Error Correction via Majority Decision Merging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital communication systems face challenges in achieving completely error-free data transmission due to residual errors that may go undetected, especially in large file transfers, where additional error detection and correction mechanisms at higher protocol layers are insufficient.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a majority decision criterion to combine multiple erroneous versions of the same data block, allowing for error-free data recovery without requesting additional retransmissions by determining the correct bit values across mismatched versions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple error detection and correction mechanisms are applied at different protocol layers, then reliability of data transmission is improved, but residual errors may still occur that go undetected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple erroneous versions of the same data block through a merging process that applies majority decision criteria. By collecting several received versions (each containing different errors) and merging them bit-by-bit, the system reconstructs the original error-free data. This combining approach leverages the diversity of errors across versions to eliminate undetected residual errors that would persist in any single version.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary error correction by storing multiple erroneous versions of data blocks before final reconstruction. The receiver proactively collects and stores several versions (e.g., initial transmission and retransmissions) in a buffer, then applies the merging process with majority decision criteria. This preliminary action of gathering multiple versions before correction prevents residual errors from propagating to higher protocol layers.
2Measurement precision
If traditional error detection methods are used, then detection of errors is achieved, but completely error-free communication cannot be guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates multiple copies of the data block through retransmission mechanisms. Instead of relying on a single transmission with traditional error detection, the system receives and stores multiple copies (versions) of the same data block. Each copy contains different error patterns due to channel variations. By comparing these copies bit-by-bit and selecting the majority value, the system achieves completely error-free communication, going beyond traditional detection methods.
3Loss of time
If FEC method is used for error correction, then latency is reduced compared to ARQ, but some errors may remain undetected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic retransmission of data blocks at the data link layer. Instead of waiting for higher-layer detection of residual errors (which would increase latency), the system periodically retransmits erroneous blocks and immediately processes multiple versions through the merging mechanism. This periodic action at the data link layer prevents residual errors from reaching higher layers, reducing overall latency while ensuring complete error detection.
Data Source
AI summary
Error detection and correction techniques are employed in many digital communication systems. There may be multiple error detection and correction stages in a single communication system to provide a good balance of latency and retransmissions for reliable communication. Despite multiple levels of error detection and correction, there may be some residual errors. Many applications may require completely error free communication. A method and apparatus are disclosed for a receiver that may use the already received erroneous versions of transmitted and retransmitted packet or file to perform error correction without requesting additional retransmissions.