Method and device for controlling bandwidth of set top boxes in internet protocol television (IPTV) system

摘要

A method and an apparatus are disclosed for controlling bandwidth of multiple Set Top Boxes of a single user in an IPTV system. The method includes saving content bandwidth of every media content by the EPG of the IPTV system; when receiving a start-up and log-in request or a request for switching programs of the present Set Top Box operating currently in multiple Set Top Boxes sharing an identical user bandwidth transmitted by the EPG, a Management Platform of the IPTV system sending the remaining user bandwidth corresponding to the present Set Top Box to the EPG; the EPG comparing the remaining user bandwidth with content bandwidth of every media content saved by itself, and generating a program list of media contents whose content bandwidths are less than or equal to the remaining user bandwidth for the present Set Top Box to select and use.

主权项

1. A method for controlling bandwidths of Set Top Boxes in an IPTV system, comprising:
A) saving a content bandwidth of every media content in an Electronic Program Guide Server (EPG) of the IPTV system; B) sending a remaining user bandwidth corresponding to the present Set Top Box to the EPG by a Management Platform of the IPTV system when the Management Platform of the IPTV system receiving a start-up and log-in request or a request for switching a program of a present Set Top Box operating currently in multiple Set Top Boxes sharing an identical user bandwidth transmitted by the EPG; C) comparing the remaining user bandwidth with content bandwidth of every media content, and generating a program list of media contents whose content bandwidths are less than or equal to the remaining user bandwidth for the present Set Top Box to select and use by the EPG; D) initiating an on-demand request to a Streaming media server by selecting in a content program list of the EPG by the present Set Top Box; responding to the on-demand request and playing a corresponding program stream to the present Set Top Box by the Streaming media server; periodically reporting a user code, a Set Top Box ID, a media content ID and a bandwidth utilized by the Set Top Box for receiving the program stream to the Management Platform of the IPTV system via the EPG by the present Set Top Box after receiving the program stream; and E) at same time of or after initiating a request for completing playing to the Streaming media server, initiating a request for releasing the bandwidth utilized by the Set Top Box to the Management Platform of the IPTV via the EPG by the present Set Top Box, accordingly, releasing the bandwidth utilized by the Set Top Box and re-determining a remaining user bandwidth by the Management Platform of the IPTV.