Error correction coding across multiple channels in content distribution systems

Abstract

Error correction coding across multiple channels is provided in multi-channel transmission systems. Specifically, redundancy is provided by selecting a portion of original data from each of a plurality of original channels, performing at least one encoding operation using the portions of original data to produce at least one portion of redundancy data, including the portion of redundancy data in at least one redundancy channel, and transmitting the redundancy channel along with the original channels. Error correction is achieved by receiving at least one redundancy channel and a plurality of original channels, selecting a portion of redundancy data from the redundancy channel, selecting a portion of original data from each of the original channels, and performing at least one decoding operation using the portion of redundancy data and the portions of original data to correct at least one error in the portions of original data.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to error correction coding, and more particularly to a method and circuitry for error correction coding across multiple channels. [0002] Traditional digital cable, satellite, and terrestrial distribution systems provide content streams (e.g., audio, video, data) over a large number of RF channels. Each RF channel may contain multiple content streams with each content stream typically delivered through a single RF channel. In conventional content distribution systems, each RF channel requires its own analog tuner. At the customer premises end, an end user selects a content stream via a remote control or other device. To select a particular content stream, an analog tuner is set to output only the RF channel containing the content stream of interest. A channel demodulator demodulates digital content from the tuner, and the content stream is then sent to an end user unit, which may a television, VCR, or computer...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The patent describes a method for error correction coding in multi-channel transmission systems. The method involves selecting a portion of original data from each channel, performing an encoding operation to create redundancy data, and transmitting the redundancy channel along with the original channels. The redundancy data is used to correct errors in the original data. The encoding and decoding operations can be performed using parity bit calculations or block codes like Reed-Solomon. The level of redundancy can be adjusted based on measures of error-prone channels. The technical effect of this invention is to improve the reliability and accuracy of data transmission in multi-channel systems."

Problems solved by technology

A significant problem that plagues traditional content distribution systems is frequency-related interference.

A myriad of possible sources may produce frequency-related interference, which can disrupt or completely preclude reception of particular RF channel(s).

Given the wide variety of possible sources of frequency-related interference in any real world environment, it may be extremely difficult to predict which RF channel will be disrupted and at what time the disruption will occur.

Conventional in-channel error correction coding methods are only capable of correcting errors up to a certain level of signal degradation of the RF channel being received.

If the conditions are so adverse that the RF channel is degraded beyond that level, the error correction method simply cannot recover the desired signal.

This situation is played out when frequency-related interference precludes reception of a particular RF channel in a traditional content distribution system.

When a user decides to “tune in” to a particular RF channel that is sufficiently close to such a narrow frequency band of the interference, the concentrated power of the interfering source significantly impacts reception of the desired RF channel.

Many homes and businesses have already installed expensive equipment designed for traditional content distribution systems based on individual RF channels.

Any new system that requires replacement or retooling of the immense quantity of such existing equipment currently in service is likely to waste resources and faces tremendous difficulty in being introduced into the market.

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