Embedding PSIP Data in HDTV VANC Space for Real-Time Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack an efficient and automated way to deliver updated program information from a television network to affiliate stations, especially for network programming changes that occur close to or after airtime, such as late-breaking news or sporting events, which can disrupt scheduling.
Innovation Solution
A system that dynamically transmits Program System Information Protocol (PSIP) data embedded in an HDTV signal using a program data server, a data inserter to insert PSIP data into the vertical ancillary (VANC) space of the HDTV signal, and a transmission facility to send the combined network video programming and PSIP data signal to affiliate stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If program information is transmitted using traditional methods (email, paper memos, third party services), then the system complexity is low, but the information update timeliness and automation are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines program information (PSIP data) with the HDTV signal transmission by embedding it in the VANC space. This merging allows program information to be transmitted alongside video content through the same broadcast infrastructure, eliminating the need for separate communication channels and achieving real-time updates without increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The HDTV signal is given multi-functionality by simultaneously carrying video content and program information. The VANC space, traditionally used for vertical synchronization and other technical data, is utilized to embed PSIP data, making the broadcast signal a universal carrier for both entertainment content and scheduling information
2Extent of automation
If program information is manually entered or received from commercial services, then the equipment cost is low, but the automation level and response speed to schedule changes are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by embedding program information in advance within the HDTV signal before it reaches affiliate stations. This allows stations to receive updated program schedules automatically as part of the regular broadcast feed, eliminating the need for manual entry and enabling immediate response to schedule changes
Solution Approach 2:
The affiliate station's programming guide system becomes self-service by automatically extracting and processing PSIP data from the received HDTV signal. The system updates its own program information without human intervention or external commercial services, achieving full automation and instant synchronization with network schedule changes
Data Source
AI summary
A system for dynamically transmitting recent program system information from a television network to an affiliate station using information embedded in an HDTV signal includes a program data server configured to provide current program system information protocol (PSIP) data, a network video programming source configured to provide network video programming, a data inserter configured to insert the PSIP data into vertical ancillary (VANC) space of a high definition television (HDTV) signal to develop a combined network video programming and PSIP data signal, and a transmission facility configured to transmit the combined network video programming and PSIP data signal.