Hybrid Delivery Reception Device for Broadcast-Communication Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems lack a technical framework to enable various operation modes through hybrid delivery methods combining broadcasting and communication, despite the potential of such hybrid approaches.

Innovation Solution

A receiving apparatus and method that utilize a receiving unit for digital broadcasting compliant with the MPEG2-Transport Stream standard, an acquisition unit for control data from descriptors in the Program Map Table, and a control unit to process content based on acquired control data, including Media Presentation Description (MPD) or Application Information Table (AIT), which includes type and location information for hybrid delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If hybrid delivery using broadcasting and communication is employed, then various operation modes can be provided, but no technical system has been established to enable this

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation modesVSAvoidtechnical system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the hybrid delivery system into distinct functional components: a receiving unit for digital broadcasting compliant with MPEG2-Transport Stream standard, an acquisition unit for control data from descriptors in the Program Map Table, and a control unit to process content. This segmentation allows the system to handle multiple operation modes through coordinated interaction of specialized modules rather than requiring a completely new complex system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling the receiving apparatus to acquire and process control data in multiple formats (Media Presentation Description MPD or Application Information Table AIT) through a unified descriptor-based interface. The system can handle content components transmitted via both broadcasting and communication networks, providing versatile operation modes while reusing existing broadcasting infrastructure.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If control data is acquired from descriptors in Program Map Table, then hybrid delivery can be enabled, but the system requires accurate acquisition and processing mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehybrid delivery capabilityVSAvoidcontrol data acquisition accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces descriptors as an intermediary layer between the Program Map Table and the control data (MPD or AIT). These descriptors contain embedded information about the presence and location of control data, acting as a mediator that guides the acquisition unit to accurately locate and retrieve the appropriate control data from either broadcasting or communication channels without requiring direct complex parsing of the entire PMT structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If content components are transmitted via both broadcasting and communication, then flexibility is enhanced, but the system must manage multiple transmission paths

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission flexibilityVSAvoidtransmission path management
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic path selection by enabling the control unit to flexibly determine and switch between broadcasting and communication transmission paths based on the acquired control data. The system can dynamically adjust which transmission path is used for different content components, allowing optimal resource utilization and flexibility while managing multiple paths through intelligent control rather than static rigid architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3113499B1Reception device, reception method, transmission device, and transmission method
Publication Date: 2021.04.07 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3113499B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3113499B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3113499B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present technology relates to a receiving apparatus, a receiving method, a transmission apparatus, and a transmission method that enable various operation modes to be provided by hybrid delivery using broadcasting and communication. A control data acquisition unit acquires control data transmitted via broadcasting or communication, based on a descriptor, which is disposed in transmission data included in a stream transmitted via a broadcast wave of digital broadcasting, and in which information about hybrid delivery using broadcasting and communication is described, and a content control unit controls a function of each unit for performing processing of acquiring content transmitted via broadcasting or communication, based on the acquired control data. The present technology can be applied to, for example, a television receiver.