Overview
ISO/IEC 23093-2:2022 - Information technology - Internet of media things - Part 2: Discovery and communication API - defines the abstract MThing class and the core APIs needed to build interoperable media-aware IoT systems. The standard specifies how a media thing (MThing) discovers peers, connects and disconnects capabilities, and supports token-based transactions (media tokens) including an off-chain state channel transaction model for resilient, real-time payments and streaming.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Abstract MThing class: provides the base API set for all media things (sensors, actuators, analysers, storages, displays).
- Discovery APIs: mechanisms such as discoverMThingByCapability() and sendBackMThingInfo() let devices find peers by capability or supported media token types.
- Connection lifecycle: functions and behaviours for isCapabilityAvailable(), connect/reserve capability, disconnectMThing(), and alertDisconnection() to manage exclusive access and graceful release of capabilities.
- Transaction APIs and media tokens: APIs to negotiate cost (getVideoURL_CostPerMinute(), setVideoURL_CostPerMinute()), obtain wallet addresses, check transaction completion (checkTransactionCompletion(tid)), and request services (getVideoURL(), setVideoURL()).
- State channel model: describes off-chain state channels for micro-payments and streaming (reduce on-chain latency, enable real‑time token transfer and interruption handling).
- Return and type classes: specifies return types including MThingInfoType and MPEG21TerminalCapabilityType, and references to media data formats defined in Part 3.
- Interoperability & data formats: ties to the ISO/IEC 23093 series for message payloads and representation of media data and capabilities.
Practical applications
- Real-time paid media streaming (e.g., IoT cameras streaming to users or displays with per-minute micropayments).
- Media sensor networks and smart city deployments where heterogeneous media things discover each other and negotiate usage.
- Edge and peer-to-peer media services where devices exchange capabilities and enforce access via tokens.
- Decentralized applications (DApps) and payment integrations using cryptocurrencies, legal tender token types, or hybrid payment systems.
- Solutions requiring resilient payment-and-service coordination (e.g., pay-per-view, temporary access, time-based services) using state channels.
Who should use this standard
- IoT device manufacturers (media sensors, cameras, displays)
- Platform and API architects building media IoT ecosystems
- Developers of DApps, payment gateways, and blockchain integrators for media services
- System integrators and solution designers for smart city, surveillance, AR/VR streaming, and content marketplaces
- Standards and interoperability teams implementing ISO/IEC 23093 series
Related standards
Keywords: ISO/IEC 23093-2, Internet of media things, MThing, discovery and communication API, media tokens, state channels, media sensors, IoT camera, MThingInfoType, MPEG21TerminalCapabilityType.