Encoding Data on Broadcasting Channels Using Error Burst Characteristics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current television broadcasting methods consume unnecessary bandwidth and require additional channels to transmit extra data, leading to increased costs and inefficient use of resources.
Innovation Solution
The method involves encoding data with error burst characteristics onto an existing channel broadcasting a program, utilizing digital televisions' error-burst-correction capabilities to transmit additional data without interfering with the program, thus avoiding the need for separate channels or equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If additional data is transmitted over a separate channel, then the broadcaster can provide additional data to the viewer, but this consumes additional channels that may be used for providing additional content or programming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines program broadcasting and data transmission onto a single channel by encoding data with error burst characteristics that are indistinguishable from normal signal variations. This merging allows the same channel to carry both entertainment content and valuable data without requiring separate dedicated channels, thereby resolving the contradiction between data transmission needs and channel availability for programming.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the previously harmful error bursts (which were corrected automatically by TV receivers without being noticed) into a beneficial carrier for data transmission. By encoding data as error bursts, the system exploits the receiver's existing error correction mechanisms to deliver hidden data streams, turning a waste of bandwidth into an efficient use of available channel capacity.
2Loss of information
If additional equipment is added to transmit information, then the broadcaster can send additional data, but this adds costs to transmitting the information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the existing broadcasting infrastructure to serve dual purposes without requiring additional hardware. The same transmitters, channels, and receivers used for program broadcasting are utilized to transmit data, with the data hidden within error burst patterns that existing receivers can process. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate transmission equipment and reduces infrastructure costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The broadcasting channel and its associated infrastructure are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - carrying both program content and data transmission. The error burst correction mechanism serves dual purposes: correcting actual signal errors and delivering encoded data. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated data transmission equipment and reduces overall system costs.
3Reliability
If more information is broadcast to compensate for error bursts, then channel reliability is improved, but additional bandwidth is unnecessarily consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the previously wasted error burst correction bandwidth into a useful data transmission channel. Instead of simply correcting errors with redundant information, the system encodes data within the error burst patterns themselves, allowing the same bandwidth that would have been wasted to now carry valuable information. This resolves the contradiction by making the previously unnecessary bandwidth consumption purposeful.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and computer readable medium for encoding data onto a channel broadcasting a program are disclosed. For example, the method selects a channel that is being used to broadcast a program, generates data having characteristics in accordance with an error burst signature and transmits the data on the channel that is being used to broadcast the program.