Buffering Non-Traffic Data for Dynamic Bit Rate Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In digital satellite broadcast systems, the fixed bit rate for multiplexed channels leads to inefficiencies when transmitting additional non-traffic data, such as firmware updates, as it results in underutilization of the broadcast channel and potential reduction in compression coding quality for traffic data.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for buffering non-traffic data, where the playout rate is determined based on buffer fullness, allowing for dynamic allocation of bit rates between traffic and non-traffic data channels to maximize the utilization of the available bit rate and maintain quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed portion of the bit rate is reserved for non-traffic data, then the additional data can be transmitted reliably, but the total bit rate for the broadcast channel will not be fully utilized and the quality of compression coded channels deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the bit rate allocation for non-traffic data dynamic rather than fixed. The system continuously adjusts the bit rate assigned to non-traffic data based on current buffer fullness levels and the instantaneous bit rate requirements of traffic data channels. This allows the multiplexer to adapt to varying conditions in real-time, ensuring that non-traffic data receives sufficient bandwidth when available while prioritizing traffic data when needed, thereby fully utilizing the broadcast channel capacity without compromising the reliability of non-traffic data transmission.
2Productivity
If the bit rate for non-traffic data is increased to maximize channel utilization, then the productivity improves, but the quality of compression coded traffic channels deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the multiplexer continuously monitors the buffer fullness of non-traffic data and the instantaneous bit rate requirements of traffic data channels. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts the bit rate allocation for non-traffic data. When traffic channels require more bits to maintain quality, the feedback loop reduces the bit rate for non-traffic data accordingly. This feedback-driven approach ensures that the total bit rate is fully utilized while maintaining the quality of compression coded traffic channels.
3Manufacturing precision
If statistical multiplexing is used to maximize quality across channels, then the manufacturing precision improves, but the complexity of the multiplexing system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the handling of traffic data and non-traffic data into distinct processing paths within the multiplexer. Traffic data channels are processed through the statistical multiplexing algorithm that evaluates quality requirements and instantaneous bit rate needs. Non-traffic data is handled separately with a dedicated buffer and controlled bit rate allocation based on buffer fullness. This segmentation allows the complex statistical multiplexing logic to focus only on traffic channels while non-traffic data receives simplified, rule-based allocation, thereby maintaining high quality across channels while managing system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method and device for buffering data for multiplexing. The invention also relates to a method of multiplexing and to a multiplexer arrangement using the method and device for buffering data for multiplexing. In one embodiment the invention can be applied to the buffering of non-traffic data, such as firmware updates or other supplementary information, before multiplexing the non-traffic data with traffic data, such as television data of television channels, to form a satellite broadcast channel. In embodiments of the invention, non-traffic data for multiplexing is buffered and then read out again for multiplexing at a rate which is a function of buffer fullness. The non-traffic data may be multiplexed with at least one traffic data channel. A multiplexer can view the non-traffic data channel as another multiplexing input and can allocate the available bit rate between the traffic data channels and the non-traffic data accordingly.