Hybrid Broadcast Link Layer Packet Header Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

The transition from conventional MPEG-2 TS to IP-based broadcast systems is time-consuming, necessitating a hybrid system that supports both protocols to maintain compatibility and efficiency in next-generation broadcast services.

Innovation Solution

A method for generating and transmitting broadcast signals by creating link layer packets with headers containing packet type and length information, allowing for efficient encapsulation and transmission of both IP and MPEG-2 TS packets, enabling seamless compatibility and data transfer in hybrid broadcast systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a complete conversion from MPEG-2 TS to IP broadcast system is implemented, then IP-based broadcast efficiency and compatibility are improved, but the transition time and system complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIP broadcast compatibilityVSAvoidtransition time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges MPEG-2 TS and IP packet formats into a unified link layer packet structure, allowing both protocols to coexist in the same physical layer. This enables simultaneous support for legacy MPEG-2 TS and modern IP broadcast without requiring complete system conversion, thus reducing transition time while maintaining IP compatibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The link layer packet header is designed with universal fields that can accommodate both MPEG-2 TS and IP packet types through packet type identification. This multi-functional header structure allows a single broadcast system to handle multiple protocol types, enabling gradual migration from MPEG-2 TS to IP-based broadcast

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a hybrid broadcast system supports both IP and MPEG-2 TS protocols, then system adaptability and compatibility are improved, but link layer packet header complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotocol compatibilityVSAvoidlink layer packet header complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The link layer packet header is segmented into fixed common fields and variable packet-type-specific fields. The common fields (destination address, source address, length) remain constant across all packet types, while only the necessary identification fields vary based on packet type. This segmentation reduces overall header complexity compared to having separate complete headers for each protocol

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different fields within the link layer packet header have different levels of presence based on packet type. For example, MPEG-2 TS packets include specific fields while IP packets include other specific fields, but both share common fields. This local quality differentiation allows the header to be compact and efficient for each packet type while maintaining overall simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If link layer packets include comprehensive packet type and length information in headers, then data transfer robustness and efficiency are improved, but header size and processing overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transfer robustnessVSAvoidheader structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The link layer packet header includes partial information (packet type identification and length fields) that is sufficient for reliable data transfer without requiring complete protocol-specific headers. This partial action approach provides the necessary robustness for packet identification and length verification while avoiding the overhead of including all possible protocol fields

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3182712B1Method and device for transmitting broadcast signal using a link layer packet header structure allowing variable packet types
Publication Date: 2019.12.11 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3182712B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3182712B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3182712B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a method for transmitting a broadcast signal, the method including generating a plurality of input packets including broadcast data, generating at least one link layer packet using the input packets, wherein a header of the link layer packet includes packet type information and first length information, the packet type information indicates a type of an input packet included in a payload of the link layer packet, and the first length information indicates a length of the payload, generating a broadcast signal using the link layer packet, and transmitting the broadcast signal.