Dynamic Expiry Mechanism for FLUTE Data File Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing FLUTE expiry mechanism in broadcast transmission systems does not accurately account for transmission delays and packet losses, leading to inconsistent and unreliable end-of-transmission timing, which affects data file delivery and memory management in clients.

Innovation Solution

A method is proposed to estimate and adapt the expiry time based on data file transfer duration and transmission bitrate, signaling this time to the client to ensure accurate completion of data file transmission, while also considering safety margins and packet overheads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If FLUTE protocol uses fixed expiry time mechanism, then implementation is simple, but transmission timing accuracy deteriorates due to not accounting for transmission delays and packet losses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexpiry mechanism complexityVSAvoidend-of-transmission timing accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transforming the fixed expiry time mechanism into a dynamic one. The expiry time is no longer a static value but is continuously adjusted based on real-time transmission conditions including packet arrival status, transmission delays, and network congestion. This allows the expiry mechanism to adapt to varying network conditions and maintain timing accuracy without requiring overly complex calculations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by monitoring actual packet transmission and reception status, then using this information to adjust the expiry time. The system receives feedback from transmission delays, packet losses, and network conditions, and continuously updates the expiry time accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that the expiry mechanism remains accurate despite changing network conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If FLUTE protocol does not account for transmission delays, then protocol simplicity is maintained, but reliability of data file delivery deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotocol complexityVSAvoiddata file delivery reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by estimating transmission delays and packet loss probabilities in advance, before actual transmission occurs. The system pre-calculates safety margins and buffer sizes based on historical transmission data and network conditions. This preliminary preparation allows the protocol to maintain simplicity while improving reliability, as the complexity is embedded in the pre-computed parameters rather than in real-time processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements beforehand cushioning by introducing safety margins in the expiry time calculation and buffer management. The system anticipates potential transmission delays and packet losses by adding cushioning time to the estimated transmission duration. This cushioning mechanism ensures that data files are reliably delivered even when network conditions deteriorate, without requiring complex error correction or retransmission protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of operation

If clients use fixed expiry time for memory management, then implementation is straightforward, but memory management efficiency deteriorates due to inaccurate timing information

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvememory management easeVSAvoidmemory management efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by enabling clients to autonomously manage their own memory based on accurate expiry time information. The system provides clients with precise timing data about when transmission will complete, allowing clients to automatically adjust their memory allocation and cleanup schedules without external intervention. This self-service approach improves memory management efficiency while keeping the implementation straightforward, as clients simply follow the timing guidance provided by the transmission system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10334018B2Processing of data files
Publication Date: 2019.06.25 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • US10334018B2 patent drawing
  • US10334018B2 patent drawing
  • US10334018B2 patent drawing

AI summary

In general, it is proposed to define a new expiry mechanism for a data file being received at the client. In the following it is proposed that the expiry time on the receiver side should be “shortly” after a possible reception of all packets. It is proposed that the receiver should know as precisely as possible that no additional packets for that data file are expected anymore. As soon as the receiver can safely regard the reception of the file, the receiver could either move on to the next segment (delay optimization) or try to make use of the received information.