Parallel Broadcast and Two-Way Channel Switchover for Mobile Content
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital content delivery systems face challenges in reliably transmitting and playing back content on mobile devices due to inconsistent signal quality, particularly in broadcast channels, which are prone to interference, and Internet transmissions often have limited bandwidth and high costs.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allow digital content to be transmitted via both broadcast channels and two-way data communications channels in parallel, enabling seamless switching from broadcast to Internet reception when signal quality deteriorates, using steering bits to coordinate the switchover and ensure uninterrupted content playback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If broadcast channels are used for content transmission, then bandwidth efficiency and cost-effectiveness are improved, but signal reliability and reception quality deteriorate due to atmospheric interference and mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges broadcast channel transmission with two-way data communications channel transmission to deliver the same content through multiple paths. The mobile device receives content from both channels simultaneously or alternatively, combining the advantages of broadcast efficiency with the reliability of interactive channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system makes the content delivery system multi-functional by enabling the same content to be delivered through different channel types (broadcast and two-way data communications). This allows the system to adapt to varying reception conditions while maintaining cost-effectiveness and reliability.
2Reliability
If two-way data communications channels are used for content transmission, then signal reliability and bandwidth availability are improved, but transmission costs and user expenses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses two-way data communications channels partially or selectively rather than continuously. The mobile device switches to or utilizes the two-way channel primarily when broadcast reception quality deteriorates, rather than maintaining constant use of the more expensive channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes transmission parameters by switching between broadcast channel and two-way data communications channel based on reception quality metrics. This allows cost-effective broadcast transmission to be used when conditions permit, while relying on more expensive but reliable two-way channels only when necessary.
3Reliability
If staggercasting technique is used to handle signal degradation, then some signal quality deterioration is managed, but broadcast bandwidth efficiency decreases and the fundamental reliability issue remains unresolved
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a two-way data communications channel as an intermediary alternative to broadcast channel reception. When broadcast signal quality deteriorates, the mobile device obtains content through this intermediary channel, which provides reliable delivery without requiring additional broadcast bandwidth or complex staggercasting mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A technique is provided for the parallel communication of digital content via broadcast channels and two-way data communications channels. Mobile devices may receive the digital content by the broadcast channels, and depending upon user preferences, signal quality, signal strength and other factors, coordinated switchover may be made from reception and playback of the content from a broadcast channel to reception and content from a two-way data communications channel.