Headend Bus System for Dynamic Data Packet Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current headend systems in digital broadcasting rely on static point-to-point connections, requiring manual control for switching and lacking dynamic distribution of data packets between functional units and interfaces, limiting flexibility and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a headend with a bus system, specifically an Ethernet bus, that enables automatic and dynamic distribution of data packets between functional units and interfaces using processing units and conversion units, allowing logical transmission and bidirectional data flow, and supporting scalability with standard IT servers and proprietary modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a routing switcher is used for connection switching, then connection flexibility is improved, but automation capability deteriorates because switching requires additional control logic and does not occur automatically

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection flexibilityVSAvoidswitching automation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical routing switcher with a virtual data bus system where data packets are automatically routed based on source and destination addresses embedded in the packet headers. This eliminates the need for manual control logic while maintaining connection flexibility through logical addressing and automatic packet forwarding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a routing switcher is used, then dynamic distribution capability is improved, but device complexity worsens due to additional control logic requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic distribution capabilityVSAvoidcontrol logic complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the control logic from the physical switching mechanism and embeds routing information directly within the data packets themselves. Each packet contains source and destination addresses that enable automatic routing decisions at packet level, eliminating the need for external control logic and reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Stability of the object's composition

If point-to-point connections are used, then connection stability is improved, but scalability deteriorates as additional modules require additional standardized transmission connections increasing operational costs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidsystem scalability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal virtual data bus that can accommodate any number of modules and processing units without requiring dedicated point-to-point connections for each pair. The bus system provides a single standardized interface that all modules share, enabling scalable system expansion while maintaining connection stability through consistent addressing and routing protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If dedicated wire connections are used for each data stream, then transmission reliability is improved, but loss of substance worsens due to increased cable requirements and operational costs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission reliabilityVSAvoidcable material and operational costs
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple dedicated wire connections into a single shared virtual data bus that carries multiple data streams simultaneously. By combining physical connections into a logical multiplexed system, the patent reduces cable material requirements and operational costs while maintaining transmission reliability through error checking, addressing, and packet routing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2282451B8Headend with bus system
Publication Date: 2018.11.21 ROHDE & SCHWARZ GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

The head has a bus system (1) i.e. Ethernetbus according to IEEE 802.4standard, and bus-compatible processing units (2-1-2-n) for performing signal-and/or data processing functions. A converting unit (4) converts data packets into another data packet, where the former data packets are transferred into the bus system. The latter data packet is transferred into a point-to-point transfer connection. Another converting unit (5) converts the latter data packet into the former data packets. The bus-compatible processing units are connected with the bus system.