IP Header Construction for Video-on-Demand Network Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video-on-demand systems require specific set-top boxes with ATM interfaces and are limited by the need for ATM switching networks, restricting connectivity for viewers with different interface types and network availability.
Innovation Solution
A control program for a supervisor processor that builds internet protocol headers and constructs transmission control lists, allowing video data packets to be sent through an internet router with an ATM interface, enabling connectivity with various set-top boxes (DSL, Ethernet, fiber channel, or ATM) and overcoming network limitations by using internet protocol headers for delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ATM interface and ATM switching network are used for video transmission, then transmission timing and delivery can be precisely controlled, but system adaptability to different interface types and networks is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an internet protocol header as an intermediary layer between the video data and the transmission network. This header contains timing information and delivery instructions that enable precise control without requiring the underlying network to be ATM-based. The internet protocol acts as a mediator that translates timing requirements into network-compatible formats, allowing the system to maintain reliable timing control while adapting to various network types including Ethernet, DSL, and fiber channel networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the video transmission into discrete packets, each with its own internet protocol header containing timing information. This segmentation allows each packet to be independently routed and timed, enabling precise delivery control at the packet level while the underlying network can use any interface type. The video stream is divided into manageable units that can be transmitted over networks with different characteristics without requiring the entire system to conform to ATM standards.
2Ease of operation
If ATM switching network is required for video transmission, then transmission control is simplified, but system complexity increases due to network infrastructure requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The internet protocol header serves as an intermediary that carries timing and delivery instructions through standard network infrastructure. This eliminates the need for specialized ATM switching networks while maintaining transmission control. The protocol header translates complex timing requirements into simple network routing instructions that can be handled by any standard network device, significantly reducing infrastructure complexity while preserving ease of transmission control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmission parameters from ATM-specific cell structures to standard internet protocol packets. This parameter change allows the system to operate over conventional network infrastructure rather than requiring specialized ATM networks. The timing and delivery control information is embedded in standard IP header fields, enabling the same transmission control functionality to work across different network types without complex infrastructure requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If internet protocol headers are built for each video data packet, then adaptability to different networks and set-top boxes is improved, but processing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and embedding timing information into the internet protocol headers during the packetization stage, before transmission begins. This preliminary preparation of timing data in the headers allows receiving devices to automatically handle delivery timing without requiring complex real-time processing during transmission, thus reducing the time loss associated with header construction while maintaining high adaptability to different networks and devices.
4Adaptability or versatility
If video data is transmitted through internet router with ATM interface, then connectivity with various set-top boxes is enabled, but network transmission efficiency may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments video data into packets with internet protocol headers that contain optimized routing and timing information. This segmentation allows efficient parallel processing and routing through the internet router, maintaining high transmission efficiency even when connecting to various set-top box types. The packetized format enables the router to handle multiple streams simultaneously using standard networking protocols, avoiding the efficiency losses that would result from trying to maintain single-protocol ATM transmission across diverse interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A control program for a supervisor processor in a video-on-demand system directs the supervisor processor to perform the steps of: a) transfer a group of video data packets, from an externally stored complete video into a memory for the supervisor processor; b) build in the supervisor processor's memory, a respective subgroup of internet protocol headers for each video data packet in the group; and c) construct, in the memory of a co-processor, a transmission control list which indicates how each video data packet in the group, and its respective subgroup of internet protocol headers, can be accessed from the supervisor processor's memory by the co-processor.