Layered Broadcast Signal Multiplexing with Core and Enhanced Layers

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multiplexing technologies such as TDM and FDM lack the flexibility and performance required for next-generation broadcasting systems.

Innovation Solution

A new signal multiplexing method that combines core layer and enhanced layer signals at different power levels, using Bit-Interleaved Coded Modulation (BICM) and Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM), to efficiently multiplex and demultiplex signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If TDM or FDM is used for signal multiplexing, then signal transmission is achieved, but flexibility and performance are insufficient for next-generation broadcasting systems

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidperformance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the broadcast signal into multiple layers (core layer and enhanced layer) with different power levels and modulation schemes. Each layer can be independently configured and transmitted, allowing flexible adaptation to different service requirements while maintaining reliable transmission through hierarchical structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces power level as an additional dimension for signal multiplexing, beyond traditional time and frequency domains. By assigning different power levels to different layers, the system achieves greater flexibility in resource allocation and service differentiation while improving overall transmission performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If signals are multiplexed at different power levels, then flexibility and performance are improved, but signal demultiplexing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveflexibilityVSAvoiddemultiplexing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring different power levels and modulation schemes for each layer during signal generation. The receiver is预先 equipped with knowledge of the hierarchical structure, allowing it to sequentially decode layers starting from the highest power level, thereby managing complexity through structured preprocessing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If hierarchical modulation is used to multiplex core layer and enhanced layer signals, then data transmission rate and error correction are improved, but signal processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission rateVSAvoidsignal processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different modulation schemes and power levels to different layers according to their specific requirements. The core layer uses more robust modulation for reliable transmission, while the enhanced layer uses higher-order modulation for increased data rate, allowing each part of the signal to be optimized for its specific function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3800851B1Signal multiplexing apparatus using layered division multiplexing and signal multiplexing method
Publication Date: 2025.04.09 ELECTRONICS & TELECOMM RES INST
  • EP3800851B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3800851B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3800851B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An apparatus and method for multiplexing signals using layered division multiplexing are disclosed. A signal multiplexing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a combiner configured to combine a core layer signal and an enhanced layer signal at different power levels to generate a multiplexed signal, a power normalizer configured to reduce power of the multiplexed signal to power corresponding to the core layer signal, and a time interleaver configured to perform interleaving applied to both the core layer signal and the enhanced layer signal.