MPEG Transport Stream Control Packets for Reliable IPTV Re-transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for handling MPEG transport streams in IPTV networks require additional RTP headers for re-transmissions, which can be problematic for STBs that do not support re-transmission mechanisms, leading to user experience issues and increased overhead.
Innovation Solution
Embedding customized control packets with package ID data into the transport stream allows clients to identify subsequent packets without the need for extra RTP headers, enabling efficient re-transmissions and reducing overhead by using periodic control packets that contain package identification data, such as array indices and identities, within the payload.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional RTP headers are added for re-transmissions, then packet identification and re-transmission capability are improved, but device complexity and client compatibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the packet identification function from the RTP header and implements it within the existing MPEG-TS packet structure using continuity counters and packet identifiers that are already present in the standard MPEG-TS format. This eliminates the need for additional RTP headers while maintaining re-transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the MPEG-TS packet structure universal by enabling it to serve both as a transport format and as a re-transmission mechanism through the use of existing fields (continuity counter, packet identifier) for packet tracking and re-transmission requests, eliminating the need for separate RTP protocol layers.
2Loss of information
If additional RTP headers are added for re-transmissions, then packet identification is improved, but overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the packet identification and tracking functions into the existing MPEG-TS packet structure by utilizing the continuity counter and packet identifier fields that are already part of the standard format. This combination eliminates the need for separate RTP headers and reduces overall overhead while maintaining accurate packet tracking.
3Productivity
If control packets are embedded periodically, then re-transmission efficiency is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic embedding of control packets at predetermined intervals within the MPEG-TS stream. This periodic structure provides regular packet identification opportunities for re-transmission while maintaining a predictable and manageable processing load for clients, avoiding the need for continuous complex analysis.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for re-transmitting missing packets in an improved manner in association with transmitting an MPEG transport stream between a client and a server of a communication network is provided. New type of customized control packets are introduced which are periodically embedded into the transport stream at the server from which the MPEG transport stream is distributed, wherein each of the embedded control packets is provided with package identification data. A client receiving the MPEG transport stream, including the embedded customized control packets, will, on the basis of the package identification data obtained from a customized control packet be able to identify each of n packets which were inserted by the server into the transport stream subsequent to the respective customized control packet.