ATSC-M/H Transport Data Stream Mobile Receiver Bandwidth Allocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing ATSC-M/H transport data stream has limitations in data rate for mobile receivers, with only 75% of the leased bandwidth utilized for mobile data transmission, and suffers from reduced transmission quality due to the absence of training sequences in segments of regions typed B, C, and D, affecting channel estimation and signal equalization.

Innovation Solution

Reallocate the 38 transport data packets originally intended for stationary receivers to mobile receivers, and introduce training sequences in segments of regions typed B, C, and D, ensuring all segments have training sequences for channel estimation and decoding, while maintaining buffer integrity by symmetrically inserting mobile data within the 38 packets and using specific markers like PID, payload pointers, or MPE headers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If each ATSC slot is filled with only data for stationary receivers or with a fixed combination of 118 packets for mobile receivers and 38 packets for stationary receivers, then the data structure complies with the ATSC-M/H standard, but only 75% of the total leased bandwidth can be used for mobile receivers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata rate for mobile receiversVSAvoidflexibility in bandwidth allocation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by enabling flexible, dynamic allocation of transport data packets within ATSC slots. Instead of fixed combinations, the system allows the number of packets for mobile and stationary receivers to be dynamically adjusted based on service requirements. A dynamic indicator field in the transport packet header signals to receivers whether packets are intended for mobile or stationary reception, enabling real-time adaptation of bandwidth allocation while maintaining standard compliance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If training sequences are introduced only in segments of region typed A, then the channel estimation and signal equalization work well in those segments, but segments of regions typed B, C and D at the border of two successive ATSC slots miss training sequences, leading to downgraded channel estimation and signal equalization in time varying transmission channels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel estimation qualityVSAvoidtraining sequence distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the training sequence insertion strategy according to region types. Training sequences are selectively inserted in segments of region typed A and in specific segments of regions typed B, C, and D at slot borders. This segmented approach ensures that all region types have access to training sequences for channel estimation, while avoiding unnecessary insertion in all segments, thus balancing quality improvement with complexity management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If 38 transport data packets originally determined for stationary receivers are reallocated to mobile receivers, then the data rate for mobile receivers increases to nearly 100%, but markers are required to indicate which packets are for mobile receivers so that stationary receivers can neglect them

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata rate for mobile receiversVSAvoidpacket marking and identification
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the color changes principle by using a dynamic indicator field in the transport packet header to mark packets intended for mobile receivers. This indicator acts as a visual marker that allows stationary receivers to quickly identify and neglect packets not intended for them, while mobile receivers can selectively process marked packets. This marking mechanism enables full bandwidth utilization for mobile receivers without causing interference or processing overhead for stationary receivers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentEP2234357B1Method for improving the data rate of mobile data and the quality of channel estimation in an ATSC-M/H transport data stream
Publication Date: 2016.07.27 ROHDE & SCHWARZ GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2234357B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2234357B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2234357B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for improving the data rate of data for mobile receivers and for improving the quality of channel estimation in an ATSC-M/H transport data stream. It marks the transport data packets determined for the transmission of data for mobile receivers in 38 consecutively transmitted transport data packets in an ATSC-M/H-slot of the uncoded ATSC-M/H transport data stream originally determined for the transmission of data for stationary receivers. Afterwards it inserts data for mobile receivers in the marked transport data packets and introduces training sequences in segments of data fields of the coded ATSC-M/H transport data stream containing marked transport data packets.