END-TO-END SYSTEM FOR STREAMING OF MULTIMEDIA CONTENTS ON WIRELESS NETWORKS

Abstract

An end-to-end system for the multimedia distribution over a Wi-Fi network uses a wireless multicast transmission mode that uses new communication protocols for high quality of service with many concurrent users; the system allows using Wi-Fi Access Points for media content streaming, without new hardware; the system handles automatic configuration, preparation, and management of all the network traffic in end-to-end mode; the multimedia contents can come from any source, including local or remote file servers, or captured live; the contents are directly received on the final clients' mobile devices using an application that configures the device for appropriate data reception; the multimedia streaming system are independent from the user's infrastructure. The system includes four main elements: One main broadcasting module; One automatic configuration module of the Wi-Fi network; One automatic configuration module for mobile applications; and One dashboard for modules control and configuration.

Claims

1. End-to-end system for the distribution of multimedia contents over a Wi-Fi network, utilizing a wireless multicast transmission mode that uses new communication protocols specifically designed to guarantee a high quality service with a large number of users; the above mentioned system allowing the use of Wi-Fi Access Points for media streaming, without need for a new hardware; the above mentioned system handling the automatic configuration, preparation and management of all network traffic in end-to-end mode; above mentioned multimedia contents can come from any source, including but not limited to, local or remote file servers, or be captured live; above mentioned contents being directly used on mobile devices, of users, thanks to an application that configures the device for the correct reception of data: above mentioned streaming system of multimedia contents being independent from the user's infrastructure; above mentioned system being composed of four main elements: (A) a main broadcasting module installed on a dedicated computer with access to both the multimedia contents source and at least one wireless router; above-mentioned main module receiving the multimedia stream from any source, including but not limited to: local storage media/supports, file server over LAN or remote web, Internet, real-time streaming, audio/video recording devices; above mentioned module preparing above mentioned transmission stream and sending it to users on the dedicated Wi-Fi channel; above-mentioned module encapsulating the incoming multimedia content in a new stream in real time, with characteristics suitable for multicast transmission, including: a) use of an appropriate codec to reduce bandwidth usage; b) formatting of packets in UDP/IP multicast; c) application of an FEC algorithm to mitigate the intrinsic losses of the wireless channel; this FEC algorithm (Forward Error Correction) allowing to identify and correct possible errors due to the noise of the channel through three elements: sending the same UDP datagram up to four times (redundancy), to allow the applications on the station to keep the datagrams in a buffer from which they retrieve the first datagram correctly received; an algorithm, incorporated in the mobile application of the receiving station, which takes care of recovering any missing datagram by interpolation on the entire received flow (best guess); a noise suppression algorithm that detects and discards any other undesired signal; (B) an automatic configuration module of the Wi-Fi network installed on the same computer of the broadcasting module or on a different device connected to the first one; above-mentioned configuration module automatically specifying an appropriate configuration for the network devices to be used; above-mentioned configuration being performed only once, at the installation of the system; above-mentioned module including an additional network diagnostic feature that indicates whether the hardware is compatible with the system; above-mentioned Wi-Fi network configurator instructs network equipment to: forward the media stream in UDP/IP multicast mode; simultaneously recognize and accept a large number of users; allow the coexistence of one or more Wi-Fi networks, guaranteeing the non-interference with existing services; recognize the request from the user's device to access the network by entering its IP address in the list of system users; enter the MAC (Media Access Control) address of the device in its Client List Journal; switch the connection of the device in IP multicast mode in order to receive multimedia streams; (C) an automatic application configuration module designed for mobile platforms in order to prepare and configure the applications used for multimedia flows reception; above-mentioned module being directly installed on the mobile device; (D) a control and configuration module which allows, through a simple graphic interface: a) to select the source of the multimedia content to be sent to the broadcasting module; b) to configure all system settings; c) to access the analysis and reporting functions; d) to manage the contents to be distributed; e) to monitor ongoing activities; f) to create event codes to allow the user to select the contents to be received; g) to enable a special test mode to verify the accuracy of the system settings; h) to receive and send instant messages.

2. The end-to-end system for the distribution of multimedia contents over a Wi-Fi network, according to the previous claim 1, wherein the above mentioned system includes at least one audio/video recording station and an acquisition system for at least one speaker and at least one station for local or remote simultaneous interpreters or translators; above mentioned system being used to create a simultaneous translation system for events or conferences; above mentioned system also allowing each user, via mobile application, to speak and interact during the event.

3. The end-to-end system for distributing multimedia contents over a Wi-Fi network, according to claim 1, wherein the above mentioned system is implemented using an ad hoc created hardware which includes at least one router/AP and at least one mini-PC integrated in a single case; such mini-PC performing the functions of broadcasting, of Wi-Fi configurator, and of dashboard; above mentioned hardware including as internal storage—a media server where multimedia contents can be retrieved; above mentioned case including a variable number of connections for external peripherals arranged on the rear panel of the case; above mentioned system being completely self-sufficient and ready to be used without further configuration or user's intervention.

4. The end-to-end system for distributing multimedia contents over a Wi-Fi network, according to claim 1, further comprising a mobile application to be installed on the user's device; above mentioned application allowing to receive the multimedia stream transmitted by the broadcasting module through the Access Point on the personal device; above mentioned application also allowing to select the preferred event, the possible language in case of simultaneous translation or to configure the listening settings.

5. The-to-end system for the distribution of multimedia contents over a Wi-Fi network, according to claim 1, wherein above mentioned system includes at least one connection to the Internet and at least one multimedia server accessible via above mentioned connection; above mentioned system can therefore be used in any place or situation and recover the multimedia flows from said remote server.

6. The end-to-end system for distributing multimedia contents over a Wi-Fi network, according to claim 1, wherein the above mentioned system includes at least one module dedicated to audience control, installed on the same computer as the broadcasting module or on another local support; above mentioned audience control module providing real-time information about a series of parameters, including but not limited to: Wi-Fi network status, number of connections, signal quality, bandwidth usage; above mentioned information allowing the operators, through the control module, to intervene with punctual modifications and calibrations to maximize the service quality; above mentioned audience control module also recording information related to users' behaviour during the use of the system; this information can be used for profiling purposes and to more effectively convey the contents, or for commercial and advertising purposes.

7. The end-to-end system for distributing multimedia contents over a Wi-Fi network, according to claim 1, wherein above-mentioned system includes one or more high-power wireless repeaters to be used in open spaces.

8. The end-to-end system for distributing multimedia contents over a Wi-Fi network, according to claim 1, wherein the system includes at least one multimedia server with educational and illustrative contents suitable for use in public spaces.

9. The end-to-end system for distributing multimedia contents over a Wi-Fi network, according to claim 2, wherein the above mentioned system is implemented using an ad hoc created hardware which includes at least one router/AP and at least one mini-PC integrated in a single case; such mini-PC performing the functions of broadcasting, of Wi-Fi configurator, and of dashboard; above mentioned hardware including as internal storage—a media server where multimedia contents can be retrieved; above mentioned case including a variable number of connections for external peripherals arranged on the rear panel of the case; above mentioned system being completely self-sufficient and ready to be used without further configuration or user's intervention.

10. The end-to-end system for distributing multimedia contents over a Wi-Fi network, according to claim 2, further comprising a mobile application to be installed on the user's device; above mentioned application allowing to receive the multimedia stream transmitted by the broadcasting module through the Access Point on the personal device; above mentioned application also allowing to select the preferred event, the possible language in case of simultaneous translation or to configure the listening settings.

11. The end-to-end system for distributing multimedia contents over a Wi-Fi network, according to claim 3, further comprising a mobile application to be installed on the user's device; above mentioned application allowing to receive the multimedia stream transmitted by the broadcasting module through the Access Point on the personal device; above mentioned application also allowing to select the preferred event, the possible language in case of simultaneous translation or to configure the listening settings.

12. The-to-end system for the distribution of multimedia contents over a Wi-Fi network, according to claim 2, wherein the system includes at least one connection to the Internet and at least one multimedia server accessible via above mentioned connection; above mentioned system can therefore be used in any place or situation and recover the multimedia flows from said remote server.

13. The-to-end system for the distribution of multimedia contents over a Wi-Fi network, according to claim 3, wherein the system includes at least one connection to the Internet and at least one multimedia server accessible via above mentioned connection; above mentioned system can therefore be used in any place or situation and recover the multimedia flows from said remote server.

14. The-to-end system for the distribution of multimedia contents over a Wi-Fi network, according to claim 4, wherein the system includes at least one connection to the Internet and at least one multimedia server accessible via above mentioned connection; above mentioned system can therefore be used in any place or situation and recover the multimedia flows from said remote server.

15. The end-to-end system for distributing multimedia contents over a Wi-Fi network, according to claim 2, wherein the above mentioned system includes at least one module dedicated to audience control, installed on the same computer as the broadcasting module or on another local support; above mentioned audience control module providing real-time information about a series of parameters, including but not limited to: Wi-Fi network status, number of connections, signal quality, bandwidth usage; above mentioned information allowing the operators, through the control module, to intervene with punctual modifications and calibrations to maximize the service quality; above mentioned audience control module also recording information related to users' behaviour during the use of the system; this information can be used for profiling purposes and to more effectively convey the contents, or for commercial and advertising purposes.

16. The end-to-end system for distributing multimedia contents over a Wi-Fi network, according to claim 3, wherein the above mentioned system includes at least one module dedicated to audience control, installed on the same computer as the broadcasting module or on another local support; above mentioned audience control module providing real-time information about a series of parameters, including but not limited to: Wi-Fi network status, number of connections, signal quality, bandwidth usage; above mentioned information allowing the operators, through the control module, to intervene with punctual modifications and calibrations to maximize the service quality; above mentioned audience control module also recording information related to users' behaviour during the use of the system; this information can be used for profiling purposes and to more effectively convey the contents, or for commercial and advertising purposes.

17. The end-to-end system for distributing multimedia contents over a Wi-Fi network, according to claim 4, wherein the above mentioned system includes at least one module dedicated to audience control, installed on the same computer as the broadcasting module or on another local support; above mentioned audience control module providing real-time information about a series of parameters, including but not limited to: Wi-Fi network status, number of connections, signal quality, bandwidth usage; above mentioned information allowing the operators, through the control module, to intervene with punctual modifications and calibrations to maximize the service quality; above mentioned audience control module also recording information related to users' behaviour during the use of the system; this information can be used for profiling purposes and to more effectively convey the contents, or for commercial and advertising purposes.

18. The end-to-end system for distributing multimedia contents over a Wi-Fi network, according to claim 5, wherein the above mentioned system includes at least one module dedicated to audience control, installed on the same computer as the broadcasting module or on another local support; above mentioned audience control module providing real-time information about a series of parameters, including but not limited to: Wi-Fi network status, number of connections, signal quality, bandwidth usage; above mentioned information allowing the operators, through the control module, to intervene with punctual modifications and calibrations to maximize the service quality; above mentioned audience control module also recording information related to users' behaviour during the use of the system; this information can be used for profiling purposes and to more effectively convey the contents, or for commercial and advertising purposes.

19. The end-to-end system for distributing multimedia contents over a Wi-Fi network, according to claim 2, wherein above-mentioned system includes one or more high-power wireless repeaters to be used in open spaces.

20. The end-to-end system for distributing multimedia contents over a Wi-Fi network, according to claim 3, wherein above-mentioned system includes one or more high-power wireless repeaters to be used in open spaces.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0067] The invention is described hereinafter in at least one preferred embodiment, with the purpose of explaining and not limiting the description, with the support of the accompanying figures, as follows:

[0068] FIG. 1 shows the multimedia contents distribution system 100 in a typical configuration. The following are enumerated: broadcasting module 110, Wi-Fi network configurator 120, control and configuration module 130, media server 140, computer where the system is installed 190, recording device 300, connection to the Internet network 600, a Wi-Fi Access Point router 200 and a series of mobile devices 170 connected via a wireless network 500.

[0069] FIG. 2 shows a possible system connection scheme. It displays the main computer 190 connected to a multimedia contents server 140 and to the Internet network 600. A wireless Access Point allows one or more smartphones 170 or tablets 180 to access the multicast group 150.

[0070] FIG. 3 shows an example of the user interface of the application for mobile devices 171. The following are enumerated: the event selection screen 172, the language selection screen for simultaneous translation 173, the streaming screen 174 with the volume listening controls.

[0071] FIG. 4 shows a page of the dashboard 130 where some possible configuration options are highlighted, including: setting of events code 131, activation of demo mode 132, list of available channels 133.

[0072] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the contents distribution system designed to support simultaneous translation in an event or conference. The following are displayed: speaker's microphone 300, main event camera 310 and acquisition module 320; control computer 190, connected to a local media server 140 and to a remote media server 145 via the Internet 600; broadcasting module 110 connected to the various Access Points 200 through which the simultaneous translation carried out by professional interpreters at their stations 340 is distributed to users 180.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0073] The present invention will now be described, by way of example only and not in limiting or binding way, using the figures that show some of the possible embodiments of the proposed inventive concept,

[0074] FIG.1 illustrates a typical embodiment of the multimedia contents distribution system on a Wi-Fi network 100, running on a computer 190 and connected to a wireless router 200.

[0075] The computer 190 is also endowed with access to the Internet network 600 and to a registration system 300. The network 500 can send multicast packets to the connected devices 170. FIG.2 shows a possible network configuration in detail, where the computer 190 with e system modules configures the router 200 to create a multicast group 150, to which only the devices 170, 180 interested in the distribution of contents are registered.

[0076] The system consists of at least four distinct modules shown in FIG. 1: [0077] main broadcasting module (engine) 110; [0078] automatic configuration module for the Wi-Fi network 120; [0079] automatic configuration module for mobile applications; [0080] control and configuration console (dashboard) 130.

[0081] Optionally, the system includes other extensions, such as the above-mentioned acquisition devices 300 or local media servers 140 or remote servers releasing the contents for the wireless diffusion.

[0082] The main module 110 receives the multimedia stream from any source and predisposes it to be sent over the network via UDP/IP multicast datagrams. The new stream generated in this way:

[0083] uses an appropriate codec that reduces bandwidth use during transmission;

[0084] applies a Forward Error Correction algorithm at three levels: redundancy, regeneration, noise suppression.

[0085] As it is evident in FIG. 2, the engine of broadcasting 110 is preferably installed on a dedicated computer 190 positioned between the multimedia source and at least one wireless router configured for the content distribution. The FEC (Forward Error Correction) algorithm allows the software of mobile devices 170, 180 to identify and correct any errors due to noise and unreliability of the transmission channel The algorithm provides: [0086] the repeated sending of the same UDP datagram up to four times (redundancy); [0087] recovery of missing data by means of an interpolation on the entire flow received (best guess); [0088] a correction algorithm that identifies and discards any signal that is not part of the current transmission.

[0089] The automatic configuration module of the Wi-Fi network 120 is preferably installed on the same computer of the broadcasting module and provides to specify an appropriate configuration for the network devices 200. The guided step-by-step configuration is carried out only once, during the system installation. The network configurator 120 instructs the network devices to: [0090] forward the media stream in UDP/IP multicast mode; [0091] recognize and accept a high number (64,000+) of contemporary users; [0092] optionally allow the coexistence of another Wi-Fi.

[0093] Furthermore, when the user's device 170, 180 connects to the Wi-Fi network, the system ensures that the network devices: [0094] accept the device request and enter the IP address in the list of system users; [0095] add the MAC address in their Client List Journal; [0096] inform the device to switch to IP multicast mode.

[0097] The automatic configuration module of applications for mobile platforms 170, 180 takes care of the preparing and configuring the use of multimedia flows.

[0098] FIG. 3 shows a possible embodiment where the system includes an application conceived and already configured for the specific reception of audio/video streams. The application allows to select the reference event 172 first; then—if available—a preferred listening language 173 for audio streams. Once the communication has started, the user can manage his connection with a specific page 174.

[0099] FIG. 4 shows a possible embodiment of the control and configuration module, also called dashboard, which allows to manage the entire system with a simple graphic interface. The module, which is illustrated as a dynamic web page accessible both locally and remotely, allows to: [0100] manage the multimedia contents to be distributed 133 (source selection, events creation, simultaneous translation insertion, etc.); [0101] monitor ongoing activities, set and receive alerts for each specific event, etc.; [0102] manage system parameters; [0103] produce and analyse statistical usage data; [0104] create event codes 131 to allow the user to select the contents to be displayed; [0105] activate the demo test mode 132 in order to verify the accuracy of the system settings;

[0106] In the preferred embodiment, shown in FIG. 5, the distribution of multimedia contents over a wireless network is used in order to provide a simple and economical simultaneous translation system during an event. In this embodiment, the system includes: [0107] one or more stations per speaker with microphones 300, video recording systems 310, and a digital acquisition system connected to the main computer 190; [0108] at least one dedicated station for simultaneous translation 340 connected to the main computer 190; [0109] at least one local contents server 140 and at least one remote contents server 140 with the possibility of remoting the translation station too; [0110] at least one wireless access point 200 [0111] at least one broadcasting module 110 with configurator [0112] at least one mobile device for each participant 180.

[0113] Finally, a skilled person can, of course, introduce modifications, additions or variations to the invention described herein, without thereby coming out of the scope of protection, which is provided by the annexed claims.