implemented. Many modifications to the depicted environments may be made based on design and implementation requirements.

<FIG> is a block diagram <NUM> of internal and external components of computers depicted in <FIG> in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. It should be appreciated that <FIG> provides only an illustration of one implementation and does not imply any limitations with regard to the environments in which different embodiments may be implemented. Many modifications to the depicted environments may be made based on design and implementation requirements.

Computer <NUM> (<FIG>) and server computer <NUM> (<FIG>) may include respective sets of internal components 800A,B and external components 900A,B illustrated in <FIG>. Each of the sets of internal components <NUM> include one or more processors <NUM>, one or more computer-readable RAMs <NUM> and one or more computer-readable ROMs <NUM> on one or more buses <NUM>, one or more operating systems <NUM>, and one or more computer-readable tangible storage devices <NUM>.

Processor <NUM> is implemented in hardware, firmware, or a combination of hardware and software. Processor <NUM> is 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, processor <NUM> includes one or more processors capable of being programmed to perform a function. Bus <NUM> includes a component that permits communication among the internal components 800A,B.

The one or more operating systems <NUM>, the software program <NUM> (<FIG>) and the Content Preparation Program <NUM> (<FIG>) on server computer <NUM> (<FIG>) are stored on one or more of the respective computer-readable tangible storage devices <NUM> for execution by one or more of the respective processors <NUM> via one or more of the respective RAMs <NUM> (which typically include cache memory). In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, each of the computer-readable tangible storage devices <NUM> is a magnetic disk storage device of an internal hard drive. Alternatively, each of the computer-readable tangible storage devices <NUM> is a semiconductor storage device such as ROM <NUM>, EPROM, flash memory, an optical disk, a magneto-optic disk, a solid state disk, a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), a floppy disk, a cartridge, a magnetic tape, and/or another type of non-transitory computer-readable tangible storage device that can store a computer program and digital information.

Each set of internal components 800A,B also includes a R/W drive or interface <NUM> to read from and write to one or more portable computer-readable tangible storage devices <NUM> such as a CD-ROM, DVD, memory stick, magnetic tape, magnetic disk, optical disk or semiconductor storage device. A software program, such as the software program <NUM> (<FIG>) and the Content Preparation Program <NUM> (<FIG>) can be stored on one or more of the respective portable computer-readable tangible storage devices <NUM>, read via the respective R/W drive or interface <NUM> and loaded into the respective hard drive <NUM>.

Each set of internal components 800A,B also includes network adapters or interfaces <NUM> such as a TCP/IP adapter cards; wireless Wi-Fi interface cards; or <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> wireless interface cards or other wired or wireless communication links. The software program <NUM> (<FIG>) and the Content Preparation Program <NUM> (<FIG>) on the server computer <NUM> (<FIG>) can be downloaded to the computer <NUM> (<FIG>) and server computer <NUM> from an external computer via a network (for example, the Internet, a local area network or other, wide area network) and respective network adapters or interfaces <NUM>. From the network adapters or interfaces <NUM>, the software program <NUM> and the Content Preparation Program <NUM> on the server computer <NUM> are loaded into the respective hard drive <NUM>. The network may comprise copper wires, optical fibers, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/or edge servers.

Each of the sets of external components 900A,B can include a computer display monitor <NUM>, a keyboard <NUM>, and a computer mouse <NUM>. External components 900A,B can also include touch screens, virtual keyboards, touch pads, pointing devices, and other human interface devices. Each of the sets of internal components 800A,B also includes device drivers <NUM> to interface to computer display monitor <NUM>, keyboard <NUM> and computer mouse <NUM>. The device drivers <NUM>, R/W drive or interface <NUM> and network adapter or interface <NUM> comprise hardware and software (stored in storage device <NUM> and/or ROM <NUM>).

It is understood in advance that although this disclosure includes a detailed description on cloud computing, implementation of the teachings recited herein are not limited to a cloud computing environment. Rather, some embodiments are capable of being implemented in conjunction with any other type of computing environment now known or later developed.

Cloud computing is a model of service delivery for enabling convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g. networks, network bandwidth, servers, processing, memory, storage, applications, virtual machines, and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or interaction with a provider of the service.

Measured service: cloud systems automatically control and optimize resource use by leveraging a metering capability at some level of abstraction appropriate to the type of service (e.g., storage, processing, bandwidth, and active user accounts). Resource usage can be monitored, controlled, and reported providing transparency for both the provider and consumer of the utilized service.

Infrastructure as a Service (laaS): the capability provided to the consumer is to provision processing, storage, networks, and other fundamental computing resources where the consumer is able to deploy and run arbitrary software, which can include operating systems and applications. The consumer does not manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructure but has control over operating systems, storage, deployed applications, and possibly limited control of select networking components (e.g., host firewalls).

Deployment Models are as follows:
Private cloud: the cloud infrastructure is operated solely for an organization. It may be managed by the organization or a third party and may exist on-premises or off-premises.

At the heart of cloud computing is an infrastructure comprising a network of interconnected nodes.

Referring to <FIG>, illustrative cloud computing environment <NUM> is depicted. As shown, cloud computing environment <NUM> comprises one or more cloud computing nodes <NUM> with which local computing devices used by cloud consumers, such as, for example, personal digital assistant (PDA) or cellular telephone 54A, desktop computer 54B, laptop computer 54C, and/or automobile computer system 54N may communicate. Cloud computing nodes <NUM> may communicate with one another. It is understood that the types of computing devices 54A-N shown in <FIG> are intended to be illustrative only and that cloud computing nodes <NUM> and cloud computing environment <NUM> can communicate with any type of computerized device over any type of network and/or network addressable connection (e.g., using a web browser).

Referring to <FIG>, a set of functional abstraction layers <NUM> provided by cloud computing environment <NUM> (<FIG>) is shown. It should be understood in advance that the components, layers, and functions shown in <FIG> are intended to be illustrative only and embodiments are not limited thereto.

In one example, these resources may comprise application software licenses.

Workloads layer <NUM> provides examples of functionality for which the cloud computing environment may be utilized. Examples of workloads and functions which may be provided from this layer include: mapping and navigation <NUM>; software development and lifecycle management <NUM>; virtual classroom education delivery <NUM>; data analytics processing <NUM>; transaction processing <NUM>; and Content Preparation <NUM>. Content Preparation <NUM> may define a reverse address mapping for a content preparation process for <NUM> networks.

Some embodiments may relate to a system, a method, and/or a computer readable medium at any possible technical detail level of integration. The computer readable medium may include a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium (or media) having computer readable program instructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out operations.

Computer readable program code/instructions for carrying out operations may be assembler instructions, instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, configuration data for integrated circuitry, or either source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++, or the like, and procedural programming languages, such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages. In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example, programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readable program instructions by utilizing state information of the computer readable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry, in order to perform aspects or operations.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer readable media according to various embodiments. The method, computer system, and computer readable medium may include additional blocks, fewer blocks, different blocks, or differently arranged blocks than those depicted in the Figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved.

No element, act, or instruction used herein should be construed as critical or essential unless explicitly described as such. Also, as used herein, the articles "a" and "an" are intended to include one or more items, and may be used interchangeably with "one or more. " Furthermore, as used herein, the term "set" is intended to include one or more items (e.g., related items, unrelated items, a combination of related and unrelated items, etc.), and may be used interchangeably with "one or more. " Where only one item is intended, the term "one" or similar language is used. Also, as used herein, the terms "has," "have," "having," or the like are intended to be open-ended terms. Further, the phrase "based on" is intended to mean "based, at least in part, on" unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Claim 1:
A method (<NUM>) of media content preparation for <NUM> networks by a <NUM> media streaming system, 5GMS, the method to be performed when the media content is not available or missing, executable by a processor, and characterized by comprising:
identifying (<NUM>) a reverse address mapping process associated with a content preparation process for <NUM> media streaming, wherein the reverse address mapping process is defined in a same format as a format of an associated content preparation template, wherein the content preparation process is a cascade of content preparation processes, and wherein the reverse address mapping process includes one or more cascaded reverse address mapping processes used in the cascade of content preparation processes;
calculating (<NUM>) a media content address based on the identified reverse address mapping process;
generating (<NUM>) a workflow for the content preparation process based on the calculated media content address; and
performing <NUM> media streaming content preparation according to the workflow for the content preparation process.