DVB Service Recognition Over IP Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transition of DVB services to IP networks requires new tools for generating and managing XML-based service description information, which is not easily implementable in existing receivers due to hardware resource constraints and bandwidth inefficiencies in current unidirectional transmission standards.
Innovation Solution
A method for recognizing digital services over bidirectional networks by separating content and service description streams, using modified NITs with specific descriptors for IP networks, and employing multicast or unicast protocols to optimize bandwidth usage, allowing existing DVB production chains to be reused with minimal modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If service description information is transmitted permanently in the audio and video channel, then receivers can recognize services without additional requests, but bandwidth is wasted by transmitting information that is not used synchronously with content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments service description information into separate signalling tables (NIT, SDT, EIT, etc.) that can be independently transmitted and retrieved. These tables are organized into distinct data structures that can be selectively accessed by receivers, allowing the system to transmit only the necessary service information without permanently embedding all descriptors in the content stream.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where service description information is transmitted through dedicated signalling channels separate from the audio-video content. This intermediary layer allows receivers to request and retrieve service information on-demand without continuously consuming bandwidth in the main content stream, effectively mediating between service availability and bandwidth efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If XML-based service description tools are developed and deployed, then service information can be managed on bidirectional IP networks, but existing receivers lack the hardware resources to implement XML analysis tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adopts the existing DVB service information table structures (NIT, SDT, EIT, etc.) that were originally designed for unidirectional broadcasting and adapts them for IP network transmission. By copying and modifying these proven table formats rather than implementing entirely new XML-based structures, the patent maintains compatibility with existing receiver hardware while enabling IP network delivery of DVB services.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the transmission parameters of service information by changing how the tables are delivered over IP networks rather than fundamentally changing their structure. The same service information tables are used, but their transport mechanism, addressing, and retrieval methods are adapted to suit bidirectional IP networks, allowing existing receivers to process them with minimal hardware modifications.
3Ease of operation
If all service information is included in the content stream, then receivers can decode services without additional network requests, but bandwidth is inefficiently used by transmitting information not needed for synchronous playback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by ensuring that essential service information tables (particularly NIT and SDT) are transmitted in advance and made available to receivers before content playback begins. This allows receivers to pre-configuring themselves with the necessary service descriptors and connection information, eliminating the need for continuous information retrieval during content delivery while maintaining bandwidth efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Within the context of the broadcasting of DVB services over an IP network, the trend is to separate the signalling information describing the network and the services offered from the services themselves. The signalling is made available to the terminals via XML files available on HTTP servers. In contrast to this approach, the invention consists of a method of recognition, by a receiver connected to a bidirectional network, of digital services on the bidirectional network, which comprises a step in which the receiver connects to a first stream, a step in which the receiver extracts from said stream information on the location on the network, on the one hand, of streams conveying the content of these services and, on the other hand, of separate streams conveying information describing these services, a step in which the receiver connects to at least some of the streams conveying service description information to obtain information on these services and a step in which the receiver uses this information to construct a list, possibly unitary, of the services available on the network.