AL-FEC Encoding for Variable Payload Blocks With Less Padding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Data communication systems face inefficiencies in Forward Error Correction (FEC) encoding due to variable packet sizes, leading to data loss and user inconvenience, particularly in high-definition and ultra-high-definition content transmission, where fixed packet sizes are not applicable and result in increased padding data, reducing Application Layer-FEC efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An Application Layer-Forward Error Correction (AL-FEC) encoding apparatus and method that arranges source payloads of variable sizes into a two-dimensional array, configures an information block, and signals the payload lengths for efficient encoding and decoding, reducing the need for padding data and improving transmission efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If variable packet size is applied to accommodate different content types, then adaptability is improved, but AL-FEC efficiency deteriorates due to increased padding data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of packet size from fixed to variable, allowing different packet sizes to accommodate different content types (audio, video, data). This resolves the contradiction by enabling adaptability while the AL-FEC encoding efficiently handles the variable sizes through intelligent source block configuration, minimizing the impact of padding data on overall efficiency.
2Device complexity
If padding data is added to equalize packet sizes, then device complexity is reduced, but AL-FEC efficiency deteriorates due to increased overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial padding only when necessary to complete a source block, rather than fully equalizing all packets. The AL-FEC encoder intelligently determines the minimum padding required to form complete source blocks, avoiding excessive padding overhead while maintaining manageable device complexity.
3Loss of energy
If source blocks are configured to minimize padding, then AL-FEC efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to intelligent configuration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring source blocks with intelligent padding strategies before AL-FEC encoding. The system calculates and applies the minimum necessary padding to form complete source blocks, optimizing AL-FEC efficiency while managing device complexity through automated preliminary processing.
4Device complexity
If fixed packet size is used for transmission, then device complexity is reduced, but data loss occurs in variable content transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the data stream into source blocks that can accommodate variable packet sizes. Each source block is independently configured and encoded with AL-FEC, allowing reliable transmission of variable content while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular processing.
Data Source
AI summary
An encoding method and apparatus in a data communication system are provided. The method includes inputting a source block including a plurality of source payloads, converting the source block to an information block including a plurality of information payloads according to an Information Block Generation (IBG) mode selected from a plurality of IBG modes, transmitting a delivery block generated by adding a parity block generated by encoding the information block according to a selected encoding scheme to the source block to a receiver, and transmitting information indicating the selected IBG mode to the receiver.