JP2006209554A - Media portal device, and media service processing system, method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize a system configuration and a system node for providing media services provided through a single network or over networks with simple procedures. <P>SOLUTION: A media portal 2 of a single node is introduced between user terminals 11 and 16 and a plurality of application servers 32 and 33 present within a single or a plurality of networks for providing the user terminals with media services. The media portal 2 manages a list of media services provided to users by the plurality of application servers 32 and 33, provides the user terminals 11 and 16 with the list of the media services, and vicariously executes use procedures to an application server providing a media service designated by a user terminal, notification of addition, change and elimination from a media service provider to a user, connection between the user terminal and the application server, or the like. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a media portal device that centrally manages and processes a media service provided to a user from a media service provider such as a media service provider in a network, and a media service processing system, method, More specifically, it manages a list of media services provided to a user by an application server of a plurality of media service providers existing in a single network or a plurality of networks. Provides a list of these media services, user registration to the application server that provides the media services specified by the user, notification to the user from the media service provider, user terminal and application server A proxy for connection, etc. And breakfasts portal apparatus, and a media service processing system, method, and a program.

Conventional systems that provide media services include SIP / IP (Internet Protocol) core networks having a SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) packet transfer function, and general IP networks that do not include SIP / IP core networks. is there. A typical example of the SIP / IP core network is an IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) network defined by 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project). A user terminal connected to the SIP / IP core network directly sends a session request packet by specifying a URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) of a server (application server) that provides a media service, or sets a service name to a session. It is possible to request the SIP / IP core network to transfer to an appropriate server as described in the request packet. As for the IMS, the literature is described in ^{"3GPP TS 23.228 V6.4" 3 rd Generation} Pertnership Project; Stage 2 Technical Specification Group Services and System Aspects;; IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) "".

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration for providing a conventional media service. As shown in the figure, each user terminal # 1 (11), # 2 (12) is connected to an individual network (in this example, a mobile carrier network) # 1 (21), # 2 (22) in each SIP. Each application server # 1 (31), # only in the SIP / IP core network # 1 (51), # 2 (52) having the proxy servers # 1 (61), # 2 (62) 2 (32) provides a media service. Each network and the SIP / IP core network are connected to the IP network 1 via respective gateways # 1 (41) and # 2 (42). One of the above-mentioned media services allows a user terminal of one mobile carrier network to pass through another mobile carrier via gateways # 1 (41) and # 2 (42) between the mobile carrier networks and the IP network 1. It is possible to talk to user terminals on the network.

As another example of the media service for the user terminal connected to the SIP / IP core network, the SIP server and the position information server are linked to the position information of the called terminal specified from the user terminal. Application of SIP to the establishment of communication between Java (registered trademark) RMI distributed objects (programs) of different machines by technology that provides the IP address of the called terminal associated with the location information (Patent Document 1) or SIP server A technology that enables application programs to communicate with each other through a network and provides various applications for Peer-to-Peer communication (Patent Document 2), a SIP proxy server is a facsimile using a telephone number as a medium An IP address is provided to a user terminal such as a device, and the user terminal Technology enabling data communication via P network (Patent Document 3), using SIP, enabling integration of IP network and IMS, necessary for depositing and retrieving IP telephone voice and video messages There is a technique for processing signaling (Patent Document 4).
JP 2002-152805 A JP 2003-022250 A JP 2004-147128 A Special table 2003-515968 gazette

However, the above-mentioned conventional systems and technologies for providing media services have the problems listed below.
(A) A user terminal has a mechanism for using a media service such as VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) or PoC (Push-to-Talk over Cellular) across independent sites on a plurality of carrier networks or IP networks. Therefore, only media services provided within a network such as a single mobile carrier network could be used.

  (B) There is no means for a user to automatically search, register, and update media services that can be used by a user without manual procedures. It was. If the mobile carrier network introduces IMS, media services can be automatically searched within that range, but in the IP network where IMS is not installed, the media service is used across multiple carrier networks and providers. When I tried, there was no mechanism to realize it.

  (C) When a user terminal is connected to a network in which a SIP / IP core network is not installed, the user terminal provides a media service that the user terminal wants to use and directly accesses a server of the media service provider to process. There was a need to be able to. In addition, when a user terminal is connected to a network in which no SIP / IP core network is introduced, even if provision / addition / change / deletion of a media service occurs, the user terminal has no means of knowing it. .

  (D) Even when a user terminal can use media services provided by a plurality of carrier networks, the user terminal can take a procedure for using the media services for each carrier network, or can use a SIP / IP core network of a plurality of carrier networks. Had to connect to.

  (E) When a user terminal uses a plurality of media services, the user terminal individually accesses the site of each media service provider (application server) to perform usage procedures, download applications, and media services. It was necessary to inquire about the terms of use.

  (F) When a user accesses a media service provider (application server) and uses the media service to use the media service, information relating to the individual user (setting / registration, settlement / billing, etc.) However, in the conventional system, this personal information (user information) can be provided from the user terminal or managed in advance by the media service provider (application server). The user terminal must be registered in the node and provided from the management node. In other words, user information must be managed for each media service provider.

  (G) There is a method in which each user terminal registers itself on each media service provider's site and receives notification regarding addition / change / deletion of the media service. For example, a method of registering with a mail delivery service and receiving notification of addition / change / deletion of media service is used. However, this method has the problem that it is necessary to register on the sites of all media service providers that are interested, and that notifications are not received from the sites of unregistered media service providers. It was.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and is a system construction that can provide various media services provided within a network or across a network by a simple procedure, or nodes constituting the system For example, media services such as IP telephony, PTT (Push-to-Talk), Web conferencing, teleconferencing, video conferencing, and automatic translation are not registered with individual media service providers. It is an object of the present invention to propose a media portal device, a media service processing system, a method, and a program that are provided to a general network user by a simple procedure.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 relates to a media portal apparatus, wherein a plurality of media service providers are connected in a single network or across a network and include an access procedure. • Built-in first data base that stores a list of media services consisting of entries describing usage conditions for each service provider, or is connected externally and logically as a single node A media portal device that is connected to the network so as to be accessible, and has a first function of adding, changing, or deleting the entry to the first data base in response to a request from a media service provider Means, a second functional means for providing a list of media services to the accessed user terminal, and access A third functional means for performing a procedure from the user terminal to the media service provider for using the designated media service according to the use conditions and access procedure of the media service provider, and the accessing user And a fourth functional unit that performs a connection between the user terminal and the media service provider in accordance with the use condition and access procedure of the media service provider in response to a request to use the media service from the terminal. It is characterized by that.

  The invention according to claim 2 relates to the media portal device according to claim 1, wherein the second data stores one or both of registration information and attribute information about the user or user terminal for each user or user terminal. A fifth function that has a built-in base or is connected to the outside and adds, changes, or deletes one or both of registration information and attribute information about the user or the user terminal in response to a request from the user terminal And the third functional means uses the registered information or the attribute information stored in the second data base to perform the procedure of the registered user or user terminal. Similarly, the fourth function means acts as a proxy for the connection between the registered user terminal and the media service provider. It is characterized by a door.

  The invention according to claim 3 relates to the media portal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the third function means needs to download an application to the user terminal in order to use the media service. If there is, the application is downloaded from the download destination on behalf of the user terminal in accordance with the download procedure described as the use condition of the entry of the media service in the media service list stored in the first data base. It has a function of acquiring and transferring to the user terminal.

  The invention according to claim 4 relates to the media portal device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, and when the first function means adds, changes or deletes the entry, a request for notification is made in advance. It has a function of notifying the registered user terminal of addition, change or deletion of the media service.

The invention according to claim 5 relates to a media service processing system, a media portal device that is logically accessible as a single node, and the media portal device in a single network or network. A media service processing system comprising a plurality of media service providers connected across the network and a user terminal accessing the media portal device;
Functional means for the media service provider requesting the media portal device to add, change, or delete an entry describing a use condition including an access procedure, and a user terminal acting as the media portal device Functional means for permitting the procedure of use, and functional means for providing a media service in response to a request for use from the authorized user terminal via the media portal device,
Function means for the user terminal to request a list of media services from the media portal device and present it to the user, and a procedure for using the media service designated by the user to the media portal device. Functional means for designating, and functional means for making a request for use of the media service designated by the user to the media portal device,
The media portal device provides first functional means for adding, changing, or deleting the entry in response to a request from a media service provider, and a list of media services for the accessed user terminal A second function means and a procedure to the media service provider for using the designated media service from the accessed user terminal according to the use conditions and the access procedure of the media service provider. In response to a request for use of the media service from the accessed user terminal, the connection between the user terminal and the media service provider is performed according to the use conditions and the access procedure of the media service provider. 4 functional means.

The invention according to claim 6 relates to the media service processing system according to claim 5, wherein at the user terminal, one of registration information and attribute information about the user or the user terminal with respect to the media portal device. Or a functional means for requesting addition or change or deletion of both,
The media / portal apparatus includes a fifth functional unit that adds, changes, or deletes one or both of registration information and attribute information about the user or the user terminal in response to a request from the user terminal. And / or the attribute information, the third function means acts as a proxy for the registered user or user terminal, and similarly, the fourth function means serves as the registered user. It is characterized by acting as a proxy for the connection between the terminal and the media service provider.

  The invention according to claim 7 relates to the media service processing system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein in the media portal apparatus, the third functional means is a user for using the media service. If it is necessary to download the application to the terminal, the application is acquired from the download destination on behalf of the user terminal in accordance with the download procedure described as the usage condition of the entry of the media service in the media service list. It has a function of transferring to a terminal.

  The invention according to claim 8 relates to the media service processing system according to claim 5, 6, or 7, wherein, in the media portal apparatus, the first functional means adds, changes, or deletes the entry. In this case, it is characterized in that it has a function of notifying a user terminal that has previously registered a request for notification of addition, change or deletion of the media service.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a media portal device that is logically accessible as a single node, and a media network device connected to the media portal device in a single network or network. A media service processing method of a system configured by a plurality of media service providers connected across the network and a user terminal accessing the media portal device,
A first stage in which the media service provider requests the media portal device to add, change, or delete an entry describing a use condition including an access procedure; and A second step of adding, changing or deleting the entry in response to a request from a service provider; a third step in which the user terminal requests a list of media services from the media portal device; and A fourth stage in which the media portal device provides the media service list to the user terminal; and the user terminal presents the media service list to the user and is designated by the user. The fifth stage of specifying the procedure for using the media service to the media portal device The media portal device performs a procedure to the media service provider for using the media service designated by the user terminal in accordance with the use condition and access procedure of the media service provider. A seventh stage in which the media service provider permits a procedure for using the user terminal acting on the media portal device; and the user terminal uses the media service designated by the user. An eighth stage in which a request is made to the media portal device, and the media portal device connects the user terminal and the media service provider in response to a request for use of the media service from the user terminal. In accordance with the terms of use and access procedures of the media service provider And a tenth stage in which the media service provider provides a media service in response to a request for use from the authorized user terminal via the media portal device. Yes.

The tenth aspect of the present invention relates to the media service processing method according to the ninth aspect, wherein before the fifth stage, the user terminal communicates with the media portal apparatus about the user or the user terminal. An eleventh step of requesting addition or change or deletion of one or both of the registration information and attribute information, and the media portal device, in response to a request from the user terminal, Having a twelfth stage of adding or changing or deleting one or both of the attribute information;
In the sixth stage, one or both of the registration information and attribute information is used to perform the procedure of the registered user or user terminal. In the ninth stage, one or both of the registration information and attribute information is performed. It is characterized in that the connection between the registered user terminal and the media service provider is performed using.

  The invention described in claim 11 relates to the media service processing method described in claim 9 or 10, wherein in the sixth stage, it is necessary to download an application to the user terminal in order to use the media service. In this case, according to the download procedure described as the usage condition of the entry of the media service in the media service list, the application is acquired from the download destination on behalf of the user terminal and transferred to the user terminal. .

  The invention according to claim 12 relates to the media service processing method according to claim 9, 10 or 11, and in the second stage, when the entry is added, changed or deleted, a notification request is registered in advance. The user terminal is notified of the addition, change or deletion of the media service.

The invention according to claim 13 relates to a media service processing program, wherein a plurality of media service providers are connected in a single network or across networks, and each media service provider including an access procedure is provided. Built-in first data base that stores a list of media services consisting of entries describing the terms of use of the system, or connected to the outside and logically accessible as a single node on the network A media service processing program in a media portal device connected to
A first procedure for adding, changing or deleting the entry to the first data base in response to a request from a media service provider; and a list of media services for the accessing user terminal A second procedure to be provided, and a procedure to perform a procedure from the accessed user terminal to the media service provider for using the designated media service in accordance with the use conditions and the access procedure of the media service provider. And a fourth procedure for proxying the connection between the user terminal and the media service provider according to the use conditions and the access procedure of the media service provider in response to a request for the use of the media service from the accessed user terminal Are to be executed by a computer.

The invention according to claim 14 relates to the media service processing program according to claim 13, wherein the media portal device is one or both of registration information and attribute information about the user or user terminal for each user or user terminal. Built-in or connected externally to a second data base for storing
Prior to the third procedure, there is a fifth procedure for adding, changing or deleting one or both of registration information and attribute information about the user or the user terminal in response to a request from the user terminal. Then, using one or both of the registration information and the attribute information stored in the second data base, the registered user or user terminal procedure is performed, and in the fourth procedure, The registered user terminal is connected to the media service provider by using one or both of registration information and attribute information stored in the data base of No. 2.

  The invention according to claim 15 relates to the media service processing program according to claim 13 or 14, and in the third procedure, it is necessary to download an application to the user terminal in order to use the media service. In this case, the application is acquired from the download destination on behalf of the user terminal in accordance with the download procedure described as the use condition of the entry of the media service in the media service list stored in the first data base. And transferring to the user terminal.

  The invention according to claim 16 relates to the media service processing program according to claim 13, 14 or 15, and in the first procedure, when the entry is added, changed or deleted, a notification request is registered in advance. The user terminal is notified of the addition, change or deletion of the media service.

  According to the configuration of the invention of the first, fifth, ninth and thirteenth aspects described above, as a first effect, the user terminal knows only the address (URI, etc.) of a single node of the media portal device. Then, it is possible to use all media services that are permitted to be used. When the user terminal designates the media service to be used and sends a request for using the media service to the media portal device, the media portal device sends the media / service to an appropriate media service provider (application server, etc.). Since the service use request is transferred, it is possible to use a media service across networks and providers such as a multi-carrier network.

  Similarly, according to the configuration of the inventions of claims 1, 5, 9, and 13, as a second effect, the user terminal uses a media service over a network such as a multi-carrier network (SIP / IP core network, etc.). In this case, since the media portal device acts as a proxy to a media service provider such as a multi-carrier network, the user terminal does not need to be individually connected to the multi-carrier network.

  Similarly, according to the configurations of the inventions of claims 1, 5, 9, and 13, as a third effect, the user terminal performs a procedure for using the media service only when accessing the media portal device. Or downloading an application or inquiring about the usage conditions of the media service, it becomes unnecessary to access an individual media service provider (such as an application server).

  According to the second, sixth, tenth, and fourteenth aspects of the present invention, the media portal device does not manage the user information for each media service provider, but instead manages the media portal device itself. By referring to the second data base storing the attribute information and registration information of the connected user terminal, personal information necessary for media service procedures, permission, provision, etc. can be used.

  According to the third, seventh, eleventh, and fifteenth aspects of the invention, when the application needs to be downloaded to the user terminal in order to use the media service, the user terminal accesses the media portal device. As long as the procedure for using the media service is completed, the media portal device downloads and acquires the application on behalf of the user terminal, so the user terminal is required to use the media service. The application can be obtained automatically.

  Further, according to the configuration of the inventions of claims 4, 8, 12 and 16, the user terminal can request and register to notify the media portal apparatus of the status relating to the addition, change or deletion of the media service. For example, when a media service is actually added, changed or deleted, the user terminal can be notified via the media portal device.

  The present invention achieves the above-mentioned object by providing a plurality of various media services such as PoC, IM (Instant Message), VoIP, image / video distribution, white board, trimming, Web, and mail to user terminals. In the media service system consisting of application server groups to be provided, the purpose is to solve by introducing a single-node device called “media portal” between the user terminal and the application server group. . The media portal has the following characteristics.

  (1) The media portal manages a list of currently available media services. In other words, the media portal has a built-in database that stores a list of currently available media services, or is connected to the outside, and in response to requests from media service providers, It has functional means that can add, change, and delete entries in the list. Each entry of the media service list stored in the data base on the media portal side describes various conditions for using the corresponding media service. When a new media service is added on the network infrastructure side (media service provider side) or an existing media service is changed or deleted, the media portal is notified through a predetermined procedure.

  (2) Media type (MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extension) TYPE) that specifies the corresponding media service in each entry of the media service list stored in the data base on the media portal side And has a function of searching for an entry using the media type as a keyword. Each entry of the media service list includes an access procedure (URI, IP address / port number, access authentication information, VPN (Virtual Private Network) setting parameter, etc.) to the application server that provides the corresponding media service. Are listed.

  (3) The media portal is set to be visible to the user as a single node that can be reached by routing (DNS; Domain Name System) using the existing IP network, and connected to the network. The media portal may be a logical (virtual) single node. For example, although it can be reached by a single IP address, it may be a load distribution processing node that physically distributes by a plurality of nodes or performs only transfer processing to another node.

  (4) The media portal acts as an agent for the media service provider's application server to request the media portal to add / change / delete entries describing the usage conditions including the access procedure. It has functional means for permitting user terminal usage procedures and functional means for providing media services in response to requests for usage from authorized user terminals via the media portal. All changes / deletions are reported to the media portal.

  (5) The media portal has a function means for providing a list of media services in response to a request from the user terminal, and when the user terminal wants to know the media services currently available, You can obtain a list of currently available media and services by contacting the portal. In addition, the media portal has a function means for automatically notifying the user terminal of addition / change / deletion of the media service. When the user terminal wants to receive this notification, it is added / changed to the media portal in advance. -By requesting and registering a notification of deletion, when a media service is added / changed / deleted, this user terminal can automatically acquire the notification.

  (6) A media portal is a single node to which a user who wants to use a certain media service sends a request. Various procedures required before using the service (use application / permission, billing / settlement, application, etc.) -It has functional means for processing downloads on behalf of the user. For example, when using a media service provided by a provider with a user terminal, it is necessary to register (REGISTRATION) prior to use. When the user terminal sends a REGISRATION request packet to the media portal, the media portal searches for a media service provider or the like (application server), and the REGISTERATION request packet is sent to the address declared in the entry from the provider. To transfer the registration process. By doing this, if the user knows only the service name of the media service he wants to use and the address of the media portal, he / she can use the media service without knowing the information of the provider providing the media service. can do.

  (7) The media portal has a functional means for acting as a proxy for the connection between the user terminal and the media service provider (application server), and can be arranged at the front end of the SIP / IP core network. For user terminals that do not support SIP processing, interfaces with other protocols such as HTML (HyperText Markup Language) / HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) and SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) are provided. The signaling process can be performed via the above protocol. The media portal is, for example, located outside the SIP / IP core network and connected to the gateway of the SIP / IP core network (for example, IMS network) of the mobile carrier network through the VPN (Virtual Private Network), thereby enabling the SIP / IP It can be placed outside the core network.

  (8) The media portal has a built-in data base storing registration information and attribute information of each user or each user terminal, or is connected to a data base of an external management node. The registration information includes authentication information necessary for using the service. In addition to storing and managing user (terminal) information, this management node also stores the above-mentioned media service list and serves as a functional means for managing the usage conditions of each media service. It doesn't matter. When the media portal is connected to an external management node, the media portal has connection information to the management node, and inquires of the management node when a use request for a certain media service is received from a certain user (terminal). . The media portal is the access procedure (protocol name, URI, IP address / port number, access authentication information, etc.) and the signaling network (SIP / IP) desired to be registered for a user or user terminal registered through a predetermined procedure. Record registration information and attribute information such as the core network or a specific SIP proxy server in it and the media type to be used in the database that is the internal or external storage device, and add to these information When a change or a change occurs or is requested, the record is added / changed, and the function unit for deleting the record when the registration is canceled (released) is provided.

  (9) In order to use the media service, if it is necessary to download the application to the user terminal, the entry of the corresponding application is stored in each entry of the media service list stored in the media portal ( URI, protocol necessary for acquisition, access authentication information, etc.) are described, and the media portal has functional means for acquiring an application on behalf of the user and transferring it to the user terminal by following the download procedure.

(10) The user terminal used in the above system accesses the media portal, requests a list of media services and presents them to the user, and uses the media service usage procedure designated by the user in the media. Functional means designated for the portal and functional means for requesting the media portal to use the media service designated by the user.
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The description will be made specifically with reference to examples.

  First, an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a network configuration for performing the media service processing of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, the user terminal # 1 (11) connected to the network # 1 (21) and the application server # 2 (32) connected to the network # 2 (22) , Application server # 3 (33) connected to network # 3 (23), user information management server 3 connected to network # 4 (24), media connected to network # 5 (25) Portal 2 and service list 4 are connected to IP network 1 via gateway # 1 (41), gateway # 2 (42), gateway # 3 (42), gateway # 4 (44), and media portal 2, respectively. It is connected to the. The media portal 2 is set so as to be accessible by a single URI on the IP network 1.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the relationship between the media portal and the application server when the application server is connected to a specific SIP / IP core network by REGISRATION in this embodiment. In FIG. 2, the application server # 2 (32) connected to the network # 2 (22) is REGISTERED to the SIP / IP core network # 2 (52) having a SIP proxy server (not shown). Connected. The network # 2 (22) and the SIP / IP core network # 2 (52) are connected to the IP network 1 via the gateway # 2 (42). On the other hand, the media portal 2 is connected to the network # 5 (25) and to the IP network 1. The application server # 2 (32) and the media portal 2 are connected to the gateway # 2 (42) via the IP network 1.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the relationship between the media portal and the user terminal when the user terminal is connected to a specific SIP / IP core network by REGISRATION in this embodiment. The user terminal # 6 (16) connected to the network # 6 (26) is connected to the SIP / IP core network # 6 (56) having a SIP proxy server (not shown) by being REGISTERED. . The network # 6 (26) and the SIP / IP core network # 6 (56) are connected to the IP network 1 via the gateway # 6 (46). On the other hand, the media portal 2 is connected to the network # 5 (25) and to the IP network 1. The user terminal # 6 (16) and the media portal 2 are connected to the gateway # 6 (46) via the IP network 1.

  An example of the service list 4 for storing the processing result of the media service addition / change / deletion request will be described below. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the service list 4. In this embodiment, the processing result of the media service addition / change / deletion request sent from the application server is reflected in the service list 4 connected to the media portal 2. The service list 4 is composed of a database. The effect of the present invention can also be obtained by incorporating the service list 4 in the media portal 2. Alternatively, it can be realized as an independent node in the network # 5 (25) or as a node accessible via the IP network 1 installed outside the network # 5 (25). Each entry describing the attributes of each media service registered in the service list 4 includes the media type of the corresponding media service, the access procedure to the application server, the conditions for using the media service, the user The download procedure of the terminal application is described.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of service information described in each entry of the service list 4. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the following can be written in each entry of the service list 4.
1) Service registration number.
2) Media type: For example, MIME TYPE (example: audio, video).
3) Server access method: URI or IP address, port number, authentication information (eg, user ID, password).
4) Session request transfer destination: URI or IP address, port number, authentication information (eg, user ID, password).
5) Specification of user registration information necessary for using the media service: For example, a provider URI, a service name, a service option, a user ID, and a password.
6) Available media and service types: For example, only voice, low sound quality, etc.
7) Resources required for use: for example, user terminal profile (user terminal CPU capability, user terminal memory capacity), user terminal application necessity (user terminal application specification, parameter information required for user terminal application) .
8) Usage restrictions: For example, usage time, number of participants.
9) Download procedure of user terminal application: URI of download site, protocol required for acquisition (eg, HTTP, FTP (File Transfer Protocol)), access authentication information (eg, user ID, password).
The service list 4 has a data base search function. For example, when a media type is designated, the service list 4 has a function unit that outputs an entry of a corresponding media service.

  Below, the Example of the user information management server 3 which stores the registration information and attribute information of a user or a user terminal is described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the user information management server 3. As an embodiment of the present invention, the media portal 2 sets the system so that the user information management server 3 can be accessed.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of registration information and attribute information of a user or user terminal stored in the user information management server 3. The user information management server 3 stores the following information as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, for example.
11) User ID: ID information for identifying a user.
12) Registration information: Information related to the media service registered by the user: (Example) Name of a business operator (URI: Uniform Resource Identifier) with which the user has a contract, name of the media service registered by the user, Accompanying information (eg, user ID, password, service option) of the media service, and a signaling network (eg, SIP / IP core network, IMS network) that the user desires to connect to.
13) Attribute information: User terminal setting information (example: URI of user terminal, application available to user terminal, protocol, network access line, CPU processing capacity of user terminal, storage capacity, line speed, access to user terminal) Method (URI or IP address, port number)).
14) Personal information: Information related to individual users (e.g., media service categories, access permission lists, access denial lists, and buddy lists that are of interest or are permitted to be used).
The user information management server 3 has a function of returning the above information in response to a search request from the media portal 2.

  As an example of the network # 1, the network # 2, or the network # 3, there can be a SIP / IP core network such as IMS. For example, when the network # 2 is a SIP / IP core network compliant with IMS, the gateway # 2 can be a P-SCSF. Regarding the number and type of networks, the number of user terminals, the number of application servers, the number of user information management servers 3, the number of media portals, and the number of service lists, there can be any configuration other than this embodiment. It is clear. It is also clear that the effect of the present invention can be obtained regardless of the combination of a plurality of application servers, user terminals, user information management servers, media portals, and service lists in the same network.

  Hereinafter, an operation example of the above-described embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a procedure in which each media service provider or application server registers addition / change / deletion of a media service with respect to the media portal. The administrator of the application server # 2 (32) connected to the network # 2 (22) decides to add the media service “A” that has not been registered in the media portal 2 until now. Therefore, a request for adding a media service is issued to the URI of the media portal 2 [1].

  In the request for adding a media service, first, the application server # 2 (32) opens a connection to the media portal 2. One method is to set up a VPN between gateway # 2 (42) and media portal 2 based on an agreement between the network # 2 (22) and network # 5 (25) operators. It is possible to establish a TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) session between the application server # 2 (32) and the media portal 2 via the VPN. After the connection is established, a media service addition request is issued from the application server # 2 (32). For the media service addition request, for example, an HTTP PUT method can be used. It can be easily analogized that it can be realized by other protocols or other methods of HTTP. The information included in the media service addition request includes the URI of the service list 4, the media type of the media service to be added, and the application server # 2 (32) to be accessed to use the media service. Parameter groups describing the conditions for using the media service. It is also possible to use MIME Type defined by IETF (Internet Engineering Task Force) as a media type expression method.

  The media portal 2 that has received the media service addition request from the application server # 2 (32) requests the service list 4 to add a data base entry [2]. An entry is added to the service list 4, and an ID number assigned to the entry is used as a service registration number. The service list 4 responds to the media portal 2 with the service registration number and the success or failure of entry registration [3]. Upon receiving the response, the media portal 2 returns the service registration number and the success / failure of entry registration to the application server # 2 (32) [4].

  Also when changing media services. Follow the same procedure as for adding a media service. After establishing a connection between the application server # 2 (32) and the media portal 2, the application server # 2 (32) issues a media service change request. The media service change request includes a service registration number and change contents obtained when the media service is added. After specifying the media service with the service registration number, change the registration information with the change.

  When deleting a media service, the same procedure as for adding a media service is performed. After establishing a connection between the application server # 2 (32) and the media portal 2, the application server # 2 (32) issues a media service deletion request. The media service deletion request includes the service registration number obtained when adding the media service. After identifying the media service with the service registration number, the registration information is deleted.

Next, an example of a procedure for the user terminal to use the media service will be described below.
"REGISTRATION"
The sequence diagram of FIG. 9 shows a procedure in which the user terminal performs REGISRATION on the media portal. First, the REGISTERTION is issued from the user terminal # 1 (11) to the media portal 2 [21]. The media portal 2 that has received the REGISTRATION requests the user information management server 3 to register or update the user information based on the REGISTRATION information [22]. The user information management server 3 returns the registration result [23]. At this time, when the already registered user information registers the REGISTRATION also in the specific signaling network, the REGISTRATION is issued to the specific signaling network accordingly. In the example shown in FIG. 9, REGISTERATION is issued to the gateway # 2 (42) [24]. Gateway # 2 (42) returns the REGISRATION result to the media portal 2 [25]. After the above, the media portal 2 notifies the processing result to the user terminal # 1 (11) [26].

  In this operation, the user terminal # 1 (11) registers an access method (for example, URI or IP address, port number, access authentication information) to the user portal 2 in the media portal 2. In addition, the media service used by the user terminal is registered as necessary. Furthermore, if there is a signaling network to which connection is desired, it is also registered. As an example of the signaling network, a gateway of a SIP / IP core network or a SIP proxy server can be designated.

  By performing REGISTRATION, it becomes possible to receive a connection request to a media service requested from another user terminal via the media portal 2. It is also possible to receive access from the application server via the media portal 2. Therefore, if there is a means for receiving a media service connection request from another user terminal or a connection request from an application server by means other than the media portal 2, the REGISTRATION procedure may be unnecessary. REGISTRATION to the media portal 2 can be canceled by a REGISTRATION cancellation request from the user terminal. At that time, the registered contents are also deleted.

Session request
The sequence diagram of FIG. 10 shows a procedure in which the user terminal performs a session request to the application server. First, a user who wants to use a media service issues a session request. When the user terminal # 1 (11) issues a session request to the media portal 2 [5], the media portal 2 inquires of the service list 4 about service information regarding the requested media service [6]. ]. In response to the inquiry result [7], if it is determined that further user information needs to be provided in order to start the session, the user information management server 3 is inquired about necessary user information [8]. When the user information inquiry result is also acquired [9], the necessary information is inserted into the session request packet and a session request is issued to the application server # 2 (32) [10]. Upon receiving the response from the application server # 2 (32), the media portal 2 [11] notifies the requesting user terminal # 1 (11) of the session establishment result [12].

  As an example of issuing a session request, it is possible to send an INVITE packet based on the SIP protocol. In the SIP INVITE packet, it is necessary to establish the URI of the node to which the session request is sent, the media type that specifies the media service, the URI of the other user who requests participation in the media service, and the establishment of the media service. A parameter group is described. There may be a plurality of INVITE packets, session request destination URIs, media types, partner user URIs, and the like. The session request is sent to the media portal 2 by describing that of the media portal 2 in the destination URI of the session request.

  The media portal 2 that has received the session request transfers the session request to the application server # 2 (32) that processes the designated media type. At that time, the session request may be directly transferred to the application server # 2 (32). If this is not possible, the signaling network for transferring the session request packet to the application server # 2 (32). It is also possible to forward the session request to gateway # 2 (42) to. For example, in order to send a session request to an application server under the control of a certain operator, the session request is transferred to a gateway arranged in the SIP / IP core network or IMS network managed by the operator.

  Some application servers require confirmation of user information when accepting a session request. In that case, the media portal 2 that has received the session request inquires of the user information management server 3 about the user information of the user who has issued the session request, and combines the result with the session request in the application server # 2 (32). To communicate.

"Application Download"
The sequence diagram of FIG. 11 shows a procedure for the user terminal to execute a procedure for downloading an application. First, for the media type specified by the session request received by the media portal 2, when the media portal 2 inquires the service list 4 about the service usage conditions [6], an application is preliminarily sent to the user terminal # 1 (11). Since it is specified to be downloaded, a message to that effect may be returned [7]. In this case, the media portal 2 inquires of the user information management server 3 or the user terminal # 1 (11) whether the specified application has already been downloaded [8]. If it has not been downloaded yet, a message to that effect is returned along with the download procedure for the application [9].

  The media portal 2 returns a session rejection to the user terminal # 1 (11) [13]. The session rejection packet describes that the application has not been downloaded as the reason for refusal and the download procedure of the application so that the user or user terminal # 1 (11) can download the application. User terminal # 1 (11) requests the download server 5 to download the application according to the obtained download procedure [14] and receives the application transfer [15].

  The sequence diagram of FIG. 12 shows another procedure in which the user terminal performs a procedure for downloading an application. In this embodiment, the media portal 2 acts as an agent for downloading the application, and the application obtained by the media portal 2 can be sent to the user terminal # 1 (11). In this case, after returning the session rejection from the media portal 2 [13], the media portal 2 requests the download server 5 to download the application [16], and the received application [17] is sent to the user terminal. [18].

  In this embodiment, the configuration in which the registration and notification of the media service, the processing of REGISRATION and the session request are processed by the node of the same media portal 2 has been described. However, the effects of the present invention can also be obtained by processing the former, that is, registration and notification of media services, and the latter, that is, processing of REGISTERATION and session requests, in different nodes. In this case, for example, when the session request is processed, the latter node inquires the access method to the application server that processes the designated media service to the former node.

The following is realized by the above embodiment.
(A) If the user terminal knows only a single URI of the media portal, the user terminal can use all media services that are permitted to be used. When the user terminal sends a session start request to the media portal by specifying the media type (MIME TYPE, etc.) of the media service to be used, the media portal forwards the session start request to the appropriate application server. Hey. The media portal uses the media service corresponding to the media type by requesting the media portal to add / change / delete the media service by the application server or media service provider. It is because it grasps.

  (B) The user terminal can request / register to notify the media portal of the status regarding addition / change / deletion of the media service, and the actual addition / change / deletion of the media service can be performed. When it occurs, the user terminal can be notified via the media portal. For the same reason as (A).

  (C) When a user terminal uses a media service that spans a plurality of carrier networks, the media portal acts as a connection to a plurality of carrier networks, so that the user terminal is a SIP / IP core network of a plurality of carrier networks. There is no need to connect to each other individually. This is because an application server or a media service provider designates an access method to the application server when registering the media service in the media portal. The media portal can transfer the session request received from the user terminal to the application server according to the access method.

  (D) The user terminal can access the media portal to perform usage procedures and application downloads, and inquire about the usage conditions of media services, and needs to access individual application servers. Disappears. This is because when an application server or a media service provider registers a media service in the media portal, it specifies media service usage conditions and an application download method. The media portal can provide this information to the user terminal for the inquiring user, or can obtain an application from the download server on behalf of the user terminal and transfer it to the user terminal.

  (E) Even if the user information is not managed for each media service provider, the data portal stores the attribute information and registration information of the user terminal connected to the media portal on behalf of the media service provider. By referring to the service, personal information necessary for the media service can be used. In this way, a media service provider who does not have a customer can easily provide media services to a large number of users.

  (F) If the user registers in one place of the media portal, the user can receive notification of addition / change / deletion regarding all media services. This is because the media portal manages information related to the addition, change, and deletion of all media services.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and the present invention can be changed even if there is a design change or the like without departing from the gist of the present invention. include. For example, in the above-described embodiments or examples, the configuration of each device constituting the system has been described with functional means, functions, or procedures. However, these functional means, functions, or procedures are configured by a computer program, and The present invention can be implemented by installing and executing the program on the computer of the apparatus. This program can be distributed by data communication means such as the Internet or e-mail, and can also be stored, distributed, or provided by storing this program in various storage media. It is. Further, the mobile carrier network, the SIP / IP core network, the IMS network, etc. in the above-described best mode or embodiment are examples of the network, and are not limited to these.

  The present invention can be suitably used for a media service processing system composed of various networks, and can be suitably used for a service processing system for various services provided using the network as a mediating means. .

It is a figure which shows the network structure which implements the media service process of one Example of this invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a relationship between a media portal and an application server when an application server is connected to a specific SIP / IP core network by REGISTERATION in the network configuration. It is the figure which showed the relationship between a media portal and a user terminal in case the user terminal is connected to the specific SIP / IP core network by REGISTERATION in the same network configuration. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the service list in the network structure. It is a figure which shows an example of the service information described in each entry of the service list in the network configuration. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the user information management server in the network structure. It is a figure which shows an example of the registration information and attribute information of the user or user terminal which are stored in the user information management server in the network configuration. It is a sequence diagram which shows the example of the procedure in which the provider of each media service in the same network or an application server registers the addition, change, and deletion of a media service with respect to a media portal. It is a sequence diagram which shows the procedure in which the user terminal in the network implements REGISTRATION with respect to a media portal. It is a sequence diagram which shows the procedure in which the user terminal in the network performs a session request | requirement with respect to an application server. It is a sequence diagram which shows the procedure in which the user terminal in the network implements the procedure which downloads an application. It is a sequence diagram which shows another procedure in which the user terminal in the network implements the procedure which downloads an application. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a conventional system configuration for providing a media service.

Explanation of symbols

1 IP network (network)
2 Media portal (media portal device)
3 User information management server (second database)
4 Service list (first database)
5 Download server (download destination)
11, 16 User terminal 21, 22, ... 26 Network 32, 33 Application server (media service provider)
52,56 SIP / IP core network (network)

Claims (16)

Stores a list of media services consisting of entries describing usage conditions for each media service provider, including access procedures, with multiple media service providers connected on a single network or across networks. A media portal device with a built-in first database or connected externally and logically accessible as a single node on the network,
A first functional means for adding, changing or deleting the entry to the first data base in response to a request from a media service provider; and a list of the media services for the accessing user terminal A second functional means for providing a list, and a procedure from the accessed user terminal to the media service provider for using the specified media service according to the use condition and access procedure of the media service provider In response to a request for the use of the media service from the accessed user terminal, the third functional means acting on behalf of the user terminal and the media service provider are connected to the use condition and access procedure of the media service provider And a fourth functional means acting on behalf of the media portal device.   In response to a request from the user terminal, a second data base for storing one or both of registration information and attribute information about the user or the user terminal is stored for each user or the user terminal, or connected to the outside. Registration information and attributes stored in the second data base, and having fifth function means for adding, changing or deleting one or both of registration information and attribute information for the user or user terminal. Using one or both of the information, the third functional means acts as a proxy for the registered user or user terminal, and similarly, the fourth functional means includes the registered user terminal and 2. The media portal device according to claim 1, wherein the media portal device acts as a proxy for the connection of the media service provider.   When the third function means needs to download an application to the user terminal in order to use the media service, the media in the media service list stored in the first data base The application has a function of acquiring an application from a download destination on behalf of the user terminal and transferring the application to the user terminal in accordance with a download procedure described as a service entry use condition. 2. The media portal device according to 2.   When the first function means adds, changes, or deletes the entry, the first function means has a function of notifying a user terminal that has registered a request for notification in advance of the addition, change, or deletion of the media service. The media portal device according to claim 1, 2, or 3. A media portal device that is logically accessible as a single node, a plurality of media service providers connected to the media portal device in a single network or across the network, and the media portal A media service processing system comprising a user terminal accessing a device,
Functional means for the media service provider requesting the media portal device to add, change, or delete an entry describing a use condition including an access procedure, and a user terminal acting as the media portal device Functional means for permitting the procedure of use, and functional means for providing a media service in response to a request for use from the authorized user terminal via the media portal device,
Function means for the user terminal to request a list of media services from the media portal device and present it to the user, and a procedure for using the media service designated by the user to the media portal device. Functional means for designating, and functional means for making a request for use of the media service designated by the user to the media portal device,
The media portal device provides first functional means for adding, changing, or deleting the entry in response to a request from a media service provider, and a list of media services for the accessed user terminal A second function means and a procedure to the media service provider for using the designated media service from the accessed user terminal according to the use conditions and the access procedure of the media service provider. In response to a request for use of the media service from the accessed user terminal, the connection between the user terminal and the media service provider is performed according to the use conditions and the access procedure of the media service provider. Media service characterized by having four functional means Processing system. In the user terminal, the media portal device has a functional means for requesting addition or change or deletion of one or both of registration information and attribute information about the user or the user terminal,
The media / portal apparatus includes a fifth functional unit that adds, changes, or deletes one or both of registration information and attribute information about the user or the user terminal in response to a request from the user terminal. And / or the attribute information, the third function means acts as a proxy for the registered user or user terminal, and similarly, the fourth function means serves as the registered user. 6. The media service processing system according to claim 5, wherein the connection is made on behalf of a terminal and a media service provider.   In the media portal apparatus, when the third function means needs to download an application to the user terminal in order to use the media service, use of the entry of the media service in the media service list is used. 7. The media service according to claim 5 or 6, which has a function of acquiring an application from a download destination on behalf of the user terminal and transferring the application to the user terminal in accordance with a download procedure described as a condition. Processing system.   In the media portal device, when the first function means adds, changes, or deletes the entry, it notifies the user terminal that has previously registered the notification request of the addition, change, or deletion of the media service. 8. The media service processing system according to claim 5, 6 or 7, wherein the media service processing system has the function of: A media portal device that is logically accessible as a single node, a plurality of media service providers connected to the media portal device in a single network or across the network, and the media portal A system media service processing method comprising a user terminal accessing a device,
A first stage in which the media service provider requests the media portal device to add, change, or delete an entry describing a use condition including an access procedure; and A second step of adding, changing or deleting the entry in response to a request from a service provider; a third step in which the user terminal requests a list of media services from the media portal device; and A fourth stage in which the media portal device provides the media service list to the user terminal; and the user terminal presents the media service list to the user and is designated by the user. The fifth stage of specifying the procedure for using the media service to the media portal device The media portal device performs a procedure to the media service provider for using the media service designated by the user terminal in accordance with the use condition and access procedure of the media service provider. A seventh stage in which the media service provider permits a procedure for using the user terminal acting on the media portal device; and the user terminal uses the media service designated by the user. An eighth stage in which a request is made to the media portal device, and the media portal device connects the user terminal and the media service provider in response to a request for use of the media service from the user terminal. In accordance with the terms of use and access procedures of the media service provider And a tenth stage in which the media service provider provides a media service in response to a request for use from the authorized user terminal via the media portal device. Media service processing method. Before the fifth stage, the eleventh stage in which the user terminal requests the media portal device to add, change or delete one or both of registration information and attribute information about the user or the user terminal. The media portal device has a twelfth stage of adding, changing or deleting one or both of registration information and attribute information about the user or the user terminal in response to a request from the user terminal,
In the sixth stage, one or both of the registration information and attribute information is used to perform the procedure of the registered user or user terminal. In the ninth stage, one or both of the registration information and attribute information is performed. 10. The media service processing method according to claim 9, wherein the connection between the registered user terminal and the media service provider is performed using a proxy.   In the sixth stage, when it is necessary to download the application to the user terminal in order to use the media service, the download procedure described as the usage condition of the entry of the media service in the media service list is performed. The media service processing method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein an application is acquired from a download destination on behalf of the user terminal and transferred to the user terminal.   10. In the second step, when the entry is added, changed, or deleted, the addition, change, or deletion of the media service is notified to a user terminal that has previously registered a notification request. Alternatively, the media service processing method according to 10 or 11. Stores a list of media services consisting of entries describing usage conditions for each media service provider, including access procedures, with multiple media service providers connected on a single network or across networks. A media service processing program in a media portal device that contains the first data base or is connected to the outside and logically accessible as a single node on the network,
A first procedure for adding, changing or deleting the entry to the first data base in response to a request from a media service provider; and a list of media services for the accessing user terminal A second procedure to be provided, and a procedure to perform a procedure from the accessed user terminal to the media service provider for using the designated media service in accordance with the use conditions and the access procedure of the media service provider. And a fourth procedure for proxying the connection between the user terminal and the media service provider according to the use conditions and the access procedure of the media service provider in response to a request for the use of the media service from the accessed user terminal Is a media service processing program for causing a computer to execute. The media portal device has a second data base for storing one or both of registration information and attribute information about the user or user terminal for each user or user terminal, or is connected to the outside ,
Prior to the third procedure, there is a fifth procedure for adding, changing or deleting one or both of registration information and attribute information about the user or the user terminal in response to a request from the user terminal. Then, using one or both of the registration information and the attribute information stored in the second data base, the registered user or user terminal procedure is performed, and in the fourth procedure, 14. The connection between the registered user terminal and the media service provider is performed using one or both of registration information and attribute information stored in the data base of claim 2. Media service processing program.   In the third procedure, when it is necessary to download an application to the user terminal in order to use the media service, the media service in the media service list stored in the first database is displayed. 15. The media service processing program according to claim 13 or 14, wherein an application is acquired from a download destination on behalf of the user terminal and transferred to the user terminal in accordance with a download procedure described as a use condition of the entry. .   14. In the first procedure, when the entry is added, changed, or deleted, the addition, change, or deletion of the media service is notified to a user terminal that has previously registered a notification request. Or the media service processing program according to 14 or 15.

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